What to Do in Hue: 8 Must-See Attractions

Hue is a historic city in the heart of Vietnam, near Hoi An and Da Nang. It is famous for its ancient landmarks, especially the Imperial City of Hue, a fortified complex that served as the royal residence for Vietnamese emperors for centuries.

Hue is also home to numerous temples, pagodas, and imperial tombs, preserving the country’s rich cultural heritage. Despite suffering heavily during the war, the city remains well-preserved.

Adding to its charm, Hue’s cuisine stands out with bolder flavors compared to the north and less French influence. In this guide, we highlight the top attractions in Hue to include in your Vietnam itinerary.

1. IMPERIAL CITY OF HUE

The Imperial City of Hue is a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 19th century as the official residence of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. This sprawling complex of palaces, gardens, and fortifications offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial history.

Visitors can walk through massive gates, ancient temples, royal gardens, and historical buildings. Many religious structures still bear the scars of war.

Although you can explore on your own, hiring a guide is highly recommended, as the site is large, and most buildings lack explanatory signs. The Imperial City of Hue is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Hue.

Opening Hours:

• Friday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Entrance Fee:

• 200,000 VND (Imperial City only)

• 420,000 VND (Imperial City + 2 Imperial Tombs)

• 530,000 VND (Imperial City + 3 Imperial Tombs)

2. HUE’S IMPERIAL TOMBS

The Imperial Tombs of Hue were built between the 19th and 20th centuries as final resting places for Nguyen Dynasty emperors. There are seven tombs, each with unique architectural styles and intricate details. The two most notable tombs are those of Emperor Minh Mang and Emperor Khai Dinh.

Minh Mang’s Tomb

Built in 1840, this tomb features multiple pavilions, gardens, and lakes, reflecting the grandeur of Vietnam’s imperial past. Visitors cross a bridge over a lake to reach the main gates. With its serene atmosphere and impressive preservation, this is one of Hue’s most beautiful historical sites.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee: 150,000 VND

Khai Dinh’s Tomb

Khai Dinh’s Tomb combines traditional Vietnamese architecture with French colonial influences. Inside, visitors will find elaborate mosaics, intricately carved stone staircases, and the richly decorated throne room. The ceiling was famously painted with the artist’s feet, a trend at the time. Hidden in the mosaics are symbols of the emperor’s favorite things—including his favorite beer brand!

Read More: What to Do in Hanoi: 15 Must-See Attractions

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance Fee: 150,000 VND

3. THIEN MU PAGODA

Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Hue. Built in 1601, it features:

• A 21-meter octagonal tower

• A 2.5-ton bronze bell

• A 2-meter drum

• A statue of Buddha Gautama

Also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, it is one of the oldest temples in the region and sits on the banks of the Perfume River. The site is used for prayer, meditation, and religious ceremonies and is also a great sunset viewpoint.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: Free

4. PERFUME RIVER

The Perfume River is a scenic waterway flowing through Hue. The river got its name from ancient celebrations, where people burned incense and released flowers into the water, leaving a fragrant aroma in the air.

Locals often gather along the riverbanks at sunset, particularly near Thien Mu Pagoda, making it a beautiful place to relax and experience Hue’s peaceful atmosphere.

5. DONG BA MARKET

Dong Ba Market is one of the largest and oldest markets in Vietnam, with over 100 years of history. Located along the Perfume River, it offers a variety of goods, including:

• Fresh seafood & tropical fruits

• Spices & regional specialties

• Clothing, jewelry & souvenirs

While many items are mass-produced, gold jewelry is one of the few authentic items sold here. Despite this, the market is still worth visiting for its lively atmosphere.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

6. THUY XUAN INCENSE VILLAGE

Located on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Xuan Incense Village is the largest and oldest incense-making village in Hue, dating back 700 years to the Nguyen Dynasty. This village once supplied incense to the royal court and government officials.

Here, visitors can:

Learn how incense sticks are made
Explore colorful incense displays
Buy local handicrafts & decorations

The vibrant colors and fragrant aromas make this a great spot for photography!

7. ABANDONED WATER PARK (HO THUY TIEN)

Ho Thuy Tien is an abandoned water park that never became successful. Today, it is mainly known for its giant dragon sculpture.

Important Note:

• The park is not a cultural attraction and can be dangerous due to deteriorating structures.

• To enter, visitors often pay a bribe to security guards.

• We did not visit and do not recommend it, but it has gained popularity on social media.

8. HUE’S UNIQUE CUISINE

Hue is famous for its imperial-style cuisine, which is spicier and less influenced by French flavors than northern Vietnamese food. Some local specialties include:

• Bún Bò Huế – Spicy beef noodle soup, known for its bold flavors

• Banh Khoai – A crispy rice pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and fresh herbs

• Nem Lụi – Grilled pork skewers marinated with spices, served with peanut sauce

• Chè Huế & Bánh Canh – Traditional Hue desserts made with rice flour and coconut milk

If you love trying authentic local food, Hue is a must-visit destination!

How Many Days to Stay in Hue?

To explore Hue properly, plan at least a 2-day itinerary, covering all the attractions on this list. While day trips from Da Nang or Hoi An are possible, a longer stay allows you to experience more of Hue’s culture, history, and food.

Discover the top attractions in Hue, Vietnam: the Imperial City, royal tombs, scenic rivers, historic pagodas, local food, and more! Plan your visit.

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