Located on the banks of the Perfume River which winds its way through town, Hue is a delightful city to visit with loads of things to see and do. As the former capital of Vietnam, it is dripping in history and Hue is particularly renowned for the beautiful tombs of former emperors that are scattered about here and there.
Full of life, it was tragically the site of one of the Vietnam War’s most brutal battles, and remnants of the fighting can still be seen to this day in the damaged monuments and temples around town. Nowadays Hue is a laid-back place that has some delicious cuisine on offer, and the friendly and welcoming locals will certainly make you feel at home right away.
10. Dong Ba Market
© Deedanga / DreamstimeThe largest commercial center in the province, Dong Ba Market is a busy place full of life and energy, and is the perfect market at which to buy anything from local produce and handmade artisan goods to jewelry, clothing and more.
With lots of food courts dotted about here and there, it is also a lovely spot to grab a bite to eat and simply watch the world go by.
9. Bach Ma National Park
Located in the Annamite Mountains, Bach Ma National Park is a lush and verdant place, situated in one of the wettest regions in the country. The steep mountainsides are home to resplendent forests and beautiful waterfalls, and dilapidated French villas are scattered about here and there.
Unspoiled and untouched, this biodiverse region is home to a huge range of wildlife, making it a great place to go hiking. Trekking through the jungle is an amazing experience and consequently, Bach Ma is well worth checking out when you’re in Hue.
8. Tu Dam Pagoda
© Igor Dymov / DreamstimeBuilt in the late seventeenth century, this lovely Buddhist temple has expanded a lot over the years, although the Vietnam War means left some parts still remain damaged, and they have remained unrepaired to this day. With the seven-tiered pagoda being its defining feature, the pagoda is still inhabited by monks who keep it neat and tidy.
The large courtyard is overlooked by a huge bodhi tree, and every year the Buddha’s birthday attracts thousands upon thousands of people who come to worship him at the Tu Dam Pagoda.
7. Thanh Toan Bridge
© Nguoilangbat / DreamstimeAlso known as the Japanese Bridge, Thanh Toan is a quaint and pretty bridge, although there is not much else near it that will be of interest to visitors. Tran Thi Dao commissioned it to help facilitate travel and communication between a small secluded village and the wider world, which until then had been separated by the canal that the bridge now spans.
When Tran Thi Dao died childless, the emperor ordered the villagers to put up an altar at the bridge and pray to her when they passed by. In Vietnam, ancestor worship is still very important, and the villagers still pray to her today. With its distinctive rickety look, the Japanese Bridge is a nice place to stop by although it won’t take you very long to explore.
6. Tomb of Tu Duc
© Hoang Bao Nguyen / DreamstimeLying atop Van Nien Hill, the tomb of Tu Duc is surrounded by forest, and there is a lovely pavilion with a water lily-coated pond for visitors to enjoy. Built between 1864 and 1867, the tomb was designed by the emperor himself, and it cost so much money and used so much forced labor that it actually triggered a coup against him.
While the complex is pretty to behold, the tomb itself is not that special, and Tu Duc was never actually interned there. The temples, statues and outer courtyard, however, are very nice to wander around, making Tu Duc’s tomb worth checking out.
5. Dong Khanh Tomb
Lying just five kilometers from the city center, the Dong Khanh Tomb took over thirty-five years to be completed. The architecture is stunning to behold, as various emperors and architects added their own flourishes over the years.
Having died at just twenty-five years of age, Dong Khanh did not have time to design his own tomb and the one we see before us today is very Europeanised in style. Fantastic stone statues line the tomb with elephants, horses and warriors all featuring. It is a sombre yet impressive place.
4. Minh Mang Tomb
Built to house the remains of the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, this wonderful mausoleum is one of the most popular amongst visitors and locals alike. Traversing a walkway that lies across a pond, visitors see the tomb towering above them at the top of a flight of stairs, leaving them with a strong impression.
Trees are scattered around the tomb, and the bright red of the roof stands out delightfully against the green of the leaves and the blue sky above. Having done so much to oppose French involvement in Vietnam, the tomb is a fitting tribute to Minh Mang’s legacy.
3. Khai Dinh Tomb
The last imperial tomb to be built in Vietnam, the Khai Dinh Tomb took eleven years to be completed and houses the remains of the emperor after which it is named. A marvelous place to visit, the architecture is an intoxicating mix of Western and Eastern styles and as such is very unique to gaze upon.
After climbing up a long flight of steps, you are greeted with imperious stone pillars and arches, and statues of bodyguards line the courtyard. Dragons cover the ceilings inside the tomb, and the extravagant ornamentation and designs are dazzling to behold with lots of porcelain on show. Well worth the climb up the hillside, the Khai Dinh Tomb is very impressive to witness.
2. Thien Mu Pagoda
Overlooking the Perfume River that snakes its way through the city, the Thien Mu Pagoda is the unofficial symbol of Hue and is renowned throughout Vietnam. First built all the way back in 1601, the current pagoda dates back to 1844.
The tomb’s seven stories that tower above the surrounding trees make it one of the highlights of any trip to Hue. The lush grounds around it make a beautiful opportunity to wander and explore.
The pagoda is also a site of political significance, as Buddhists protesting against the oppression of the Catholic government were sadly killed here in 1963. Nowadays it is a peaceful and relaxing spot to visit, and one of the main attractions in Hue.
1. Imperial Citadel
Also known as the Imperial City, this amazing complex is where Vietnam’s emperors used to live, protected by the thick stone walls and moat surrounding them. Construction began in 1804 and although many of the buildings have been damaged over the years, they still make for an impressive sight. Inside the fortified walls is an endless array of temples, courts, gardens and more, and as such it is a captivating place to wander around.
The stunning Meridian Gate is just one of the many highlights on show, and the beautiful design somehow manages to be both elegant and intimidating at the same time. The To Mieu Temple Complex is another fantastic part to explore, as is the Purple Forbidden City.
While much of the Imperial Citadel was damaged during the Vietnam War and remained neglect once the communists came to power, this delightful attraction is simply a must-see when in Hue.
Best Time to Visit Hue
Hue has a rather bad reputation when it comes to its weather as its dry season is extremely hot and humid and its monsoon rains are relentless. On the plus side, however, its evenings are usually cool and fresh thanks to the ocean breezes from its nearby beaches.
The most popular months to visit are both July and August as this is when many locals and foreigners have holidays. The city gets packed during this period with prices at their highest. Although average temperatures of 33°C (91°F) make sightseeing quite challenging, you can always sunbathe by the beach or cool off in the Bach Ma National Park.
Either side of these months, the town is very quiet as May and June’s heat and humidity and September to November’s torrential downpours put most people off. While many hotels offer discounts, the intense weather means relatively few visits.
Although still drizzly, December is another of the most popular months with tourist numbers remaining high into April. As the city is much drier and cooler at 24 to 31°C (75 to 88°F), this is the best time to wander around town and enjoy some outdoor activities. Fun celebrations like Vietnamese New Year and the biannual Hue Festival also take place then.
Where to Stay in Hue
You won’t have a problem staying in Hue. Accommodation here is relatively affordable across the board, so you could opt for something truly budget-friendly, or splash out a little and grab yourself a chic room at a cool hotel. With free or cheap bicycle hire on offer, pedaling around the city is a great way to see the sights, too.
Indochine Palace – Indochine Palace is a fitting name for this hotel because it genuinely does look like a palace. A towering white building, this is a large hotel with an equally sizeable pool outside, surrounded by palms and sun loungers. The rooms at Indochine Palace have a chic mixture of traditional Vietnamese aesthetics crossed with contemporary, design-led detailing; they also boast views looking out over the Perfume River.
Scarlett Boutique Hotel – This small but chic hotel is the place to stay if you love a touch of class. The interiors are all about dark, wood-paneled walls with fine art adorning them, as well as classic furnishings mixed with plush carpets and draping curtains. Rooms are traditionally decked out and feel like sumptuous places to lay your head. Amenities at the hotel include bicycle hire and a complimentary breakfast, which is a great way to start a day of exploration in Hue.
Hotel La Perle – A budget-friendly option in Hue, the rooms at Hotel La Perle come with tiled floors, are decorated with simple whitewashed colors, and accented with green curtains. Some of the rooms even come with city views. There is an in-house restaurant for evening meals. Best of all, there is complimentary tea and coffee, as well as fresh fruit available in the lobby all day!
Rosaleen Boutique Hotel – This hotel has some impressive and stylish bedrooms; spacious and comfortable, they’re equipped with high ceilings and funky feature walls, as well as wooden floors. There is a relaxing outdoor pool complete with a sun lounger area where you can chill – or you could unwind with a massage. Guests can tuck into dinner at the stylish on-site restaurant. The hotel is located just five minutes from the riverfront of the Perfume River, as well as the ferry terminal.
Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort – When it comes to style, this place might just be the winner of the coolest luxury hotel in Hue. Combining a strong sense of design-oriented aesthetic with lush, tropical nature, this is a rustic style hotel with a number of restaurants and bars for guests to choose from. Guests can select from either a chic bungalow with minimalist trimmings or fun beach huts, villas and houses; some of these even have their own private pools and gardens.
Beaulieu Boutique Hotel – This boutique hotel is simple yet stylish, providing a comfortable, calm place to stay. The rooms here are decorated in tones of blues and brown and feature large beds and wood floors. Guests can appreciate a buffet breakfast that’s served up each morning as well. There are also complimentary bicycles to hire, so you can pedal around exploring the history of Hue at your leisure.
Alba Spa Hotel – There is a beautiful, natural theme going on at this hotel, with touches of fresh design. Think rattan rugs, bamboo walls, polished concrete floors, and plenty of palms. The rooms are decorated in stylish greys for a laid-back yet sleek atmosphere. There is a mineral spa pool for guests to relax in, as well as a restaurant for evening meals and a bar where you can end the day with a drink or two. It is less than a kilometer from this incredible value for money hotel to the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Cherish Hue Hotel – This hotel is located right in the middle of Hue and is therefore close to many attractions. Cherish Hue Hotel is spread across 11 floors and is elegantly decorated, boasting a relaxing atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and well appointed, with polished wood floors and views over the city and the river.
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