Welcome to the perfect guide to help you explore Hue, a city located in central Vietnam. Known for its rich history and cultural heritage, the city is characterized by a blend of Vietnamese architecture and French colonial influence. I had such a great time in Hue, so before I say too much, here are the best activities to do:
- Explore the Imperial City
- Visit Dong Ba Market
- Discover Royal Tombs
- Enjoy Thuan An Beach
- Check out the Hue Abandoned Water Park
- Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
Explore the Imperial City
The Imperial City is the most important and popular activity to do in Hue. My dad planned the trip around this activity to give you an idea. If you didn’t know, Hue was the imperial capital during the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. This makes the Imperial City a historic complex. It features fortified walls featuring temples, gardens, traditional Vietnamese houses and much more. Today, this site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
The entrance fee for adults is 200.000 VND (11$ CAD) and 40.000 VND (2$ CAD) for children between 7 and 12 years old.
Visit Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is a bustling and vibrant traditional market located in the heart of the city. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and stands where you can try some local delicacies. It’s always a must to visit a market. This way, you can fully experience the culture and life of the city.
Because it’s such a popular spot for tourists and locals, bargaining is common practice. Be prepared to haggle for the best prices. The trick is to ask a couple of shops for their price and find the best one. They know you will negotiate, so they will tell you a ridiculous price for everything. The best way to react is to laugh (with them, not of them) and tell them a way smaller price. You will together find a price in the middle of it all.
Discover Royal Tombs
The royal tombs are elaborate burial sites built for the Nguyen Emperors. These tombs are located on the outskirts of the city. There are multiple tombs to visit and each one of them has an entrance fee. It’s a popular activity because each tomb reflects the personality and preferences of the emperor it was built for. Here is a list of some of them:
- Dong Khanh Tomb
- Gia Long Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb
- Royal Tomb Of Minh Mang Emperor
- Tu Duc Emperor Mausoleum
- Gia Long Emperor and Thien Tho Empress
Honestly, after spending an entire day exploring the Imperial City and the royal tombs inside of it, my family and I decided to skip this activity. That’s why I unfortunately don’t have more recommendations and information.
Enjoy Thuan An Beach
This one is easy! Enjoying the beach is always a must on vacation. Thuan An Beach is located near Hue. It features golden sands, and tranquil surroundings, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and some peaceful time.
We had lunch at the Beach Bar Hotel & Restaurant Hue and the food was amazing. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a quiet place without many tourists while enjoying some good food and the beach!
*Note that you have to pay a deposit before going to this restaurant. When you leave, they will subtract the amount from your bill.
Check out the Hue Abandoned Water Park
Sadly, this water park was abandoned before completion. Today, it’s a popular destination among tourists for exploration, picnics with friends and photography. Nature has reclaimed much of the park with overgrown vegetation and decaying structures. The atmosphere is quite creepy at night, so I recommend visiting during daylight.
I recommend this activity if you have some extra time in Hue. However, it’s not essential!
Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
There are multiple pagodas to visit in Hue. Thien Mu Pagoda is the one I went to so here is what I can tell you:
This Buddhist temple is known for its iconic seven-story octagonal tower. Apart from that, there are also many ornate pavilions, gardens, and statues on the site. I loved this pagoda because there is a serene and spiritual atmosphere around it.
+ Thien Mu Pagoda also offers panoramic views of the Perfume River and the surrounding countryside.
*Pagodas are traditional Buddhist temples found primarily in Asian countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.*
How to get around the city
If you know how to ride a bike, motorcycle, or scooter, or you are willing to learn, this is your best option. You can hop on them with a driver, but sometimes if you are going on a long day adventure your best option is to rent one yourself! This way you can go wherever you want, no need to wait for a driver.
