Welcome to your go-to guide for exploring Hue, a beautiful city in central Vietnam full of rich history and culture. With a charming mix of traditional Vietnamese architecture and French colonial influence, Hue has so much to offer. I had such a great time here, and I’m excited to share the top activities you won’t want to miss. Let’s jump right in!
- Discover the Majestic Imperial City
- Immerse Yourself in Local Life at Dong Ba Market
- Explore the Royal Tombs
- Relax at Thuan An Beach
- Experience the Hue Abandoned Water Park
- Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda
- How to Get Around Hue
1
Discover the Majestic Imperial City
The Imperial City is the most important and popular attraction in Hue. To give you an idea of how essential it is, my dad planned our entire trip around this visit!
Hue was the imperial capital during the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, and the Imperial City served as the political, cultural, and religious center. The complex features fortified walls, temples, gardens, and traditional Vietnamese houses, making it a must-see for history lovers. Today, this site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid the crowds and heat.
Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entrance Fee: 200,000 VND ($11 CAD) for adults, and 40,000 VND ($2 CAD) for children aged 7-12.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the complex is vast. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated, especially if visiting during midday.
2
Immerse Yourself in Local Life at Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is a traditional market located in the heart of Hue. Known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant stalls, it’s a great place to eat local food and experience the city’s daily life. Visiting a market like this is always a must to truly immerse yourself in the culture. Plus, it’s an excellent spot to pick up souvenirs!
Since it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals, bargaining is common. Be prepared to haggle! Start by asking a few shops for their prices to get a sense of the range. Vendors often quote high prices, knowing you’ll negotiate, so laugh along with them and offer a much lower price. You’ll eventually meet somewhere in the middle.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM) when the market is less crowded and vendors are setting up for the day.
Opening Hours: Daily, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Pro Tip: Bring cash (small bills) and a reusable shopping bag.
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3
Explore the Royal Tombs
The Royal Tombs are elaborate burial sites built for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and are located just outside of Hue. Each tomb has its own entrance fee, and they are popular for their intricate architecture, reflecting the personality and tastes of the emperor for whom they were built. Each tomb offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the Nguyen Emperors and their legacy.Here are a few tombs to visit:
- Dong Khanh Tomb
- Gia Long Tomb
- Minh Mang Tomb
- Tu Duc Tomb
- Khai Dinh Tomb
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (for most tombs).
Entrance Fee: Prices vary by tomb, typically 100,000-150,000 VND ($5 – $8 CAD) per tomb. Combo tickets are available for multiple tombs.
Pro Tips: Hiring a local guide can enhance your experience by providing historical context.
4
Relax at Thuan An Beach
If you’re looking for some relaxation, Thuan An Beach is the perfect spot. Located about 14 kilometers from Hue, this beach features golden sands and tranquil surroundings. It’s ideal for some downtime and a peaceful escape.
We had lunch at the Beach Bar Hotel & Restaurant Hue, and the food was amazing. I highly recommend this place if you’re looking for a quiet spot with great food and fewer tourists.
Note: The restaurant charges a deposit before dining, as they will subtract this from your final bill.
5
Experience the Hue Abandoned Water Park
This water park was abandoned before completion, and today it has become a popular destination for tourists interested in urban exploration, photography, and picnics with friends. Overgrown vegetation and decaying structures create a unique, eerie atmosphere. It’s especially spooky at night, so I recommend visiting during the day!
While it’s a cool spot to check out if you have extra time, it’s not essential to your Hue experience.
Entrance Fee: No official entrance fee, but some locals may ask for a small “entry” fee (usually around 10,000 VND).
6
Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda
Hue has several pagodas worth visiting, and Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous. This Buddhist temple is known for its iconic seven-story octagonal tower and serene atmosphere. The site also features ornate pavilions, gardens, and statues, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
One of the highlights is the panoramic view of the Perfume River and the surrounding countryside. It’s definitely a must-see during your trip.
Opening Hours: Daily, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: Free, but donations are appreciated.
7
How to Get Around Hue
The best way to explore Hue is by renting a bike, motorcycle, or scooter. If you’re comfortable riding or willing to learn, renting one gives you the freedom to discover the city at your own pace. You’ll find rental shops all over the city, especially near popular tourist areas like the Imperial City or Dong Ba Market. Many hotels and hostels also offer bike and scooter rentals, making it convenient to pick one up right from your accommodation. Prices are generally affordable, and most rentals come with helmets.
If you prefer not to ride on your own, you can always hop on a motorbike or scooter with a driver, but renting your own is the easiest way to get around without waiting for transportation.
Where to Rent:
- Look for rental shops around backpacker streets or tourist attractions.
- Many hotels and hostels offer bike or scooter rentals on-site.
- You can also check out rental apps or websites specific to Vietnam that list trusted rental services.
Pro Tip: For those unfamiliar with riding in Vietnam, be aware that traffic can be hectic, especially in the city center. If you’re not comfortable driving yourself, consider using local transportation like taxis or Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) or hiring a driver for the day. Always wear a helmet, and make sure your rental comes with one. Be sure to inspect the bike or scooter for any damage before you ride.
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