Published on December 14, 2023 · Written by Zack Fenech
Sadly, Hue is an often overlooked city when it comes to tourism in Vietnam. Fortunately, I was not one of those who skipped it.
I spent two full days in Hue and found this Central Vietnamese city to possess a lot of the excitement and energy I was looking for, especially after the quiet, laid-back pace of Hoi An.
Hue was the old capital of Vietnam and became one of the most significant cities during the Vietnam War, serving as the setting for the Battle of Hue. Since then, it has become a beautiful destination with many significant relics and points of interest.
Important Information to Know Before You Visit Hue
Getting There: There are several ways to get to Hue, but your best options are by train or plane. Hue has both a railway station and an airport – Phu Bai International Airport. Be aware that taxis entering or leaving either will include a toll of around 10,000 VND. Check our transportation guide for tips on booking travel online. Make sure to arrange travel insurance before your trip.
Things to Do and Places to Visit in Hue, Vietnam
1. Perfume River
The Perfume River cuts through the city of Hue, dividing it into two parts. It gets its poetic name from the faint floral aroma said to drift from the water. Take a dragon boat ride down the river for panoramic views of the city and stops at points of interest along the way, including the Thien Mu Pagoda.
2. Imperial City
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Built in the early 19th century, this ancient walled complex contains an expansive network of rooms, gardens, shrines, and temples, including the inner Forbidden Purple City. The site suffered significant damage during the Vietnam War but has been continuously restored and is a marvel to witness today.
3. Dong Ba Market
A sprawling, bustling market with hundreds of vendors selling everything from food and housewares to jewellery and toys. Visit for fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and unique local produce, all at very affordable prices.
4. Hue Royal Tombs
A boat ride up the Perfume River brings you to the Hue Royal Tombs, where several emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty are interred. The most notable include the Tombs of Emperors Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, and Dong Khanh. Hiring a cab driver or renting a scooter is the most practical way to visit several in one day. While in the area, you can also visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and see the car that transported Thich Quang Duc to his famous self-immolation site in Saigon. You can book guided tours to visit multiple tombs in a single day.
5. Hue Night Walking Street
If you love street food and cold beer, Hue Night Walking Street is unmissable. Open exclusively to pedestrians on weekend evenings, it’s a lively and atmospheric place to wander, eat, and soak up the local energy. Visit during the monthly Lunar Festival and you may be treated to traditional Vietnamese dance performances.
Day Trips from Hue, Vietnam
Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park
Just a short drive from the city, the Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park is a hauntingly fascinating destination for travellers drawn to the eerie and unusual. A decaying dragon-shaped structure rising from a lake makes for unforgettable photographs.
Da Nang
A charming coastal city not far from Hue, easily reachable by train. Once there, you can enjoy excellent seafood restaurants and beautiful beaches for a relaxed day by the water. Read our full Da Nang travel guide for more details.
Hoi An
A few hours from Hue by train or scooter. A beautifully preserved town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and renowned for its magical monthly Lunar Lantern Festival in the Ancient Town. See our Hoi An travel guide for the full experience.
Food and Drink to Try in Hue, Vietnam
Hue’s culinary impact on Vietnamese cuisine is significant, with several of the country’s most beloved dishes originating here.
1. Bun Bo Hue
Hue’s answer to pho – a rich, spicy beef and vermicelli noodle soup with a deeply flavourful broth made from simmered bones, lemongrass, and spices, served with beef shank or pork, fresh herbs, and condiments. It’s popular across Vietnam but originated here, and it was my single favourite dish I tried throughout the entire country.
2. Banh Xeo
A thin, crispy rice flour pancake filled with herbs, vegetables, pork, and shrimp. Typically rolled into a lettuce leaf and dipped into a light dipping sauce – one of the most popular and satisfying dishes in Vietnamese cuisine.
3. Che
A Vietnamese dessert drink that combines sweetened beans, sticky rice, coconut milk, agar agar, jelly, fresh fruits, and sugar syrup in one glass, typically served over ice. Refreshing and wonderful, especially prevalent on Hue’s walking streets.
4. Salt Coffee
Salt coffee originated in Hue and is one of the most distinctive coffee variations in Vietnam. Iced Vietnamese coffee with a pinch of salt added, giving it a richer, smoother taste that balances beautifully with the condensed milk. Well worth trying.
Final Thoughts: Explore Hue, Vietnam
Hue is a wonderful city. We were lucky enough to visit during the monthly Lunar Festival, a memorable experience following the one we’d attended in Hoi An the evening before. If you’re travelling through Central Vietnam, make time for Hue – it absolutely deserves a place on your itinerary.