Things To Do In Hue

3 km
from city center 1 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Nestled inside a walled enclosure within the Forbidden City of Hue’s ancient former Imperial Citadel, Imperial City was the stronghold of empirical administration from 1802 to 1945. Once a fortress and palace of the Nguyen dynasty with over 150 buildings, this enormous complex now boasts the remnants of ten majestic gates, historical temples like Thien Mu Pagoda, mausoleums of emperors including Minh Mang and Tu Duc, and the Museum of Royal Antiquities.

2 km
from city center 2 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Settled in dense pine forests, Tu Hieu Pagoda is Vietnam’s largest and most sacred religious settlement dating from 1896. The pagoda’s triple gate consists of a double-roofed storey and the Ho Phap statue. Inside the pagoda is a Great Hall with statues of Buddha and a crescent-shaped lotus lake. Eminent monks such as Nhat Dinh, Dieu Giac, and Cuong Ky, and royal eunuchs and concubines lie buried in the tomb tower area.

1 km
from city center 3 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Meandering through Hue city, the Perfume River is among Vietnam’s most famed waterways. In the autumn, flowers from orchards upstream fall into the water, giving the river a perfume-like aroma, hence the sobriquet. While there is a vibrant and scenic waterfront promenade for walks, paddle boarding, boating, and elegant dinner cruises offer a closer look at the river. Hue’s famed attractions lie on its banks, like the Imperial Citadel, pagodas, temples, and gardens.

3 km
from city center 4 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Spread across 28 hectares on the foot of Ngu Phong mountain, Huyen Tran Cultural Centre features the temple dedicated to Princess Huyen Tran. Accessible via a staircase with imposing Oriental architecture and dragon bannisters, the temple overlooks four large gates guarded by lion statues and the Trung Dao bridge replica. Other monuments on site are the Hoa Binh bell tower and King Tran Nhan Tong’s shrine.

3 km
from city center 5 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Offered at healing centres and spas by visually impaired employees with enhanced tactile ability, Thai blind massages are a great way to relax while supporting these therapists. For as little as VND 100,000 at Phan Boi Chau Street Blind Massage Centre, and Hong Mau Don on Le Loi Street, one can enjoy facial, body and foot massages and beauty treatments. In addition, most centres feature saunas, steam rooms and herbal therapies.

2 km
from city center 6 out of 33
things to do in Hue

On a hill overlooking the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is among Vietnam’s most sacred and well-preserved temples. Constructed in 1601, its iconic seven-story structure is regarded as Hue’s unofficial symbol and is divided into a main hall and a sanctuary by folding wooden doors. Once a significant organising point for Buddhist movement protests, today, the site is flanked by ornamental plants and flowers. A giant bronze bell pavilion lies to the tower’s west.

21 km
from city center 7 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Nestled at the foot of the Truong Son Mountains, Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs is a wellness, entertainment and adventure hub popular among families and tourists. It includes a 3-star resort, multi-cuisine restaurants, gaming arcades, hot springs, spas and saunas. In addition, there are several outdoor tubs gazing upon towering mountains, designated massage and spa treatment rooms, a water park with a lazy river, and dynamic outdoor activities like highwire and zipline.

3 km
from city center 8 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Constructed in 1826, the Royal Theatre in Hue features a rotating schedule of traditional Vietnamese dance and music performances lasting 45 minutes. This sizeable historic building also houses the National Conservatory of Music, comprising galleries with exhibits of traditional masks and Vietnamese musical instruments. The most beautiful shows hosted here include the Unicorn Dance, Lotus Dance, and the spectacular Fan dance.

3 km
from city center 9 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Hue boasts much less traffic and crowds than other parts of the country. It is a fantastic cycling destination with an ancient town of monuments, scenic banks of the Perfume River, lush countryside hills, beaches, and historical monuments like Hue’s many Buddhist temples and royal mausoleums. One can rent bicycles for guided tours or blaze their own trails through Hue.

3 km
from city center 10 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Perfect for souvenir shopping, the Hope Centre is a project set up to help Hue’s disabled and disadvantaged residents find employment and vocational training. The centre produces varieties of colourful ethnic garments and local handicraft items. Pieces to look out for include a special fabric handwoven by Luoi women, bags, purses, scarves, woodwork, home decor items, and beaded jewellery and footwear.

44 km
from city center 11 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Once used by the French as a hill station, Bach Ma National Park is a protected area and scenic hiking retreat centred around the 1,450-metre-tall Bach Ma Mountain. It combines varieties of evergreen and montane forests, scrubs, wetlands and grasslands sheltering endangered animals like Asian elephants, endemics like crested argus, and 358 bird species. Flanked by viewpoints and tranquil waterfalls, the park’s trails are frequented by avid hikers, birdwatchers and tourists.

1 km
from city center 12 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Flaunting well-preserved ruins, Ho Quyen is an ancient fighting arena used to host battles between tigers and elephants. In old Vietnam, tigers were feared beasts, while elephants were deemed noble. In these rigged fights, elephants having the upper hand fought gladiator style for the Minh Mang royal family and high-ranking spectators to watch. Built in 1830, the stone walls retain tiger teeth and claw marks even today, though Ho Quyen has remained closed since 1904.

3 km
from city center 13 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Dedicated to the Goddess of the historical Cham population, Hon Chen Temple sits atop a craggy cliff in Ngoc Ho Village overlooking the Perfume River. Associated with many folk legends, the temple preserves several reputable antiques such as a number of ancient vases, Chinese calligraphy and ornate animal carvings. In addition, on the third and seventh lunar months every year, local music and dance performances are held on temple grounds.

5 km
from city center 14 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Famed for its elephant-shaped rocks, cool water, and refreshing air, Elephant Springs is a swimming hole with several waterfalls in the forested mountains between Hue and Da Nang. The tranquil natural spring cascades into freshwater pools, occasionally cut through by covered wooden platforms. The best time to visit is between January and September when local vendors set up thatched-roof stalls selling delicious chicken and snacks.

3 km
from city center 15 out of 33
things to do in Hue

A stone’s throw away from Phu Bai Airport, Huda Brewery allows visitors to see how Danish technology is being used to produce varieties of delicious local lager beer and brews. During factory tours, one can also learn about the Huda brand’s history and sample their fresh, light and crisp-tasting Huda beer and many traditional Vietnamese beverages. Huda beer is available in canned, bottled and draught beer.

29 km
from city center 16 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Dong Ba Market is Hue’s largest shopping spot, comprising a massive enclosed two-storey flea market and bustling local food vendors. It features numerous colourful stalls selling souvenirs, trinkets, handicrafts, traditional and handmade clothing, ceramics, footwear and much more. Be sure to sample noodles, Hue traditional candies, Truoi berries, Tuan tea, Hue sour shrimp and spring rolls in Dong Ba Market.

16 km
from city center 17 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Popular for its splendid sunsets and vast stretch of blond sands, Thuan An is acclaimed by locals as central Vietnam’s nicest beach. When temperatures in Hue rise from May to September, locals and tourists flock to Thuan An Beach for refreshing swims, sunbathing, camping, fishing, picnicking and sampling tasty Vietnamese food sold by local vendors. Behind the beach are scenic rice paddies, gardens and pagodas.

3 km
from city center 18 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Located in the city’s former imperial capital, the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities occupies the former Long An palace building. It features a collection of different antique pieces dating from the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. There are seven separate galleries displaying the royal family’s belongings, including over 700 furniture, textiles, jewellery, glazed ceramics and other antiques. Every beam in the ornate building is carved with dragon sculptures.

9 km
from city center 19 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Acclaimed as one of Vietnam’s most valuable historical monuments, Thanh Toan Bridge is the country’s most ancient bridge. It was built in 1886 and richly decorated with Japanese and Chinese architecture, a rare squared timber arch speckled with ancient ceramics and a tiled roof. Close to Imperial City, the bridge flaunts a beautiful rural landscape and is lit with colourful Vietnamese lanterns during festivals.

64 km
from city center 20 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Steeped rich in the blood of the Vietnamese War soldiers, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) holds enormous historical significance and is a must-see for enthusiasts of the Vietnam War. Dong Ha, the capital of the Quang Tri province, being the closest city to DMZ naturally attracts quite a few tourists. Apart from the proximity to DMZ, Dong Ha has its own share of history and quint relaxing restaurants and cafes - a tourist’s paradise.

21 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Lang Co beach is an inviting stretch of white sand located in the Thua Thien-Hue Province of the Central coast of Vietnam. The Hai Van Mountain forms a backdrop to the beach noted for its natural beauty and huge sand dunes. The palm lined sand makes it a comfortable haunt for day tourists who enjoy the spectacular locale and a host of activities here.

2 km
from city center 22 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Divided into a Temple Area and a Tomb Area, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc is mounted atop the hill across the Tieu Khiem Tri Lake. Completed in 1867, the regal tomb’s layout includes 50 large and small buildings scattered across the land, of which the most notable is a 20-ton pillar with 4,935 inscriptions made by the king himself.

6 km
from city center 23 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Recognised as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh was built from 1920 to 1931 for the twelfth Nguyen Emperor. Nestled on Chau Chu Mountain, the royal tomb displays flamboyant Asian and European architectural blends. The emerging structure has 127 steps and walls formed by Vietnam’s most enormous dragon sculptures. It overlooks a courtyard with statues of mandarins and soldiers.

7 km
from city center 24 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Touted as Nguyen Dynasty’s most majestic royal tomb, the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang is a complex of 40 ornate palaces, temples and pavilions. Built in 1940, it sits in a mystique forest on the west bank of the Perfume River, with a monumental dragon bannister staircase leading to Minh Mang’s sepulchre. In addition, visitors can pray at the Fresh Air Pavilion, Sung An Temple, and Stele Pavilion.

3 km
from city center 25 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Also known as the South Gate, Meridian Gate is the main gate to Hue’s Imperial City, with a pavilion on the upper level used for ceremonies. Erected in 1833, Meridian Gate was used only by kings and envoys and still showcases the Nguyen Dynasty’s architectural marvels. It is 5-metre tall, with the Ngu Phung pavilion lying above, supported by 100 pillars, golden and blue glazed tiles, and imposing murals of elephants, soldiers and instruments.

5 km
from city center 26 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Ringed by lush jungles, Thuy Tien Lake is a scenic abandoned water park and aquarium. Inside this eerie, dreamlike dystopia that was suddenly closed, all that is left now is broken attractions with overgrown vines, rust and graffiti surrounding the lake. An intimidating three-storey dragon sits above a spaceship-type aquarium. The dragon’s scaly body forms a staircase that visitors can climb for stunning views of Thuy Tien Lake from behind its teeth.

10 km
from city center 27 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Gia Long Tomb complex is a serene, scenic setting with 18th-century tombs of Emperor Gia Long, his wife and family members. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the double-graved tombs with majestic pillars and monuments display impeccable Vietnamese and European architectural details. A path covered by the shade of pine trees stretches from the bank of the Perfume River to the tomb, which overlooks a large lake.

3 km
from city center 28 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Featuring elevated views of mountains and the Perfume River, Vong Canh Hill was a strategic military advantage for the French and Americans during the Vietnam war. Visitors can tour the ruins of the three abandoned bunkers atop the hill. There are plenty of orchards of areca, longan, oranges, tangerines and pomelo trees mixed in pine forests, and a system of Royal Nguyen Dynasty tombs such as Dong Khanh and Tu Duc Mausoleums.

4 km
from city center 29 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Sat on the banks of An Cuu River, An Dinh Palace is the early 1900s French-style palace and residence of Vietnam's last kings. The heritage property has been converted into a museum with 20 restored period rooms and fine art on display. While the building flaunts Vietnamese and Gothic architecture, Western coquetry, Annamite art, and imperial-yellow Italian façades, its rooms are flanked by gilded masterpieces and ceramic decor.

2 km
from city center 30 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Built-in 1683, Tu Dam Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist temple in Truong An district. The temple is not only known for its stunning architecture and well-preserved carvings but also for being the historically significant site of anti-government Buddhist revival protests in the 1960s. The complex consists of the typical Vietnamese tiled three-door gate, the main sanctuary with statues of Buddha Shakyamuni on the lotus and two Bodhisattvas, and the Hoi house.

7 km
from city center 31 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Belonging to the Nam Tong sect of Theravada Buddhism, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Monastery is located in a mountaintop Cham hamlet in Hue. Covering 10,000 square metres, the pagoda includes interior and outside institutes used for daily activities like meditation and prayers. There is also a garden house-style gate, a calligraphy house, a bridge tiled by wooden-imitated stones, and two lakes named Thuy Nguyet Dam Lake and Son Anh Lake.

3 km
from city center 32 out of 33
things to do in Hue

President Ho Chi Minh Memorial House is a restored gallery displaying many precious relics relating to the revolutionary and his family from during their decade-long stay in Thua Thien Hue. Recognised as a special national relic site, it features several exhibits of furniture, clothing and homeware used by its erstwhile residents. In addition, a special exhibit, “Hue with Uncle Ho”, showcases important paintings and photographs.

4 km
from city center 33 out of 33
things to do in Hue

Sat behind a beautiful orchid garden, XQ Hand Embroidery Art Museum is a free museum and embroidery village on Lo Lei Street. The gallery features nearly 400 artwork, artefacts, photos, embroidered pictures, and double-sided embroidered thread sculptures. Most embroidery artworks here are made from DMC, cotton, and silk threads by eight artisans and are for sale. Guests can also enjoy complimentary tea or Vietnamese zither performances.