1. Visit the tombs of the emperors
2. Visit Tu Hieu Pagoda
3. Take a walk along the Huong River
4. Visit the Dai Noi of Hue
5. Enjoy Hue cuisine
6. Join a river tour on the Huong River
7. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
8. Visit Thanh Toan Bridge
9. Enjoy a royal dinner in Hue
10. Relax at the beaches of Hue
11. Visit the Royal Theater of Hue
12. Visit the Hue conical hat village
13. Visit the Royal Antiquities Museum of Hue
14. Participate in the Hue Festival (if during the festival)
15. Visit the Ho Quyen Arena
16. Visit the Thua Thien Hue History Museum
17. Shopping at Dong Ba market
18. Visit Bach Ma National Park
1. Visit the tombs of the emperors
Hue is the resting place of 13 Nguyen Dynasty emperors, from Gia Long to Bao Dai. Each tomb has its own architecture and style, reflecting the personality and philosophy of that emperor. You can visit Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Dong Khanh Tomb, and many other tombs to admire the art and history of Hue.
2. Visit Tu Hieu Pagoda
Tu Hieu Pagoda is one of the most famous pagodas in Hue, located in a cool green forest, about 5 km from the city center. Tu Hieu Pagoda was built in 1848 by Zen Master Nhat Dinh, is a place of practice for many high monks and is the burial place of Nguyen Dynasty queens and princesses. Tu Hieu Pagoda is also the home of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the world’s famous writers, social activists, and monks.
3. Take a walk along the Huong River (Perfume River)
The Huong River is a symbol of Hue, dividing the city into North and South banks. You can walk along the riverbank, enjoy the scenery, Truong Tien Bridge, Phu Xuan Bridge, and ancient buildings. You can also sit on the stone benches, enjoy coffee, sugarcane juice or ice cream, and feel the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of Hue.
4. Visit the Imperial City of Hue
The Imperial City of Hue is the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, built in 1804 by King Gia Long. The Imperial City of Hue includes three citadels: The Citadel, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden Purple City, with many palaces, temples, academies, and unique architectural works. You can visit Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Phung Tien Temple, Thai Binh Pavilion, Nine Dynastic Urns, The Mieu, Hien Lam Pavilion, and many other places to learn about the history, culture, and art of Hue.
5. Enjoy Hue cuisine
Hue is a culinary paradise in Vietnam, with many characteristic, diverse and rich dishes. You can try street foods such as Banh beo, Banh khoai, Banh nam, Banh loc, Bun bo Hue, Com hen, Nem lui, Che Hue and many other dishes… You can also enjoy royal dishes, which are elaborately and delicately prepared, such as Banh phu the, Banh canh cha ca, Banh xeo, Banh tom, Banh uot thit heo and many other dishes…
6. Join a river tour on the Huong River
An interesting way to explore Hue is to go on dragon boats, flower boats or small boats on the Perfume River. You can see the city from a different perspective, seeing the blend of ancient and modern, between nature and man. You can also listen to the melodies of Hue singing, a traditional music genre of Hue, performed by artists on the boat.
7. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is the oldest and largest pagoda in Hue, built in 1601 by King Nguyen Hoang. Thien Mu Pagoda stands out with the Phuoc Duyen tower, 21 meters high, which is a symbol of Hue. Thien Mu Pagoda also has many other works such as Dai Hung Bao Dien, Dien Quan Am, Dien Dia Tang, Dien Phat Ba and many Buddha statues and ancient steles. Thien Mu Pagoda is also the place where the Austin car of Zen Master Thich Quang Duc, who self-immolated to protest the policy of persecuting Buddhism of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime, is kept.
8. Visit Thanh Toan Bridge
Thanh Toan Bridge is an ancient bridge, built in 1776 by Mrs. Tran Thi Dao, a daughter of the Nguyen Dynasty. Thanh Toan Bridge has a unique architecture, with a tiled roof, wooden frame and stone floor. Thanh Toan Bridge is located in Thanh Toan village, about 8 km from the center of Hue, where there are many traditional agricultural activities. You can visit Thanh Toan Bridge, visit old houses, visit rural markets, participate in folk games and enjoy local dishes.
9. Enjoy a royal dinner in Hue
If you want to experience the feeling of being an emperor or queen, you can enjoy a Royal Dinner in Hue at some restaurants or hotels. You will be dressed like royalty, served by servants and enjoy delicious dishes, beautifully presented and meaningful. You can also listen to…
10. Relax at the beaches of Hue
Hue has many beautiful, clear and quiet beaches, suitable for those who want to relax and sunbathe. You can visit beaches such as Thuan An, Lang Co, Canh Duong, Ham Rong, Vinh Thanh and many other beaches. You can also participate in water sports activities such as scuba diving, boating, surfing or fishing.
11. Visit the Royal Theater of Hue
The Royal Theater of Hue is a place where traditional arts of Hue are performed, built in 1826 by King Minh Mang. The Royal Theater of Hue has beautiful architecture, with a red tile roof, wooden columns and a wide stage. You can enjoy various forms of art such as tuồng, chèo, nhã nhạc, water puppetry and many other forms. You can also join classes to learn about Hue’s performing arts.
12. Visit the Hue conical hat village
Hue conical hat is one of the specialties of Hue, made from latania leaves and has a unique shape. You can visit the Hue conical hat village in Phu Thuong ward, about 10 km from the city center, to see the process of making conical hats from raw materials to finished products. You can also buy Hue conical hats as souvenirs or try wearing a Hue conical hat to feel the charm of Hue.
13. Visit the Royal Antiquities Museum of Hue
The Royal Antiquities Museum of Hue is a place to preserve and display precious artifacts of the Nguyen Dynasty, including household items, costumes, jewelry, ceramics, bronze items, worship items and many other antiques. The Royal Antiquities Museum of Hue is located within the precincts of the Hue Citadel, near Hien Nhon Gate. You can visit the Royal Antiquities Museum of Hue to learn about the life, style and art of the Nguyen Dynasty.
14. Participate in the Hue Festival (if during the festival)
The Hue Festival is a major cultural event, held every two years in April or May. The Hue Festival has many attractive activities, such as lantern parade, ao dai parade, royal parade, dragon parade, art performances, exhibitions, fairs and many other activities. You can participate in the Hue Festival to feel the vibrancy, richness and uniqueness of Hue culture.
15. Visit the Ho Quyen Arena
Ho Quyen Tiger Arena is a unique architectural structure, built in 1830 by King Minh Mang. Ho Quyen Tiger Arena is where tiger and elephant fights were organized, a form of entertainment of the Nguyen Dynasty. Ho Quyen Tiger Arena is circular, with a diameter of 44 meters, a height of 5.5 meters, and has two entrances and exits. Inside the arena is a high platform, where the king and officials sat. You can visit Ho Quyen Tiger Arena to imagine the dramatic and bloody battles of the past.
16. Visit the Thua Thien Hue History Museum
Thua Thien Hue History Museum is a place to preserve and display documents, artifacts, and images about the history, culture, and people of Thua Thien Hue province, from prehistoric times to the present. Thua Thien Hue History Museum is located within the precincts of the Imperial City of Hue, near Ngan Gate. You can visit Thua Thien Hue History Museum to learn about the events, characters, and heritage of Hue.
17. Shopping at Dong Ba market
Dong Ba Market is the largest and most famous traditional market in Hue. It has everything you need, from food, handicrafts, gifts to fashion items… Dong Ba Market is also a famous tourist destination in Hue that almost every visitor to the ancient capital stops by. At Dong Ba Market, you can find unique, beautiful, and affordable products. If you want to shop for souvenirs, visit the handicraft stalls. If you want to enjoy Hue’s specialties, go to the food area. If you want to buy clothes, handbags, or fashion accessories, head to the third floor of the market…
18. Visit Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park is a nature reserve, located on Bach Ma Mountain, about 40 km from the center of Hue. Bach Ma National Park has an altitude from 50 to 1450 meters, has many rare species of flora and fauna, has many waterfalls, streams, lakes, and grasslands. You can visit Bach Ma National Park to explore and enjoy the pristine beauty of nature.
Hue is an ideal destination for those who love history, culture, and cuisine. You can spend several days visiting the monuments, enjoying traditional dishes, and participating in fun and entertaining activities in Hue. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information and suggestions for your trip. Wish you have interesting and memorable experiences in Hue