15 Beautiful Places to Visit in Hue

Hue - the ancient capital of Vietnam, is a heritage city with more than 300 historical and cultural relics, of which the Hue ancient capital complex was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1993. This article will introduce 15 Hue tourist destinations that are most loved by many tourists, helping you plan the perfect trip.

Prices, schedules, venue names and operating conditions may change. Confirm current details directly before booking.

1. Hue Citadel (Citadel)

Hue Citadel is the largest and most important relic complex of the ancient capital, built in 1804 under the reign of King Gia Long. With a circumference of 10km, the citadel includes 3 circles: Imperial Citadel, Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Citadel. This is where kings and mandarins of the Nguyen Dynasty lived and worked for 143 years.

The Citadel has many unique architectural works such as Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa, Thai Hoa Palace, The Mieu, Hien Lam Cac. You should spend at least 3-4 hours to fully visit. Sightseeing ticket 200,000 VND/person.

2. Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda (Thien Mu Tu) is the oldest and most sacred pagoda in Hue, built in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang. The pagoda is located on Ha Khe hill, overlooking the Perfume River, with the 7-storey Phuoc Duyen tower, the symbol of Hue.

Coming to Thien Mu Pagoda, you will see the unique Buddhist architecture, ancient tower garden and the largest Dai Hong Chung bell in Vietnam. This is also where the famous Austin car of the late Venerable Thich Quang Duc is located. Free sightseeing tickets.

3. Khai Dinh Tomb

Khai Dinh Tomb (Ung Lang) is the most beautiful and unique of the 7 Nguyen King mausoleums, built from 1920-1931. The mausoleum combines East - West architecture with a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese and French art. In particular, Bi Dien in the mausoleum is decorated with tens of thousands of pieces of hand-made mosaic porcelain.

Sightseeing ticket 150,000 VND/person. You should combine visiting Khai Dinh tomb with Tu Duc tomb and Minh Mang tomb on the same day because these 3 tombs are located close to each other.

4. Tomb of Tu Duc

Tu Duc Tomb (Khiem Lang) is the most beautiful mausoleum in terms of natural landscape, built from 1864-1867. The mausoleum is located in the middle of a vast pine forest, with Luu Khiem lake, dance theater, and Luong Khiem communal house. This is where King Tu Duc often came to read books, write poetry and hunt.

Sightseeing ticket 150,000 VND/person. The scene is peaceful, poetic, very suitable for taking photos.

5. Minh Mang Tomb

Minh Mang Tomb (Hieu Lang) was built from 1840-1843, and is the largest scale among the Nguyen king's tombs with 40 large and small works. The mausoleum has a classic Asian architectural style with a perfect balance between yin and yang and feng shui.

6. Perfume River

Perfume River (Huong Giang) is the symbol of Hue, the river flows through the city with a length of 30km. Visitors can take a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River, listen to Hue songs in the evening, or go SUP or kayak during the day.

In particular, in the evening on the Perfume River, there is a service of releasing flower lanterns - a very poetic experience. Dragon boat price is 200,000 VND-500,000 VND depending on the package.

7. Ngu Binh Mountain

Ngu Binh Mountain (also known as Bang Mountain) is a symbolic mountain of Hue, 105m high. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Hue city, the Perfume River and the delta. The mountain is 5km from the center, you can go by motorbike or taxi.

8. Thuan An Beach

Thuan An Beach is 15km from Hue center, a beautiful beach with golden sand and clear water. This is an ideal swimming place for tourists coming to Hue. There are many fresh seafood restaurants along the beach.

9. Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda

Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda is the most beautiful Zen temple in Hue, hidden in the valley between pine forests. The pagoda has a meditation garden, lotus pond, bonsai garden and pure Vietnamese architecture. In particular, the pagoda has a large collection of calligraphy poetry.

10. Thanh Toan Tile Bridge

Thanh Toan Tile Bridge is an ancient tile bridge in Thanh Thuy Chanh village, 10km from Hue. The bridge was built in 1776, 17m long, with a yin-yang tile roof. This is one of the most beautiful and ancient tile bridges in Vietnam.

11. Hue garden house

Hue garden houses are a cultural characteristic of the ancient capital, with traditional ruong houses amid lush green gardens. The most prominent are An Hien garden house and Princess Ngoc Son garden house. You can enjoy Hue royal cuisine at these garden houses.

12. Vong Canh Hill

Vong Canh Hill is the most beautiful viewing spot in Hue, from here you can see the panoramic view of the Perfume River, Ngu Binh Mountain, countryside and city. Especially the sunset on Vong Canh hill is extremely romantic.

13. Museum of Cham sculpture

Hue Museum of Cham Sculpture (now Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts) displays many precious artifacts of the Nguyen Dynasty and Champa art.

14. Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is the largest traditional market in Hue, where all kinds of specialties, souvenirs, and ao dai are sold. Hue specialties not to be missed: banh beo, nam, loc, pressed cake, Hue sweet soup. This is also a place to enjoy delicious - nutritious - cheap street food.

15. Tam Giang Lagoon

Tam Giang Lagoon is the largest brackish water lagoon in Southeast Asia, 20km from Hue. The lagoon has beautiful natural landscapes with sandy beaches, fishing villages, and lotus gardens. A boat tour on the lagoon, watching the sunset, and enjoying seafood is an experience not to be missed.

Experience traveling to Hue on your own

• Ideal time: 2-3 days to fully explore
• Transportation: Rent a motorbike (100,000 VND-150,000 VND/day) or taxi
• Accommodation: 2-3 star hotel 350,000 VND-700,000 VND/night, near Bo Ho walking street
• Cuisine: Cheap Hue specialties 20,000 VND-50,000 VND/dish. You should try banh beo, Hue beef noodle soup, mussel rice, and Hue sweet soup
• Best season: March-July (dry), avoid October-December (stormy)

Hue package tour from Moterra Travel

If you would prefer a supported itinerary, you can join the tour Central Heritage Journey 4 days 3 nights from Quang Tri, passing through Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An. Package tour 4,600,000 VND/person.

Use the contact options on this page to ask Moterra about current availability.