Hue (known as the ancient capital of Vietnam) is a charming towns that’s great for anyone choosing to visit Vietnam. It has not only a long and illustrious history but also more tourist attractions that any other city in Vietnam. This site is a wonderful place to learn about Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
There are so many interesting things to do in Hue. If you plan to visit Hue, make sure that you do not miss out this list of “what to do in Hue”.
1. Visit Top 3 Attractions in Hue
Hue Imperial City
Hue Imperial City (Citadel)  is one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It a must-see attraction for tourists visiting in Hue. It is built in 1803 by Gia Long – an emperor who founded the Nguyen Dynasty. At that time, Hue Imperial City is the most massive structure being built in the history of modern Vietnam involving thousands of workers, millions cubic meters of rock and huge burden of workload.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda (The Pagoda of the Celestial Lady) is one the oldest and prettiest religious buildings in Hue Royal City. This pagoda is situated on Ha Khe Hill, on the northern bank of the Perfume River, thick green trees, cool wind of four seasons. It was built in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang.
Phuoc Duyen Tower, which is the highest stupa in Vietnam, is a symbol associated with Thien Mu pagoda. Besides Phuoc Duyen Tower, it also has some construction such as a blue car- relic of the late monk Thich Quang Duc, the tomb of the late Venerable Thich Don Hau,…
Visiting Thien My Pagoda, you will be easy to feel feel the inspiration of a dreaming and romantic Hue.
Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh Tomb situated in the Chau Chu mountains, about 10 kilometers away from the Imperial City of Hue. This tomb is the resting place of the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam, Emperor Khai Dinh. Although the area of this tomb is the smallest in size compared to all the royal tombs, it is also one of the most expensive ones. It took 11 years to build from 1920. This is also the last royal tomb constructed in Nguyen Dynasty.
This Tomb is the pinnacle of visual art on porcelain and glass. It has a perfect combination of Western and Eastern architecture, as well as ancient and modern features. It makes this place outstanding and amazing than other places.
2. Enjoy Hue Food
Hue is also one of the cultural and culinary centers in Vietnam. Having to say, nowhere in Vietnam has a diversity of food like Hue city. Coming to Hue but missing enjoying Hue Food is a great regret.
Hue Food is divided into 3 main kinds: imperial dishes, rustic dishes and vegetarian dishes. Hue culinary is very picky in processing methods, choosing materials, and presenting the dishes. It is very diverse and famous for their distinctive flavors. Some famous and popular dishes such as Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle), Nem lui (Grilled ground pork on stick), Com/Bun Hen (Mussel Rice/Noodle), Hue cake, Sweet Soup,…
3. See Sunrise/Sunset at Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon, where the sky meets the water, is one of the largest brackish water lagoon, the biggest in Vietnam. It is about 15 km from Hue city. It is more of a secret and the beauty of nature, especially in the early morning or in the late afternoon.
The best time to see the sunrise at Tam Giang lagoon is from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM. What is more wonderful when sitting on the boat watching the amazing beauty of sunrise at Tam Giang. You can get up early to enjoy yourself in the fresh air of the countryside. After that, you can go to the market to enjoy many unique features of this brackish area, especially the fish-pancake.
Nothing will be more beautiful than moments looking at the lagoon at sunset when it turns purple. A few fishing boats return home late with the whole lagoon’s surface shaking in the breeze. Don`t miss it!
4. Go to Thanh Toan Bridge by Bicycle
Thanh Toan Bridge is located about 8km from Hue city centre to the East in Thuy Thanh Commune, Huong Thuy District. The bridge was built in 1776 in the time of Emperor Le Hien Tong. It is not only a tourist attraction but also an ancient architectural structure of historical and cultural values in Hue.
The countryside of peaceful villages and picturesque monuments make Thanh Thuy Chanh Village an ideal place for cycling. On the way to the Thanh Toan Bridge, you will go through the fields and peaceful villages. You can take pictures of buffalos and farmers in the rice field.
5. Jungle at Bach Ma Nation Park
Bach Ma National Park is located about 40km from Hue and reached a peak of about 1,450 meters at Bach Ma Mountain. As being the biogeographical border between northern and southern Vietnam and having a wide array of habitats, this park is famous for its biodiversity. It represents around one-fifth of the entire flora of Viet Nam.
When you come to here, you can camp, trek, rappel or simply wander through that jungle in order to explore the beauty of flora and fauna of Bach Ma. It is recommended to visit Bach Ma National Park on February because the weather is ideally dry with comfortable temperatures. Especially, that is the time the famous red Rhododendron simsii blossom along small streams and in particular at the bottom of the Rhododendron waterfall.
As one of the amazing attractions, Bach Ma National Park deserves the unique eco-tourism attraction in Hue.
6. Talking a Dragon Boat along Huong River
Coming to the ancient capital, the dragon boat seems to have become a feature of Hue. In the past, this boat was often reserved for the king. And now, it has become a unique means to visit famous sights in Hue.
A visit to Hue would be more pleasant and complete if taking a dragon boat along the Huong River. Nothing will be more interesting than when sitting on the dragon boat along the Huong River breathed fresh air. Let`s talking a dragon boat to experience Hue and see all its beauty while in the Perfume River.
7. Swim At Lang Co Beach
About 70km away from Hue city center, Lang Co Beach is one of the best beaches with the most beautiful nature and landscapes conditions in Vietnam.
This beach is about 8km long. It is a beautiful sea with smooth white sand, clear blue sea and rainforests on the undulating mountains. Lang Co Beach is a place where people can relax, swim on emerald sea water and enjoy seafood.