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15 Top Things to do in Hue - Highlights & Lesser Known Gems

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Hue is packed with history, beautiful architecture and cultural landmarks that offer a completely different experience from the country's busy beach towns and big cities. You will of course come to explore the old imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, but there is so much more to explore here. You can see the highlights in a day, but if you have the time I think Hue deserves a couple of days exploring.

Hue is best known for its Imperial City, royal tombs and ancient pagodas. But there's more to discover beyond its famous historical sites. You can take a boat trip along the river, explore local markets, try some of Vietnam's most distinctive regional dishes or escape the city for a day to discover the surrounding countryside.

Whether you're visiting Hue as part of a longer Vietnam itinerary or planning a dedicated trip to central Vietnam, this guide covers the best things to do in Hue, including the must-see historical sites, cultural experiences and a few places worth exploring beyond the city centre.

15 Top Things to Do in Hue

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Hue. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

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Explore the Imperial City

If you're visiting Hue, this is the one attraction you absolutely cannot miss. It’s probably the reason you're considering going to Hue in the first place.

It was built in the early 1800s and served as the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnams last royal family. It’s the heart of Hue and one of Vietnams most important historical sites.

Hue Imperial City

One important thing to know before visiting is that the Imperial city is absolutely massive. I spent hours walking though the area and I still feel like I didn't get to see everything. There are endless gates, courtyards and temples just waiting to be explored. Some huge and some smaller ones more tucked away. I personally preferred the smaller ones because they didn’t have as many people exploring them so it felt like we had them almost to ourselves.

We ended up visiting the Imperial city twice because it was so massive and the first time we didn’t have a guide with us which was a huge mistake. For our second visit we brought a guide and it was a completely different experience. Even if you don’t normally like to use a guide, I highly recommend it here because the whole experience was so much better once we actually understood where we should go and what we were walking through.

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Hue Imperial City

Explore Thủy Biều Village by Bike

If you want to see a quieter and more local side of Hue, head out to Thủy Biều Village, just outside the city centre. This traditional countryside area is known for its garden houses and cozy streets. One of the best ways to explore is by bicycle, as the small roads take you through peaceful neighbourhoods, gardens and countryside without having to worry about busy traffic.

Thủy Biều Village

I recommend checking out a restaurant called Nhà Vườn Xuân Đài which served really good and home made food for lunch, and you can rent bikes from them to explore the village. This was one of my favourite spots in Hue because it felt more local and authentic compared to many of the tourist restaurants in the city.

Thủy Biều Village
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Explore Dong Ba Market

I never know what to expect when I go to a market in Asia. Some are purely local and some are just made for tourism. This one I think actually hit the sweet spot. Its located a bit outside old town so it’s more catered to the locals and you’ll find stalls selling all kinds of foods here as well as clothes and kitchen utensils. You can probably find anything you want.

In addition they do have some stalls with more touristy souvenirs, but nothing too pushy. You’ll definitely find a souvenir here if you want, but you can also just chose to explore in peace and look at local life unfolding.

I at least thought it was a fun and different addition to my time in Hue. You don't have to spend an eternity here, but it was a fun stop.

Dong Ba Market

Walk Across Truong Tien Bridge

I guess this isn't a must see in Hue, but I think it was a quiet charming spot and if you're walking to or from the Imperial Citadel you might as well walk across the Truong Tien bridge. It's a very recognisable landmark with iron fixings over the whole bridge and when you walk over it you'll also get some really nice views over the perfume river.

If you walk around here in the evening you can also see it all lit up.

Truong Tien Bridge

Watch the Sunset from Imperial Skybar

At the Imperial Hotel they have a rooftop bar with what I think is the best view in all of Hue. You get a panorama view of the river, mountains and the imperial city. You can only see small parts of the imperial city, but it was really nice to see it lit up in the evening.

Imperial Skybar

I do recommend coming here to watch the sunset, it was absolutely stunning and I honestly don't understand why this place wasn't more packed with people. If you only have one evening in Hue I highly recommend spending it here to watch the sunset.

Imperial Skybar

Hues Bar street

I was actually quite surprised when I realised how big the party scene was in Hue. It wasn't what I was expecting from a city most people come to for its historic significance. Nevertheless if you're looking for a fun time, you're sure to find it here.

The Hue Walking street (Đường đi bộ Huế) is filled with bars and smaller food spots. During the day time the street is open for cars, but it closes in the evening and the atmosphere changes dramatically, especially during the weekends.

If you want, you’ll definitely find a bar you’ll like because they have a bit of everything and there was even a DJ playing for the whole street, which I have to say I enjoy so much more than when every bar tries to overplay the next one.

Exploring Hue

Visit the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh

Of all the royal tombs around Hue, Khai Dinh's Tomb was my favourite.

Unlike the traditional Vietnamese architecture found elsewhere, this tomb combines Eastern and European influences to create something completely unique. The exterior is dark and dramatic and kind of reminds me of castles I saw while exploring Romania. It’s the tomb with the smallest ground to cover, so you don’t have to walk around for a very long time to see the actual tomb.

Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh

On the inside, you'll find one of the most elaborate and colourful interiors. The whole inside is covered in colourful and super intricate mosaic and it was absolutely stunning.

Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh

Visit the Tomb of Minh Mang

This is the tomb located furthest away from the city, but actually not so far away from the Khai Dinh tomb, so these are easily explored after each other. The Tomb of Minh Mang is pretty huge and I think we spent about one and a half hour exploring it from start to finish.

It's surrounded by lakes, gardens and a pine forest and feels very peaceful. The buildings and interior aren't as grand as Khai Dinhs, but it has a much more Vietnamese look to it with curved ceilings, dragons and some really beautiful gated areas.

Even though its quite a drive from the city I think its worth a visit, especially if you're already heading to Khai Dhin tomb.

Tomb of Minh Mang

Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc

This was by far the biggest one of the tombs and mausoleums we visited. It was so big in fact that at first I was a bit disappointed by the buildings and thought the other tombs were more impressive. However, when we checked the map I realised we hadn't even walked to the actual mausoleum.

Tomb of Minh Mang

The area has a beautiful lake and the surrounding area is stunning to just walk around. Due to its size you need to set aside enough time to actually explore it, we spent almost two hours here. You don’t have to spend that much, but it gives you an estimate.

Tomb of Minh Mang
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Visit Chùa Tú Hiểu Monastery

The second we stepped out of the car to explore this monastery it started pouring down and we also saw that the monks were in the middle of prayer. Since I felt it was disrespectful to wander around in the midst of their prayers and it was pouring down we decided not to stay for as long as intended. However, the parts of it we saw were really beautiful.

There is a charming gate overlooking a small pond before you reach the monastery which was quite nice in itself. I really wish we had more time to explore here because the grounds looked stunning and there were hardly any other people her at all, which isn’t that usual for the sights in and around Hue.

Chùa Tú Hiểu Monastery

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hue, and a is a must-visit even if you’re short on time in Hue. The pagoda dates back to 1601 and its most recognisable feature is the seven-storey Phuoc Duyen Tower, which has become one of Hue's most famous symbols. There’s also plenty of peaceful gardens, smaller shrines and temples around there, so take some time to wander the area.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Discover the Abandoned Water Park

Hue's abandoned water park has become legendary among travellers, but I actually never made it here. I might be wrong of course, I just didn't think an abandoned waterpark would beat the various historic sights I could see in and around Hue.

That’s my personal priorities so I’m still adding it here because I know a lot of people think it’s a very cool spot and I’ve met many who think it was one of the coolest things to see in Hue. So it might be something for you.

Since it's not an official tourist attraction you need to make sure to access the right area to get in. From what I understand some entrances are closed off since you're not supposed to be there. However there are Grab drivers there and people selling you things so I think it’s safe to say that they know people enter no matter what.

If you want to explore it I’ve been told that this is the best entrance to go to, and not the one you find on Google Maps if you just type in Hue Water Park.

Take a Boat Ride on the Perfume River

The Perfume River runs through the heart of Hue and has shaped the city's history for centuries. If you have some extra time in Hue, it’s nice to take a boat ride along the river.

It’s not a must in my opinion as there’s not so many things to see along the river, but you will get some really nice views of the Thien Mu Pagoda along the way. Plus it’s just a very relaxing way to spend an evening.

Boat ride on the perfume river

Visit An Dinh Palace

If you want to see a different side of Hue's imperial history, the An Dinh Palace is well worth adding to your itinerary.

It was built in the early 20th century and was originally the private residence of Emperor Khai Dinh before he became emperor and later served as a home for members of the royal family, including Emperor Bao Dai.

Unlike the traditional architecture you'll find at the Imperial City and royal tombs, An Dinh Palace has a distinctive blend of Vietnamese and European influences with ornate decorations and colourful mosaics. The palace is smaller and generally less crowded than Hue's main historical attractions, making it a lovely stop if you want to explore somewhere a little different.

Exploring Hue
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Visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village

Located just outside the city centre, you’ll find this small village known for its handmade incense, which is still produced using traditional techniques. As you walk along the street, you'll find plenty of shops selling incense sticks arranged in beautiful displays of pink, yellow, red, purple and green, making it one of the most photogenic stops in the area.

Thuy Xuan Incense Village

You can watch local artisans prepare the incense, learn a little about the process and browse the small shops selling handmade products and souvenirs.

I actually learned that the shops have created this Instagram famous displays on purpose to attract more people to the village because after incense became easier to make in factories this traditional technique is slowly dying. So to make sure it doesn’t, they decided to try other things to make people want to visit. And it worked, because it’s now one of the most popular photo stops in Hue.

So consider buying a small bundle of incense to support the local artisans if you take any pictures here.

Thuy Xuan Incense Village

Visit the Tiger Arena (Ho Quyen)

One of Hue's more unusual historical attractions is an ancient arena where elephants and tigers once fought for the entertainment of the royal court. Built in 1830 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, the structure was designed to host these brutal spectacles.

Today, the arena is a fascinating, if slightly eerie, reminder of a different period in Vietnam's history. Although it is not as grand or well-preserved as Hue's Imperial City or royal tombs, it's worth visiting if you're interested in the city's lesser-known historical sites. The arena is located a little outside the centre, so I'd recommend combining it with nearby attractions such as Tu Duc Tomb or Thuy Xuan Incense Village.

Tiger Arena (Ho Quyen)
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Final Thoughts: Is Hue Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! If you're interested in Vietnamese history, culture and architecture, Hue is one of the most rewarding places to visit in the country. The Imperial City alone makes it worth adding to your itinerary, but the royal tombs, pagodas and beautiful setting along the Perfume River give you plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

What makes Hue special is that it feels different from other destinations in Vietnam. It's less about beaches and new attractions and more about understanding the country's past, discovering its traditions and enjoying a slower pace of travel.

I'd recommend spending at least two full days in Hue to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. If you have an extra day, you can explore further afield or simply enjoy a more relaxed pace.

Hue might not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to Vietnam, but I think that's exactly why it's worth including. It's a city with plenty of character, a fascinating history and a side of Vietnam that you shouldn't miss.

Plan Your Trip to Hue

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan what to do in Hue. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

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-Ingrid

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