Hue Vietnam Travel Guide: A Beautiful City Along Perfume River
Imagine wandering the ancient pathways of Hue, Vietnam, where the echoes of imperial grandeur can be felt with every step. From the regal architecture of the Imperial City to the tranquil beauty of the Perfume River, you’re greeted by a beautiful array of sights, sounds, and scents just waiting to be explored! In this travel guide, I’m divulging all my secrets for planning a trip to Hue, Vietnam, including where to stay and eat, what to see, how to get around, and when to go! So join me to discover Hue, where every turn is not just a journey through history, but also a new magical travel moment waiting to be had:
Timing
Trip Length
While some travelers opt to make Hue a day trip from nearby cities like Hoi An or Da Nang, I found that 2-3 days was a much more co
Time of Year
Like much of Vietnam, the weather in Hue is warm and tropical, with two distinct seasons:
The first is the Dry Season from January – August. During this period, the city experiences its hottest, driest and sunniest weather. The months from January to March are generally considered the best time to visit, with average temperatures reaching comfortable highs of 75 – 82°F (24°C – 28°C). The temperatures then rise during the months of April to August, with average highs well above 90°F (32°C). If you’re sensitive to heat or not already used to a tropical climate, I’d recommend avoiding Hue during these months.
The second of Hue’s two distinct seasons is its Rainy Season, which is relatively short, generally lasting from September to December. This is when I visited Hue and can attest that the rainy season in Hue is no joke. Unlike some tropical places where the rainy season may mean a few hours of heavy-to-light rain a day, Hue’s rain is both heavy and prolonged. Humidity levels are high during this time, and there may be occasional storms or typhoons!
While the rainy season is an excellent time to visit Hue if you’re not a fan of crowds, I highly recommend planning your clothing strategically during this time of year to help avoid accidents like the one I had!
Transportation
How To Get Around
Hue and its main tourist attractions are fairly spread out from one another. It is possible to walk to some if you’re staying in a central location, but in order to explore, you’ll either need to take a Grab Taxi, hire a private driver, or rent a car, scooter, motorbike.
Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading ride-sharing app and a wonderful way to explore Vietnam on a budget. If you purchase a local SIM card, you’ll likely be able to order a Grab from just about any of the main tourist sites. However, if you plan to rely on WiFi or an international data plan, I’d strongly recommend only using Grab between your hotel and restaurants with WiFi. Cell reception and data is quite spotty in Hue and unless you’re well researched and equipped with a local option, it’s easy to get “stranded”.
The easiest and most stress-free way to explore Hue is undoubtedly via private driver! This is even the method I used after discovering how little my international data plan worked in Hue! The benefits of hiring a private driver include not only door-to-door service in an air-conditioned vehicle, but also a personalized itinerary and recommendations around town, should you so desire them!
Finally, you also have the option of renting a car, scooter or motorbike to get around Hue. But a word of caution: you will have to contend with hectic traffic, steep mountains, and precarious roads.
No matter what option you choose, please buy travel insurance before your trip to cover unexpected accidents – even if you think you won’t need it. And if you decide to ride scooters or motorbikes, please wear a helmet and protective clothing.
How To Get There
While Hue is home to the Phu Bai International Airport, chances are that if you’re not already in Southeast Asia, you won’t be able to fly directly into Hue. Instead, you’ll need to make a connection in either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before flying into Hue. Hue is then only a 1 or 1.5 hour flight from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, respectively.
Alternatively, if you’re already in Vietnam and touring nearby popular cities like Hoi An or Da Nang, you might find a car transfer to be your best travel option as the route is just under 3 hours total.
My Drivers
I booked my drivers through Stop & Go Travel Company and had an amazing experience with each. Not only were they both communicative and on time, but they were extremely accommodating and helpful every step of the journey!
I especially have to shout out my Day 2 Driver, Mr. Trung, who took extra time out of his day to help me navigate the Vietnamese health care system and receive the care I needed after I unexpectedly broke my wrist. Read all about my experience and day with Mr. Trung.
Accommodations
Neighborhoods
For your first time in Hue, I recommend staying in the Vinh Ninh neighborhood, just south of the Perfume River. Home to Hue’s Ho Chi Minh Museum, this area is fairly walkable and is centrally-located, making it convenient for all types of exploring.
And if you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe with lots of restaurants and coffee shops, Phu Hoi is another wonderful neighborhood to stay in Hue.
I personally stayed in Vinh Ninh at the Chum Boutique Hotel and had a wonderful visit!
Sights
Imperial City
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City of Hue is a formidable and historic complex that holds a wealth of architectural treasures. Constructed in 1802, this sprawling citadel served as the political, cultural and religious epicenter of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Within its confines lie not only majestic palaces, temples, and pavilions but also the revered Throne Hall where emperors held court in opulent splendor. Venturing deeper, the Imperial City also holds Vietnam’s enigmatic Forbidden Purple City, which was once shrouded in secrecy and only accessible to the emperor and his family.
Entry Costs: 200,000 VND/adult and 40,000 VND/child*
Summer Hours: 6:30AM – 5:30PM
Winter Hours: 7AM – 5PM
An Bang Cemetery “City of Ghosts”
If you dream of visiting fantasy-like places, An Bang Cemetery “City of Ghosts” is a must-see while you’re exploring Hue. Located just about an hour outside of the city, An Bang is Vietnam’s largest and most opulent cemetery. The cemetery is made up of rows and rows of towering structures, some two – maybe even three – stories tall, each adorned with the most intricate gold carvings, beautiful ceramics and the brightest colors imaginable.
It’s a testament to the town’s belief in a decadent afterlife and will leave you feeling like you’ve entered into an abandoned metropolis from a fantasy video game or an animated film.
Entry Cost: Free*, but you’ll likely want to hire a private driver to take you!
Hours: 24/7
Minh Mang Tomb
Built in the 19th century, Minh Mang Tomb is a large funerary complex surrounding the grave of Minh Mang, first Emperor of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. Although the tomb itself is completely sealed off to visitors underneath a lake, the entire complex is a must-see for its vibrant and symmetrical architecture that exudes a profound reverence for nature and Confucian ideals.
I particularly loved stepping through all the bright red, yellow and green doorways here, that seemed to echo sentiments of love, royalty and nature, respectively.
Entry Costs: 150,000 VND/adult and 30,000 VND/child*
Hours: 7:30AM – 5PM
Tomb of Tu Duc
Built from 1864 to 1867, the Tomb of Tu Duc reflects the poetic soul of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty who was known for his love of literature and art. The complex encompasses romantic pavilions, peaceful temples, and a serene lake, offering visitors a glimpse into the emperor’s refined taste and contemplative spirit.
Entry Costs: 150,000 VND/adult and 40,000 VND/child*
Hours: 7AM – 5:30PM
Tomb of Khai Dinh
Blending both Eastern and Western styles in its construction, the Tomb of Khai Dinh reflects the eclectic tastes of Emperor Khai Dinh, the penultimate ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty. Constructed between 1920 and 1931, the tomb is adorned with luxurious mosaics, elaborate dragon motifs, and a grand staircase flanked by imposing statues. It is probably most famous – and breathtaking – for its interior floor-to-ceiling decorations of ceramic, porcelain, and glass. Perched on a hillside overlooking the picturesque Hue countryside, the Tomb of Khai Dinh is a captivating symbol of Vietnamese history and a must-see in the area.
Entry Costs: 150,000 VND/adult and 30,000 VND/child*
Hours: 7AM – 5:30PM
Thien Mu Pagoda
Perched along the bank of the Perfume River, the Thien Mu Pagoda is a timeless symbol of Mahayana Buddhism and cultural heritage in Hue. Dating back to the 17th century, it is most recognizable for its seven-tiered Phuoc Duyen tower, the tallest stupa in Vietnam. The Pagoda’s striking architecture against the backdrop of the lush Vietnamese hillside and fragrant lotus ponds have an undeniable allure that have even made the Pagoda a focal point of many local legends.
Besides its architectural significance, Thien Mu has also played an important role in Vietnam’s history. In 1963, President Ngo Dinh Diem’s discriminatory policies, favoring Catholics and oppressing Buddhists, ignited mass outrage that reached a boiling point when nine Buddhists tragically lost their lives on Vesak, Gautama Buddha’s birthday. Thien Mu emerged as a focal point for protests, hosting hunger strikes, barricades, and demonstrations. It was from here that Thích Quảng Đức, a Buddhist monk, embarked on his fateful journey to Saigon, immortalizing his protest through self-immolation and leaving behind a lasting symbol: a blue Austin Westminister Sedan. Today, the blue car is housed at Thien Mu, symbolizing the courage and sacrifice of those who fought against injustice.
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 8AM – 6PM
Ho Thuy Tien
Ho Thuy Thien is an abandoned waterpark located on the edge of Hue. Famous on social media for its iconic dragon building, it’s become a popular spot for urban explorers looking for unique things to do in the city.
The park originally opened in 2004 with a total cost of $3 million USD, closing not too long after for reasons unknown. Everything that had been built was left exactly as it was, only abandoned. Now the park lies in eerie silence, with all its attractions being reclaimed by nature.
Visitors brave enough to venture into Ho Thuy Tien will find themselves amidst a surreal landscape where nature and man-made creations intertwine. Vines cascade over decaying structures and mossy water fill abandoned pools, igniting the imagination and curiosity about the park’s rise and fall.
Safety Note and Entry Cost: Enter At Your Own Risk. Officially, Ho Thuy Tien is off-limits to visitors and has no official entry cost. Its state of disrepair also means it’s not the safest place to visit – reader be warned.
- If you do decide to visit and run into a security guard, they will make you pay around 20,000 VND/per person to go past the entrance gate.
Hours: N/A
Secret Tip
Wear shoes with a strong grip while visiting Ho Thuy Tien. The area around and inside the dragon are covered with tiles that get particularly slippery during Vietnam’s wet season!
An Dinh Palace
Built in the early 20th century during the reign of Emperor Khai Dinh, An Dinh Palace served as the residence of his son, Emperor Bao Dai, Vietnam’s last monarch. With its stunning blend of French colonial and traditional Vietnamese architectural styles, An Dinh Palace exudes an air of regal elegance and grandeur. Surrounded by a lush garden and filled with luxurious colors and textures, the palace offers a glimpse back in time into the lavish lifestyle of Vietnam’s royal family.
Entry Cost: 25,000 VND/adult*
Summer Hours: 6:30AM – 5:30PM
Winter Hours: 7AM – 5PM
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Hue’s Ho Chi Minh Museum contains intriguing photographs and certificates and medals from Vietnam’s late former leader.
Entry Cost: 20,000 VND/adult*
Hours: 8AM – 11:30AM and 2PM – 5PM most days. Closed Mondays.
Thanh Toan Bridge
Another historic site in Hue is Thanh Toan, a traditional tile roof bridge. Built in 1776, it was constructed by Mrs. Tran Thi Dao, a local to the area who wanted to improve transportation and communication in the village along both sides of the canal. The roof of the bridge is decorated in lapis lazuli, pearl inlays and dragon carvings.
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 24/7
Tu Dam Pagoda
Tu Dam Pagoda is a Buddhist temple dating back to the 17th century. According to legend, the temple was built by Zen master Minh Hai, who was famous for his teachings and spiritual guidance.
Entry Cost: Free*
Hours: 6AM – 9PM
Restaurants & Cafes
Vinh Ninh
Ba Tam – Taste of Vietnam – Traditional Vietnamese
Le Parfum – Vietnamese and Western Brasserie
Nha Hang Spice Viet Hue – Traditional Vietnamese
Phu Hoi
Gecko Restaurant – Pizza + Gastropub
Nook Eatery – Vietnamese meets European Fusion
Quan Hanh – Traditional Vietnamese
Day Trips
Bach Ma National Park
Just a short distance away from Hue is Bach Ma National Park, an off-the-beaten-path destination for adventures looking for a stunning outdoor escape. Hike to some of the best natural wonders that Vietnam has to offer, including Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) and Do Quyen Waterfall.
Distance from Hue: 1 Hour
Lang Co Beach
Would you know that one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in Vietnam is only about an hour away from Hue? Situated between the lush and green Truong Son Mountains and dazzlingly blue East Vietnam Sea, Lang Co Beach offers an ideal coastal escape. Spending more than a few hours here? Lang Co has a few restaurants close to the beach for an easy and relaxing day.
Distance from Hue: 1 Hour
Da Nang
Located about 2 hours from Hue, Da Nang is a vibrant coastal city blending tradition with modernity. Delve into the Da Nang’s rich history at iconic landmarks like the Marble and Monkey Mountains before relaxing at My Khe Beach or one of the area’s many 5-star hotels.
Distance from Hue: 1.5-2 Hours
Hoi An
More of a multi-day trip from Hue, Hoi An is a must-see for anyone visiting Vietnam! Explore it’s well-preserved Old Town and canals and don’t forget to experience these 15 Most Wonderful Things To Do in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Distance from Hue: 2.5 Hours
