10 Things to Do in Hue: Explore the Beauty of Vietnam’s Ancient Capital

Huế, nestled along the picturesque Perfume River, served as the capital of Vietnam for 130 years under the Nguyen dynasty. This city preserves countless unique historical, cultural, and architectural relics, offering visitors an emotionally rich travel experience. Whether you’re a travel enthusiast, a culinary connoisseur, or an avid explorer, you can’t miss out on Huế. Below is a list of 10 things to do in Hue recommended by the Vietnam Motorcycle Tour Club. Let’s explore right away! 

Join the Hue motorbike tour – one of the most interesting things to do in Hue

One of the activities you should do when visiting Hue, Vietnam, is to join a motorbike tour. Motorbike tours offer an authentic and wonderful experience, allowing tourists to truly immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and rich history of the city.

On motorbike tours in Hue with Vietnam Motorbike Tours, you will visit iconic landmarks such as the Imperial City of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Perfume River. Additionally, you can explore rural villages on the outskirts, experiencing traditional Hue culture.

Guided by knowledgeable and passionate locals who share insider stories about their city, these tours provide travelers with profound insights into the people of Hue that you won’t find in any guidebook.

For thrill-seekers, some Hue motorbike tours tackle the majestic Hai Van Pass. Renowned as one of Vietnam’s most scenic routes, this ride not only rewards you with breathtaking coastal vistas but also provides an exhilarating adventure.

Explore Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is an ancient and revered temple situated on the picturesque banks of the Perfume River in the city of Hue. Built in 1601 under the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang, it is considered one of Vietnam’s most sacred and significant temples.

Thien Mu Pagoda is intertwined with many ups and downs in Vietnam’s history. It has been the site of numerous important events, serving as the religious center of the Dang Trong region and preserving many valuable cultural and historical treasures.

Visitors to the pagoda can pray for peace for themselves and their families, learn about the history and architecture of the temple. From Thien Mu Pagoda, one can admire the panoramic view of the serene river, these scenes are picturesque, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Enjoy Hue cuisine at Dong Ba market 

Dong Ba Market is one of the largest and most famous marketplaces in Hue. It is not only a bustling shopping destination but also a culinary paradise with numerous delicious specialties of the former Imperial City.

Here, you will get to taste many local delicacies, from Hue beef noodle soup to steamed rice cakes, dumplings, and enticing clam rice. Walking through the vibrant streets of Dong Ba Market, you will discover a plethora of unique ingredients used in traditional Hue cuisine. Exploring the stalls daily not only allows you to learn about the food but also provides an opportunity to interact with the local people. This is definitely a must-do when visiting Hue. 

Visit the ancient capital of Hue – Things to do in Hue

The ancient capital of Hue, or the Imperial City, is one of the majestic historical landmarks attracting tourists from all over the world. This place preserves numerous historical, cultural, and architectural relics from the Nguyen Dynasty, spanning from 1802 to 1945.

Hue’s architecture is intricate, adorned with elaborate details, and its grandeur renders it a sight worth beholding. Stepping into the palace, you are witnessing a part of Vietnam’s feudal history, which deepens your affection for this place even more.

Cruise along the Huong River to watch the sunset 

Cruising along the Huong River to admire the sunset is an unmissable experience when visiting Hue. The picturesque Huong River along with the radiant sunset scenery will provide you with unforgettable moments.

The ideal time to enjoy the sunset on the Huong River is from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This is when the sun begins to set, the sky turns fiery red, and the golden rays shimmer down onto the river.

There are various types of boats for you to choose from, ranging from traditional dragon boats to modern cruisers.

The boat will take you along the Huong River, allowing you to admire the beautiful scenery of Hue city such as Truong Tien Bridge, Phu Xuan Bridge, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Duc Tomb, and more. The ticket prices for sunset cruises on the Perfume River range from 150,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person depending on the type of boat and the duration of the cruise.

Experience culture at Thanh Toan Bridge 

The Thanh Toan Bridge, also known as the Thanh Toan Tile Bridge, is a wooden bridge built in 1776 in Thanh Toan village, Thuy Thanh commune, Huong Thuy town, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. The bridge is considered a unique architectural symbol of the Ancient Capital region, attracting tourists from both domestic and international origins.

Constructed from ironwood, the Thanh Toan Bridge spans 17 meters in length, 4 meters in width, with 7 spans and a curved tile roof. It follows the “upper house, lower bridge” structure, meaning the upper part serves as a shelter from rain and sun, while the lower part functions as a passage. The bridge features numerous wood-carved paintings depicting various themes such as the four blessings, dragon and phoenix harmony, and floral patterns.

Visitors to Thanh Toan Bridge not only admire a unique architectural marvel but also experience the distinctive cultural values of Thanh Toan village, including the fish-catching festival and the harvest festival.

Learn about Tu Duc Tomb 

The Tomb of Emperor Tự Đức, also known as Khiêm Lăng, is the resting place of Emperor Tự Đức, the fourth ruler of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Situated in Thượng Ba Village, Thủy Xuân Ward, Huế City, the tomb is approximately 7km from the city center.

The Tomb of Emperor Tự Đức holds significant historical and cultural importance in Vietnam. It serves not only as the final resting place of the Nguyễn Dynasty emperors but also as a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from both domestic and international locations. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1993, the tomb remains a symbol of Vietnam’s rich heritage.

Opening its doors to visitors daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, the Tomb of Emperor Tự Đức charges an entrance fee of 40,000 Vietnamese dong per person. Access to the site is possible via various means of transportation, including car, Grab, taxi, motorbike, or bus.

Experience Hue cuisine at street eateries 

Hue’s true culinary adventure lies beyond the walls of restaurants and markets. Bustling street food stalls take center stage, brimming with delectable specialties unique to the city. From savory banh khoai, Hue’s take on crispy pancakes, to the sweet indulgence of che, a traditional Vietnamese dessert, these stalls offer a flavor explosion.  For an unforgettable Hue experience, sampling these treats is a must.

But the magic of Hue’s street food goes beyond just the taste.  These stalls offer a chance to connect with friendly vendors. As you savor the bursts of flavor, you can delve into the preparation methods and stories behind these beloved dishes. This cultural exchange adds another layer to the experience, making it undeniably one of the top things to do in Hue.

Visit Hue history at the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts  

The Hue Royal Fine Arts Museum is a treasure trove of historical artifacts, royal treasures, and currently showcases illustrations of the city’s artistic heritage. It evokes the glorious past of the Nguyen dynasty and viewing this collection is a must-do when in Hue.

At the museum, you also have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Hue’s rich cultural heritage. From exquisite ceramics to intricately decorated royal garments, the museum provides visitors with a profound insight into the cultural tapestry and history of the city. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Hue’s rich heritage.

Enjoy Hue cuisine – best things to do in Hue 

One of the must-do things in Huế that you can’t miss is to indulge in Huế cuisine. Huế cuisine is a fusion of many flavors, influenced by the royal court, bearing the local traditional essence and regional ingredients.

The culinary scene in Huế captivates many diners with its distinctiveness and meticulousness in dishes. From the signature Huế beef noodles to delicate dishes like bánh bèo (water fern cake), steamed cakes, fragrant clam rice, each dish offers a fulfilling taste experience. This food tour will allow you to taste a variety of dishes, explore local eateries known only to locals, and learn many traditional cooking recipes.

Huế is a harmonious blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes, offering countless experiences for travelers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, history buff, or avid adventurer, Huế has myriad fascinating things to discover. So, don’t miss out on this list of 10 things to do in Hue and start planning your trip right away with the Vietnam Motorbike Tours Club.