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! 

Which season is best to travel to Hue?  

Hue, the ancient capital with its serene and ancient beauty, always attracts visitors with its historical and cultural monuments and impressive natural scenery. However, to have a complete trip to Hue, you should choose the right time to visit.

Spring (from January to March) is considered the ideal time to travel to Hue. During this period, the weather is cool and pleasant, not too hot nor too cold, suitable for sightseeing and exploring activities. The scenery of Hue in spring is also incredibly poetic with blooming flower gardens, adding a romantic touch to the city.

Additionally, visitors have the opportunity to participate in unique traditional festivals held in the spring, such as the Hue Festival and the Ao Dai Festival. These are unique cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss.

However, if you love the sea and want to enjoy vibrant summer days, you can visit Hue in the summer (from April to July). At this time, Hue has bright sunshine, blue sea, and white sand, suitable for swimming and recreational activities.

See more: The Best Time To Join Hue Tours: Plan your visit in detail

Top 10 Things to do in Hue 

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.

Enjoy roadside coffee and talk to locals 

Coffee is an important part of Vietnamese culture, especially in Hue. Hue people often spend time sitting at roadside cafes to chat, gossip and relax. Participating in this activity is a great way to experience local culture and immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the people here. When sitting at a roadside cafe, you have the opportunity to chat with local people and learn about their lives. This is a great way to make new friends and learn more about Hue culture.

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.

See more: North Vietnam Food – Ride To Northeastern Lands For An Amazing Discovery

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.

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.

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Visit Dong Ba market – Hue 

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.

Take a boat along the Perfume River 

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.

Check-in 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.

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 Motorcycle Tours Club.