Hue

Travel Guide

Thien Mu Pagoda which includes a temple or place of worship, heritage architecture and religious elements
Imperial City which includes a temple or place of worship, heritage elements and a park
Hue which includes a river or creek, a city and a bridge
Imperial City showing heritage architecture
Hue

Explore the fortresses and palaces, lake-side tombs, boulevards lined with stunning flame trees and the acclaimed royal cuisine of this historic Vietnamese city.

Set on the picturesque Perfume River, the ancient city of Hue is a dramatic monument to ages past, both triumphant and tragic. Come to this historic capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to wander tranquil tree-lined boulevards, visit stately tombs and experience one of Vietnam’s most acclaimed culinary traditions.

Hue rose to prominence as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled over a united Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The city suffered damage during the First Indochina War and was devastated during the war with America. Reconstruction has been ongoing ever since.

The north side of the river is dominated by the Imperial City (Kinh Thanh Hue), a complex encircled by 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) of wall and moat. Stroll around this tranquil area and admire the elegant architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty. Step into the Imperial Enclosure, and explore the various temples, residences, ruins and gardens. At the heart of the enclosure you will find the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City.

Take a cruise or a taxi ride to see the extravagant royal tombs along the south side of the river. These opulent Nguyen-era mausoleums are remarkable examples of Imperial Vietnamese design. Don’t miss the enchanting Tomb of Tu Duc, which was designed to represent a “lifetime dream” with its vast pine forest and serene lake. On the northern bank of the river is the Thien Mu Pagoda, the tallest pagoda in Vietnam.

Hue is renowned for its cuisine, a legacy from the Imperial era. Treat yourself to an Imperial Banquet, and don’t miss other local specialties such as beef and pig's knuckle vermicelli and delicious savory pancakes.

Hue is accessible from Ho Chi Minh City by road and rail, and it is just 16 kilometres (10 miles) from the airport at Phu Bai. Adventurous travellers will enjoy a motorbike tour of the city or the nearby Hai Van Pass. The surrounding area is worth exploring as well, offering charming local villages and relaxing hot springs.

Where to stay in Hue

Hue City Centre showing heritage architecture and a city

Hue City Centre

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Hue City Centre include the historic sites and cafes. Make a stop by Hue Night Walking Street or Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

Hue City Centre
Thanh Toan Bridge which includes a bridge

Vĩnh Ninh

While visiting Vĩnh Ninh, you might make a stop by sights like National School and Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street.

Vĩnh Ninh
Vietnam

Phú Hội

If you're spending some time in Phú Hội, Hue Night Walking Street and Perfume River are top sights worth seeing.

Phú Hội
Hue City Centre showing a city

Phú Nhuận

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Phú Nhuận and surrounding area, you can visit Hue Night Walking Street and Dong Ba Market.

Phú Nhuận
Imperial City which includes a temple or place of worship

Đông Ba

If you're spending some time in Đông Ba, Imperial City and Dong Ba Market are top sights worth seeing.

Đông Ba
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Vỹ Dạ

If you're spending some time in Vỹ Dạ, Con Hen and Perfume River are top sights worth seeing.

Vỹ Dạ
Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa
Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa
5 out of 5
05 Truong Sa Street, Hoa Hai Ward, Da Nang
The price is P10,293 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P10,293
P11,673 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Da Nang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Great location and nice beachfront property."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa
Awaken Danang Hotel
Awaken Danang Hotel
5 out of 5
148 Vo Nguyen Giap, Da Nang
The price is P3,860 per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
P3,860
P4,378 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Da Nang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions My Khe Beach and Han Market are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (261 reviews)
"Clean and new. Good location across the street from the beach. Good breakfast, I can't understand anyone complaining about the breakfast. The pool is very clean if a bit cool because it is fully under a roof. Excellent housekeeping because any sand we brought back from the beach was gone after the ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Awaken Danang Hotel
HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa
HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
278 Vo Nguyen Giap, Da Nang
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Da Nang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Great location on the beach"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

HAIAN Beach Hotel & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Amy Apartment Hue
Amy Apartment Hue
4 out of 5
17E2, Duong 01, Hue, Thua Thien-Hue Province
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions An Dinh Palace and Hue Night Walking Street ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"Bedroom was clean. Bathroom was clean. Room was spacious. Wi-Fi internet connection was approximately 20mbs. A comfortable stay. A bit away from central Hue, but it’s a great value. I would definitely recommend to friends and family."

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2023

Amy Apartment Hue
TORI HOMESTAY
TORI HOMESTAY
3 out of 5
B40 Kim Lien Street, Vy Da Ward, Hue, Hue City
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Hue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Hue Night Walking Street and Con Hen are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Friendly and helpful host, and the room was clean, and comfortable which was really goos value for money. Little bit out of the centre (50 min walk to train station/imperial city) but easy to get around using grab etc, if not using your own transport."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2025

TORI HOMESTAY
Iris Hill Villa Hue
Iris Hill Villa Hue
3.5 out of 5
KIET 82 QUANG TE, P .THUY XUAN, TP HUE, Hue, THUA THIEN HUE
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Hue. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Tu Hieu Pagoda and Nam Giao Esplanade are located ...
Iris Hill Villa Hue
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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