What to do in Hue: 6 great suggestions for your perfect trip

Hue is an ideal destination for those who love ancient charm and the unique culture of Central Vietnam. If you’re wondering what to do in Hue, this article offers 6 inspiring activities to make your trip more complete and memorable.

Explore the Imperial Citadel and the Tombs

A trip to Hue wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Imperial City - the former political and cultural heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. This complex of palaces, gates, and ancient gardens preserves the finest essence of Vietnamese royal architecture, bearing deep historical and cultural significance.

After strolling through the Imperial City, continue your journey to the famous royal tombs such as Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh. Each reflects the distinct personality and architectural taste of its emperor, harmoniously blending with the surrounding natural landscape to create an atmosphere that is both majestic and poetic.

Visit Thien Mu Pagoda and watch the sunset

Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hue, sits gracefully on Ha Khe Hill overlooking the serene Perfume River. The seven-story Phuoc Duyen Tower makes it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. This sacred site is perfect for those seeking tranquility and a breathtaking spot to enjoy the sunset.

Dragon boat ride to listen to Hue folk songs on the Perfume River

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Hue is taking a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River while listening to Ca Hue — the city’s traditional folk music. Surrounded by the gentle rhythm of the water, the melodies of dan tranh and dan nguyet (Vietnamese traditional instruments) combined with the soulful voices of local artists will transport you back in time to the elegance and romance of the ancient capital.

Visit Thuy Xuan incense village

If you want to explore the beauty of traditional craft villages, Thuy Xuan incense village is an ideal stop. Located at the foot of Vong Canh hill, this place is famous for its incense making craft that has been around for hundreds of years. 

Along both sides of the road are colorful bundles of incense drying in the sun, creating a lively and artistic scene. Visitors can learn about the incense making process, try rolling incense themselves or buy some handmade incense bundles as souvenirs - a way to preserve the unique flavor of Hue.

Shopping at Dong Ba market

Dong Ba Market is the largest and busiest market in Hue. Here you can clearly feel the local life. This is not only a shopping paradise with all kinds of goods such as conical hats, silk, Hue specialties to handicrafts, but the market is also a place for you to enjoy rustic cuisine at affordable prices. Walking around the market, listening to the vendors' calls and chatting with Hue people, you will see a very different Hue: close, sincere and full of life.

Enjoying the cuisine

Hue cuisine is a subtle blend of the elegance of royal cuisine and the rustic flavors of street food. Just a stroll through the small alleys, you will easily come across the typical dishes that have made this land famous such as spicy Hue beef noodle soup, shrimp cake, rustic mussel rice or fragrant grilled spring rolls.

Each dish is not only attractive for its flavor but also shows the ingenuity and meticulousness in the preparation and presentation. Enjoying Hue cuisine is the most complete way to feel the soul of the ancient capital - delicate, profound and full of identity.

With the 6 suggested activities above, you will have a more complete view of the beauty and pace of life of Hue. Whether traveling alone or with relatives, the ancient capital always brings peaceful and memorable moments.

>> Plan your perfect getaway with advice from our Travel guide.