Top Things to do in Hue
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Top 10 Things to do in Hue, Thua Thien - Hue Province
Hue is clustered around the Perfume River, which splits the capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty in two. There are endless must-see historic sites, especially those that are UNESCO World Heritage designated. Sightseeing can include the ornate Imperial Citadel, colorful Thanh Toan Bridge, royal tombs and the Forbidden Purple City. Spend a moment in quiet contemplation if you visit Hue Jungle Crevice, where thousands of citizens were pushed to their deaths.
Restaurants in Hue
1. Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,905 reviews
This former site of the old capitol has a moat and ten ornate gates guarding a palace, temples, gardens and tombs. Its most prominent feature is a tall flag tower.
Reviewed By 342iana - Rowville, Australia
Spent a few hours inside the grounds and so much history to take in and appreciate...a very peaceful and expansive experience..a must see destination if heading to Vietnam
2. Tomb of Minh Mang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,591 reviews
Reviewed By RG02 - Swindon, United Kingdom
This was the first of the three tombs that we visited with our private driver on our historical tour around Hue. Beautiful gardens and interesting buildings, you work your way from the entrance through to the final resting place. We didn’t hire an audio guide but felt there was sufficient explanation, in English, to satisfy us. Easy to spend a couple of hours here.
3. Royal Tombs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 953 reviews
Reviewed By AndrewH6332
Part of the imperial city citadel tour, we visited 3 ancient tombs of 3 kings of ancient Vietnam. Get a good guide, and he/she will explain why the 3 tombs are vastly different in styles and architecture, the religious beliefs that determine the layout of each tomb, and also all the interesting information of each king. You can’t say you have been to Hue if you have never visited the Imperial City Citadel and the Royal Tombs! This is a must visit!
4. Bach Ma National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Reviewed By Jonsey2
Did a day tour from Hue with TNT Travel (booked through sinh tourist). Cost 499k dong, including a really decent packed lunch. This option for me was much more straightforward and better value than getting dropped off at the visitor centre and then getting car from there. It was a great day. Views from the summit Tower are excellent. We got to walk through a cave tunnel used by vietnamese soldiers (all the fruit bats in there added to the experience). There is an easy or challenging path down to the 5 lakes, we did the challenging path. It involves some climbing along rocks, using ropes to hold on to, ladders. Everyone in our group loved it. Moderate level of fitness required, it's not too tough you just need to be OK with a bit of clambering and climbing. Though if it's rainy I would say it's much more slippery/difficult. There were no real issues with leeches, it was a dry day until near the end. Spotted 3 small leeches on the ground and on one of our groups' shoe. More annoying were the wasps at the 3rd lake (very persistent) and ants on the trail from there (they bite).
5. Thanh Toan Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 415 reviews
Vietnam Discovery Tours will bring you experience about real Vietnam.
Reviewed By Jen201701
Nice little ornate bridge ideal for photo opportunities....otherside is more art orientated with a temple which is worth a visit.
6. Imperial Tomb of Dong Khanh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 578 reviews
Reviewed By lizh215 - Lewes, United Kingdom
Do not miss this Imperial Tomb. Lots of steps but well worth the effort. Looks so bleak, dark and grey from the outside. Amazing statues in the courtyard and great views of the surrounding countryside. Inside is a fabulous decorated tomb, the ceiling is worth the visit on its own. Tomb and surrounding building covered in beautiful mosaics. Would have liked to have stayed longer and learnt more.
7. Hue Royal Palace
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 983 reviews
Charred remains of the royal family’s inner sanctum occupy this area within the Citadel. It is partially rebuilt with plans for future restoration.
Reviewed By O2046HElindaw - Tempe, United States
Beautiful, lots of history - Hue was the original capital of Vietnam under the Ly Dynasty, take a tour so you can get all the information and take your time. very impressive, too bad it was damaged during the war. Do the tuk tuk ride around the outside of the palace. It was strange for me to have someone ride me around but I did enjoy it.
8. Thien Mu Pagoda
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,766 reviews
Possibly Hue’s most recognizable landmark, this pagoda contains numerous living and working buildings for its resident monks, a bell tower and a seven-tiered monument in front.
Reviewed By jackih192 - Nelson, New Zealand
If you are wanting to visit a pagoda, this is a must. Iconic 7 tier pagoda plus grounds, other buildings and working monastery so you should get to see some monks around ranging from the fully fledged in sunshine colours the the student boys in blue, some appearing as young as 6 or 7 years old. We were privileged enough to be there at 11am when they he monks convened for ceremonial lunch and watched the full prayer ceremony culminating in them eating together. A fascinating insight into Buddhist life. This monastery is the origin of the Buddhist monk who set himself alight in Hanoi in the 60’s. You can view his Austin motor car and photographs of the event which attracted the Pulitzer Prize for reporting by the Wetsern NYT journalist who was present. Not to be missed, in my opinion.
9. Tomb of Tu Duc
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,063 reviews
The final resting-place of this Nguyen Dynasty emperor and scholar was built before his death. A lake, pavilion and theatre still exist on the grounds.
Reviewed By jocelynd62 - London, United Kingdom
Tu Duc built his tomb before he died, it is made to look like it is in the country side with a lake hills and trees, it is quite a large area and you get an inside into the lives of the Kings. There are statues of Mandarins, all smaller than life size, to show, not to out do the king!
10. Perfume River
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2,235 reviews
Reviewed By carolinejM650FJ - London, United Kingdom
Family of 4 with bikes: we biked from Hue to Thien Mu Pagoda, then we took a boat down river to Tomb of Tu Duc. That was a great idea and is highly recommended. The river is very pretty and it gave everyone a rest from the heat before getting on the bikes and and continue to the Tomb. After the Tomb visit we biked back into the city. It was a great day! Don't forget to bring drinks and snacks. Not much in terms of food on the road. But it's an easy bike ride. The Tomb of Tu Duc is highly under estimated in the Lonely Planet. It is a tremendous experience and left all of us utterly excited and moved. We were there at sunset. The tomb closes at 5 pm, so it is worth while arriving at least 1 h or 90 mins before closing.
