Hue: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Hue is a city rich in history and stories. The Nguyen Dynasty kings established their feudal capital along Hue’s fertile riverbanks and forested hills, leaving behind an impressive imperial legacy. However, this is just one of the many reasons to visit. Hue’s exquisite cuisine is legendary, and its verdant streets are adorned with moss-covered pagodas, art déco mansions, and vibrant markets. The Perfume River meanders through the city, setting a relaxed pace that permeates the entire scene.

History of Hue

Ancient Origins of Hue

Hue’s history dates back to ancient times when it was part of the Champa Kingdom. The region’s fertile lands and strategic location made it a significant area for various Vietnamese dynasties.

Hue and the Nguyen Dynasty

In the early 19th century, Hue became the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Emperor Gia Long established the city as the political, cultural, and religious center of the nation. The construction of the Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates, symbolized the dynasty’s power and influence.

French Colonial Influence in Hue

During the mid-19th century, French colonial forces took control of Vietnam, including Hue. The city remained an important administrative center, with French architecture blending with traditional Vietnamese styles. The period saw significant changes in infrastructure and cultural exchanges.

Hue During the Vietnam War

Hue played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. The city was the site of the Battle of Hue in 1968, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war. The conflict caused extensive damage to the city and its historical monuments, many of which have since been restored.

Modern Day Hue

Today, Hue is recognized for its historical significance and cultural heritage. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors worldwide. The city’s rich history is preserved in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions, making it a vibrant destination for those looking to explore Vietnam’s past and present.

Visiting Hue for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Hue on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Hue not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Hue and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market, located near the northern bank of the Perfume River, is one of Hue’s most vibrant and oldest traditional markets. Established in the 19th century during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, Dong Ba has grown to become a bustling hub for locals and tourists alike. Known for its sprawling maze of stalls, […]

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Location: Dong Ba Market, Phú Hòa, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Hours: Day Market from 7.30AM - 5.30PM; Mon to Sun Night Market from 6:00PM - 5:00AM Next Day | Distance: 0.6km

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Visiting Dong Ba Market

Click here to read our blog about 24 Hours in Hue: Your Ultimate One Day Itinerary

Perfume River

CC BY-SA 3.0 / BluesyPete

The Perfume River (Vietnamese: Sông Hương or Hương Giang) flows through Huế, the capital city in the central Vietnamese province of Thừa Thiên Huế. Stretching approximately 80 kilometers, the river gets its name from the fragrant plants that line its banks, releasing a pure and fresh aroma as it meanders toward the city. Origin of […]

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Location: Perfume River, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Perfume River

Phu Van Tower

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Xiquinho Silva

Phu Van Lau, also known as Phu Van Tower, is a significant historical structure located on the main axis of Hue Imperial City, directly in front of the Flag Tower and overlooking the Perfume River. Built in 1819 during the reign of King Gia Long, this two-story tower served as a place to display important […]

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Location: Phu Van Lau, Lê Duẩn Phú Thuân Thành phố Huế Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Phu Van Tower

Nine Holy Cannons of Nguyen Dynasty

Public Domain / Lưu Ly

The Nine Holy Cannons (Cửu Vị Thần Công) are a renowned landmark in Hue and a symbol of the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. Cast between 1803 and 1804 at the command of Emperor Gia Long, these cannons, also known as the “Nine Gods,” are celebrated as masterpieces of bronze art and are considered the […]

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Location: Nine Holy Cannons, P, Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.0km

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Visiting Nine Holy Cannons of Nguyen Dynasty

Noon Gate (Hien Nhan Gate)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên

Hien Nhan Gate is one of the significant gates in the Hue Imperial Citadel, part of the complex of structures that make up the historic capital of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue, Vietnam. The gate is one of the smaller, lesser-known gates compared to the more prominent ones like Ngo Mon Gate, but it still […]

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Location: Hien Nhon Gate, Đoàn Thị Điểm, Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.1km

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Visiting Noon Gate (Hien Nhan Gate)

The Royal Theatre (Duyệt Thị Đường)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Francisco Anzola

Duyệt Thị Đường (Royal Theater) is an important historical site located southeast of the within the . Built in 1826 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, this theater was initially intended exclusively for the royal family, making it a significant cultural landmark of the Nguyen Dynasty. Duyệt Thị Đường holds the distinction of being […]

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Location: Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater FHCH+4C6, Đoàn Thị Điểm Phú Hậu Thành phố Huế Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting The Royal Theatre (Duyệt Thị Đường)

Hall of Supreme Harmony (Thai Hoa Palace)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Thai Hoa Palace, or Hall of Supreme Harmony, is an integral part of the Hue Imperial City, an ancient walled complex dating back to the 19th century. This historic area served as the residence of the royal family and included a variety of structures such as palaces, shrines, offices, and gardens. Located in the outer […]

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Location: Thái Hòa Palace, Hai Mươi Ba Tháng Tám, Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.3km

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Visiting Hall of Supreme Harmony (Thai Hoa Palace)

Nhat Thanh Lau

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Suicasmo

Nhat Thanh Lau is a historically significant two-story building located in the eastern part of the Hue Imperial City, specifically to the east of Can Thanh Palace and south of Thai Binh Lau. This site originally served as the location of Minh Than Palace. According to historical accounts, Nhat Thanh Lau functioned as a Buddha […]

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Location: Nhật Thành Lâu, Phú Hậu, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.4km

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Visiting Nhat Thanh Lau

Hien Lam Pavilion

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Supanut Arunoprayote

The Hien Lam Pavilion, also known as the Pavilion of Splendour or Pavilion of the Glorious Coming, is a significant historical structure located in the center of the Dynastic Temple’s courtyard within the Hue Citadel, in the southwest corner of the Imperial Enclosure. Built in 1824 by Emperor Minh Mang, this three-story pavilion serves as […]

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Location: Hien Lam Pavilion, Hai Mươi Ba Tháng Tám, Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.4km

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Visiting Hien Lam Pavilion

The Royal Library (Thai Binh Lau)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

The Royal Library, constructed by Emperor Minh Mang in 1821, is a serene and culturally significant structure located in the northeastern quarter of the Forbidden Purple City within the Hue Imperial City complex. Originally designed as a personal retreat for the emperor, the library served as a quiet sanctuary where he could immerse himself in […]

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Location: Thai Binh Pavilion, Đoàn Thị Điểm Phú Hậu Thành phố Huế Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam | Distance: 1.4km

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Visiting The Royal Library (Thai Binh Lau)

Halls of the Mandarins

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

The Halls of the Mandarins are located just behind Thai Hoa Palace, flanking either side of a paved courtyard. These halls played a significant role in the imperial court, serving as offices and preparation areas for the mandarins before they attended court ceremonies. One hall was designated for military mandarins, while the other was reserved […]

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Visiting Halls of the Mandarins

Forbidden Purple City

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Aleksey Gnilenkov

The Forbidden Purple City, inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City, was once a magnificent part of the imperial complex. The emperor would have entered this secluded area from Thai Hoa Palace, passing through the Great Golden Gate. Enclosed by a low wall, the Forbidden Purple City contained residential palaces, quarters for the state physician and royal […]

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Visiting Forbidden Purple City

Hung Mieu Temple

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Suicasmo

Hung Mieu Temple, constructed in 1821 by Emperor Minh Mang, was built to honor his grandparents. This temple, located within the Imperial City of Huế, is renowned for its refined design and exquisite roof carvings, which reflect the artistic sophistication of the Nguyen Dynasty. The temple suffered significant damage from a fire in 1947, but […]

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Location: Hung Mieu Temple, Lê Huân, Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.5km

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Visiting Hung Mieu Temple

Mieu Temple

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Adam

The Mieu Temple, also known as Thế Miếu or Thế Tổ Miếu, is a significant Confucian royal ancestral shrine located within the Imperial City of Huế. Constructed between 1822 and 1823 by Emperor Minh Mạng, the temple was built to honor and worship the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, from Gia Long to Khai Dinh. […]

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Location: The To Temple, Lê Huân Phú Hậu Thành phố Huế Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam | Distance: 1.5km

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Visiting Mieu Temple

The Tower of Peace

CC BY-SA 1.0 / Trần Anh Đức

Tu Phuong Vo Su Tower is a notable two-story architectural structure located on the Bac Khuyet platform of the Hue Imperial Citadel, near Hoa Binh Gate, the north gate of the Imperial City. Built in 1923 under the reign of King Khai Dinh, the tower was constructed to prepare for the “Tu tuan dai khanh […]

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Location: Lầu Tứ Phương Vô Sự, Đặng Thái Thân, Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.6km

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Visiting The Tower of Peace

Dien Tho Residence

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Suicasmo

The Dien Tho Residence, originally constructed in 1804, served as the apartments and audience hall for the Queen Mothers of the Nguyen Dynasty within the Imperial City of Huế. This partially ruined yet stunning complex provides a glimpse into the royal lifestyle of the era. The residence, located in the northeastern part of the Imperial […]

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Location: Dien Tho Palace 75 Lê Huân Phú Hậu Thành phố Huế Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam | Distance: 1.6km

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Visiting Dien Tho Residence

Cung Truong Sanh (Grand Queen Mother’s Residence)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Vinhtantran

Cung Trường Sanh, also known as the Grand Queen Mother’s Residence, is an important part of the Hue Imperial Citadel, located in the northwest section of the complex. Originally built in 1821 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, it was initially intended as a flower garden where the Nguyen Dynasty kings could invite their […]

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Location: Cung Trường Sanh, Lê Huân, Thuận Thành, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 1.7km

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Visiting Cung Truong Sanh (Grand Queen Mother’s Residence)

Imperial Citadel, Hue

The Imperial Citadel in Hue, Vietnam, stands as a remarkable relic of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled the country from 1802 to 1945. This sprawling complex, encircled by thick walls and a protective moat, served as the political and cultural heart of imperial Vietnam. Constructed in the early 19th century under Emperor Gia Long, the […]

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Location: Imperial City, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Hours: April - September : from 6:30 AM to 18:00 October - March: 7:00 AM to 17:30 | Price: 200,000 (£7) | Website | Imperial Citadel Walking Tour | Distance: 2.1km

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Visiting Imperial Citadel, Hue

Hue Ancient Tiger Arena (Hổ Quyền)

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Public Domain

Across the Perfume River from the Thiên Mụ temple lies an unusual historic site that many visitors overlook. Winding through the narrow residential alleys of Trường Đá village, you’ll eventually reach the end of the street, where the imposing Tiger Arena—an enclosure surrounded by 16-foot-tall walls—suddenly appears. Though it resembles an ancient Roman arena, this […]

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Location: Ho Quyen, Bùi Thị Xuân, Thủy Biều, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 4.4km

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Visiting Hue Ancient Tiger Arena (Hổ Quyền)

Tomb of Tu Duc

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên

Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb is one of the most significant and beautifully designed mausoleums of the Nguyen Dynasty, located about 8 kilometers from Hue, Vietnam. Built for Tu Duc, who reigned from 1847 to 1883, the tomb is a remarkable reflection of the emperor’s personality, his love for poetry, and his passion for nature. Tu […]

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Location: Tu Duc Tomb, Cầu Đông Ba, thôn Thượng, Thủy Xuân, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm daily | Price: 150,000 VND per adult | Distance: 4.6km

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Visiting Tomb of Tu Duc

Thien Mu Pagoda

CC BY-SA 3.0 / LÊ TẤN LỘC

Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is an ancient and significant Buddhist temple located on Ha Khe Hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, about 5 kilometers west of Hue city center in Vietnam. Established in 1601 during the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen Lord in Dang […]

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Location: Thien Mu Pagoda, Huế, Hương Long, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Hours: 8AM–6PM | Price: Free | Distance: 5.1km

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Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda

Thanh Toan Bridge

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Contributeur2019

Thanh Toan Bridge is a charming historical site located about 6km southeast of the city center. This picturesque wooden bridge, built in the late 18th century, is renowned for its unique architecture and scenic surroundings. Spanning a serene canal, the bridge features traditional Vietnamese design elements, including a curved roof and intricate carvings that reflect […]

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Location: Thanh Toàn Bridge, Lang Xá Bàu Hương Thủy Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam | Distance: 5.6km

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Visiting Thanh Toan Bridge

Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh

CC BY-SA 2.0 / dronepicr

The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh is a remarkable royal burial site located in the hills outside of Hue, Vietnam. Built for the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, Khai Dinh, who reigned from 1916 to 1925, this mausoleum is known for its unique blend of traditional Vietnamese and European architectural styles, reflecting the emperor’s […]

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Location: Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, Thủy Bằng, Hương Thủy, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Hours: 7 AM and 5 PM | Price: 150,000 VND Adult | Distance: 7.6km

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Visiting Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh

Minh Mang Tomb (Mausoleum of Minh Mang)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / CEphoto, Uwe Aranas

Minh Mang Tomb (Mausoleum of Minh Mang) is one of the most significant royal burial sites of the Nguyen Dynasty, located in the outskirts of Hue, Vietnam. Built for Emperor Minh Mang, who reigned from 1820 to 1841, the tomb is renowned for its harmonious architecture, intricate design, and beautiful natural setting, reflecting the emperor’s […]

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Location: Hiếu Lăng - lăng mộ Minh Mạng Đế, Hương Thọ, Hương Trà District, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30 am to 5 pm | Price: 150,000 VND Adults (Combined Tickets 420,000 VND) | Distance: 9.1km

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Visiting Minh Mang Tomb (Mausoleum of Minh Mang)

Bach Ma National Park

CC BY-SA 2.0 / tpp1001

Renowned as a paradise for nature lovers, Bach Ma National Park is celebrated not only for its role in protecting rare ecosystems but also for its captivating and serene natural beauty. Famous for its semi-tropical rainforest and refreshing climate, the park provides an ideal retreat for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the wild beauty […]

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Location: Bạch Mã National Park, Lộc Trì, Phú Lộc, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 42.7km

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Visiting Bach Ma National Park

Hai Van Pass

CC BY-SA 2.0 / rhjpage

The Hai Van Pass is a breathtaking mountain road that has earned its place as a must-see destination for travelers in Vietnam, particularly for those visiting Da Nang. Recognized widely after it was featured in the popular TV show Top Gear, the pass attracts adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Spanning approximately 21 kilometers, […]

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Location: Hải Vân Pass, Lăng Cô, Phú Lộc, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam | Distance: 65.1km

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Visiting Hai Van Pass

Vietnam’s Demilitarized Zone

CC BY-SA 2.0 / LÊ TẤN LỘC

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Vietnam marks the former boundary between North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, stretching across the narrowest part of the country near the 17th parallel. Established as part of the Geneva Accords in 1954, the DMZ was meant to create a temporary dividing line for two distinct governments, with […]

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Visiting Vietnam’s Demilitarized Zone