Hue see and do guide

An independent selection of the best things to see and do in Hue. No paid placements, no advertorial.

Hue see and do guide

Introduction

| 13 Nov 2018
Last updated 13 Nov 2018

Hue has more tourist sights than any other place in Vietnam. But more than most places, Hue is about how you travel rather than how many sights you tick off. This is a special city - spend some time getting to know its intriguing royal history, its spiritual heritage and its connection to all the major strands of Vietnam’s modern history. A lot of incredible things have happened here from the unification of the country in 1802 to the King's abdication in favour of Ho Chi Minh in 1945 to the Tet Offensive Battle of Hue in 1968 - and much more.  Ride a bicycle and bring your camera - this is one of the most photogenic places in Vietnam. Our independent guide will take you beyond the most obvious of Hue’s sites to heart and soul of its incredible story.

Our handpicked list of the best things to see and do in Hue was updated in November 2018.

Hue - the alternative tour

Hue is central to everything in Vietnam's modern history - dynastic history, Buddhism, Catholicism, the coup of 1963 and the... Read more

Hue Citadel

Hue’s Imperial Citadel is the centrepiece attraction of the former royal capital. It was the home of Vietnam’s last royal... Read more
Hue Citadel
23 Thang 8, Hue
200,000VND - audio tour exra

Khai Dinh's Tomb

Khai Dinh was the last of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors to have a grand mausoleum built in his honour. His is the most bizarre,... Read more

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Khai Dinh's Tomb
Chan Chu, Hue
100,000VND

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Tu Hieu Pagoda, Hue

One of Hue's most important pagodas, Tu Hieu counts celebrated Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh amongst its alumni. Read more

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Tu Hieu Pagoda, Hue
Le Ngo Cat, Hue

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Thien Mu Pagoda

Hue's oldest pagoda, Thien Mu - also known as Linh Mu, is one of the city's most beautiful places. Early mornings and late... Read more

Tu Duc's Tomb

Many view Tu Duc's Tomb, with its traditional Chinese style layout, to be the most beautiful of the Nguyen Dynasty Tombs. Untll... Read more

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Tu Duc's Tomb
Huyen Tran Cong Chua St, Hue
100,000VND

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Minh Mang's Tomb

A little further out of town, a new bridge has made Minh Mang's Tomb far more accessible. Until recent years it was accessible... Read more

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Minh Mang's Tomb
Follow Minh Mang Rd to Hue City bypass and cross the river
100,000VND

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Nam Giao, Hue

Hue's answer to Beijing's Temple of Heaven may be modest in the extreme - but it's worth taking a short wander around this... Read more

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Nam Giao, Hue
Le Ngo Cat Hue - at the end of both Dien Bien Phu and Phan Boi Chau Streets
Free

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Dieu De Pagoda, Hue

Dieu De Pagoda is a lovely serene spot on Bach Dang St near the eastern gate of the citadel. It's a good place to incorporate... Read more

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Dieu De Pagoda, Hue
Bach Dang St Hue
Free

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National School, Hue

A great stop to include in an afternoon walk along the Perfume River. The National School is probably Vietnam's most historic... Read more

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National School, Hue
Le Loi St, Hue, Vietnam
Free

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Ho Quyen Royal Arena

Ho Quyen is worth visiting in part because so few travellers do. And the remains are in remarkably good shape - and have not yet... Read more

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Ho Quyen Royal Arena
Off Bui Thi Xuan St
Free

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Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hue

One for the Ho Chi Minh or museum fanatics. It's on the main road so there's no harm in stopping. Very similar to the Ho Chi... Read more

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Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hue
Le Loi St, Hue, Vietnam not far past the National School

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Thuan An Beach Hue

For those with plenty of time, the journey to Thuan An Beach is easy and takes you through some nice villages and countryside.... Read more

Hue Provincial Museum - military exhibit

Close by the citadel in an impressive setting, the provincial museum's military exhibit will be of interest to those seeking... Read more

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Hue Provincial Museum - military exhibit
3 Le Truc St, Hue
50,000VND

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Art Galleries in Hue

A look at two unique art galleries in Hue. The first, Boi Tran, combines pieces by the owner with pieces from some of Vietnam's... Read more

DMZ day trip from Hue

The DMZ day trip from Hue may be popular, but whether you're a casual visitor or a history buff, it's a not an entirely... Read more

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DMZ day trip from Hue
From Dong Ha, 75kms north of Hue

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Royal Antiquities Museum, Hue

Hue's Royal Antiquities Museum was recently relocated to a newly renovated palace at its previous address by the citadel. It may... Read more

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Royal Antiquities Museum, Hue
3 Le Truc St, Hue
50,000VND

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Tu Cung Residence, Hue

The residence of Hue's last Queen Mother, Tu Cung, may be the most important historic sight in Hue you've never heard of. Read more

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Tu Cung Residence, Hue
145 Phan Dinh Phung St, Hue

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Hue's historic churches

Phu Cam and Our Lady of Perpetual Help churches in downtown Hue have played an important role in Vietnam's modern history. While... Read more

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Hue's historic churches
Phu Cam - Doan Huu Trong St. OLPH - Nguyen Hue St

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Gia Long's Tomb, Hue

Remoteness has meant that the tomb of Gia Long, the man who established Vietnam’s capital in Hue, sees few travellers - all the... Read more

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Gia Long's Tomb, Hue
18kms from town along the river
100k - arbitrary payment to guard

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An Dinh Palace, Hue

Built by his father Khai Dinh, An Dinh Palace was the last Hue abode of Bao Dai, the last Nguyen Dynasty King. He lived here... Read more

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An Dinh Palace, Hue
97 Phan Dinh Phung St, Hue - or at the rear on Nguyen Hue St

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Garden Houses, Hue

Hue’s garden houses are a lovely, less well-known feature of the city’s heritage. Two favourites, An Hien and Xuan Vien Tien... Read more

Cycling in Hue Vietnam

Hue is one of the best places in Vietnam for cycling. You can easily visit the main sights by bike. Head off the man roads to... Read more