Top Things to do in Hue
Top 10 Historic Sites 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. Luc Bo Culture Space
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Luc Bo culture space belongs to Hue monument relics which was known as Phu Phu Chinh (the working place of mandarin). Since December 2015, this was become a destination for local people and tourist, a showroom of royal products and rebuilt traditional craft villages. This will be an ideal place, beautiful atmosphere to keep Hue memories.
Reviewed By andropopoulos - Mechelen, Belgium
We visited Luc Bo Cultural Space with our daughters of 7 and 9. They had a wonderful time painting their own conic hats and painting kites while we enjoyed a royal tea. Very friendly staff, eager to communicate and share some tips about Hue. Absolutely recomended! Perfect to combine with a visit of the imperial city of Hue as it just a 5 min. walk from the exit/entrance.
2. On the King's tracks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Enjoy a cruise on the Dragon Boat to go upstream the Perfume River and discover the surroundings of the city. When you will arrive at the different piers, you will go to discover the emperors' tombs and their secondary houses, without being carried by servants and followed by a procession, but in a more modern way; by car, by motorbike or by bicycle.
3. 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
4. Thai Hoa Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
This captivating palace, full of symbolic statues, is situated just inside the Citadel’s main entrance.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Just after crossing the magnificent "Cua Ngo Mon", the awesome "Noon Gate" of the Imperial Citadel, you will reach "Thái Hòa" - the "Palace of the Supreme Harmony". Built in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, it is a landmark of Hue Imperial Citadel. "Thái Hòa" is certainly the largest and most beautiful palace in the Citadel's complex. In its interior, the famous golden throne of the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, surrounded by innumerable red lacquered columns, with emblems of royal dragons. It was mainly used for the Imperial court's rituals, such as celebrations, anniversaries, weddings, coronations and diplomatic ceremonies. "Thái Hòa" palace was pretty much damaged during Vietnam War, but has been restored to its full beauty! And remember, Hue and its monumental complex was appointed by Unesco, in 1993, as a "World Heritage Site"! Another good reason to do not miss it! Enjoy!
5. 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.
6. Nine Dynastic Urns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Located within the Hue Citadel, between the Hiem Lam Pavilion and the Mieu Temple, they were cast between 1835-1837. The giant urns honor nine Nguyen Dynasty rulers, with the largest and most elaborate at center, dedicated to Gia Long, founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. Most definitely worth the walk to view.
7. 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.
8. Hue Temple
9. 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.
10. 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.
