Best Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam: Exploring the Imperial City

Last Updated: October 2026

Hue, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, is one of the country’s most fascinating historical destinations. Situated along the banks of the Perfume River in Central Vietnam, this beautiful city is famous for its magnificent Imperial City, ancient pagodas and elaborate royal tombs.

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Although many of its historic buildings were damaged or destroyed during the Vietnam War, the city still has an incredible collection of cultural and historical attractions. Its Complex of Hue Monuments was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

We visited Hue during our two-week trip through Vietnam, travelling from Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass. Unfortunately, we only had one day to explore, and we quickly realised that Hue deserved much more time!

From wandering through the ancient Imperial City to discovering the magnificent tombs of Vietnam’s former emperors, there is so much to see and do.

If you’re planning a short visit, here are five of the best things to do in Hue, Vietnam, along with our experiences and tips to help you make the most of your time.

Best Things to Do in Hue

1. Drive Along the Hai Van Pass

If you’re travelling to Hue from Da Nang or Hoi An, make sure you take the scenic route over the spectacular Hai Van Pass!

This 21-kilometre mountain pass winds through the Trường Sơn mountain range and is widely considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful coastal drives.

The road twists around sharp bends, offering breathtaking views of the sea on one side and lush green mountains on the other. We were lucky enough to visit on a clear day, although the pass is often shrouded in mist and clouds, which can make driving more challenging.

If you’re not a confident driver, I’d recommend hiring a local driver. That’s exactly what we did, and it meant we could both relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery without worrying about navigating the winding road! At approximately 500 metres above sea level, the summit offers panoramic views and several historic fortifications, including structures dating from the French colonial period and the Vietnam War.

Descending towards Hue, you’ll pass the beautiful coastal town of Lang Co, with its sandy beaches and stunning lagoon scenery.

Alternatively, you can travel through the 6.3-kilometre Hai Van Tunnel, which provides a much faster route between Da Nang and Hue. However, you’ll miss out on those incredible mountain and coastal views! Motorbikes are generally not permitted through the tunnel and must use alternative transport arrangements.

Travelling from Hoi An? Don’t miss our guide to the best things to do in Hoi An, one of our favourite destinations in Vietnam!

2. Explore the Imperial City

The Imperial City is one of Hue’s most impressive attractions and an absolute must-see when visiting the former imperial capital. Surrounded by imposing walls and a moat, this vast complex was once the political and ceremonial centre of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945.

Located on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the Imperial City is home to magnificent gates, royal palaces, temples, courtyards and beautiful gardens. Within its walls lies the Forbidden Purple City, which was once reserved for the emperor, his family and members of the royal court.

Sadly, much of the complex was severely damaged during the Vietnam War, particularly during the Battle of Hue in 1968. However, extensive restoration work has helped bring many of its historic buildings back to life, with further conservation projects continuing.

Some of the highlights include the impressive Ngo Mon Gate, the beautifully restored Thai Hoa Palace, the To Mieu Temple Complex, Co Ha Gardens and Hien Nhon Gate.

Allow at least two to three hours to explore the Imperial City, as the complex is enormous and there’s plenty to discover around every corner.

Love ancient temples? Read about our sunrise visit to My Son Sanctuary, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site near Hoi An.

3- Check out the Thien Mu Pagoda

This beautiful, seven-story pagoda was built on top of Ha Khe Hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River. Building began in 1601, on the order of the first Nguyễn lords, Nguyễn Hoàng, the governor of Huế at the time. Since then it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times.

The pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital and it’s the tallest religious building in Vietnam. It has a stunning architecture, along with beautiful views out over the Perfume River. But it’s also a site of political significance. During the Buddhist crisis of 1963, the pagoda became a major organising point for the Buddhist movement. It was often the location of mass protest, hunger strikes and barricades.

In the grounds of the temple, you’ll find a garage housing the Blue Austin vehicle used by the Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc to drive to Saigon in 1963. Once there, he set himself on fire at a busy intersection to protest against the Diệm regime. A Pulitzer winning photo of him performing the act went all around the world, bringing attention to the policies of the Diệm government. In the background of that photo, you will notice the parked blue car.

4- Visit the tombs of the emperors

There are seven royal tombs scattered around Hue’s countryside, housing the remains of Emperors from the Nguyen dynasty period. The tombs are extravagant mausoleums that were designed and built during each emperor’s lifetime. The most popular tombs to visit are the Minh Mang tomb, Tu Duc tomb and Khai Dinh tomb (the last of the imperial tombs in Vietnam).

Khai Dinh tomb

Tu Duc Tomb

Minh Mang tomb

5- Take a boat tour on the Perfume River

The Perfume river flows through the heart of Hue and the historic sights of this ancient city surround it. During autumn, blossoms from the nearby orchards fall into the river, producing a unique fragrance that gives the river its name. A great way to enjoy the city is by taking a dragon boat tour along the river. You can relax, take in the beautiful views and visit some of the major tourist sites accessible by boat.

Although we are glad we made it to Hue, our time there was a little rushed. There are so many things to see and with just one day we barely scratched the surface. If you have time we would recommend staying for at least a couple more days. It will give you more time to explore the sights and to learn more about the city’s history.

How to Get to Hue

Hue is located in Central Vietnam, approximately 125 kilometres from Hoi An and 100 kilometres from Da Nang.

By Plane: Phu Bai International Airport is around 15 kilometres from the city centre, with domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

By Train: Hue is connected to Vietnam’s main railway network. The scenic train journey from Da Nang takes approximately 2.5–3 hours.

By Bus: Regular buses and tourist vans connect Hue with Hoi An, Da Nang and other major destinations.

By Private Car: Hiring a driver from Hoi An or Da Nang is a great option, allowing you to enjoy the spectacular Hai Van Pass along the way. That’s what we did, and we’d highly recommend it!

How to Get Around Hue

Walking: The city centre and riverside are easy to explore on foot, but many attractions are too far apart to walk between.

Grab or Taxi: Convenient and affordable for getting around the city.

Private Driver: Ideal for visiting the Imperial City, royal tombs and Thien Mu Pagoda in one day.

Bicycle or Motorbike: Available to rent for independent exploring.

Dragon Boat: A scenic way to travel along the Perfume River, with some cruises stopping at Thien Mu Pagoda.

Best Time to Visit Hue

The best time to visit Hue is between February and April, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is generally low, making it ideal for exploring the Imperial City and royal tombs.

From May to August, the weather becomes very hot and humid. The rainy season runs from September to December, with October and November bringing the heaviest rainfall and occasional flooding.

How Many Days Do You Need in Hue?

I’d recommend spending two days in Hue to explore the Imperial City, royal tombs and pagodas without rushing.

We only had one day in Hue, and although we managed to see several highlights, we definitely wished we’d stayed longer! If you’re short on time, one full day is still worthwhile, especially with a private driver to help you get around.

Where to Stay in Hue

Hue has a great range of accommodation, from affordable boutique hotels to beautiful luxury properties overlooking the Perfume River. For a short visit, I’d recommend staying in the city centre, preferably on the southern side of the river, where you’ll have easy access to restaurants, cafés and the main attractions.

Here are three accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Budget – Hotel La Perle

For travellers looking for affordable accommodation without sacrificing comfort, Hotel La Perle is an excellent choice. Tucked away in a quiet lane in central Hue, this small hotel offers comfortable rooms, friendly service and a convenient location within walking distance of restaurants and the riverfront.

Mid-range – Senna Hue Hotel

Senna Hue Hotel is a lovely option for those wanting a little extra comfort. This elegant hotel features spacious rooms, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a spa and attractive gardens. Its central location makes it a convenient base for sightseeing, while the pool is perfect for cooling off after a hot day exploring Hue.

Luxury – Azerai La Residence Hue

For a special stay, Azerai La Residence Hue is hard to beat. Set in a beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco building overlooking the Perfume River, this luxurious hotel combines colonial-era charm with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a stunning riverside swimming pool, landscaped gardens, a spa and elegant dining facilities. It’s a wonderful choice for couples looking for somewhere memorable to stay in Hue.

Tours and Activities

Frequently Asked Questions About Hue

Is Hue worth visiting?

Absolutely! Hue is one of Vietnam’s most fascinating historical cities, with its impressive Imperial City, royal tombs and beautiful pagodas. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture.

Can you visit Hue in one day?

Yes, although it will be a busy day! We managed to see several highlights in one day, but two days would allow you to explore at a more relaxed pace.

Is Hue better than Hoi An?

Both are worth visiting for different reasons. Hue is best for history, imperial architecture and royal tombs, while Hoi An is famous for its charming Old Town, lantern-lit streets and relaxed atmosphere.

Can you visit Hue as a day trip from Hoi An?

Yes, but it’s a long day, with approximately 2.5–3 hours of driving each way. If possible, we’d recommend staying overnight in Hue rather than rushing back to Hoi An.

Exploring more of Vietnam? Discover how we spent 48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City, or follow our two-week Vietnam itinerary for inspiration on planning your trip.

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