Hue In 3 Days - Suggested Itinerary and Plan
It is a major mistake for many travellers to spare only 1 day or 2 for Hue. Known as the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hue is charming in every step you take. 3 days is ideal if you wish to see Hue the real way.
Day 1: Hue Imperial City
Your first morning in Hue can be enchanting as you take a leisurely walk around the Hue Citadel and the Imperial City. This visit can easily take your whole morning and leave you pleasantly exhausted, ready for a fulfilling lunch. Numerous local eateries near Dong Ba Market are ideal for sampling delicious regional dishes.
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After a refreshing lunch break, consider cycling or hiring a motorbike taxi to Thien Mu Pagoda, situated along the idyllic Perfume River. The afternoon is the perfect time to soak in the serene atmosphere of the pagoda. As you make your way back, the sunset views from and of the Trang Tien Bridge provide a breathtaking backdrop not to be missed.
Day 2: Royal Tombs
Weather permitting, this can be a day full of adventure and discovery. You can rent a bicycle to explore areas beyond central Hue. Head along Le Loi Road until you reach Dien Bien Phu. At the end of this street, you will discover a wealth of must-see attractions such as Nam Giao Esplanade, Tu Hieu Pagoda, and the tombs of the emperors: Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, Thieu Tri, and Minh Mang, each steeped in history and unique architectural style. This bike trip can easily fill your day, so be sure to bring plenty of water and a packed lunch. For those less inclined to bike, renting a motorbike or opting for a cyclo ride is a worthwhile alternative.
As night falls, don’t miss the opportunity for a boat trip along the Perfume River. Here, you can savor royal cuisine while enjoying live performances of traditional royal music, immersing yourself in the tranquil ambiance that reflects the life of the former kings.
Day 3: Beyond the city
Thuan An Beach is located about 13km from Hue's city center and offers a more serene alternative compared to busier spots like Hoi An and Nha Trang. The calm waters provide an excellent swimming experience, and several seafood restaurants nearby serve fresh, affordable fare.
For the remainder of the day, wander around downtown Hue, savoring Banh Nam, Banh Loc, and other local specialties at Hang Me Restaurant, or bike to Thanh Toan Village to enjoy the peaceful countryside. Your three days in Hue can be sweetly concluded with a cup of Che Hue, a famous local dessert that you won't find anywhere else in Vietnam.

A Full Day Visit To Hue Royal Tombs
Hue is compact of tombs, commemorating past emperors under Nguyen dynasty. These tombs were built and renovated along the Perfume River between 1802 and 1945.