10 Best Things To Do In Hue City

1. A journey back in time in Hue Imperial Citadel

The premier tourist attraction in Hue continues to be the Imperial Citadel, the historical capital under the Nguyen Dynasty. On the northern bank of the Perfume River, the architecture of the Hue Imperial Citadel was inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City. The site comprises three main sections: the Capital Citadel, the Royal Citadel, and the Forbidden Citadel. Today, this magnificent ancient complex houses a variety of monuments, temples, royal tombs, and other architectural marvels, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its rich history. Furthermore, the Hue Imperial Citadel plays host to the biennial Hue Festival, featuring an array of captivating shows and performances.

Imperial Royal Palace of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue

2. Visit ancient tombs

Hue City is renowned for its royal tombs where the Nguyen Emperors are interred. Some of the most famous tombs include those of Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, and Khai Dinh. These structures exemplify the opulence of Vietnamese traditional architecture, incorporating various Western elements. As of 2025, all royal tombs charge an entry fee of 50,000 VND for adults, while children under 12 can enter for free.

Grand stairs in the Imperial Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue

3. Biking

Cycling is an excellent way to experience Hue's stunning landscapes. The city offers safe biking routes, and renting a bike is quite affordable, enabling tourists to explore nearly every corner of this historical city. For those seeking a more extensive ride, you can cycle through major city attractions before heading out to Thuan An Beach and the charming rural villages nearby.

A woman in Ao Dai biking in Hue

4. Shopping at Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market, the oldest and largest market in Hue City, remains a true paradise for shoppers. It showcases the vibrancy of a traditional Vietnamese market, offering a wide range of goods from fresh produce to clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. The market is particularly lively in the early morning. While exploring, be sure to sample local specialties such as Hue-style beef noodles and baby basket clam rice.

Dong Ba market in Hue

5. Feast on royal cuisine

Hue royal cuisine is celebrated for its artistry and sophistication, reflecting the culinary legacy of Hue's royal past. Each dish is crafted from high-quality ingredients, employing traditional recipes and distinctive cooking techniques. Notable restaurants serving Hue royal cuisine in 2025 include Cung Dinh, Tinh Gia Vien, and Hoang Phu. These dining establishments provide an upscale experience with beautifully presented and authentically flavorful meals.

Steamed fried rice with lotus seeds wrapped in a lotus leaf

6. Chill out on the pristine Thuan An Beach

While Hue City boasts several beautiful beaches, Thuan An Beach continues to captivate visitors with its tranquility and stunning scenery. Offering a serene ambiance, the beach is perfect for swimming in azure waters, lounging on the sandy shore, enjoying refreshments from beachside bars, and watching breathtaking sunsets. After your beach visit, consider exploring nearby fishing villages that offer picturesque landscapes and a taste of local farming life.

Photo: @langthang_vn

7. Cruising on Perfume River

Have you ever experienced a serene ride on an oriental boat? In Hue City, you can enjoy this unique adventure on the iconic Perfume River. Traditional dragon boat cruises offer breathtaking views along the riverbanks and provide an enriching experience with royal music performances and delectable meals. Don't miss the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the Truong Tien Bridge and visit Thien Mu Pagoda on Ha Khe Hill after disembarking your boat.

Traditional boat cruising on the Perfume River in Hue

8. Explore Bach Ma National Park

If you enjoy outdoor adventures, Bach Ma National Park is a must-visit. Situated halfway between Hue and Da Nang, the park offers rich biodiversity with its semi-tropical forests, towering mountains, flowing rivers, and waterfalls, along with an array of flora and fauna. The best way to explore Bach Ma National Park is by trekking through its lush jungles and ascending Bach Ma Peak. Adventure seekers should also visit Do Quyen Waterfall and Truc Lam Zen Monastery.

Waterfall in Bach Ma National Park

9. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda is beautifully situated on Ha Khe Hill, approximately 5km west of Hue City Center. Originally constructed in the mid-19th century to celebrate the 80th birthday of Queen Mother Nguyen Thi Hanh, the pagoda serves as a prominent symbol of Hue City and a popular spiritual site. Although accessible by motorbike, a more scenic approach is to take a leisurely boat ride along the Perfume River. Visitors to the pagoda can explore notable landmarks, including Phuoc Duyen Tower, a seven-story octagonal structure, the Giant Turtle, and the Dai Hung Chung Bell.

Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

10. Take a cyclo ride

One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Hue's inner city is by taking a cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled vehicle in Vietnam. Your cyclo journey will slowly traverse well-known attractions such as Truong Tien Bridge, the gentle-flowing Perfume River, the Imperial Citadel, and Dong Ba Market, revealing charming scenery along the way. A trip typically costs around $6 to $8 for a 1-2 hour tour.

Take a cyclo tour in Hue