The 3-story Tomb of Khali Dinh is carved into a hillside 6 miles from Hue and is one of 7 historic tombs open to visitors in this area.
Hue is a city rich in culture and heritage. Here, you can explore multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including The Forbidden City, seven royal tombs, and numerous pagodas. The city also has affordable hotels, and savory cuisine beckons visitors year-round. Countryside bike tours and river boat tours are also enjoyable ways to explore this scenic area.
Hotels are located in the south of the city, while most of the attractions (including the famous Citadel) are to the north of the river. With attractive prices and so much to see, it’s easy to see why Hue continues to attract its share of visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Hue:
Hue Citadel
Entrance to Hue citadel and Forbidden City in Hue, Vietnam.
The elaborate fortress in the heart of Hue was once the Imperial City of Vietnam, where the ruling emperor, his court, and government officials lived and worked. The Citadel includes several palaces, pavilions, a temple, and the Royal Theater.
In the center lies the Forbidden City (Dai Noi), the personal living quarters for the emperor. Here, only the emperor, his family, concubines, and servants were allowed.
Today, one of the palaces has been converted into the Museum of Royal Fine Arts in the grand 19th century Long An Palace. Here, you can see several exhibits from the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors into the Citadel and interior palaces and other buildings are allowed daily.
Hue saw heavy fighting during the war. During the Tet Offensive, some 10,000 North Vietnamese took over the city for nearly a month. Before the war, there were about 160 buildings inside the walls of the imperial city. Afterward, there were only about a dozen.
Buddhist Pagodas
Octagonal towers of Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601.
If you have limited time in Hue, stop by the 17th century Tu Dam Pagoda, which is conveniently located just 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Citadel. This pagoda, which still bears the scars from the war, is a pilgrimage site for many Buddhists.
But the most iconic and picturesque pagoda in Hue is the Thien Mu, near Tu Duc’s Tomb. The 7-tiered pagoda, originally built in 1604 and rebuilt in the 1800s, is the tallest and the oldest pagoda in the area and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the lush grounds, appreciating the beautiful, ancient architecture and serene lotus pond.
Dong Ba Market
Bundles of incense on display in Dong Ba Market.
The Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in the entire province! The market covers more than 170,000 square feet (16,000 square meters), with hundreds of stalls selling just about anything you’d want. Different areas of the market are dedicated to fruits, meat, seafood and other foods, and you can also find household goods, electronics and more. The lacquerware here is particularly fine, as is the silver jewelry.
With so much ground to cover in the market (there are multiple floors!), you’ll probably want to stop for a snack or a meal. The food court has dozens of stalls with classic and exotic fare and seating for a couple of hundred people.
Royal Tombs
Tu Duc Tomb is one of 7 royal tombs of the Nguyen Emperors you can see just outside of Hue, Vietnam.
As a former seat of royal power for hundreds of years, Hue has a bevy of royal tombs from the Nguyen dynasty. One of the larger tombs, just 4 miles (6 km) outside the city, is the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc that has beautiful pavilions and a water-lily pond. The tomb was so expensive and required so many laborers that it inspired a coup against the emperor.
Other notable tombs along this route include the Tomb of Thieu Tri, the Tomb of Khai Dinh, the Tomb of Dong Khanh, and the Tomb of Gia Long.
Some tombs are well preserved, and others are in ruins, damaged during the Vietnam/American War.
You can take a boat tour along the Perfume River to see these tombs, rent a motorbike, or take a bus tour. Almost all tours will take you to the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc, which is one of the grandest and most impressive of all the tombs.
Perfume River Boat Tour
Scenic Boat cruises along the Perfume River can take you to the Royal Tombs and other sights.
The Perfume River has been the lifeblood of this region for thousands of years. Any tour to Hue should include an exploration of this waterway.
Take a scenic Perfume River cruise in a dragon boat and explore several interesting sights in the area without fighting the infamous traffic of Hue. Some of the longer boat tours can take you to see Hon Chen Temple, Thien Mu Pagoda, and Minh Mang Tomb. Sunset cruises are available, which often include local folk music and dining on traditional fare.
For a different kind of boat tour, head to the eco-village of Thuy Bieu with its beautiful gardens, temples and houses. Its tranquil beauty is simply stunning.
The Beach
Because it is located near the coast, it’s also within a short drive of Thuan An Beach, which is less than 15km from Hue. Thuan An Beach is a perfect getaway if you want a relaxing day in the sun and water.
Before you embark on your trip to Vietnam, get your Visa papers in order the quick and easy way with Vietnam Visa. You can get a one-entry or multiple-entry visa within a few days, or arrange to pick it up at the airport when you arrive.