Things To Do
in Huế
Hue, situated on the Perfume River in central Vietnam, is renowned for its imperial heritage and skyline of ancient palaces and pagodas. Once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, it preserves the Forbidden Purple City, royal tombs, temples, and tranquil gardens that evoke a bygone era. The city blends rich history with riverine scenery, vibrant markets, and distinctive Central Vietnamese cuisine.
With a climate influenced by coastal winds and seasonal rains, Hue offers cultural immersion, scenic cruises, and hillside views at every season.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can wander through the grand gates and explore the ancient architecture. Don't miss the Forbidden Purple City, where the Nguyen emperors used to reside, offering a glimpse into the royal past. Stop by a local café for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast of bánh mì or phở to fuel your morning adventures.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along the Perfume River, soaking in the serene atmosphere and stunning views. Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest and most iconic pagodas in Vietnam, perched on a hill overlooking the river. Engage with local artisans at the nearby craft village, where you can see traditional handicrafts being made and even try your hand at some.
As the sun sets, enjoy a soothing boat ride on the Perfume River, watching the vibrant colors of the sky reflect on the water. Indulge in a traditional royal dinner at a restaurant serving Huế's famous dishes, such as bún bò Huế and nem công. Cap off your day with a cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance at the Huế Imperial City.
Begin your culinary exploration with a visit to a local market where the aromas of fresh herbs and spices fill the air, offering an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese cooking. Join a cooking class led by a local chef, where you'll learn to make traditional Huế dishes like bánh bèo and cơm hến. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious lunch that you prepared yourself.
Continue your food adventure by venturing into the streets of Huế, sampling street food such as bánh xèo and chè, a sweet dessert soup. Visit the famous Dong Ba Market to experience the bustling atmosphere and perhaps pick up some local snacks for later. Take a break at a cozy café, sipping on Vietnamese iced coffee while observing the vibrant life around you.
As the evening approaches, join a food tour that takes you to hidden gems known only to locals, trying dishes that showcase Huế's unique culinary heritage. Share stories and laugh with fellow food enthusiasts while enjoying a variety of flavors and textures. End your night with a dessert stop at a well-known local bakery, indulging in sweet treats like bánh flan or coconut jelly.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $0.5-2 |
| 🚌Public transport (one-way ticket) | $0.3-0.5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $15-30 |
| 🍺Local beer | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich imperial heritage and UNESCO-listed monuments
- Delicious Hue cuisine and scenic river views
- Hot, humid summers can be uncomfortable
- Nightlife is more low-key than in larger cities
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Bao nhiêu tiền?" - How much is this?
- "Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?" - Do you speak English?
- "Tôi không nói tiếng Việt" - I don't speak Vietnamese
- "Ở đây có thực đơn tiếng Anh không?" - Do you have an English menu?
- "Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Huế
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic colonial-era bridge over the Perfume River; striking at sunrise or sunset with reflections on the water.
UNESCO-listed complex with gates, courtyards, and moats; offers dramatic symmetry and juxtaposition of ancient architecture and greenery.
Iconic seven-story pagoda perched above the river, a classic Hue silhouette against water and hills.
Food in Huế
Huế Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy beef noodle soup flavored with lemongrass, shrimp paste, and chili, served with lime and fresh herbs.
Must-Try!
Rice topped with baby mussels, herbs, fried shallots, and peanuts—an iconic Hue specialty.
Hue savory pancake filled with shrimp and pork, commonly enjoyed with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallions, and crispy shallots.
Vermicelli with grilled pork, herbs, and a tangy fish-sauce dressing; popular in Hue markets and eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market offering Hue specialties, fresh produce, and affordable bites from morning to night.
Small rural market known for local snacks and produce, ideal for sampling Hue flavors in a village setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; remove shoes where required; ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
Greet with a respectful nod or 'Xin chào'; speak politely and avoid raising voices in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Huế
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated in tourist areas; consider rounding up or giving small tips to service staff.
Cash in Vietnamese dong is widely used; many restaurants accept cards and mobile wallets (MoMo, ZaloPay, VNPay QR); carry local currency for markets and street stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures and greenery; ideal for temple visits and river strolls.
Hot and humid with abundant sunshine; stay hydrated and seek river breezes; afternoon showers are possible.
Moderate weather and lower humidity; great for outdoor exploration and photography.
Cooler and more humid with occasional drizzle; indoor museums and dining are comfortable options.
Huế at Night
Hiking in Huế
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trails through diverse ecosystems with waterfalls and viewpoints, located a short drive from Hue.
A convenient hillside hike near the city offering panoramic views of the river and city at sunset.
Airports
How to reach Huế by plane.
Located about 15–20 km from Hue; offers domestic flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and some international charters.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The vast majority of residents across age groups.
A small Cham/Muslim community present in the broader Hue region.
Various ethnic communities reside in nearby rural areas surrounding Hue.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local clubs and public pitches are common throughout the city.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Huế.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetarian options like banh beo and other rice cakes, or request meat-free versions of popular dishes; communicate clearly with stall vendors and cooks.