TRAVEL GUIDE TO HUE CITY:THE ANCIENT CAPITAL

Hue, located in central Vietnam, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its ancient imperial architecture, royal tombs, and stunning natural scenery. Its historical significance and beautiful landscape make it one of the most attractive destinations for travelers who are interested in exploring Vietnam’s heritage. I will introduce you to the travel guide to Hue City, as well as the top 10 attractions in this city that you must visit.

Hue was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last ruling royal family.

1. Where is Hue?

Hue is on the Perfume River in central Vietnam. It is 1,100 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, giving it a hub for cross-country tourists. Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial capital of Vietnam, is a cultural and historical hub.

Hue remains a vibrant symbol of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing its ancient pagodas, majestic royal tombs, and the scenic Perfume River, all contributing to its unique allure. Travelers can immerse themselves in Hue’s historical landmarks, savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and experience the lasting legacy of this former imperial capital.

There are many famous tourist attractions in Hue, attracting a large number of visitors.

2. How to get there?

There are several ways to reach Hue:

-By Plane: Phu Bai International Airport is about 15 km from Hue city center and is serviced by domestic flights from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as some international flights from nearby countries. You can book a Grab car or taxi to get to your hotel, it will take 20 to 30 minutes from Phu Bai International Airport to the centre Hue City.

-By Train: Hue is located along the North-South Railway line, making it easily accessible by train from cities like Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. The train ride is particularly scenic as it passes through mountains and along the coastline. You can search the train ticket price via the website, this is fast and convenient.

Website: vetauduongsat.com or dsvn.vn

-By Car: If you’re already in central Vietnam, Hue can be easily reached via the Hai Van Pass from Da Nang, offering a stunning route along the coast. In addition, if you go by car from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue, this is such a long distance because it takes about 1,100 km (almost 1 day to get Hue).

I recommend you to choose the plane to travel to Hue City, it is fast and convenient for your trip.

3. The ideal time to travel to Hue

You could choose Hue’s best season based on your requirements and goals.

Hue welcomes spring with a poetic and lyrical landscape in January and March, but festival season in April is busy and exciting. Tourism and seaside activities are best in May–June–July. Visitors to Hue in August and September can enjoy its romantic autumn scenery. Travel from October to December to experience Hue’s rains.

March-August is the dry season, with average highs of 26–29 degrees Celsius. Hue will have pleasant sunshine and fresh air. The city’s rainy season begins in September, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 23 degrees Celsius.

4. Top 10 attractions in Hue that you must visit

4.1. Imperial City of Hue

Hue Imperial City is part of the Complex of Hue Monuments, a 1993 UNESCO World Heritage Site that bears the Nguyen Dynasty’s cultural, historical, and architectural marks.

Hue Imperial City, a tourist destination in Hue, combines the best of Nguyen Dynasty feudal architecture with a large area and more than 100 magnificent architectural works like Ngo Mon Gate, Dien Tho Palace, Forbidden City, and Thai Hoa Palace on a harmonious and reasonable layout.

Imperial City of Hue – One of the top attractions in Hue

Hue Citadel is also beautiful at night when illuminated up with bright lights. In front of the entrance is the Hue Citadel Flagpole. This ancient-looking spot will always be full of Hue people walking and enjoying the cool night air.

Royal Palace Festival at Hue Imperial City every Saturday night

Address: 23/8 Street, Hue City.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Ticket Entrance: 150.000 VND (6 USD) for Adult and 30.000 (1.2 USD) VND for Children.

4.2. Hue Tombs

There are 7 tombs of Nguyen’s King, include: Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, Duc Duc, Khai Dinh.

Each of these tombs was chosen by a king for its location and architecture, so they have unique architectural features. Tu Duc Tomb has a poetic look, Minh Mang Tomb is majestic, Khai Dinh Tomb is sophisticated, Gia Long Tomb is quiet, Duc Duc Tomb is simple but attractive, Thieu Tri Tomb is peaceful, and Dong Khanh Tomb is harmonious.

The tombs in Hue attract tourists by their unique architecture.

Ticket Entrance: arrange from 50.000 VND/person (2 USD)

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.

4.3. Incense Village

Thuy Xuan Incense Village is 7–8 km from the city center on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. Hue Incense Villages are colorful and draw many domestic and foreign tourists. The incense village is 15–20 minutes from Hue city center.

Incense Village


This village is 700 years old. In Hue, Thuy Xuan Incense Village makes great photographs. A stunning background is created by rows of colourful incense bundles. Pose and take colourful photographs freely.
Suggestions for you to have photos of Hue check-in with a strong personality, you should rent additional Nhat Binh costumes, or traditional Ao Dai. Outfit yourself with hats, fans, and flowers for distinctive images that draw attention.

Colorful background creates impressive photos

Address: No. 62, Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Hue City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

4.4. Alba Thanh Tan Hot Spring

Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs is situated 30 km northwest of Hue city, at the base of the Truong Son Mountain range. Take a dip in the mineral-rich waters for a soothing and rejuvenating vacation for your body and mind. Known for its healing properties, the hot springs are believed to promote both mental and physical well-being.

Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs

Apart from the therapeutic waters, Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs has a range of amenities and pursuits, such as mud baths and saunas, offering numerous options to improve your spa experience. In addition, Thanh Tan also provides resort services, this is a place for you to relax and experience when traveling in Hue.

Address: Phong Son Street, Hue City.

Opening Hours: all day

Ticket Entrance: 150.000 to 300.000 VND (6 to 12 USD)

4.5. Dong Ba Market

The most well-known traditional market in Hue’s historic city, Dong Ba Market, is rich in culture and history. When the ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty returned to Phu Xuan, this market was first known as Quy Gia Thi. During King Dong Khanh’s rule in 1887, Hue’s Dong Ba Market was initially known by that name.

Dong Ba Market


Dong Ba Market, which sells everything from food to utensils and essentials, is constantly crowded with people coming and departing. However, based on my experience visiting Dong Ba Market, you should arrive there starting at 3 PM. Because the temperature is nice and cool, and there isn’t much crowding, allowing you to browse the market in comfort. It will be perfect for you to visit and sample all of the specialities here, especially because this is when a lot of snack stores start selling.

You can come here to buy Hue specialties at affordable prices.

In addition, you can experience the top dishes in the Dong Ba Market with the prices range from 15.000 to 30.000 VND (0.6 to 1.2 USD).

Address: No. 2, Tran Hung Dao Street, Hue City.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

4.6. Vong Canh Hill

When visiting Hue, it is imperative to visit Vong Canh Hill. Between the mountains, rivers, trees, and clouds, this location exudes flawless beauty. Furthermore, Vong Canh Hill is regarded as Hue’s most picturesque location for sunset viewing. Specifically, this is one of the few locations in Hue where you can witness the full sunset. Any tourist will have a full camera full of pictures when they get home because of the breathtaking view created by the afternoon sunlight blending with the pine forest’s green.

Vong Canh Hill

Address: No. 102, Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Hue City.

Opening Hours: all day.

4.7. Thien Mu Pagoda

One of the most well-known and significant pagodas in Hue City is Thien Mu Pagoda, also called Linh Mu Pagoda. With over 400 years of history, Thien Mu Pagoda is regarded as a religious and cultural icon of Hue’s idyllic city. This pagoda has been there for hundreds of years, having been constructed in the 17th century.

Thien Mu Pagoda – Cultural and religious symbol of Hue city

Furthermore, the pagoda is a beautiful example of tranquil, green environment. The pagoda’s courtyards and gardens are adorned with plants and flowers, which create a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. This is the perfect place to unwind, confide, and achieve equilibrium in a hectic existence.

Address: North bank of the Perfume River, about 5km west of Hue city center.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

4.8. Thien Lam Pagoda

Thien Lam Pagoda known by its well-known names as Standing Buddha Pagoda-Reclining Buddha, it is situated very near to the city centre. The sole historic temple belonging to the Southern sect is Thien Lam Pagoda. As a result, the pagoda’s distinctive architecture was modelled by Thai pagodas. The gate has intricate carvings and is primarily yellow. Nonetheless, the pagoda’s interior and its architectural features still exhibit some Zen characteristics.

Thien Lam Pagoda

Since Thien Lam Pagoda is a religious tourist location, you should dress appropriately, discreetly, and according to local traditions.

Address: Located on Quang Te hill, Hue city, 4km from Hue Imperial City.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

4.9. Thuan An Beach

Thuan An Beach is 15km from the city center, equivalent to about 20 minutes by car. The untamed beauty of Thuan An Beach, one of Hue’s most stunning beaches, with its extensive expanses of fine white sand and crystal-clear blue seawater, draws travellers. Visitors can enjoy the serene, calm ocean environment here. You should travel to Thuan An Beach Hue should go from April to September.

Thuan An Beach

Address: Thuan An Town, Hue City.

Opening Hours: all day.

4.10. Hue Walking Street

When visiting the old city, both domestic and foreign tourists find Hue Walking Street to be a very alluring site. This location has given Hue City a fresh, vibrant appearance. Products from Hue’s ancient craft villages are on show at hundreds of vendors. Souvenirs with a distinct Hue character are readily available for visitors to purchase as presents for friends and family.

Hue Walking Street


Visitors can see the beautiful and historic carvings that have been kept in the traditional homes of our ancestors by strolling along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street. The Hue people’s traditional homes are another aspect of their cultural charm.

Colorful stalls are extremely attractive to tourists.

Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Hue City.

Opening Hours: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily.