Most travelers visit Hue for the emperors and temples. Despite all the things to do in Hue Vietnam, what struck me most was its quiet intensity. You don’t just see Hue. You feel it.
Most travelers visit Hue, in central Vietnam, for the emperors and temples. As the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), Hue shaped Vietnam’s cultural and political identity. But what struck me most over four packed days was its quiet intensity. You don’t just see Hue. You feel it.
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Let’s Explore the Things to Do in Hue Vietnam
If you’re wondering about the most memorable things to do in Hue, Vietnam. The answer lies in its monuments—and everything in between: the incense, the dumplings, the stories hiding in plain sight. Let me tell you more.
A Kingdom in Ruins—and Rejuvenation
We started where any story of Hue should begin: the walled Citadel. Within its 6.25-mile perimeter lies the Imperial City and, at its heart, the Forbidden City. Even under overcast skies, the scale of this UNESCO-listed complex is staggering. Wide stone walls, grand gates, and lotus-filled moats hint at the power once held here. The Forbidden Purple City—scorched by three wars—pulled me in emotionally. There’s majesty in its decay.
Our guide, a walking encyclopedia with a knack for storytelling, filled the gaps with vivid tales. Emperor Gia Long, who founded the Nguyen Dynasty, was ruthless in uniting Vietnam. Later, under French colonial rule, emperors like Ham Nghi and Duy Tan were exiled for resisting French control. Khai Dinh, by contrast, embraced European aesthetics and died young, never quite earning the people’s affection. The Citadel’s bullet-marked walls and quiet courtyards revealed a city not frozen in time but continually redefining itself.
Imposing entrance to the Citadel and Imperial City, Hue. Photo courtesy Azerai
Across the way, the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities added texture: royal gowns, imperial seals, dragon thrones—intimate artefacts that brought the dynasty to life.
Tombs That Speak Volumes
In the hills outside Hue, seven Nguyen emperor mausoleums await. We visited two—each a study in contrast.
Minh Mang’s tomb was serene and symmetrical, nestled among lotus ponds and pine forests. We explored the mausoleum’s grounds, including the Honour Courtyard, Stele House, and the tomb area. The tomb, where the emperor’s remains are, is only open once a year. Revered for his strength and conservative values, the setting felt imperial, intentional, and eternal.
Nguyen dynasty emperor’s mausoleum – imperial yet serene. Photo courtesy Azerai
Khai Dinh’s tomb, on the other hand, felt like a stage set—its grey concrete exterior, taking up a hillside, hid a riot of mirrored mosaics and lavish murals. A dramatic blend of East and West, it perfectly embodied the emperor’s eccentric tastes. One ruler chose harmony; the other, spectacle. Both left a mark.
Spiritual Sights and Senses
Hue’s soul flows with the Perfume River, named for the fragrant blossoms once carried downstream. Many tourist boats cruise its waters, but ask your hotel about more personal options—sunset cruises, afternoon teas, or quiet dinners afloat.
Perfume River cruises can be personalised and intimate. Photo courtesy Azerai
We took a boat to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s spiritual landmarks. As we glided upstream, I saw why Hue is known as Vietnam’s Green City. With no intrusive development, the lush banks remain a haven for the community. Our guide pointed out that locals now feel safe swimming here—something unthinkable just a decade ago.
The 12-tiered Thien Mu Pagoda, whose name translates to “Heavenly Lady”, was initially built in 1601. Past the pagoda and through the Tam Quan Gates is the central Sanctuary dedicated to Buddha Maitreya. Venturing into the quiet gardens beyond, half-hidden behind a curtain, I encountered a senior monk playing a haunting flute. It was a moment of stillness, and I forgot I was a visitor for a while. Nearby, a preserved pale blue Austin sedan. Local monk Thich Quang Duc drove the vehicle to Saigon in 1963 and, at a busy city centre intersection, self-immolated in front of the world’s media. His stark protest against religious persecution. Contrasting stories in this holy place.
Thien Mu or “Heavenly Lady” Pagoda, Hue. Photo courtesy Azerai
Senses on Overdrive
To really feel Hue, you need to walk it. New promenades, gardens, and performance spaces now make the riverfront more accessible than ever. Lê Lợi Boulevard became our go-to route. We admired the colonial architecture and paused at Quoc Hoc High School, which was painted a striking pink, where national hero Ho Chi Minh once studied. Our guide, a proud alum, shared stories of the school’s legacy.
Across the river sits Dong Ba Market, a bustling maze of fresh produce, bamboo crafts, clothes, and food—some fresh, some fermented, all fascinating. It’s loud, chaotic, and vital to Hue’s daily rhythm. I slurped bún bò Huế and sampled chè, a sweet soup dessert. This wasn’t a curated food tour—it was life, raw and honest.
Outdoor fresh food section of Dong Ba Market. Photo by Michael Cullen
For a refined culinary experience, we lunched at Le Cercle Sportif, a restored French colonial club overlooking the river. Recently renovated, it blends Art Deco opulence with Vietnamese warmth. Our four-course meal—highlighted by crab soup and grilled seabass—was almost too beautiful to eat. The service, the setting, and the history made it a truly memorable experience.
Into the Garden
One afternoon, we cycled through Kim Long’s Phu Mong neighborhood, once home to mandarins and nobles. Traditional garden houses—wooden homes surrounded by flowering courtyards—felt like a step back in time.
We met Vo Ngoc Hung, a conical hatmaker reinventing tradition. Instead of palm leaves, he uses treated almond tree leaves, showcasing their delicate veins beneath clear lacquer. His hats are fragile, intricate, and more like art than accessories. Collectors are starting to take notice.
Pioneering conical hatmaker Vo Ngoc Hung with some of his creations. Photo by Michael Cullen
Later, in a family-run kitchen, we learned to make rice dumpling cakes. Our banana-leaf-wrapped attempts were far from perfect, but delicious nonetheless. It was messy, warm, and genuine—the kind of moment that delivers if you are open to them.
Craftsmanship and Cultural Treasures
We also explored Hue’s enduring craft traditions. At Thuy Xuan Incense Village, on the city’s outskirts, we watched artisans hand-roll vivid, fragrant incense sticks in a riot of pinks, oranges, and yellows. Closer to the Citadel, the Không Gian Văn Hóa Lục Bộ museum offered an outstanding overview of Hue’s traditional handicrafts, folk art, and herbal medicine. The excellent displays and friendly staff made for a most rewarding stop.
Highly colorful incense sticks at Thuy Xuan Incense Village. Photo courtesy Azerai.
Where to Stay in Hue
Whether you’re drawn to riverside elegance or a retreat into royal tradition, Hue offers accommodations that reflect the city’s rich heritage and serene beauty. From historic mansions with Art Deco charm to tranquil garden villas steeped in imperial legacy, these stays offer more than just comfort—they immerse you in the soul of central Vietnam.
Azerai La Residence Hue
Set along the Perfume River across from the Citadel, the 122-room Azerai La Residence Hue blends Art Deco flair with modern comforts. The hotel’s heart is a restored 1930s French colonial mansion with streamlined modern flourishes and manicured gardens surrounding a saltwater pool. We enjoyed spa treatments and meals showcasing the best local and global flavors.
French colonial chic facade of Azerai La Residence Hue. Photo courtesy Azerai La Residence Hue
Ancient Hue Garden Houses
In Kim Long village, a boutique stay at Ancient Hue Garden Houses & French Villa features five restored royal homes and additional villas. Think carved wood, antiques, and tranquillity. Their ‘Art of Living’ cycling tour delved into the royal neighborhood’s rhythms. The spa was a perfect end to our days.
Getting There and When to Go
Hue is accessible via Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) or by flying into Da Nang International Airport, which is two hours south. Car transfers are available from Da Nang. We chose the heritage train—a scenic ride through the Hai Van Pass, which revealed dramatic ocean vistas, lush green mountains, and picturesque coastal landscapes. It was the most restive way to arrive in Hue.
Late January to August is a great time to visit Hue, with the hottest and driest weather from April to August. Although slightly overcast, we experienced cool mornings and warm afternoons in late February, allowing us to enjoy activities such as wandering, cycling, and boating. Hue’s rainy season typically lasts from September to December, characterized by heavy and prolonged rainfall.
Check Out Our Growing List of Articles About Vietnam
There are plenty of things to do in Hue Vietnam. But what makes this city unforgettable isn’t just the list of attractions—it’s how the past lingers in the air, and every corner holds a quiet, yet poignant, story. Whether it’s a royal tomb, a fragrant bowl of noodles, or the gentle sound of a monk’s flute, Hue leaves its mark. Quietly but completely.
We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder to discover more about Vietnam and other parts of Asia. We also help you uncover the best culinary travel around the world. Interested in more chef stories? Check out our Chef Chats on Wander.
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