Top Things to Do in the Hue | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Hue

Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang

Touted as Nguyen Dynasty’s most majestic royal tomb, the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang is a complex of 40 ornate palaces, temples and pavilions. Built in 1940, it sits in a mystique forest on the west bank of the Perfume River, with a monumental dragon bannister staircase leading to Minh Mang’s sepulchre. In addition, visitors can pray at the Fresh Air Pavilion, Sung An Temple, and Stele Pavilion.

Divided into a Temple Area and a Tomb Area, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc is mounted atop the hill across the Tieu Khiem Tri Lake. Completed in 1867, the regal tomb’s layout includes 50 large and small buildings scattered across the land, of which the most notable is a 20-ton pillar with 4,935 inscriptions made by the king himself.

Also known as the South Gate, Meridian Gate is the main gate to Hue’s Imperial City, with a pavilion on the upper level used for ceremonies. Erected in 1833, Meridian Gate was used only by kings and envoys and still showcases the Nguyen Dynasty’s architectural marvels. It is 5-metre tall, with the Ngu Phung pavilion lying above, supported by 100 pillars, golden and blue glazed tiles, and imposing murals of elephants, soldiers and instruments.

Meandering through Hue city, the Perfume River is among Vietnam’s most famed waterways. In the autumn, flowers from orchards upstream fall into the water, giving the river a perfume-like aroma, hence the sobriquet. While there is a vibrant and scenic waterfront promenade for walks, paddle boarding, boating, and elegant dinner cruises offer a closer look at the river. Hue’s famed attractions lie on its banks, like the Imperial Citadel, pagodas, temples, and gardens. Read More

President Ho Chi Minh Memorial House is a restored gallery displaying many precious relics relating to the revolutionary and his family from during their decade-long stay in Thua Thien Hue. Recognised as a special national relic site, it features several exhibits of furniture, clothing and homeware used by its erstwhile residents. In addition, a special exhibit, “Hue with Uncle Ho”, showcases important paintings and photographs.

Constructed in 1826, the Royal Theatre in Hue features a rotating schedule of traditional Vietnamese dance and music performances lasting 45 minutes. This sizeable historic building also houses the National Conservatory of Music, comprising galleries with exhibits of traditional masks and Vietnamese musical instruments. The most beautiful shows hosted here include the Unicorn Dance, Lotus Dance, and the spectacular Fan dance.

Popular for its splendid sunsets and vast stretch of blond sands, Thuan An is acclaimed by locals as central Vietnam’s nicest beach. When temperatures in Hue rise from May to September, locals and tourists flock to Thuan An Beach for refreshing swims, sunbathing, camping, fishing, picnicking, and sampling tasty Vietnamese food sold by local vendors.

Ringed by lush jungles, Thuy Tien Lake is a scenic abandoned water park and aquarium. Inside this eerie, dreamlike dystopia that was suddenly closed, all that is left now is broken attractions with overgrown vines, rust and graffiti surrounding the lake. An intimidating three-storey dragon sits above a spaceship-type aquarium. The dragon’s scaly body forms a staircase that visitors can climb for stunning views of Thuy Tien Lake from behind its teeth. Read More

Built-in 1683, Tu Dam Pagoda is an ancient Buddhist temple in Truong An district. The temple is not only known for its stunning architecture and well-preserved carvings but also for being the historically significant site of anti-government Buddhist revival protests in the 1960s. The complex consists of the typical Vietnamese tiled three-door gate, the main sanctuary with statues of Buddha Shakyamuni on the lotus and two Bodhisattvas, and the Hoi house. Read More

Settled in dense pine forests, Tu Hieu Pagoda is Vietnam’s largest and most sacred religious settlement dating from 1896. Inside the pagoda is a Great Hall with statues of Buddha and a crescent-shaped lotus lake. The peaceful and tranquil atmosphere is ideal for meditation. The pagoda’s triple gate consists of a double-roofed story and the Ho Phap statue. Eminent monks such as Nhat Dinh, Dieu Giac, and Cuong Ky, and royal eunuchs and concubines lie buried in the tomb tower area. Read More