Perfume River, central Vietnam · Vietnam
The imperial capital of Vietnam's last dynasty: a walled citadel, royal tombs in pine forests, a pagoda on the Perfume River and the country's most refined cooking.
Photo: Supanut Arunoprayote · CC BY 4.0
Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, under the Nguyen dynasty, the last of the country's imperial families. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Imperial City, or Citadel, sits on the north bank of the Perfume River, surrounded by walls and moats. UNESCO inscribed the complex of Hue monuments in 1993.
Much of the palace area was damaged during the Battle of Hue in the 1968 Tet Offensive, and restoration continues. What survives, or has been rebuilt, includes the great Meridian Gate, the Thai Hoa throne hall and several temples and gardens, with more to see in the surrounding countryside. Along the river to the south are the tombs of the emperors, built as palaces of the afterlife among pines, lakes and pavilions.
Hue is quieter and more reserved than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, a city of bicycles, river boats and slow lunches. It is also the birthplace of Vietnamese imperial cuisine, and its spicy beef noodle soup, bun bo Hue, is famous across the country.
Why visit
Hue is the best place in Vietnam to see imperial history and enjoy a slower pace.
A walled palace enclosure with ceremonial gates, halls and gardens, partly restored.
Each emperor designed his own tomb in a landscape of water, trees and buildings.
A calm river with dragon boats, riverside pagodas and cyclists.
Delicate dishes once served to the court, and hearty street food.
Beaches, lagoons and the Hai Van Pass are all close by.
Main attractions
The main sights are the Imperial City and three or four tombs.
A walled compound of about 500 hectares, entered by the Ngo Mon (Meridian Gate). Inside are the Thai Hoa Palace, temples, courtyards and gardens, some restored and some in ruins, including the Forbidden Purple City.
Tip Allow half a day, and bring a hat.
A 17th-century pagoda on a hill above the river, with a seven-storey octagonal tower. It is the symbol of Hue.
Tip Go by boat or bicycle, and visit late in the afternoon.
A symmetrical and elegant tomb complex of courtyards, pavilions and a lake, built between 1840 and 1843.
Tip Reach it by boat for the full experience.
The last of the great tombs, built in the 1920s in a mix of Vietnamese and European styles, with an ornate interior of glass and ceramic mosaics.
Tip Climb to the top for the interior.
A tranquil complex of lakes, pavilions and pine trees, built as a retreat during the emperor's life, and often considered the most romantic of the tombs.
Tip Visit in the morning.
A slow river that flows through the city, with dragon boats for hire, and the busy Dong Ba Market on its bank.
Tip A sunset boat trip is popular.
Things to do
Hue is a place for cycling, cooking and river trips.
A day trip along the river visits several tombs and the Thien Mu Pagoda.
Tip Start early, and bring water.
Learn to make bun bo Hue and imperial dishes.
Tip Book through your hotel.
Several restaurants serve elaborate multi-course menus in the style of the royal court.
Tip Book ahead.
A spectacular road between Hue and Da Nang, with sea views.
Tip Hire a car or an easy rider.
A biennial arts festival with music and processions, usually in spring or summer.
Tip Check the dates.
The bridge over the river is lit in changing colours after dark.
Tip A pleasant evening walk.
Local food
Hue's food is known for spice, subtlety and small portions, a legacy of the imperial kitchens.
A spicy, lemongrass-scented beef and pork noodle soup with thick rice noodles.
Where to try it Street stalls and family shops.
A crisp rice-flour pancake filled with shrimp, pork and bean sprouts, served with a peanut dipping sauce.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Rice with small river clams, herbs and chilli.
Where to try it Restaurants on the river.
Small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and pork, served with fish sauce.
Where to try it Specialist eateries.
Elaborate dishes, once served to the emperors, presented like art.
Where to try it Restaurants in the old town.
Accommodation
Stay south of the river near the Perfume River for restaurants, or north for the Imperial City.
Transport
Hue is on the north-south railway, and has an airport.
The town is small, and bicycles and boats are good options.
When to go
Hue is one of the wettest cities in Vietnam, with heavy rain and occasional flooding from September to December.
Warm, dry and pleasant.
Hot, but usually dry.
Heavy rain, typhoons and flooding.
Cool and drizzly.
Worth planning around: October to December, the wettest and most flood-prone months.
Itinerary
The citadel on the first day, and the tombs and river on the second.
Palaces and food.
Royal tombs and a pagoda.
Travel tips
A few tips make the visit smoother.
FAQ
Two days lets you see the Imperial City, three tombs and the pagoda.
Yes, for its imperial history and food. It is a good stop between Hanoi and Hoi An.
Minh Mang for symmetry, Khai Dinh for architecture and Tu Duc for atmosphere.
February to August. Autumn is wet and often flooded.
By car over the Hai Van Pass, about 3 to 4 hours, or by train to Da Nang and a taxi.
No. Some areas were rebuilt and others remain ruins after damage in the 1968 battle.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Hue, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Central coast, near Da Nang, Vietnam
A UNESCO-listed trading town of Chinese assembly halls, Japanese bridge and merchants' houses, famed for lanterns, tailors, food and its easy access to beaches and the ruins of My Son.
Don't miss The old town at dusk, when the lanterns are lit and the river fills with candle-lit boats.
Explore Destination — Hoi AnRed River Delta, northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Vietnam's capital: a lakeside city with a maze-like Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, colonial architecture, water puppets and some of the best street food in Asia.
Don't miss A bowl of pho at a pavement stall at dawn, before the motorbikes take over the Old Quarter.
Explore Destination — HanoiCentral Vietnam, Vietnam
A UNESCO-listed national park with hundreds of caves, including Phong Nha, Paradise and the giant Son Doong, plus jungle, rivers, ziplines and quiet countryside.
Don't miss The huge chamber of Paradise Cave, with its glittering formations lit for the visitors.
Explore Destination — Phong Nha–Ke BangRead next
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