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Tourist Attractions in Hue

  May 26, 2023

  By Jinnie Lee

Located in the central region of Vietnam, Hue is a city with diverse nature, friendly and gentle people, and many remarkable scenic spots, and cultural and historical relics. Today, Hue is known as the Festival City of Vietnam, first celebrated in 2000 and celebrated every two years. A Vietnam Traveling lover can not miss this destination on your favorite list. Here are 10 recommendations of tourist attractions in Hue with the essential information you need to know if you are planning your trip to Vietnam.

Hue Imperial Citadel

This is the cultural, political, and economic center of the province, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, from 1802 to 1945. With its global values, the complex of Hue Monuments became the It became the first cultural heritage of Vietnam inscribed by UNESCO in the list of World Heritage Sites in 1993. Hue’s ancient capital is situated in a square campus, next to the Perfume River flowing smoothly all year round. Hue Citadel architecture is a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles.  There are some outstanding works in Hue Imperial Citadel such as Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Citadel or Nine Dynastic Urns. . You should walk to discover all the beauty and attractiveness of Hue Ancient Capital. It's okay if you discover it yourself. But if you have a guide with you, explaining everything related to this place, it will be much more interesting and effective. Only then can you really understand more about Vietnamese culture and history, so that you can see Vietnamese culture is beautiful, as well as Vietnamese history is heroic. If you have more time in Hue, you can participate in the Night of Hue Imperial Citadel held every Saturday. The beauty of Hue Citadel does not end in the daytime. Because this place will put on a new coat at night, the coat of countless bright lights, making you seem lost in a sanctuary but also very magnificent. Many cultural and artistic activities have been restored and recreated, so if you visit the imperial city of Hue, do not miss these interesting activities.

Opening hours:

Summer: 6:30 - 17:30 

Winter: 7:00 - 17:00

Hue Citadel

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is located on Ta Khe Hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, west of Hue City. This place is a favorite place of many tourists, because of its beautiful architecture, fascinating legends, and pure space on the banks of the Perfume River. With natural beauty and expanded scale since that time, Thien Mu Pagoda has become the most beautiful temple in Dang Trong (Inner Circuit).  It is recommended that visitors going on a city tour around Hue visit this pagoda in the afternoon so they can observe the monks’ praying time inside the pagoda as well as enjoy the beautiful sunset on the Perfume river.

Location: Huong Long village, North bank of Perfume River - 5 km from Hue city center.

Opening hours: 8:00 - 18:00 everyday.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Khai Dinh Tomb

Khai Dinh Tomb is one of Hue’s most visited attractions. With its mesmerizing architecture and historical value, this extraordinary site lures thousands of visitors with its ancient beauty and nostalgic vibe. Khai Dinh Tomb, officially known as the Ứng Mausoleum, is situated in Chau Chu mountain, about 10 km away from Hue city. King Khai Dinh's mausoleum has the most modest scale but possesses the most meticulous architecture and the largest budget. The architecture of Khai Dinh Tomb is set apart from the traditional architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty because of its novelty, uniqueness, and welcome, due to the combination of many architectural styles such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Roman, Gothique, etc. Thus, the journey to Khai Dinh Tomb will wind back the clock and allow you to explore the beauty of Hue's ancient structures and contemplate their architectural quintessence.

Location: Thuy Bang Ward, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien - Hue Province. 

Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:30 everyday.

Khai Dinh tomb

Minh Mang Tomb

Minh Mang Tomb (Hieu Lang) is located on Cam Ke mountain, about 14km from Hue City, near Bang Lang junction, where the source joins to form the Perfume River. The mausoleum started construction in September 1840 and was completed by King Thieu Tri in 1843. Minh Mang Tomb with two lakes and beautifully decorated architecture, is one of the most majestic mausoleums in the world. The most pedestal of the mausoleums of the Nguyen kings He was also a great patron of art and commissioned several magnificent structures during his reign, including the Mausoleum that bears his name. The area limited by the 1,750-meter-long La Thanh Ring is an architectural complex including palaces, castles, and pavilions arranged oppositely on an axis along the 700-meter-long Shinto Road, starting from Dai Hong Mon arrived at the foot of La Thanh after the king's tomb. The mausoleum's body resembles that of a person resting in a comfortable position, with his knees on Kim Phung Mountain, his legs stretched out at the confluence of rivers in front of him, the two halves of Trung Minh Lake like his arms naturally surrendering.  Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by the harmonious combination of architecture and nature, which is both antique and magnificent. You also visit some superb attractions in the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang like Dai Hong Mon Gate, Minh Lau Pavilion, Tan Nguyet Lake,etc. With its stunning landscape, intricate architecture and fascinating stories which reflect the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Mausoleum has enraptured visitors and become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hue.

Location: Highway 49, Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra District, Thua Thien – Hue Province

Opening hours: 7:00 - 17:00 everyday.

Minh Mang Tomb

Tu Duc Tomb

About 6km from Hue city center, the Tomb of King Tu Duc is one of the few complexes of mausoleums of the Nguyen Dynasty located near the inner city. So, you can move to the mausoleum relatively easily and conveniently. Tu Duc Tomb is considered one of the four most beautiful mausoleums in the ancient capital, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. The tomb of King Tu Duc is a world surrounded by tranquility, nature and harmony in the architectural complex of Hue ancient capital. Panoramic view of Tu Duc Tomb as a large park. There are streams flowing all year round, pines ringing, and birds singing. In the charm of the clouds, and the scent of flowers, people seem to forget that it is the mausoleum of a deceased person but think it is a paradise of plants, poetry, and dreams... Nowadays, although it has been faded by time, it still bears a Confucian style, contemplative, exuding an unmistakable regal look. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the melodious Hue song, the poetic Perfume River, and the peaceful mausoleum, where the human soul and nature become one, then pack your bags and go. Please!

Location: No. 17/69, Le Ngo Cat Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province

Opening hours: 07:30 - 17:30 daily

Tu Duc Tomb

Trang Tien Bridge

Trang Tien Bridge is also known as Truong Tien Bridge, crosses the Perfume River. Trang Tien Bridge is the first bridge built in Indochina according to Western construction techniques and materials imported from the West. Trang Tien Bridge is a popular tourist attraction that draws numerous visitors to Hue. This bridge is especially beautiful at sunset times, as the sunshine reflects the river, creating a curious romance. Visitors can stroll in comfort along the lovely river while admiring the Truong Tien Bridge Hue and enjoying mouthwatering treats. In addition to the inherent lighting system, the bridge has a modern color-changing lighting system that was installed in 2002. Therefore, you should go to Trang Tien Bridge at night, to be able to fully admire the shimmering beauty of lights and water created. On the bridge, you can both watch the peaceful Perfume River and immerse yourself in the lyrical melody of Hue. Trang Tien Bridge has a special meaning for Hue people. The bridge is a living witness to the ups and downs, and transformations that the city has gone through.

Trang Tien Bridge

Perfume River

Coming to Hue, it’s a must that you have to visit the famous Perfume River. The name “Perfume” dates back to 100 years ago, when people could smell the sweet scent of flowers that floated in the river from the upriver orchards. The Perfume River is originally beautiful, winding between the mountains and forests, bringing with it the aromas of tropical herbs. Today, the smell of the city, traffic, and industry faded the initial perfume.  However, the Perfume River is still the symbol of Hue, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in Hue. The afternoon, when you can see the magnificent sunset, is the ideal time to explore Perfume River. Joining a riverboat tour will allow you to see the majority of Hue's landmarks as it offers cruising services on the Perfume River. Today, boating along the river was a must-do activity for visitors to Hue. Most of them admit that this is one of the most beautiful and extremely splendid riverside landscapes, especially at night when lights are on that they have ever visited. Besides, tourists usually book a river boat tour in the evening with a luxury dinner served on a boat. It will give you the feeling of being royal, just like the Royal families in the past.

Perfume River

Lang Co Bay

Lang Co Beach has long been famous as a beach with the most beautiful natural conditions and scenery in Vietnam - with more than 10 km of white sand, beautiful immense blue sea, Besides, there are vast tropical forests on undulating mountain ranges, lying between the mountains and the mysterious sea. Being immersed in Lang Co beach  in the early morning would be the best feeling you’ve ever had, clearing all your stresses and thoughts at once. If you are interested in trekking, Bach Ma Mount in Lang Co Bay will be an ideal destination for your trekking route. Trekking between clouds and mountains and admiring the majestic beauty of Lang Co will make you feel like you’re in heaven. For nature fans, this unusual encounter will be even more thrilling, so be sure to go there while visiting Lang Co Bay Traveling to Lang Co Bay, tourists can take in the view of the natural scenery and the peaceful life of people here. 

Location: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua – Thien Hue province.

Lang Co Bay

Thuy Xuan Incense Village

During your trip to Hue , in addition to visiting cultural and historical heritage sites, visitors should spend a little time visiting Thuy Xuan Incense Village. Thuy Xuan is an old incense-making village in Hue from 700 years ago, under the Nguyen Dynasty. The incense here is famously fragrant and has many colors. In the past, the village made incense to supply the court. Now, after many years, the village still retains this traditional profession. Tourists come here to observe people making incense. Many photographers also come here to capture colorful photos of the bouquets of incense radiating like flowers under the sparkling sun. Besides, you will be extremely excited to discover first-hand the process of handmade incense making as well as experience some stages with your own hands. By doing so, you will learn more about this ancient vocation and the locals' way of life.

Location: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien - Hue Province.

Thuy Xuan village

Tay Ho Conical Hat Village

Since it is graceful, delicate, and practical in Vietnam's hot climate, the conical hat is a symbol of Vietnam, particularly for Vietnamese women. One of the top conical hat-making communities in the nation is Tay Ho Village in Hue. Visiting this village, tourists will have a chance to explore the conical hat making process, and can also participate in a class and learn how to make them. It is probably not so easy to make a conical hat, but you will do just fine thanks to the instruction and guidance of the local craftsmen, and it’s also a very good way to learn about Vietnamese Culture.

Tay Ho Conical Hat Village

UNESCO designated the historic city of Hue, which is situated on the banks of the Huong River, as a World Heritage Site. The Nguyen Dynasty established this city as the governmental, educational, cultural, and cultural hub of Vietnam, making it the birthplace of Vietnamese culture. Any history enthusiast will be drawn to Hue's distinctive past. Home to national treasures, including a complex of temples, pagodas, tombs, and monuments, this riverfront town welcomes millions of tourists arriving annually to see these fascinating sites. I do hope that this article is useful to you as a reference list of top tourist attractions in Hue. If you are planning to visit Vietnam, let's get in touch with Vietnam Escape Tour to have further information.