Ultimate Guide of the 10 Best Things To Do In Hue, Vietnam

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One of my favorite things about Vietnam, and that I think a lot of travelers could take for granted before they’ve visited, is that no matter where you are in the country, each region/destination/city/town/village is vastly different. There’s one thing that makes it uniquely that!

Most things to do in Hue center around history, culture, traditions, and spirituality — I mean, it is the former Imperial City, after all!

You could spend at least two days just ticking off the cultural landmarks alone here. And that’s not even touching the base of the spiritual/religious counterparts! Or to mention, all the things to see in Hue relating to royalty and former dynasties.

If you’re wondering what are some of the quintessential activities, landmarks, and attractions, here are ten to get you going, and that are a magical mix of all sorts; so everyone is happy!

It’s conveniently located two hours from Danang, and to reach here, you have to, no, make that, you get to drive along one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking coastal roads: the Hai Van Pass!

Are you visiting Hue as part of a day trip from Hoi An? Read more on the Hoi An’s best beaches here.

10 Best things to do in Hue, Vietnam

1. Hồ Thuỷ Tiên: The Abandoned Waterpark 

How many times in your life can you say you’ve been to an abandoned waterpark? 

This site sprang to my attention after friends of mine discovered it during their travels to Hue. After clocking their photos, I had to see it for myself! 

Completely deserted, Hồ Thuỷ Tiên used to be in operation years ago, but all that remains are gigantic dragon-shaped towers, pools of water where wild tropical trees now grow from, graffitied walls, and water slides non longer in use. 

You can usually sneak in, as there’s no one around to stop you, and it’s one of those magical places where you totally want to set up a photoshoot — it’s epic, not to mention one of the most unique things to do in Hue!

2. Hue Imperial City: The Citadel 

Hue was once the former imperial capital of Vietnam, and was home to the country’s last ruling dynasty — the Nguyen dynasty who ruled circa 1802 through to 1945. This part of Vietnam was home to emperors and royalty. 

The dynasty’s first emperor, Gia Long, was said to be the one who created the “modern Vietnam.”

Okay, now that you have the history down-low. The Citadel is what remains from this historical and extremely important era, and was the actual city itself. Still standing are gates, temples, tombs, gardens, and a flag tower. You’ll also find exhibitions and activities like the recreation of royal dances. The entire space is enclosed by a square fortress, and you could easily spend an entire day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

Also here is the Forbidden Purple City, the former royal Imperial Residence, which you can tour. 

It’s one of the biggest reasons people flock to Hue, and if you’re into your history, you’re about to fall in love! And even if you’re not, well, the architecture is mindblowing! If, like me, you’re keen for the full experience, don’t miss this excellent walking tour of the Hue citadel.

Also how cute is this: you can hire a traditional costume and pretend you’re an emperor, king, queen, or concubine for the day! Official guided tours are available, too. 

3. Thuy Xuan Incense Village: See how incense is made

The Thuy Xuan Incense Village is an absolute explosion of color! 

So, you’ve probably seen these long incense sticks all around the country, from the roadsides to inside temples. Vietnamese have shrines within their homes, as well as built on the road or randomly next to landmarks, dedicated to their ancestors. They pray to them daily, along with making an offering and lighting incense. 

Thành phố Huế is a production village where they manufacture the rainbow-colored sticks. This includes the entire process, like how the paste is made (the fragranced part of the stick that burns). It’s not only interesting to witness, but makes for some stunning photographs! Workshops are available too, where you can try your hand at making the aromatic sticks yourself. 

4. An Dinh Palace: Europe or Vietnam?

When visiting any major European country, you’ll always stumble across a former palace, where royalty used to live. While monarchs are no longer a thing, well, almost, these palaces are usually open to the public as a living museum, where you can tour the interiors and rooms and see how rulers once went about with daily life. 

An Dinh Palace (Cung An Định) is the former home of Vietnam’s King Khai Dinh (the Nguyễn dynasty’s 12th emperor). In 1917, the King renovated the building to replicate the famed European palaces of royalty at the time.  

Today, you can explore the period rooms, spread across three floors. The walls drip in ornate gold, artwork, statues, and some original furniture. You can find other prominent features outside, including the Trung Lap Bower, and the main entrance. 

5. Cafe hopping: Epic coffee shops  

Like most popular Vietnamese towns and cities, coffee culture is also very much a thing in Hue. In my opinion, Vietnam sports some of the coolest coffee shops in Southeast Asia! So, I always make sure to check out a few no matter what city I’m in. Hue doesn’t disappoint, and has a really cute coffee scene, where the spots are super local in the most wonderful Vietnamese coffee culture kind of way! I love how they haven’t been “Westernized” yet. 

Eclectic and moody is one way to describe Ngang Cafe, who you can always count on for an excellent iced coffee (which they bottle themselves). Locals love playing board games here, and it’s where the cool kids come to hang.  

The real OG’s of cà phê muối (Vietnamese salt coffee), this local cafe is the one who literally created this concoction now famous around the country, and world. The cafe is aptly named Cà Phê Muối – N Cafe. OBVS you have to order the salt coffee! They have different variations of it, like matcha and cocoa. 

Split across two levels, the actual building of Deja Vu Coffee is what draws me into this spot. They also sell desserts. 

6. Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda: How could you not feel at peace? 

A Buddhist monastery and temple in one, feel the zen in the air at the beautiful and serene Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda. 

Around half an hour from the city center (in the Nham Bieu village), it’s wrapped in greenery, Buddha statues, typical temple elements that allow you to float worlds away, and monks in meditation. The nearby pine forests provide the most scented, fresh smells and mountains rise in the background. 

Lakes, bamboo corridors, bridges crossing lily ponds, a courtyard, and the main hall are other picturesque areas that complete this monastery.  

Founded in 1989, it forms part of Theravada Buddhism (originating in India). It’s certainly one of the most special things to do in Hue. 

7. Lăng Khải Định i.e. Tomb of Khai Dinh: A UNESCO-listed burial site 

We visited Khải Định’s residence, now it’s time to check out this flamboyant king’s burial place. It is said, that of all the Nguyen dynasty leaders, Khải Định was the most different. Apparently, he was the one that was interested, and influenced by other cultures, specifically those from the Western World — I mean, after checking out his palace, you can totally see it, right? 

Anyway, his tomb is extravagant (at least by Vietnamese standards) and was built up on a hillside outside of the city (about a 20 minutes drive away) on Châu Chữ mountain. He ordered that his burial place be built in a variation of architectural styles including Vietnamese, French colonial (which was very controversial but not surprising as he was on good terms with the French and enjoyed visiting France), and Chinese. 

The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, and forms part the city’s official Complex of Hué Monuments. 

8. Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre: A cultural performance 

By now you would have noticed that unlike some of its neighboring cities like beachy Danang, or shopper’s paradise over in Hoi An, Hue is a melting pot of culture-rich activities. Most of the things to do in Hue center around this, including the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre. 

While it is in the Imperial City (which I mentioned way above), it’s worth seeking out the theatre. It’s still active today and is a wonderful activity for all ages. 

Don’t miss daily performances at the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre. These occur twice a day and are a spectacle of three dances: the Unicorn dance, the Fan dance, and the Lotus dance, accompanied by live traditional music. 

There’s also a small museum section with traditional costumes on display, as well as instruments, citations, and information on its history. 

9. Thien Mu Pagoda: Cruise the river to get here  

Dating all the way back to 1601, the seven-tiered Thien Mu Pagoda is one of Hue’s most important religious sites and is therefore a must among the things to do in Hue.

Known by many names, these include Linh Mụ Temple, Chùa Thiên Mụ (its Vietnamese name), and the Temple of the Celestial Lady (what it translates to in English). It’s steeped in local folklore, and highly revered among the locals.  

Sitting on the banks of the scenic Perfume River, the only way to reach it is via boat ride along the river — which is a whole excursion on its own, where you pass by local landmarks, fishing villages, French colonial style buildings, and locals going about their daily business … All the while the smell of sweet perfume drifts through the air!  

10. Gakka Art Gallery: Gorgeous original paintings 

Seeing as you’re on a whole culture bandwagon in Hue, why not visit a local art gallery? 

Run by a husband and wife artist duo (Hoang Thanh Phong and Nguyen Thi Hue), Gakka Art Gallery celebrates both the couple’s own artwork. 

Their stunning original paintings line the exhibition’s walls, and hone in on scenes of local life in Vietnam, from eons ago to the modern world. Also here are sketches, drawings, and other mediums. It’s true talent on display. And if you’re lucky and arrive at the right moment, you can witness the artists in action, creating away. 

Huệ & Phong are always up for a chat, and more than happy to answer any questions you have. Their art makes for the most incredible souvenir. One of my mom’s favorite things I brought back for her from Vietnam was a piece of local art which still stands proudly in her hallway. 

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