Hue travel guide
Hue Tourism | Hue Guide
You're Going to Love Hue
Hue was once the capital of Vietnam until the Nguyễn Dynasty fell in 1945. The city is focused around the commanding Perfume River.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hue
1. Imperial Citadel
This ancient citadel was once filled with temples, pavilions, gates, and museums. Some notable sites include Thái Hòa Palace, Trường Sanh Residence, and Ngọ Môn.
2. Tombs of the Emperors
Some of the ancient rulers buried here include Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, and Thieu Tri.
3. Ho Chi Minh Museum
This museum offers free entrance and shows historic photographs and artifacts from Ho Chi Minh and Hue.
4. Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs
This spa is one of the best hot springs in Vietnam, and also provides opportunities for ziplining and high wiring.
5. Thien Mu Pagoda
This pagoda high on a bluff offers great views of the Perfume River. It is famous enough to be considered the symbol of Hue city.
Where to Eat in Hue
Ancient Hue Royal Cuisine and Gallery offers authentic imperial food in an ancient house with manicured gardens. Meal prices are higher than at other locations in Hue, at ₫800,000 per person.
When to visit Hue
Hue's weather is very unpredictable, and is often misty or rainy in every season.The best time to visit is in the summer months between June and August when you have the highest visibility and driest weather.
How to Get to Hue
Plane
Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) is located south of the city center, with most visitors connecting to the city by private taxi, which costs around ₫200,000.
Train
There are several trains leaving daily from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang for Hue. The overnight sleeper train from Ho Chi Minh City takes 23 hours and costs ₫750,000.
Car
Take the QL14 highway from Ho Chi Minh to arrive in Hue in just under 20 hours driving time.
Bus
Buses reach Hue from spots like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. A journey from the city of Hoi An to Hue Bus Station costs ₫200,000 and takes 6-7 hours.
Airlines serving Hue
Where to stay in Hue
Midtown Hotel Hue has a rooftop pool and modern amenities. Orchid Hotel is slightly cheaper and includes a buffet breakfast and free train station transfer.
Popular neighbourhoods in Hue
Imperial Citadel - this historic area has a large amount of monuments, temples, and museums for exploring Vietnam's history.
Phu Hoa - this area is home to Dong Ba Market, a popular place to shop that was even featured on Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" show.
Phu Hoi - this area is home to Pham Ngu Lao, a street with the highest concentration of hotels and boutique lodging in Hue.
Where to stay in popular areas of Hue
Most booked hotels in Hue
How to Get Around Hue
Public Transportation
Travel by cycle or motorbike for the fastest transfers in the city. Prices are negotiable and should be negotiated, but generally cost around ₫100,000.
Taxi
Fares start at ₫10,000, with a typical journey around the city center costing around ₫50,000.
Car
Daily rental car prices start at ₫250,000 and can be picked up from the airport, train, or bus station.
The Cost of Living in Hue
Shopping Streets
Shop at Healing the Wounded Heart Shop to support disabled people in Hue who are selling eco-friendly handcrafts. Big C market is the biggest shopping mall located in the heart of downtown, with big label brands and traditional store fronts.
Groceries and Other
Big C market is also the biggest and most central shopping food market in Hue. A dozen eggs costs ₫29,000.