Hue Vietnam: The 11 most recommended attractions!

Hue

Hue Hue is a city in central Vietnam, quite close to both Hoi An and Da Nang , and was the capital for about 150 years. The city has been under the control of several different kingdoms over the past centuries, and you can literally see signs of its long history everywhere. It is full of antiquities, temples, history and even an abandoned water park! It even has a monument complex that has been declared a UNESCO site! You will find unique street food, countless sites to visit and a special atmosphere. If you like antiquities, temples, good food and nightlife, Hue Vietnam is the place for you and in my opinion it is really worth a trip from Nha Trang in the south or Phong Nha in the north. 

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Table of Contents

Weather in Hue Vietnam

  • Mid-January to April: Spring. The average temperature is 22°C~25°C. Slightly dry and humid, making this period the most pleasant and recommended time of year.
  • May to August: Summer. Average temperatures are 30°C ~ 38°C. Hot and humid.
  • Mid-August to September: Autumn. Temperatures drop to around 18°C~20°C, and rains begin to fall. Less touristy at this time of year.
  • October to December: Floods and heavy rain, 21°C~27°C. Less recommended season.

The 11 best attractions in Hue

The city is full of temples, buildings, and tombs that tell the story of the glorious history of this entire area. There is also a ghost town and an abandoned water park!

Hue Historical Citadel

The Royal Palace is located in the middle of the city and includes a huge area with special buildings and sculptures. Admission is free. The place is open from 8 am to around 5:30 pm. 

Hue Vietnam Historical Citadel
The historic fortress

Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh

One of the region's unique temples, combining Western and Eastern elements in its style. Built during the reign of Emperor Khai Din, it is famous for its magnificent mosaics and unique architecture.

Chai Din Temple, Hue
Khai Dinh

Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc

A 19th-century tomb, surrounded by beautiful gardens and small lakes, and it exudes an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Tu Duc Tomb, Hue Vietnam
Tu Duc

Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang

One of the largest and most impressive temples in the area. Characterized by traditional architecture and symmetry. The temple is surrounded by forests and water, which gives it an atmosphere of detachment and tranquility.

Ming Mang Temple, Hue
Minh Mang

Temple Huyen Khong

An 18th-century Buddhist temple, located within a quiet and relaxing forest. The temple is famous for its peace and nature surrounding it, with landscaped gardens, ponds and small bridges that add to the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere of the place.

Hue Temples
Huyen Khong

Thien Mu Pagoda

A famous Buddhist temple built in the 17th century. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, and is an important symbol of the city. The seven-story tower, called Phuoc Duyen, is the most prominent landmark in the complex and a pilgrimage site for tourists and believers alike.

Hue Vietnam Temple
Thien Mu

Tu Hieu Pagoda

A historic Buddhist temple known for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Established in the 19th century, the temple serves as a place of rest and contemplation for monks and visitors. Surrounded by lush forest, it features manicured gardens and small ponds, adding to the natural and spiritual beauty of the place.

Hue Temple Vietnam
Tu Hieu

Thien An Monastery

A Christian monastery located on a hill surrounded by forest. The monastery is famous for its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, with beautiful natural scenery including winding paths and manicured gardens. It is a perfect place for rest, contemplation and prayer.

Tian Han
Thien An

Abandoned Water Park - Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

The abandoned water park is one of the special experiences. The park was abandoned around 2020 and has an apocalyptic atmosphere. One of the policemen may bribe you with a nominal amount to move around freely, but you will find many curious tourists there. 

Hue The abandoned water park
Abandoned slides at the water park
Hue The abandoned water park
From the dragon in the water park

An Bang Cemetery - City of Ghosts

The Ghost City is a 50-minute drive from the city, there is a cemetery that is huge in size, literally an entire city. The tombs are really impressive and mysterious!

Hue The Windy City
The Windy City near Hue

Lang Co Beach

The heat of Hue It can be heavy at times. So it's lucky there's a beautiful beach about an hour's drive from the city, calm and untouristed.

Recommendations for day trips in the area Hue

All tours include professional guides, convenient schedules, and excellent value for money.

Why do I recommend Viator?

One Pass Island, Hue
Hai Van pass

⭐ Recommended by 100% of travelers with over 1,100 positive reviews!
✅ Safe driving with a professional driver and a comfortable motorcycle
✅ A route full of amazing views and attractions along the way
✅ Possibility to adjust the stops according to your preference

Reserve your spot now! ↓

Street food tour in Hue

⭐ Recommended by 100% of travelers with over 230 positive reviews!
✅ Small group tour
✅ Includes hotel pickup
✅ Professional guidance with explanations about the local cuisine

Reserve your spot on the tour now ↓

Private tour in Hue

⭐ Recommended by 97% of travelers with over 450 positive reviews!
✅ Comfortable travel in a private car for up to 4 passengers
✅ Possibility to customize the route according to your preferences
✅ Includes fuel, tolls, parking and hotel pickup

Reserve your spot in the workshop now! ↓

Recommended hotels in Hue

There are many great options for accommodation in Hue, and it is best to stay in the city center area, where most of the restaurants and bars are located. Here are some recommendations for places to stay, from low to high price:

Hue Nino Hotel Recommended hotels in Hue

⭐ Rating of 8.9 on Booking.com
✅ In the city center
✅ Private rooms with air conditioning
✅ Breakfast included

Book now:

Life Boutique Hotel Recommended hotels in Hue

⭐ Rating of 9.0 on Booking.com
✅ Central location
✅ 3-room hotel with pool
✅ Private and comfortable rooms

Book now:

Jade Scene Hotel Recommended hotels in Hue

⭐ Rating of 9.2 on Booking.com
✅ 3-star hotel with pool
✅ Comfortable rooms with air conditioning
✅ Includes a good breakfast

Book now:

Recommended restaurants in Hue Vietnam

The cuisine in Hue is super special. It's the only place where you can find salt coffee (cà phê muối). Contrary to intuition, it's delicious in an unexpected way! Another distinct culinary feature is bon bou Hue (Bún bò Huế) – Spicy noodle soup with slices of beef. You can easily find both dishes at stalls around the city.
Additionally, on the street of the night market you will find lots of restaurants, bars and street stalls. So here are some recommendations for both local food and if you feel like something different:

Madam Thu Restaurant

One of the most famous and delicious places in the city. A variety of fresh and excellent Vietnamese food.

Hue Portion
A sharing portion at Madame Tussauds of rice porridge with shrimp

Nook Eatery

Delicious local food, but there are also many western and healthy dishes. Excellent burger! 

Maison Trang

An authentic Vietnamese restaurant but easily accessible and convenient for tourists.

Why Not?

Fun bar restaurant with lots of options. The tacos and pizza are great!

Pizza and tacos in Hue
Pizza and Tacos \ Why Not

Interesting destinations nearby Hue Vietnam

The city is located right in the center of Vietnam, 14 hours from Hanoi , and 21 hours by bus or train from Ho Chi Minh.
There are direct flights from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.
Another interesting destination, full of nature and caves, is Phong Nha a short 5-hour bus ride away, and also Da Nang/Hoi An, which are full of fun attractions and beaches, really close to Hue and about 4 hours away.
A sleeper from Tam Coc will take you about 12 hours – a more northern destination with ancient temples, rice fields and amazing food.
You can easily find trips from any destination at the following link:

Hue Temple Vietnam
Incense in front of the temple

Questions and answers about Hue

What is special about the city? Hue Vietnam? 🏯

Hue It was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty and is full of interesting historical sites, such as its Imperial Palace and imperial tombs.

What is the abandoned water park?🎢

The park is one of the most mysterious and fascinating places in the city. The park was built in 2004, but was closed and abandoned quite quickly. All that remains are crumbling sculptures, pools, and water slides.

How do you get to the abandoned water park? 🚖

The abandoned park in Hue is about 10 km from the city center. The easiest way to get there is by scooter or taxi.

What is the Windy City near? Hue Vietnam? 👻

The Ghost City An Bang Cemetery is one of the largest and most elaborate cemeteries in Vietnam. The place is so named because of its huge, colorful tombs spread out over a vast radius.

How much time should you spend on a visit? ⏳

If you want to experience the main sites, two to three days will be enough. If you want to explore the surrounding attractions as well, it's worth coming for four days.

What local food should you not miss in Hue, Vietnam? 🍜

The food of Hue Considered one of the best in Vietnam. Recommended dishes:

  • Bún Bò Huế – Spicy noodle soup with beef.
  • Bánh Khoái – a local version of Vietnamese crepe.
  • Cà Phê Muối – a special salt coffee, combining sweet and salty flavors – really delicious!

Why do I recommend Viator?