Hue – The Imperial City Embracing the Spirit of Vietnam
Located in Central Vietnam, Hue is a city steeped in history and culture. The city was the former imperial capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802 to 1945). During this period, Hue was Vietnam’s political, cultural, and religious centre, home to emperors, mandarins, and royal traditions that shaped the nation’s identity.
Truong Tien Bridge over the Perfume River in Hue
Hue now stands as a testament to the country’s rich heritage, featuring ancient pagodas, majestic royal tombs, and the scenic Perfume River that winds through the city. Whether wandering through ancient citadels or savouring authentic local cuisine, Hue offers a deep and lasting glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial legacy. Keep scrolling to discover the highlights of this historic gem.
Hue Citadel
Located on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the Hue Citadel spans an area of 500 hectares and is structured with three concentric layers of ramparts: the Kinh Thanh (Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel), and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Purple City).
Hue Citadel is one of the most visited places in Hue
Built in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, but the citadel was completed in 1832 under Emperor Minh Mang’s rule. During the Nguyen Dynasty, emperors commissioned the building of defensive walls, palaces, and various royal structures. Remarkably, over 200 years later, the citadel retains much of its original form, with nearly 140 small and large constructions. It now stands out as one of the remarkable spots on any Hue travel itinerary.
Ancient tombs in Hue
No visit to Hue is complete without exploring the royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors. Although the dynasty had 13 emperors, only 7 tombs were constructed. The most renowned are the tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, and Minh Mang. The remaining four belong to Emperors Gia Long, Duc Duc, Thieu Tri, and Dong Khanh.
Minh Mang Tomb
The tomb of Minh Mang is often regarded as the grandest and most picturesque, set amidst serene lotus-filled ponds and pine-covered hills that come alive in spring. Tu Duc Tomb reflects the emperor’s deep appreciation for art and poetry with its tranquil, romantic setting. In contrast, Khai Dinh Tomb stands out with its dramatic, multi-tiered structure rising on a forested slope. Unlike the traditional flat layouts, it features an eclectic blend of architectural styles, including Vietnamese, Chinese, French, and Cambodian influences.
Khai Dinh Tomb
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Dong Ba Market
Situated on the northern bank of the Perfume River, Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in Hue, covering more than 16,000 square metres. The market offers everything from fresh ingredients to traditional handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. The market is open daily from 4:00 am to 6:30 pm, with the busiest period during the first two hours. For a more relaxed experience, visiting around 3:00 pm is highly recommended.
Colorful stalls in Dong Ba Market
If you buy something, don’t hesitate to bargain—haggling is part of the experience! Popular items to take home include iconic Vietnamese conical hats (non la), elegant silk garments, and beautifully crafted local souvenirs. Besides, remember to savour local dishes at the market, such as bun bo Hue, nem lui, banh beo, and so much more.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Nestled on Ha Khe Hill along the northern bank of the Perfume River, about 5 km from central Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was first established in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the governor of Thuan Hoa province (Hue today). Legend has it that he chose the site after hearing a prophecy about a heavenly lady (Thien Mu) who foretold that a great leader would build a pagoda there to bring peace and prosperity to the land.
Thien Mu Pagoda
With its peaceful riverside setting, rich history, and graceful architecture, the pagoda has now become one of the unmissable destinations in Hue. Sunrise and sunset are the recommended times to visit the pagoda for a tranquil atmosphere and picturesque scenery. Kindly note that the opening hours are from early morning until 5:00 pm.
Bach Ma National Park
Another popular attraction in Hue is Bach Ma National Park, just 40 km from the city centre. The park covers an area of approximately 22,000 hectares, with the highest peak being Bach Ma Mount (1,448 meters). Home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, it offers nature lovers a chance to explore one of the seven biggest natural reserves in Vietnam.
In the early 20th century, French colonists developed Bach Ma as a hill station. Today, visitors can still follow the historic 19-km paved road to the summit, passing remnants of charming French villas. Whether hiking to hidden waterfalls, spotting rare wildlife, or simply enjoying panoramic views of the coast and forested mountains, Bach Ma National Park offers a refreshing escape.
Stunning sunrise on Bach Ma peak
Lang Co Bay
Beyond its royal palaces and ancient architecture, Hue is also home to a spectacular stretch of coastline. One of the most well-known beaches is Lang Co Bay. This scenic bay is a tranquil paradise with crystal-clear waters framed by lush green mountains and long stretches of white sand. Whether strolling along its pristine shores or soaking up the laid-back vibe, Lang Co offers a perfect coastal escape. The best time to visit is between April and July when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the sea is calm.
Lang Co Bay is regarded as one of the most beautiful bays in the world
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Hue Cuisine
Save the best for last! One of the standout reasons to visit Hue is its incredible cuisine. The imperial city is the birthplace of 1,700 out of 2,700 recorded dishes in Vietnam. Although Hue food can be found anywhere else in Vietnam, it never tastes the same as it does here. Hue food stands out for its bold flavours, complicated cooking methods, and eye-catching presentations.
Hue royal cuisine, a symphony of flavours and artistry
The dishes you should not miss include bun bo Hue(Hue beef noodle soup), com hen (rice with baby mussels), banh khoai (crispy savoury pancakes), banh beo (steamed rice cakes with dried shrimp), ruoc (shrimp paste), che Hue (Hue sweet soup), etc. For those looking for food souvenirs in Hue, you can choose from Hue royal tea, me xung (sesame candy), and Hue lotus seeds.
Com hen (rice with baby mussels)
With its rich history, royal heritage, natural beauty, and mouth-watering cuisine, Hue will surely capture your heart and leave you longing to return for more.
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