15 Best things to do in Hue
In April 2023, we travelled 3 weeks in Vietnam. Our original plan was to visit all of Vietnam but as we were planning it, we decided to focus on the north and center of Vietnam. Therefor allowing more time in both those regions.
Our trip started and ended in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. And we also spent an overnight in Hanoi as we travelled back from Sapa to Halong Bay.
Our complete trip included in this order: Hanoi, Sapa, Hanoi, Halong Bay/LanHa Bay, Tam Coc (Ninh Binh), Hue, HoiAn, Hanoi. And as always, we will make a complete itinerary of the trip.
One particular thing is that we travelled Vietnam while Tina was 9 to 12-week Pregnant. So, it wasn’t always easy, yet we enjoyed it!
Hue located the central region of Vietnam was our fifth stop directly after Tam Coc. We opted to get there by plane as it was way more convenient than by bus or train and therefor skipped the caves of Phong Nha. And we don’t regret it at all.
Hue is a city steeped in history and culture renowned for its rich heritage, imperial past, and picturesque landscapes. Hue served as the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945, and its historical significance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In this article, we will tell our story going around all the best things to do in Tam Coc. So, if you too are planning a trip to Vietnam and to Tam Coc, then let ‘s dive in these best things to do in Tam Coc.
Here is our complete video from this trip :
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Getting there
Getting to Hue is quite easy as it is one of the main cities in Vietnam.
From Hanoi:
- Flight: You can book domestic flights from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi to Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) in Hue. Multiple airlines operate this route, including Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air. It takes 1.5 to 2h.
- Train: You can book train tickets from Hanoi to Hue at Hanoi Railway Station or online through the official website of Vietnam Railways (https://dsvn.vn/) as well as on BaoLau (https://www.baolau.com) or 12Go Asia. There are different types of train services, with various levels of comfort and prices. However it can take up to 15 hours.
- Bus: You can book bus tickets from Hanoi to Hue through local travel agencies, bus stations, or online booking platforms. Several bus companies offer this route, and options range from standard to sleeper buses. It takes up to 16 hours.
From Tam Coc:
- Flight: You can first take a van to Hanoi airport and then a plane from Hanoi to Hue.
- Train: You can first get to Ninh Binh railway station and there get on a train to Hue. The journey can take up to 12h or more.
- Bus: You can also take a bus which can tale between 10h and 14h if everything goes well.
Our story was:
Our transfer was organized on WhatsApp, we got the contact from our accommodation. It was with Tràng An limousine which cost 700 000 for 2.
At 11h45, we were picked up with a car. We then picked up 2 more people and drove to the main van. It had 11 seats; we had the one in front of the last row. The van seemed a bit old, the seat not too comfortable because they had massage function, but it wasn’t working anymore, and we could feel it in our backs. Also, it was quite dirty van.
USB were working. We picked up more people until the van is full and left at 12h10.
At 13h20, we made a first stop outskirts of Hanoi. (30min from the old center). 13h27 dropped the rest. And 5min later we switched from the van to a car. We were with another woman also going to the airport.
By 14h we were at the airport, we checked in our luggage, ate our BanhMi and passed the controlled. Everything went smoothly.
We walked a bit around the terminal which was quite good for a domestic departure.
The plan took off on time and we landed at 17h50. The time to get out at luggage were there.
We ordered a “Grab” but the guy asked us to walk to him. We didn’t really know what to do and a police officer told us to walk as well. So, with a couple from Switzerland we walked out of the airport trying to get our grabs. No grab pickup inside the airport.
Our “Grab” costed 190 000. It was the cheapest option. A meter taxi was around 250 000 but I guess it is from the airport directly and a car arranged by the hotel would have been 350 000.
2min away there was Nook Eatery. We ordered a beer, a peach tea, a vegan pho and the tofu with lemongrass. For dessert we opted for the banana pandan crepe. All was super yummy and the place cozy. It costed 290 000.
Moving Around
There are many things to do around Hue, therefor the best way to get around is by scooter.
During our first day there at noon, I organize on WhatsApp to rent a scooter from Thuê xe máy Huế Hidden Land Bikes. The price was 150 000 for one day, 230 000 for one and half and 50 000 for a full tank. So, it cost 280 000 in total. Here you never give back the rental with a full tank.
They then brought the scooter to our hotel and after making some paperwork we went on our journey.
When to Visit
Let’s start by saying that Vietnam is a really long country and as such have 3 very distinct type of weather (North/central/South).
The best time to visit Hue is from February to Mai. These months are the spring season in Hue, when the weather is ideal for all activities. The average temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius, making it considerably much more comfortable to go outside and explore the city. The amount of rain in Hue is also at its least in these months. So you will not be afraid that rains will ruin their vacation.
June and July. It is still possible to visit Hue in these months, but it is not extremely recommended. Since they’re summertime of the year, the weather is the hottest with an average temperature of 30 degrees, making it more uncomfortable for tourists. Nevertheless, tourists will enjoy the dark blue sky in exchange for the hot weather.
Where to Stay
What to Eat
The best things to eat in Vietnam are:
- Pho: A Vietnamese soup dish consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat or tofu.
- Banh mi: A French-Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with vegetables, meat/tofu/tempeh, and sauce…
- Banh Xeo: A rice flour pancake filled with various toppings and herbs.
Plus, lots of many other dishes made of spring rolls, fried noodle, or rice. We personally always found vegetarian or vegan option in Vietnam but also noticed that their kitchen is quite heavy and used lots of fried and deep-fried ingredients.
They are also lots of drinks to try:
- Egg coffee: Hot or cold coffee prepared with egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk and strong coffee.
- Iced coffee: Made using Medium/Dark coffee passing through hot water into a cup that already contains condensed milk.
- Coconut Coffee: Where coconut milk is added.
Plus, they are also lots of fresh juices, fresh coconuts and beers to try.
If you are looking for some great places to eat, we would recommend:
- Nook Eatery: Our favourite
- Nina’s Cafe Restaurant
Or for a drink:
- Roaster
Best things to do in Hue
Laundry & ATM
That’s not one of the best things to do in Hue, but we started like this. We woke up around 5h30 and stretched a bit before going for breakfast which was buffet type. It was good and they had lots of option however the coffee was insanely strong.
I noticed I had forgotten my tripod at Nook Eatery last night, so at 7h I went and picked it up. I was lucky that they found it.
We then went for laundry at Dong Da Hue Laundromat which was a few minutes away from our hotel. We had 2.3kg of laundry and we asked to have it deliver the same day in our hotel. All together it cost 60 000. Compared to 320 000 if we would have done it in our hotel.
On our way to the imperial city, we made a stop at Agribank to withdraw some cash. So, far this is the best ATM in Vietnam. You can withdraw up to 3 000 000 with only a 22 000 fee.
Nguyen Dinh Chieu
We then walked to the imperial city, and opted to use the Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street which provided a beautiful walk along the Perfume River.
Once on the other side of the bright, we got some water (10 000). And then arrived at the ticket office of the imperial citadel.
There were a few options and combo tickets to take. We didn’t know which one to take but a French guy who has been 4 times to Hue recommended us to take the bigger one where you can visit the citadel and 3 tombs. So, we followed his advises. (1 060 000)
Imperial Citadel
The Imperial Citadel houses the ancient imperial city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn dynasty. It contains the palaces that housed the imperial family, as well as shrines, gardens, and villas for mandarins. Constructed in 1803 under Emperor Gia Long as a new capital, it mostly served a ceremonial function during the French colonial period.
The Citadel was magnificent and huge. We stayed almost 2h there but you could easily stay 4h. There was also a cool store in the citadel where we got 2 magnets (50 000) which is mostly our main souvenir every time we travel.
Dong Ba Market
From there we passed by the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities but didn’t visit it. Instead, we headed to the Dong Ba Market, one if not the main flea market in Hue.
It was a nice market, but some areas were super stinky, and Tina couldn’t take it. So, we quickly escape it but no without getting a little something: 4 oranges (50 000).
We also popped by a supermarket nearby Called Co.op mart Huế and got some snacks (163 000). It was a decent supermarket and the best one so far in Vietnam.
We then walked back to Nook Eatery where we had lunch (200 000). We really love this place. This time we opted for the tofu pad Thai, a mango smoothy bowl and a beer.
Thien Mu Pagoda
After that, as it was super-hot, we went back to our hotel and rested. During this time, I organize on WhatsApp to rent a scooter from Thuê xe máy Huế Hidden Land Bikes.
We got it for 2 days with a full tank which was cool as we won’t have to refuel it (280 000). They then brought the scooter to our hotel and after some paperwork we were ready to go.
Our first stop was the Thien Mu Pagoda. One of the things that we really enjoy in Hue so far, is how organized it is. And driving the scooter around was super enjoyable especially along the perfume River.
Once at the pagoda we parked our scooter and visited the site. (10 000).
This site is known for its seven-story Phước Duyên pagoda which is regarded as the unofficial symbol of Hue and its temple has often been the subject of folk rhymes.
Temple of literature
A bit further we also popped by the temple of literature, but it was mostly ruins.
Tu Dam Pagoda
Our next stop was the Tu Dam temple which also featured a magnificent pagoda.
Hue Archdiocese Cathedral
And after that the Hue Archdiocese Cathedral also called the Phủ Cam Cathedral. What made this stop interesting was the unique and unusual shape of the building.
An Dinh Palace
As we still had time, we stopped at “An Dinh Palace”, an early 20th century palace & home of Vietnam’s last kings. After getting 2 tickets (100 000), we visited the old palace, which was interesting, but a bit let down. Nevertheless, some painted walls were quite beautiful.
Night Walking Street
It was now time to relax, so we opted to try the lychee iced tea and the Pandan tea at Hue T Roaster (72 000). The coffee shop had amazing vibes and our drinks were yummy.
Plus, we had never tried Pandan before!
We then strolled around the bar district, stopped at few shops but didn’t get anything and later on had dinner at Madam Thu. Unfortunately, the vegetarian options were disappointing, and the food was fast food. We had the spring rolls and the noodle salad (110 000). However, we appreciated the little refreshing towel, the complimentary tea, and the small fruit plater.
Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
After an early rise at 6am and some yoga, it was once again time for a buffet breakfast. Today, we will need energy as we have 3 tombs and more on the program.
Our first stop was the furthest away, the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. Located 12km outside of Hue which took us some 25min by scooter. The tomb was constructed around 1840 it is said to be the most majestic of all Nguyen Dynasty royal tombs.
The complex hots 40 constructions such as palaces, temples, pavilions, etc. Many said that it’s a perfect combination of manmade and natural beauty of Hue, where architecture fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh
Next and not too far was the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh. After parking in front (2 000) and getting some teas (25 000), we enter the tomb built for Khải Định, the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty.
It features a blend of Vietnamese architecture mixed with Western styles. The tomb was completed in 1931 after 11 years of construction and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Thuy Tien lake Abandoned Water Park
Then, we went to Thuy Tien Lake Abandoned Water Park which was some 10min away. We didn’t see it right away as a taxi was hiding it, but you can enter in scooter and drive all the way to the main part of the park. So, we first walked all the way which wasn’t too bad.
Hồ Thủy Tiên is an abandoned water park that gained notoriety for its short operational period and has become a major destination in Hue due to its dragon construction in the center. There are planning to reopen it but there are often postponed!
Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc
For lunch we headed back to the center of Hue and had Khoai’s pancake at Nina’s Café Restaurant. I loved it and it was something new, but it was a bit too heavy for Tina.
We also got watermelon juices and water (200 000).
Once lunch finished, we went back to our accommodation and rested to avoid the strong sun present at the beginning of the afternoon.
Once full of energy, we hoped back on the scooter and around 14h30 we left for the last tomb of the day, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. After parking we got 2 small bottle of water (20 000) which made the parking free, and it is important to stay hydrated with such hot weather.
This tomb was built for the Nguyễn Emperor Tự Đức in 1867 and is divided into a Temple Area and a Tomb Area.
What we truly like was the small lake in the middle with it little house where you could feed Koy fish (5 000)
Vong Canh Hill
To continue our exploration of Hue, we drove a few minutes away to discover the viewpoint on Vong Canh Hill.
After parking the scooter (10 000), it was a short few minutes’ walk to the viewpoint. The view was truly stunning there!
Từ Hiếu Pagoda
It was time to call it a day, we hoped again on the scooter and headed back. Passing by beautiful stores selling colorful incense.
We also made a final stop at Từ Hiếu Pagoda, a peaceful place with a beautiful pond and garden.
Nearby we also saw kids practicing some martial art.
We then went back to our hotel, texted the company to pick the scooter up and then went for dinner. Once again, we opted for Nook Eatery.
This evening, we ordered the vegetarian pho and the vegetarian burger with fries and a Huda beer. As always it didn’t disappoint.
We also went for a banana pandan crêpes with coconut ice cream and a banana tapioca cake with coconut ice cream. (380 000).
More things to do in Hue
If you want more things to do in Hue, you can consider:
- Tliger Arena
- Museum of Royal Antiquities
An amazing 2-day Hue Itinerary
Day 1:
- Nguyen Dinh Chieu
- Imperial Citadel
- Dong Ba Market
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Temple of literature
- Tu Dam Pagoda
- Hue Archdiocese Cathedral
- An Dinh Palace
- Night Walking Street
Day 2:
- Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang
- Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh
- Thuy Tien lake Abandoned Water Park
- Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc
- Vong Canh Hill
- Từ Hiếu Pagoda
Đi đêm lắm có ngày gặp ma
If you keep going out at night, eventually you will meet ghosts.
Get our full map
Why pin one by one when you can get them all at once? With this map, you get all our pins, destinations, things to see, where to eat and sleep, and so much more in one time.
