Where to Go in Hue? Here Are the Unmissable Spots
- ISEN TRAVEL
- Aug 6
- 8 min read
Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue is a city steeped in history, elegance, and royal grandeur. As the former imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue carries the legacy of Vietnam’s last feudal rulers through its magnificent architecture, from the iconic Imperial Citadel to the peaceful royal tombs scattered across its lush countryside. But Hue is more than just a museum of the past — it’s a place where ancient traditions meet gentle modernity, where visitors can savor unique Central Vietnamese cuisine, take slow boat rides along the river, or wander through lantern-lit streets that feel frozen in time.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, Hue offers countless ways to connect with Vietnam's soul. In this blog, “Where to Go in Hue? Here are the Unmissable Spots,” we’ll guide you through the most captivating places in the city — from historic landmarks to hidden gems — that you simply can’t miss on your journey to this poetic and unforgettable destination.
1. Hue Imperial City
Hue Imperial City is located on the banks of the poetic and romantic Huong River, this is one of the relics belonging to the Complex of Hue Monuments from the Nguyen Dynasty. Located right in the center of Hue city, the Imperial City is the "heart" of the Complex of Hue Monuments - a World Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO since 1993. The panorama of Hue Imperial City still preserves many unique marks of the Nguyen Dynasty - the last feudal dynasty in Vietnamese history.
Built from 1803 and completed in 1832, covering an area of 520 hectares. This is the most massive and orderly architectural work in Vietnam.
Today, Hue Imperial City still preserves more than 100 large and small architectural works with a strong royal style such as Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Palace, Tu Cam Thanh, Kien Trung Palace, The Mieu ...
Not only outstanding for its ancient beauty and sophisticated architectural art, this Hue tourist destination is also a place to preserve sacred cultural and historical values. The relic site helps visitors better understand the royal life and the glorious past of the nation.
Hue Imperial City (Hue Citadel) entrance ticket includes Hue Royal Palace Museum
For Vietnamese visitors: Adult ticket: 200,000 VND/person. Child ticket: 40,000 VND/person
For international visitors: Adult ticket: 200,000 VND/person. Child ticket: 40,000 VND/person
Children under 6 years old: Free
2. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, located on Ha Khue hill, in Kim Long ward, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province. The pagoda is located on the North bank of the Huong River, about 5km west of Hue city center.
According to historical records, this ancient pagoda was built in the mid-16th century. Specifically, in 1601, Lord Nguyen Hoang rebuilt Thien Mo Pagoda on Ha Khe Hill, on the left bank of the Huong River and changed its name to its current name. Although the pagoda has undergone many renovations and currently does not have many Buddha statues, for the people of Hue, this place still exists in their minds. In addition, the poem about Thien Mu Pagoda has become a poem that is widely spread by the people of the ancient capital of Hue:
"Gió đưa cành trúc la đà, Tiếng chuông Thiên Mụ, canh gà Thọ Xương".
After more than four centuries, the ancient pagoda has been covered with patterns and reliefs stained by time. The pagoda possesses the most beautiful ancient architecture in Hue and also carries a particularly important religious value in the development of Buddhism in the Central region in particular and Vietnam in general.
Entrance ticket: Free
3. Hue Tombs
Hue is famous for the 7 tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, each tomb bearing a unique cultural and architectural mark.
Gia Long Tomb (Thien Tho Lang): The tomb of King Gia Long, the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is located in the middle of a wild mountain area, standing out with the harmony between architecture and nature.
Minh Mang Tomb: Located on Cam Khe Mountain, Minh Mang Tomb was built with solemn architecture, surrounded by a lotus pond and a cool green pine forest.
Thieu Tri Tomb (Xuong Lang): The tomb of King Thieu Tri, standing out with its sophisticated architecture and peaceful space.
Tu Duc Tomb (Khiem Lang): Considered one of the most beautiful tombs, Tu Duc Tomb has more than 50 large and small structures, reflecting the poet's soul of the king.
Duc Duc Tomb (An Lang): The resting place of three Nguyen Dynasty kings, Duc Duc Tomb bears a strong historical mark.
Dong Khanh Tomb (Tu Lang): The tomb of King Dong Khanh, stands out with its unique architecture and quiet space.
Khai Dinh Tomb (Ung Lang): The most famous and well-known tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb has a splendid architecture and took a lot of effort to build.
The tombs in Hue are not only the resting place of the kings but also architectural works with deep cultural and historical values. They reflect the feng shui philosophy and artistic thought of the Nguyen Dynasty, and are also ideal destinations for tourists who want to explore Vietnam's cultural heritage.
When coming to Hue, exploring the tombs not only helps you understand more about the history of the Nguyen Dynasty but also enjoy the natural beauty and unique architecture of this ancient capital.
Minh Mang Tomb ticket price:
For Vietnamese visitors: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Child ticket: 30,000 VND/person
For international visitors: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Child ticket: 30,000 VND/person
Children under 6 years old: free
Ticket price to Khai Dinh King's Tomb:
For Vietnamese visitors: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Child ticket: 30,000 VND/person
For international visitors: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Child ticket: 30,000 VND/person
Children under 6 years old: free
Ticket price to Tu Duc King's Tomb:
For Vietnamese visitors: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Child ticket: 30,000 VND/person
For international visitors: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Children's ticket: 30,000 VND/person
Children under 6 years old: free
Gia Long King's Tomb ticket price
For Vietnamese guests: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Children's ticket: Free
For international guests: Adult ticket: 150,000 VND/person. Children's ticket: Free
Dong Khanh King's Tomb ticket price
For Vietnamese guests: Adult ticket: 100,000 VND/person. Children's ticket: Free
For international guests: Adult ticket: 100,000 VND/person. Children's ticket: Free
Thieu Tri King's Tomb ticket price
For Vietnamese guests: Adult ticket: 50,000 VND/person. Children's ticket: Free
For Vietnamese guests: Adult ticket: 50,000 VND/person. Child ticket: Free
Ticket price of King Duc Duc's Tomb
For Vietnamese visitors: Adult ticket: 50,000 VND/person. Child ticket: Free
For international visitors: Adult ticket: 50,000 VND/person. Child ticket: Free
4. Quoc Hoc Hue School
Quoc Hoc Hue School is also known as Quoc Hoc High School for the Gifted. The school is located along the poetic Huong River and right in the center of the ancient city of Hue. Quoc Hoc Hue School stands out with its bright red gate on the bustling main road.
The school has more than 120 years of history and is one of the three oldest schools in Vietnam. Quoc Hoc Hue School is the "birthplace" of many Vietnamese talents such as President Ho Chi Minh, General Secretary Pham Van Dong, historian Dao Duy Anh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, Doctor Dang Van Ngu...
The architectural feature of Quoc Hoc Hue School is the harmonious blend of ancient French architecture and decorative lines with Asian beauty. The buildings all have wide porches, tiled roofs, thick walls and shuttered - glass windows. Located in the center is the auditorium with a beautiful symmetrical layout.
Quoc Hoc Hue High School is an extremely attractive tourist destination for both domestic and foreign tourists, especially for photography enthusiasts. With its ancient and poetic scenery, this place will definitely bring you extremely cool photo sets.
Entrance ticket: Free
5. Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is a market in Hue city, Vietnam. This is a long-standing traditional market, with a history of more than 100 years of construction and development, considered one of the symbols of the ancient capital of Hue.
6. Truong Tien Bridge - a symbol of the ancient capital
Truong Tien Bridge crosses the Huong River, gracefully reflecting in the water, a typical symbol of Hue, and is also a historical relic that has witnessed many ups and downs in the country's history.
7. Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery
Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery is located in Loc Hoa commune, Phu Loc district, right in the middle of Truoi lake. There are 3 main areas in Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery: the outer courtyard (the main shrine, worshiping Buddha, behind the main shrine is the area worshiping To su Dat Ma), the "tăng viện" (a place for male monks and male Buddhists to practice), and the "ni viện" (a place for female monks and female Buddhists to practice).
8. Lang Co Beach and Thuan An Beach
While Hue is famed for its imperial citadel and royal tombs, its coastline holds equally captivating treasures. Lang Co Beach, a tranquil stretch of white sand embraced by the azure sea and lush mountains, offers a peaceful retreat with breathtaking natural beauty. Meanwhile, Thuan An Beach, located just 15 km from the city center, blends local charm with a quiet seaside atmosphere — perfect for those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Whether you’re chasing sunrise views, fresh seafood, or a quiet escape, these two coastal gems promise a refreshing side of Hue you won’t want to miss.
9. Vong Canh Hill
Vong Canh Hill is located in the south of Hue city and is considered a green park serving tourists for sightseeing and relaxation. Coming here, you will have a deep insight into the ancient capital and understand more about why this dreamy city has always been the inspiration for many works of art.
10. Huong River
If asked which tourist destination in Hue has left a strong impression in literature, the answer is Huong River, this is a famous tourist destination in Hue, the source of countless literary works, wearing a poetic, lyrical beauty, captivating people's hearts. The river, with a length of up to 80m, is considered a priceless gift that nature has bestowed upon this land.
11. Hon Chen Temple
A tourist destination in Hue that attracts many visitors is Hon Chen Temple, coming here, visitors can both admire the unique landscape and worship, pray for peace, health, and wealth. Visitors can travel by road or take a dragon boat on the Huong River to Hon Chen Temple.
12. Ngu Binh Mountain
Ngu Binh Mountain is an extremely attractive backpacking destination in Hue, with majestic natural scenery, highlighted by green pine forests, allowing visitors to freely admire the vast mountains and hills, enjoy the cool, quiet space of the mountains and forests, and at the same time fully admire the beauty of the poetic Huong River. This is also a familiar picnic spot for kings from the Nguyen Dynasty.
From ancient citadels and royal tombs to peaceful pagodas and sun-kissed beaches, Hue offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're wandering through imperial ruins or watching the sun set over the Perfume River, every moment in Hue tells a story worth remembering.
Ready to uncover the charm of Vietnam’s former imperial capital? Start planning your Hue adventure with Indochina Sense Travel - your local expert in meaningful journeys across Vietnam and beyond.
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