Top Tourist Attractions in Hue, Vietnam | Travel to Vietnam Guide

Thuong Tran
Nov 29, 2023
5 min read

Hue served as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945, making it the "Imperial City" of Vietnam. Situated strategically between the Perfume River and the East Sea, Hue boasts a pristine and mystical beauty. The city is a convergence of various cultures, religions, and architectures, creating a diverse and distinctive landscape.

Hue is adorned with a rich system of historical and cultural relics, including palaces, tombs, pagodas, temples, and historical sites. Additionally, the city features tranquil rural areas and lush green hills, providing an excellent natural environment for travelers to explore. In this article, Passionate Travel will guide you through the famous tourist attractions and must-visit places in Hue.

1. Hue Imperial with Khai Dinh and Minh Mang’ mausoleum

Hue Imperial is one of the must-visit tourist attractions when travelers come to Hue. Constructed in the 19th century, the Imperial City served as the residence and workplace for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty and the royal family. The Imperial City was built in the architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty, combining classical and East Asian architectural elements.

Within the palace grounds, there are many significant structures such as the Thai Hoa Palace, Can Chanh Palace, Phung Tien Palace, and Hien Lam Palace. Each palace features unique architecture and style, contributing to a diverse and distinctive picture of the Imperial City.

In addition, within the complex of the Hue Imperial City, there are many unique architectural structures, notably the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Among them, the Khai Dinh Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb are two of the most famous tombs, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists for visits.

Khai Dinh’s mausoleum

Khai Dinh’s mausoleum is located 10 km from the center of Hue city and stands out as the final architectural masterpiece of the Nguyen Dynasty. Constructed over a period of 11 years (1920-1931), the mausoleum leaves a strong impression with its rectangular architectural structure soaring 127 levels. Influenced by various architectural styles such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Roman Gothic, the mausoleum creates a unique space. Not only that, but it is adorned with exquisite glass mosaic art and features luxurious interior design, leaving visitors in awe of its splendid beauty.

Minh Mang’s mausoleum

Minh Mang’s mausoleum is one of the three most famous tombs in Hue and is regarded as the epitome of architectural standards for royal tombs. Situated on Cam Khe Mountain, the mausoleum is located at the confluence of the Ta Trach and Huu Trach rivers, merging into the Perfume River. With a relatively large-scale architectural ensemble, Minh Mang’s mausoleum reflects the investment and dedication of King Minh Mang. This monument is distinctive for its symmetrical space, grandeur and excellent harmony between artificial structures and the charming natural surroundings of rivers and mountains.

2. Thien Mu Pagoda - Religious icon of Hue

Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous and sacred tourist attractions in Hue. Built in the 17th century, Thien Mu Pagoda is a religious symbol of the city and a place of ancestral worship for the Nguyen Dynasty.

Thien Mu Pagoda features unique architecture, setting it apart from other pagodas in Vietnam. The 21-meter-high Phuoc Duyen tower is the iconic structure of the pagoda, built in a style reminiscent of Indian architecture and consisting of 7 tiers. Inside the tower, there is a 2.5-meter-high statue of Buddha Amitabha, intricately carved from a single block of stone.

In addition to the tower, Thien Mu Pagoda also features several important structures, including Quang Duc Hall, the main hall, and auxiliary buildings. All of these structures are constructed using bricks and limestone, creating a tranquil and serene space for the pagoda.

Thien Mu Pagoda Festival

Every year in the fourth lunar month, Thien Mu Pagoda organizes a festival to commemorate the enlightenment day of Venerable Ngo Van Chieu, the individual who constructed the pagoda. The festival attracts thousands of tourists and locals, featuring traditional cultural activities such as parades, lion dances, fireworks, and prayers.

If you happen to be in Hue during the fourth lunar month, don't forget to visit Thien Mu Pagoda and participate in the festival to experience the distinctive cultural aspects of this city.

3. Perfume River

Perfume River is formed by the exquisite harmony of nonchalant water, sunlight and wind. It is not merely a beautiful river but also a spiritual symbol of the land of Hue. As visitors step into this realm, they find themselves immersed in a tranquil atmosphere, simultaneously encountering the mystical and enchanting allure of the Perfume River. Along the riverbanks lies the Vi Da garden, where lush green grass forms a beautiful natural tableau. The Perfume River also flows through the venerable Thien Mu Pagoda, an ancient and dignified monument of the land of Hue.

Travelers coming to Hue and visiting the Perfume River not only get to experience the natural beauty of the river but also have the opportunity to explore the famous attractions along its banks, making their journey meaningful. Here are some tourist spots you should discover:

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Perfume River by taking a boat cruise. Explore the picturesque landscapes on both sides of the river, where poets have found inspiration to create timeless literary works.

Witness the romantic and charming sunset on the Perfume River. The best time to experience this beauty is from around 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This is when the beauty of the Perfume River is most vividly displayed within the heart of Hue.

Witness the radiant lights of Trang Tien Bridge reflecting on the Perfume River as the night falls. The colorful lights, including shades of blue, gold, orange, and red, cast shimmering reflections on the water, creating a dazzling and vibrant scene.

4. Dong Ba Market - Culinary experience and specialty shopping

Dong Ba Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in Hue city. It serves not only as a place to purchase souvenirs and specialties of Hue but also as a hub for experiencing the diverse and rich cuisine of the Central region.

At Dong Ba Market, you can savor specialty dishes such as banh khoai, banh beo, banh nam, and many other local delicacies. Additionally, the market offers a wide range of souvenir items like ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), conical hats, lanterns, and various handmade crafts.

Moreover, you can immerse yourself in the distinctive culture of the people of Hue through the market's stalls and traditional activities.

Conclusion

Hue City is not only an ideal destination for those who love history and culture but also a place to experience the natural beauty and distinctive cuisine of Central Vietnam. With attractions like Hue Imperial with Khai Dinh and Minh Mang’ mausoleum, Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River and Dong Ba Market, travelers can have a comprehensive and memorable journey in the city of Hue.