Central Vietnam
Hue
The old royal capital on the Perfume River, with its citadel, tombs and garden houses.
About Hue
The Imperial City On The Perfume River
From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty, the last emperors of Vietnam. Their walled citadel, palaces and grand tombs along the Perfume River form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and give the city a calm, dignified atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the country.
Much of the citadel was damaged during the war, and restoration is slowly bringing its halls and gates back to life. Outside the walls, the royal tombs are set in gardens of lakes and pine trees, each designed by the emperor himself, and quiet pagodas sit along the riverbanks.
Hue is also a city of food and gardens. Bun bo Hue, the spicy beef noodle soup, was born here, along with dozens of small dishes once served at the royal court. In the village of Thuy Bieu, families still live in traditional garden houses surrounded by fruit trees.
Best time to visit
February to April, when it is dry and mild. September to December brings heavy rain; summer is very hot.
Getting there
Phu Bai airport is 20 minutes from the city. Hue is also on the north-south railway, and about 2.5 hours by road from Hoi An over the Hai Van Pass.
How long to stay
2 days, or 1 day as part of a Hue to Hoi An journey.
Good for
History, architecture, food, gentle cycling.
Highlights
What We Love About Hue
The Imperial Citadel
Walls, gates and courtyards of the Nguyen emperors, including the Forbidden Purple City.
Royal tombs
Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, each with its own style and setting.
Thien Mu Pagoda
The seven-storey tower above the river, best reached by boat.
Countryside by bike
Rice fields, the Thanh Toan tiled-roof bridge and village crafts.
Garden houses
Traditional homes in Thuy Bieu, where families serve tea among the fruit trees.
Royal cuisine
Bun bo Hue and small dishes once made for the imperial court.
Tours
Hue Tours
Heritage days, countryside rides and journeys from Hue to Hoi An over the Hai Van Pass.
New Hoi An
Hue to Hoi An: A Slow Journey Through Central Vietnam
Five days from the royal city to the lantern town, over the Hai Van Pass.
New Hue
Hue Imperial Heritage and Perfume River Day Tour
The citadel, a royal tomb and a garden house tea break, starting with a slow boat on the Perfume River.
New Hue
Hue Countryside by Bicycle: Markets, Bridges and Village Crafts
A gentle ride from the city into rice fields, craft villages and a family lunch.
Plan Your Trip To Hue
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