Central Vietnam was the first major stop on our trip. We arrived just a few hours before a typhoon was due to hit, and were immediately locked down in our hotel. Sadly, most of the week was spent in hotel lockdown rather than out and about exploring as planned. I was really upset as I’d spent so much time planning this section of the trip (lots of history, hiking in the National Park, and visiting local towns), but it just wasn’t meant to be. It felt a bit of a waste spending multiple days in hotel lockdown, but I’m grateful that on the one day the wind and rain abated, we managed to sneak in a visit to Hue.
Nestled along the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Hue (pronounced hway) is a city steeped in history, culture, and charm. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that blends ancient architecture with tranquil riverside life. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of quiet travel, Hue offers a unique window into Vietnam’s regal and modern past.
A Brief History of Hue
- From 1802 to 1945, Hue served as the political, cultural, and religious capital of Vietnam.
- Vietnam had long been ruled by Emperors, and The Nguyen emperors were the last dynasty to rule. The Nguyen emperors built a grand Imperial City with Hue —a sprawling complex of palaces, temples, walls, and gates inspired by Beijing’s Forbidden City.
- Hue is the site where the final Emperor abdicated his position in 1945, ending Emperor rule in Vietnam for good. This followed an unstable period which saw both colonialization by the French from the 1800-1900s, and occupation by the Japanese in WW2.
- Hue was a key site during both the Indochine War (1950s, against the French) and the Vietnam War with America. Despite suffering heavy damage/destruction during the Vietnam War, many of these monuments have been lovingly restored, offering visitors a chance to step back in time.
Top Sights and Experiences in Hue
The Imperial City (Citadel)
Hue was recovering from the typhoon when we visited, and due another one in just a couple of days’ time. The river banks were burst, roads flooded and debris was everywhere. Despite this, Hue Imperial City looked impressive in its scale.
The Imperial City is the main attraction in Hue, and is essentially a city within a city – a walled area right in the centre of Hue.
It is the beating heart of the city, and main tourist draw, and it is an absolute must see for any visitor to Central Vietnam. Once reserved only for the Emperor and his family, the city is now open for tourists. Make sure you take time to properly stroll through its massive stone gates, wander the ornate courtyards, and explore the palaces, shrines, temples and gardens of the site.
Also be mindful of its more recent history – Hue is situated right near the border of where North and South Vietnam were divided during the Vientam War, and you will see many walls have remaining bullet holes in them from the fighting. In fact, it is where some of the very first shots of the conflict were fired, and one of the main palaces was completely destroyed after being blown up during the fighting.
Important Tip: Plan to spend at least half a day here to take it all in. Even in the pouring rain, we spent 4 hours here.
The Royal Tombs
Outside of the Imperial City, but still within Hue, lie the tombs of the Nguyen emperors, each with distinct architecture and atmosphere. In total there were 13 Emperors in the dynasty, and I think the three most impressive tombs are:
- Tomb of Tu Duc – a peaceful retreat with pavilions and lotus ponds, where the “unlucky” fourth Emperor is buried. He was unlucky as it was during his reign that Vietnam was lost to the French. He was very upset that so many Vietnamese lost their lives during his time as Emperor.
- Tomb of Khai Dinh – a dramatic fusion of Vietnamese and European design. Khai Dinh was the twelfth Emperor of the dynasty and fully allied with the French. It’s no surprise his tomb is much more ornate and even reminded me of Versailles!
- Tomb of Minh Mang – known for its symmetry and natural harmony, which when looked at from above looks like a human body!
Thien Mu Pagoda
Perched above the river, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most iconic religious sites. Its seven-story tower and serene gardens paying tribute to Buddhism make it a perfect stop.
Also at the Pagoda you can see the world famous car next to which the Buddhist monk Quang Duc set himself on fire and burned himself to death in 1963, in protest against the government’s persecution of Buddhists. John F Kennedy said of the world famous photograph, “No news picture in history has generated so much emotion around the world as that one.” I won’t replicate the photo here, but if you want to Google it, you will no doubt recognise it.
Cruise the Perfume River
We had planned to do a lovely sunset cruise along the river – but sadly its banks had burst and it was completely unsafe to do. Provided you don’t visit during a Typhoon, I really recommend hopping on a traditional dragon boat to glide along the Perfume River. Many cruises include dinner or traditional music performances, adding a magical touch to your evening.
Where to Eat
Hue’s cuisine is famous across Vietnam for its refinement and royal roots. Don’t leave without trying:
- Bun Bo Hue – a spicy beef noodle soup that’s the city’s signature dish.
- Banh Beo – steamed rice cakes with shrimp and crispy shallots.
- Nem Lui – lemongrass skewers wrapped in rice paper with peanut sauce.
- Che Hue – a variety of colorful sweet soups and puddings.
We can really recommend both Quan Hanh for local specialties, and Les Jardins de La Carambole for a French-Vietnamese fusion experience near the Citadel. Both were absolutely delicious!
Practical Tips
- Best time to visit: February to April offers mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid October–December, the rainy season. I visited in November like a fool.
- Getting there: Hue has a small airport with flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, drive or take the scenic train ride from Da Nang—one of the most beautiful rail routes in Southeast Asia.
- Getting around: Rent a bicycle or motorbike, or use Grab (Vietnam’s ride-hailing app). Many sights are close enough for cycling. We chose to use our hotel’s taxi service given the weather (we had roads blocked by trees, landslides and debris so felt this was safer).
- Dress respectfully: Especially when visiting temples and tombs—covered shoulders and knees are appreciated.
So there you have it – a hopefully helpful guide to visiting Hue. I found this city really quite magical; it is much more than a museum of imperial splendor—it’s a living city where history and everyday life intertwine. It might just be because we basically had it to ourselves given the weather, but for me in Hue, time slowed down, and I savoured my time there.
What do you think? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Also totally separately, as I start posts for a new year, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone reading. I took a look at my stats for 2025 and was quite surprised – I have hit over 1.3 million visitors this year and in December alone had 260k. I imagine 1.29 million of them are my Mum, but I’m grateful regardless. I really enjoy this blog as a personal hobby and way to collate my travel experiences, so it’s hard to believe that many people want to look at it!
So thank you – and as always, stay safe and happy travelling!
Travelling Han 
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