Hue, Vietnam – The Imperial City

Vietnam • Hue

4.7
1680 reviews
Travelers' Choice #3 in Vietnam

Overview

Hue is Vietnam's ancient capital, known for its royal citadel, pagodas, and tranquil Perfume River. Once the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue offers a perfect mix of historical charm, poetic scenery, and cultural richness.

2300000 annual visitors

Attractions

Imperial City (The Citadel)
Historical Site
4.7 (5200)

A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient palaces, temples, and royal tombs.

Thien Mu Pagoda
Religious Site
4.6 (3800)

The oldest pagoda in Hue overlooking the Perfume River.

Perfume River Boat Tour
Cultural Site
4.5 (2100)

Enjoy scenic views and traditional music performances on the river.

Restaurants

Ancient Hue Garden Houses
Vietnamese Restaurant
4.6 (1200) Expensive ($$$)

Traditional Hue royal cuisine in authentic garden setting with historical atmosphere.

Les Jardins de La Carambole
Fusion Restaurant
4.5 (1600) Moderate ($$)

French-Vietnamese fusion cuisine in romantic garden setting near the citadel.

Hanh Restaurant
Vietnamese Restaurant
4.4 (2300) Budget ($)

Local favorite serving authentic Hue specialties in casual, friendly atmosphere.

Accommodations

La Residence Hotel & Spa
Luxury Hotel 5 star
4.8 (2100)

Luxury riverside hotel with colonial French architecture and modern amenities.

Moonlight Hotel Hue
Boutique Hotel 4 star
4.5 (1800)

Boutique hotel near the Imperial City with modern comfort and local charm.

Cherish Hue Hotel
Hotel 3 star
4.3 (1200)

Modern 3-star hotel with excellent service and central location.

Quick Info

Country:
Vietnam
Currency:
VND (â‚«)
Best Time:
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–October) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Budget:
Moderate ($$)

Travel Tips

Must-try Hue dishes & where to eat
Don't miss bun bo Hue, bánh bèo–nậm–lọc, cơm hến, nem lụi, and bánh khoái. Try reputable local eate…
Cash, cards & exchanging money
VND cash is most common. ATMs are in the city center; keep small bills for markets and taxis. Use b…
Dress & temple etiquette in Hue
When visiting pagodas and royal tombs, dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered), remove hats and sh…
Stay Safe While Exploring Hue
Hue is generally a peaceful and tourist-friendly city. However, you should still keep an eye on you…
Ordering & dietary notes
For less spice, say "không cay"; for no MSG, "không bột ngọt". If allergic to shellfish, clearly sa…

Available Tours

DMZ & Hue Heritage Combination Tour
Group Tour Moderate
4.8 (234)

Experience two crucial periods of Vietnamese history in this comprehensive 2-day tour. Day one explores Hue's royal heritage including the Imperial C…

USD 145 / person
2 days
Royal Cuisine Cooking Class & Cultural Workshop
Group Tour Easy
4.9 (456)

Immerse yourself in Hue's royal culinary traditions with this comprehensive cultural experience. Learn to prepare authentic imperial dishes like Banh…

USD 85 / person
1 day 5 hours
Sunset Perfume River Dragon Boat Cruise
Group Tour Easy
4.8 (890)

Experience the magic of Hue from the waters of the legendary Perfume River aboard a traditional dragon boat. This romantic evening cruise takes you p…

USD 35 / person
3 hours
Royal Tombs Discovery Tour
Group Tour Moderate
4.8 (567)

Explore the elaborate royal mausoleums of Hue's emperors, each reflecting the personality and reign of different Nguyen Dynasty rulers. Visit the art…

USD 75 / person
1 day 8 hours
Imperial City & Forbidden Purple City Tour
Group Tour Easy
4.9 (1234)

Immerse yourself in Vietnam's royal history with this comprehensive tour of the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Forbidden Pu…

USD 55 / person
1 day 6 hours