12 Best Things to Do in Hue, Vietnam (2-Day Itinerary + Hidden Gems)
Hue is one of the most underrated destinations in Vietnam, and it quickly became one of my favorite stops on our trip. With its rich history, ancient imperial sites, and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a completely different experience compared to places like Hoi An or Hanoi.
We spent 2 nights in Hue, which was the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s highlights at a comfortable pace. From the impressive Imperial City to royal tombs and local markets, there are plenty of amazing things to do here.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Hue, Vietnam for a 2-day itinerary, including must-see sights and a few lesser-known spots you shouldn’t miss.
Plan Your Perfect Hue Trip
| Experience | Why Book It | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 🎟️ Best Hue City Tour | Explore the Imperial City and top highlights with a local guide | 👉 Book your Hue city tour here |
| 🍜 Best Food Experience | Taste authentic Hue dishes like banh beo and banh loc on a guided food tour | 👉 Join a Hue food tour here |
| 🏡 Where to Stay (My Pick) | Stay at Ciel Homestay, a beautiful villa with homemade breakfast | 👉 Check availability at Ciel Homestay here |
Best Time to Visit Hue, Vietnam
The best time to visit Hue is between January and April, when the weather is relatively dry and temperatures are more comfortable for exploring.
From September to December, Hue experiences heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, which can impact your travel plans. That said, weather in central Vietnam can be unpredictable year-round, so it’s always a good idea to come prepared for sudden changes.
How to Get to Hue, Vietnam
Many travelers don’t realize that Hue has its own airport, Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), with connections to major cities in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.
When I visited, I flew from Hanoi to Hue, and the journey only took about 1 hour and 15 minutes, which made it super convenient.
However, most tourists visit Hue via bus or train from other cities in Vietnam, especially if you’re traveling along the popular north-to-south route.
I highly recommend checking connections and booking your transportation in advance, as this makes travel planning much easier and avoids last-minute stress.
To do this, I like to use 12go.asia, a helpful platform where you can book trains, buses, ferries, transfers, and flights across Asia.
👉 Check schedules and book your transport across Vietnam here.
Where to Stay in Hue, Vietnam
Hue is a relatively compact city, which makes it easy to get around. If you’re only staying for a short time, I recommend choosing accommodation close to the city center so you can easily access the main attractions.
👉 Browse the best hotels in Hue here to find the perfect stay for your trip.
Luxury Hotel in Hue
Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay surrounded by nature, this resort is an amazing option. It offers beautiful villas, spa treatments, and a peaceful setting just outside the city.
👉 Check availability and prices here.
Budget Hotel in Hue
A great budget-friendly option in the city center with easy access to restaurants, markets, and nightlife.
My Personal Recommendation
This is where we stayed during our trip, and it was honestly one of the highlights. The villa has a beautiful garden, and the host makes delicious homemade breakfasts every morning.
👉 Check availability at Ciel Homestay here.
Day 1: Imperial City, Markets & Old Town
Start your first day in Hue by exploring the city’s most iconic sights, including the Imperial City, local markets, and the scenic Perfume River.
We spent our first day visiting the Imperial City, which is without a doubt the top attraction in Hue. Since the weather can get very hot and humid, I recommend visiting either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This way, you can explore comfortably and still have time to visit nearby spots like Dong Ba Market and Trang Tien Bridge.
If you prefer a more in-depth experience, you can also join a guided tour to learn more about Hue’s imperial history.
👉 Browse Imperial City tours and guided experiences here.
The Imperial City Hue
The Imperial City of Hue is a vast walled complex located within the citadel of the former imperial capital of Vietnam. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Hue and a must-visit for anyone traveling to the region.
Inside, you’ll find ancient palaces, temples, gates, and courtyards that once housed the Nguyen Dynasty. Walking through the complex feels like stepping back in time.
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the site.
Practical info:
- 🎟️ Entrance fee: 150,000 VND (adults)
- 🕒 Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
To avoid the heat and crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
For a fun (and slightly quirky) experience, you can even dress up as a king or queen and take photos on a royal throne.
Dong Ba Market
Located near the Perfume River, Dong Ba Market is the oldest market in Hue and a great place to experience local life.
You’ll find everything from fresh produce and street food to clothing and souvenirs. It’s a lively and authentic spot to wander around and try local snacks.
If you want to go beyond just browsing and really dive into Hue’s incredible food scene, joining a guided food tour is a great option.
Experience the authentic taste of Hue on a street food adventure through the city, where you can explore local markets and hidden food spots either on foot or by riding a traditional Vietnamese cyclo.
You’ll get to sample a variety of local specialties, including banh beo (water fern cake), banh loc (rice dumpling cake), and other dishes inspired by Hue’s royal cuisine.
👉 Join a Hue street food tour here and taste your way through the city like a local.
Trang Tien Bridge
Trang Tien Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Hue, especially beautiful in the evening when it lights up.
The bridge connects the city center with the other side of the Perfume River and is a great place for a short walk, especially around sunset.
Optional: Combine It All in One Day Tour
If you’re short on time or prefer a hassle-free experience, you can combine the Imperial City, markets, and other highlights into a single guided tour.
👉 Check the best Hue city tour here.
Day 2: Royal Tombs, Pagodas & Hidden Gems in Hue
On your second day in Hue, explore the city’s impressive royal tombs, which are some of the most beautiful and historically significant sites in Vietnam.
Since Hue was the former imperial capital, several emperors built elaborate tombs scattered along the Perfume River, just outside the city center. Each tomb has its own unique architecture and atmosphere, making them well worth visiting.
You can explore the tombs by taxi, scooter, or private car, but one of the most scenic ways is to take a boat cruise along the Perfume River.
If you prefer flexibility, hiring a private driver for the day is also a great option and allows you to visit multiple sites at your own pace.
Minh Mang Tomb
Located about 12 km from Hue, the Tomb of Minh Mang is one of the most beautiful and well-balanced tomb complexes in the area.
The layout follows a strict east-west axis and includes courtyards, temples, pavilions, and serene gardens surrounded by nature. The symmetry and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite among visitors.
⏱️ Plan to spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
🎟️ Entrance fee: 100,000 VND
Khai Dinh Tomb
The Khai Dinh Tomb is one of the most unique and visually striking tombs in Hue.
Located about 10 km from the city center, this tomb stands out for its dramatic staircase, dark stone exterior, and incredibly detailed interior filled with colorful mosaics and ornate decorations.
It’s smaller than other tombs but much more elaborate.
⏱️ Plan to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour
🎟️ Entrance fee: 100,000 VND
Tu Duc Tomb
Built in 1864, the Tu Duc Tomb feels more like a peaceful park than a traditional tomb.
The complex features a large lake, wooden pavilions, temples, and landscaped gardens, reflecting the emperor’s love for poetry and nature. It’s one of the most relaxing places to explore in Hue.
⏱️ Plan to spend: 1 to 1.5 hours
🎟️ Entrance fee: 100,000 VND
Thien Mu Pagoda
Located right along the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hue.
This historic pagoda is not only a religious site but also a symbol of the city. Inside, you’ll find intricate Buddhist statues and peaceful surroundings, making it a great stop between tomb visits.
🎟️ Entrance: Free
Bonus: An Bang Cemetery (City of Ghosts)
If you have extra time and want to explore something off the beaten path, head to An Bang Cemetery, also known as the “City of Ghosts”.
Located about 20 km from Hue, this massive cemetery is unlike anything else in Vietnam. The tombs are colorful, elaborate, and often several meters high, reflecting the wealth of families who built them.
After 1975, many locals emigrated abroad and sent money back home, which transformed this area into one of the most unique and visually striking places in the region.
👉 View An Bang Cemetery location on Google Maps here.
Optional: Book a Full-Day Hue Highlights Tour
If you want to visit all major tombs, pagodas, and surrounding attractions without worrying about logistics, joining a guided tour is a great option.
👉 Check the best Hue full-day tours here.
Ready to Explore Hue?
Even though Hue is a relatively small city, it completely surprised me and ended up being one of my favorite places in Vietnam. There are so many incredible things to do in Hue, from exploring the historic Imperial City to visiting the stunning royal tombs and discovering hidden gems just outside the city.
If you only have a couple of days, this itinerary will give you a great overview of what makes Hue so special. The Imperial City is definitely the highlight, but the surrounding tombs and cultural sites really complete the experience.
Plan Your Trip to Hue
To make the most of your visit, here are a few things I recommend booking in advance:
🎟️ Top Tours & Experiences in Hue
👉 Browse the best tours and activities in Hue here
🏨 Where to Stay in Hue
👉 Check the best hotels in Hue here
🚐 Getting Around Vietnam
👉 Compare and book trains, buses, and flights here
If you’re planning a trip through Vietnam, don’t skip Hue. It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and a more relaxed local atmosphere that you won’t find in many other places.
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