Hue Tours

About Hue Tours

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Hue is a city in central Vietnam that once was the national capital city during the ruling period of Nguyen Dynasty. Visiting Hue, travelers expect to learn about the history of Vietnam as well as indulge themselves in the ancient and poetic atmosphere.  

Hue is well-known for its historic monuments such as the Imperial Citadel - a major attraction surrounded by a moat and thick stone walls - and many Kings' tombs. It is placed among UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Inside the citadel was a forbidden city where only the emperors and their immediate family, concubines were granted the permission to enter. Today, little of the forbidden city remains after the destruction of the war although reconstruction efforts are in progress to maintain it as a historic attraction. Hue is also the birthplace of many famous Vietnamese traditional dishes like Banh Xeo, Bun Bo, many different kinds of cakes, and Che Hue. As one of the main cities in Vietnam, you can travel to Hue by flight or train from big cities like Danang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Main Areas of Interest in Hue

1. Imperial Citadel
   The Imperial Citadel was once the seat of the imperial Vietnamese government. Today, it’s the largest and most popular historical site in Hue, attracting both individual travellers and groups interested in learning more about Vietnam’s history.
   Many of the buildings that make up the citadel were damaged during the American War (as it’s known in Vietnam) and the war with France in the 1940s. The citadel was attacked both by the American troops and by the Viet Cong during the bloody Tet Offensive in 1968.
   This means that large sections of the citadel area are empty, with some damage to the existing buildings.
   The citadel area is large and requires several hours to see in full — we recommend spending at least two hours here.
2. Thái Hòa Palace
   This was once the emperor’s coronation hall, is one of the standout buildings of the complex.
3. Tombs of the Emperors
   Hue’s Imperial Tombs house the remains of Vietnam’s former leaders. There are seven tombs in the city of Hue, although only a few are of interest to tourists.
   The Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang is the best known and most popular of the tombs. Built using a Chinese architectural style, this tomb was completed during the mid 19th century and sits on a quiet section of land approximately 12km from Hue.
4. The Tomb of Emperor Gia Long
   This was the first of Hue’s tombs to be built. Constructed from 1814 to 1820, it’s located on the bank of the Perfume River. Because of its remote location (it’s more than 20km from Hue) the Gia Long Tomb is best visited with the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
5. Tomb of Khai Dinh
   Finally, the Tomb of Khai Dinh is one of Hue’s most impressive tombs. Built from 1920 to 1931, it’s located atop Chau Chu mountain, approximately 10km from Hue. The tomb, which blends Western and Vietnamese architecture, is located at the top of a long stone staircase.
6. Perfume River
   The Perfume River runs through Hue, making it a useful navigational landmark that can come in handy as you explore the city. Most of the city’s attractions are on the north side of the river, with a good selection of hotels and several of Hue’s backpacker hangouts on the southern bank.

Things to Do in Hue

1. Historic Sites
   As the former capital of Vietnam, Hue is a major historical destination with a variety of temples, tombs, pagodas and palaces. You can find historic sightseeing recommendations in the “Main Areas of Interest in Hue” section above.
2. Private River Tours
   One of the best ways to experience Hue is from the water. Cruises run along the Perfume River throughout the day and into the evening, offering you a chance to see a side of Hue that most travellers miss out on.
3. Motorcycle Tours
   Surrounded by tropical farmland, the area around Hue is perfect for motorcycle trips. Local tour companies like Hue Adventures offer guided motorcycle tours of the Central Vietnamese coast that are the perfect opportunity to see Vietnam’s gorgeous scenery.
4. Bach Ma National Park
   Bach Ma National Park is a natural reserve and former French hill station located just over an hour from Hue by road. The park’s elevation (its tallest peak is 1,450 metres above sea level) and coastal location make it a great place to enjoy the rugged scenery of Central Vietnam.
5. Thuan An Beach
   Although Hue isn’t a major beach destination, there are several beaches within 30 minutes of the city by taxi or private car. Thuan An Beach is the closest to Hue and offers a mix of clean, clear water and serene, uncluttered sand that’s tough to find elsewhere in Vietnam.

How to Get to Hue

Hue is fairly easy to reach from either of Vietnam’s major cities, with direct flights and trains from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City connecting Hue to the rest of the country.

By Air

• Hue has a small international airport, with flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi arriving on a daily basis. Currently, Hue’s Phu Bai International Airport is served by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet and JetStar Pacific.
• If you’re travelling to Hue from outside Vietnam, you’ll be able to travel to the city by flying into Da Nang International Airport and making your way to Hue by taxi. Prices for a taxi to Hue from Da Nang range from $45 to $55 USD, depending on the type of car and availability.
• Check Skyscanner to compare airlines for the best prices and flight times to Hue.

By Train

• Hue Train Station is one of many stops on the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City railway that covers the vast majority of Vietnam, making Hue easy to reach by train if you’re willing to tolerate the slow speeds and long distance.
• If you’re travelling from Hanoi, the best way to reach Hue is with a first or second class overnight train ticket, which will give you a relatively comfortable bed for the trip. From Ho Chi Minh City, it takes upwards of 20 hours to reach Hue, with similar first and second class bunks available.
• Since train travel in Vietnam is very slow, it’s best to avoid this method of transportation unless you particularly want to see the Vietnamese countryside. Flying into Hue is always the quickest option, and thanks to budget airlines like Vietjet it’s barely more expensive than using the train.

By Bus

• Hue is connected with other cities in Central Vietnam by bus. Buses run from Hoi An at 3:30pm daily, making the trip to Hue in approximately three and a half house at a cost of 210,000 dong.
• Buses and minivans are also available from Da Nang, offering a convenient route to Hue if you fly into Da Nang by air. While buses to Hue are available from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, they generally aren’t recommended due to the very long travel time.