Hue

January to April is the perfect time to visit Hue. The rains are not aggressive anymore and the weather is temperate, with temperatures that stay between 20 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, making it much more comfortable to go outside and explore the city. The amount of rain in Hue is also at its least in these months, so tourists won’t be afraid that rains will ruin their vacation. These are the best time for tourist to visit many historical sites such as Imperial City, Minh Mang tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy traditional performances like Hue’s royal court music.

Most annual festivities are held during this time of the year, such as Tet (Lunar New Year – between January and February), traditional villages’ festivals, and the Hue Festival in April. There you can enjoy cultural shows, spring markets, traditional music performances, royal ceremonies, and seasonal local dishes. You will be accompanied by a flock of tourists and locals also.

It’s very worthy for exploring this peaceful city with the magnificent architecture of its citadel, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples… on the banks of Perfume River. Hue also features a unique cuisine, combining dishes associated with the former imperial court with everyday street food, much of it fairly spicy. Visitors may take a boat trip on the Perfume River and find themselves drifting past small boats bound for market.

Hue Citadel

The construction of Hue Citadel was started in 1801 by Emperor Gia Long. Since the initial construction, the citadel has been altered and improved upon by a number of emperors including Emperor Minh Mang, whose tomb is not far from modern-day Hue.

The Royal Tombs

The tombs of the emperors were even more important as their position would determine the future of the dynasty. The emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, therefore, established their own Valley of the Dead, which is believed to be protected in both the physical and spiritual worlds. Of the seven tombs, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh mausoleums are must-sees.

Thien Mu Pagoda

The pagoda has been adopted as the symbol of Hue and is very popular with both foreign and local tourists, hence the trinket sellers out front. Behind the pagoda is a lovely garden and a large glass-encased smiling Buddha. To the left of the pagoda is a huge bell dating back to the 18th century and which is said to be audible 10km away!

Thuan An Beach in Hue

Along with Lang Co beach and Tam Giang Lagoon, Thuan An beach is regarded as a for Hue and it attracts a large number of tourists every year.

Bach Ma National Park

With beautiful natural scenery, plus a fresh and cool climate, Bach Ma National Park is a precious ecological center in this part of Vietnam. Tourists visiting Bach Ma can explore the area by following a number of paths such as the Tri Sao path, Do Quyen path, Ngu Ho (Five Lakes) path and Hai Vong Dai path which pass derelict buildings, constructed during the French colonial period.

ANGSANA LANG CO

• Address: Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Lang Co Beach, Hue.

Located on the beach 60km from Hue, this 5-star hotel is a popular hotel with access to the Laguna Lang Co Golf Club. The hotel provides the best in services and amenities including free wi-fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk and room service, facilities for disabled guests, and express check-in/check-out.

LA RESIDENCE AND SPA HUE

• Address: 05 Le Loi street, Hue.

La Résidence is an enchanting boutique hotel on the banks of the fabled Perfume River where guests step back in time. Endowed with opulence, excellence, and warmth, this former residence of the French Colonial Governor was painstakingly restored in 2005 and redeveloped as an exceptional design hotel. The hotel’s distinctive bowed façade, long horizontal lines, and nautical flourishes are hallmarks of the 1930’s school of art deco architecture.

IMPERIAL HOTEL HUE

• Address: 8 Hung Vuong Boulevard, Hue.

Generally regarded as the best 5-star hotel in Hue, it is located in the heart of the city, abreast the Perfume River, as well as within walking distance of Truong Tien Bridge, Dong Ba market and other well-known tourist destinations, which places us in the center of the former capital with regard to providing easy access to not only sightseeing areas, but also to business areas.

INDOCHINE PALACE HOTEL

• Address: 105A Hung Vuong, Hue.

Built-in 2009, this modern property is conveniently located in downtown Hue, set in its own gardens, with major attractions surrounding the area such as the Perfume River, shops, banks, markets, and parks. There are a total of 222 rooms and suites plus a selection of restaurants and bars, pool, spa, and gym.

PILGRIMAGE VILLAGE BOUTIQUE RESORT & SPA

• Address: 130 Minh Mang Road, Hue

The Pilgrimage Village is set in a rustic village setting, surrounded by lush, tranquil gardens. All 99 guestrooms are furnished with modern amenities and are beautifully decorated but designed in traditional Vietnamese style. Facilities include the Junrei Restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine, Valley restaurant, Candle Bar, Peanut Bar, Slope Café and Vedana Spa. This is a very special place to stay.

ANA MANDARA HUE BEACH RESORT

• Address: An Hai Village, Thuan An Town, Hue

Conveniently located only 20 minutes from downtown, Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort is an exclusive beach resort. This beautiful property consists of 78 rooms and villas scattered throughout landscaped gardens, a perfect blend of culture and beach. All rooms are non-smoking and have air-conditioning, bathrobes, a desk, and a hairdryer. Facilities include shops, an executive floor, café, Jacuzzi, gym, sauna, spa, outdoor pool, and private beach.

CENTURY RIVERSIDE HUE HOTEL

• Address: 49 Le Loi Street, Perfume River, Hue.

This luxurious riverside hotel, located on the banks of the Perfume River, is close to the city center, in close proximity to a number of restaurants and cafés.  The decoration is elegant and features a distinctive tropical Vietnamese theme. The on-site dining venue serves a comprehensive variety of delectable and authentic Vietnamese and international cuisine complemented by a café and bar. In addition there is an outdoor swimming pool and spa.

SAIGON MORIN HOTEL HUE

• Address: 30 Le Loi St., Hue City

Established in 1901, Hotel Saigon Morin is one of the five oldest hotels in Vietnam and a building of historical interest. Located in the very heart of Hue, offering the best view of historic Truong Tien Bridge and the beautiful Perfume River.

ELDORA HOTEL HUE

• Address: 60 Ben Nghe Street, Hue

At the Eldora Hotel, the luxurious guestrooms are decorated with chic interiors and feature neoclassical-style furnishing. Each guestroom has a separate bathtub and shower and offers great views of the city. On-site restaurants offer guests the best in choice and variety.

MIDTOWN HOTEL

• Address: 29 Doi Cung Street, Hue

Renovated in 2013, the Midtown Hotel guarantees guests a pleasant stay whether in Hue for business or pleasure. Located in the centre of the city this 4 star hotel commands an excellent location and provides access to the city’s biggest attractions.

PARK VIEW HOTEL

• Address: 9 Ngo Quyen Street, Hue.

The Park View Hotel is a stylish four-star hotel with 120 rooms divided into 4 categories of luxuriously well-appointed rooms. The hotel is decorated with a combination of Western and Oriental architecture, interlaced especially with Hue traditional design. The hotel features restaurants, bars, outdoor pool and spa.

HUE RIVERSIDE BOUTIQUE AND SAPA

• Address: 588 Bui Thi Xuan Street, Thuy Bieu District, Hue.

Superb facilities and an excellent location make the Hue Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa the perfect base for a stay in Hue.

ANCIENT HUE RESTAURANT

• Address: 104 Kim Long, Hue

Superb facilities and an excellent location make the Hue Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa the perfect base for a stay in Hue. High-quality room facilities include LCD/plasma screen TV, wi-fi, and recreational facilities such as hot tub, fitness center, and outdoor pool.

SERENE CUISINE RESTAURANT

• Address: 23 Lane 42 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue.

Serene Cuisine offers a variety of tasty authentic Vietnamese dishes for lunch and dinner together with an extensive range of beverages including fresh fruit shakes, coffees, and wines. Expect a wholesome meal with great food and excellent service in the right ambiance. Wi-fi and iMac available, free of charge to guests.

ELEGANT RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

• Address: Hoai Thanh, Thuy Xuan, Hue.

Located in the heart of Hue, the Elegant Restaurant and Lounge offers a warm welcome and relaxing atmosphere. It is very spacious place with several separate areas; the front airy yard with a street view; the cozy comfortable indoor area; and the mezzanine equipped with a TV. A range of cuisine is on the menu including Vietnamese, BBQ, Fusion, and Italian.

Y THAO GARDEN

• Address: 03 Thach Han Street, Hue.

Set in a beautiful mansion on the quieter side of town, the restaurant is filled with antiques and surrounded by a lush tropical garden where guests dine on the patio. It is easily reached by cyclo or taxi.

LES JARDINS DE LA CARAMBOLE

• Address: 32, Dang Tran Con, Hue

Les Jardins De La Carambole serves Vietnamese and French cuisine and is located inside the Citadel, very near the Forbidden City. It’s an impressive reconstruction of a French Colonial Villa and great attention has been paid to every detail of the historic reconstruction.

CHERISH RESTAURANT

• Address: 7 - 59 Ben Nghe Street, Hue

Cherish Restaurant serves the specialty royal cuisine for lunch and dinner, made by the chef, who has over 30 years’ experience. Guests can also choose from a range of Western dishes. Located on the 10th floor of the Cherish Hotel, the restaurant has the finest views towards the city, overlooking Ngu Binh Mountain, the Perfume River and the ever-changing skyline of Hue.

LA CARAMBOLE

• Address:19 Pham Ngu Lao, Hue

Enjoying meals in La Carambole, tourists can relax with the best music ever. The welcoming atmosphere, lighting decoration with friendly staff ensured tourists to have a comfortable feeling like at home.

LA BOULANGERIE FRANCAISE

• Address: 46, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hue

La Boulangerie Francaise is a famous French - Vietnamese style restaurant in Hue. It is worth the price as the restaurant offers great staffs and wonderful service.

Hue can be reached by public transport including by train, road, and air.

• By Car: Thua Thien-Hue Province is 658km from Hanoi, 1,080km from Ho Chi Minh City and 108km from Da Nang. The province is along National Highway 14 that links Hue with the Central Highlands. National Highway 1A connects Hanoi and Ca Mau.
• Train: The Thong Nhat Express trains from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City stop at Hue station. There are local trains to other provinces as well.

XQ CO DO

• Address: 49 Le Loi street, Hue

Tropical Garden Restaurant is a dining restaurant in Hue. It ensures tourists a relaxing time while enjoying meals with live music.

DONG BA MARKET

• Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Hue

Near Trang Tien Bridge and Perfume River. If you are in Hue, after the poetic ancient citadel, another among the sites that you should really pay a visit is Dong Ba Market, a truly significant place of interest inside the city

GIA HUY SILK

• Address: 48 - 50 Pham Ngu Lao, Hue

When you go to Gia Huy, you find that you can order just about anything to make, it will be done well and quickly. Everyone was helpful and pleasant and it has a vibrant atmosphere.

HUE LOCAL FARMER’S DIRECT SALES STORE

• Address: 44 Hai Ba Trung, Hue

Small scale farmer’s fresh & safe vegetables, Hue’s traditional processed goods.

DMZ BAR

• Address: 60 Le Loi Street, Hue

Hue has a vibrant bar scene and one of the hot spots in the DMZ bar which is open for drinks and food from 7 am until late.

TABOO PUB

• Address: 40 Le Loi, Hue

It has a good view of the river. A simple design style but it looks beautiful. The food here is a bit expensive.

LE’S GARDEN BAR

• Address: 14 Pham Ngu Lao, Hue

There are usually crowded with foreigners here. It has a good view with different design style.

• Dress modestly at historical sites like the Imperial City and pagodas.
• Learn about Huế’s royal heritage and local traditions before visiting.
• Ask for permission before photographing locals, especially monks.
• Be mindful of Huế’s quiet, spiritual atmosphere—keep noise levels low.

• Stay in eco-friendly accommodations that support conservation.
• Choose local tour guides to gain authentic insights into Huế’s history.
• Visit traditional craft villages to support local artisans.
• Respect historical monuments—avoid climbing on or touching ancient structures.

• Use reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics.
• Walk or cycle when exploring the city to reduce carbon emissions.
• Dispose of trash properly, especially near rivers and pagodas.
• Support local conservation projects that protect Huế’s cultural and natural sites.

• Dine at family-run restaurants serving authentic Huế cuisine like bánh bèo and bún bò Huế.
• Buy souvenirs from local markets or artisans, such as conical hats and handmade lacquerware.
• Choose homestays or locally owned hotels to contribute to the local economy.
• Respect local livelihoods, especially in rural villages along the Perfume River.

• Be cautious on slippery paths in rainy months (September–December).
• Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially when exploring the Imperial City.
• Follow safety guidelines when taking boat rides on the Perfume River.
• Be aware of traffic when cycling or walking around the city.

• Dress appropriately when visiting temples, pagodas, and the Imperial City—cover shoulders and knees.
• Respect local customs—greet with a smile and learn basic Vietnamese phrases.
• Support local businesses by buying handmade crafts and dining at family-run restaurants.
• Dispose of waste properly—help keep Huế’s historic sites clean.
• Visit traditional craft villages (e.g., Thanh Tiên paper flower village, Phước Tích pottery village).
• Explore by bicycle or electric car to reduce environmental impact.
• Try local specialties like bún bò Huế, bánh bèo, and nem lụi.
• Be mindful of noise—Huế is known for its peaceful atmosphere.

• Don’t wear revealing clothes at religious or historical sites.
• Avoid touching ancient relics or climbing on monuments—help preserve the heritage.
• Don’t bargain too aggressively—negotiate respectfully.
• Avoid loud behavior at sacred places and royal tombs.
• Don’t litter or damage the environment, especially near the Perfume River.
• Avoid giving money to child beggars—support local charities instead.
• Don’t disturb monks or religious ceremonies when visiting pagodas.
• Be cautious in the rainy season—roads and paths can be slippery.