The Definitive Hue Itinerary: 9 Must-Do Activities

Embarking on a journey to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, promises an immersive experience steeped in rich history, cultural heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. To ensure you make the most of your time in this captivating city, Sun Getaways Travel has crafted a definitive itinerary outlining nine must-do activities. Let’s delve into the essence of Hue through this comprehensive itinerary.

1. Experience Traditional Folk Songs Along the Perfume River

When visiting Hue, one of the indispensable experiences is immersing yourself in the enchanting melodies of traditional folk songs while cruising along the Perfume River.

Various service packages cater to different preferences and budgets, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor. Whether opting to simply relax and listen to the captivating tunes for 30 to 45 minutes or enhancing the journey with a delightful dinner onboard accompanied by the folk songs, there’s an option for everyone.

Ticket prices start from $6.15 per foreign passenger

2. Delve into the Majesty of Hue’s Imperial City

• Address: The Imperial City, Phu Hau 
• Open hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
• Entrance ticket: $6.16 per person.
• Audio guide ticket: $2.05 per use.
• XR experience ticket: ranging from $4.1 to $8.21 per person.
• Traditional costume photo ticket: ranging from $2.26 to $8 per ticket.
• Hue court music performance ticket: $8.21.

The Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, stands as a testament to Vietnam’s final feudal dynasty, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural legacy and architectural grandeur of yesteryears.

Let’s Unveiling Hue >>> Explore its Rich History, Culture, and Natural Beauty

Hue Imperial Gate

Even without a guide, navigating this historical treasure is made effortless with convenient audio guides. QR codes at each location unveil captivating historical narratives, while an immersive XR virtual reality experience offers a step back in time, showcasing the impeccably preserved imperial architecture.

Ngo Mon Gate using XR technology

For a truly immersive experience, visitors can don exquisite traditional royal costumes and capture stunning photographs amidst the regal ambiance. And no visit is complete without indulging in the melodious tunes of Hue court music, adding an extra layer of elegance and charm to the overall exploration.

Dress up in traditional royal

3. Indulge in the Authentic Flavors of Bun Bo Hue

One of the must-try experiences in Hue, Vietnam, is sampling the local specialty dish – Bun Bo Hue. It carries the distinctive flavor of Hue – Fermented shrimp paste, which infuses the broth with a rich and unique aroma that is unmatched. A bowl of this steaming delicacy typically ranges from $1.23 to $2, depending on the eatery and your choice of toppings.

The characteristic feature of the delicious Bun Bo eateries in Hue is that they only open in the morning. You need to arrive early, around 6:00 AM, or they may run out of stock. Drawing from our own experiences, we recommend several highly-regarded local establishments renowned for their authentic Hue-style Bun Bo:

• Bun Bo Me Keo: Located at 20 Bach Dang Street, Phu Cat Ward.
• Bun Bo Hue Ba Gai: Situated at 11A Ha Noi Street, Vinh Ninh Ward.

Bun Bo Hue Me Keo

4. Sample Hue’s Delectable Sweet Soups

Upon arriving in Hue, you’ll uncover a delightful array of distinctive sweet soup offerings, crafted from various natural fruits and ingredients. The intricate recipes that Hue is famed for have roots in its royal court heritage. Hue boasts an impressive repertoire of 36 types of sweet soup associated with its royal cuisine. You’ll encounter numerous stalls selling these sweet soups throughout the streets of Hue, and they come at remarkably affordable prices, typically ranging from $0.33 to $1.03 per cup.

“Bột lọc heo quay” is one of the most unique and delicious sweet soup varieties in Hue

5. Unwind and Soak Up the Sun at Lang Co Beach

Hue is undeniably captivating, blending a wealth of cultural and historical significance with stunning natural landscapes. Situated about 60km from the city, Lang Co is celebrated as one of the world’s top 30 most picturesque bays.

Lang Co is celebrated as one of the world’s top 30 most picturesque bays

Lang Co Bay reveals pristine vistas and a rich ecosystem. Visitors can venture to the adjacent fishing village, steeped in a heritage spanning over two centuries, or wander through the nearby Lap An Lagoon.

Lap An Lagoon

6. Explore the Intricate Architecture of Khai Dinh Tomb

• Address: Khai Dinh Tomb, Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy district
• Open hours: 7 AM – 5:30 PM

A must-visit attraction in Hue, Vietnam, is the Khai Dinh Tomb. While the city boasts numerous royal tombs from the Nguyen dynasty, the Khai Dinh Tomb stands apart for its captivating architectural design.

The entrance to the Thien Dinh Palace

This location exemplifies the blend of Vietnamese architectural styles with prominent Western influences. The complex comprises several sections, including the Tam Quan Gate, Nghi Mon, the Bai Dinh courtyard, and the Thien Dinh Palace. The central feature is the Khai Dinh Tomb, which serves as the final resting place of King Khai Dinh.

Eastern-style mythical creatures and Western Corinthian-style columns

Visitors are often mesmerized upon entering this site, greeted by walls adorned with vibrant mosaic patterns crafted from bricks, ceramics, porcelain, and glass. The Khai Dinh Tomb truly shines with breathtaking beauty when the sun is at its zenith. Admission for adults is priced at $6.16.

7. Shop for Local Treasures at Dong Ba Night Market

• Address: Dong Ba Market, Phu Hoa, Hue City
• Open hours: 3 AM – 11 PM

If you’re in search of a spot for an evening meal and to shop for Hue’s specialties, Dong Ba Market is the place to be. This bustling market spans three floors, each offering a diverse array of goods. On the first floor, you’ll find dried seafood and food stalls, while the second floor showcases handmade souvenirs. The third floor is dedicated to fabrics and clothing.

8. Discover the Enigmatic Abandoned Amusement Park

• Address: Thuy Tien Lake, Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy district
• Open hours: 24 hours

The deserted Thuy Tien Lake Park, long neglected, exudes an air of mystery and eeriness with its overgrown vegetation and moss-covered structures. It garnered renewed interest following a 2016 article by Huffington Post, bringing attention back to this forgotten park.

Discover the abandoned amusement park

The abandoned Thuy Tien Lake Park, which has been neglected for a long time, emits a mysterious and eerie atmosphere due to its overgrown vegetation and structures covered in moss. It gained renewed attention after a 2016 article by Huffington Post shed light on this forgotten park.

A scene from the movie Taxi Driver 2 at the abandoned park

9. Witness the Art of Incense-Making in the Village

• Address: 62 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Thuy Xuan, Hue City
• Open hours: 8 AM – 6 PM

At the 700-year-old Xuan Thuy Incense Village, visitors are treated to a glimpse of rich cultural traditions as they observe the skilled artisans engaged in the age-old craft of incense-making. Incense has played a significant role in the spiritual practices of the Vietnamese people throughout history, and its usage continues to this day. Moreover, beyond its spiritual significance, incense is also valued for its therapeutic properties, known to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being.

Vibrant and colorful bundles of incense sticks

Sun Getaways Travel trusts that these insights will enrich your travels and discovery of this incredible destination. Should you require further assistance or recommendations regarding specific travel itineraries in Hue, feel free to contact us or explore the available packages below: