Sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City: tips to do
April 6, 2023
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Hué, once the imperial capital of Vietnam, oozes with history. With its imposing palaces and mystical temples, there is much imperial glory to discover here. But Hué is more than just a city full of heritage. It is a place where traditions live on, where the Perfume River gently ripples past ancient tombs and where local cuisine still serves dishes once exclusive to the imperial family.
Hué, the imperial capital of Vietnam
Hué was the imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty. Emperor Gia Long made the city the political and cultural heart of the country and had the impressive Tu Cam Thanh building, inspired by Beijing's Forbidden City. For more than a century, Hué flourished as a center of power, art and religion.
During the French colonial period (1883-1954), the city gradually lost its political influence. During the Vietnam War, Hué was hit hard, especially during the 1968 Tet Offensive, which damaged many historical structures.
What to do in Hué?
Hué is one of the best-preserved historic cities in Vietnam and the historic center and is therefore not on UNESCO's World Heritage List for nothing.
1. Visit the imperial city (Hué Citadel).
The most famous and important sight in Hué is the Imperial City, an impressive walled complex that was once the heart of the Nguyen Dynasty. Within this immense fortress lies Tu Cam Thanh, the private grounds of the imperial family. Where once only the emperor and his court had access, you can now wander through ancient corridors and ornate gates.
During your visit, you will get a fascinating glimpse into imperial life. You'll find magnificent temples, royal chambers, pagodas and the remains of the once opulent palaces. The architectural details are breathtaking: from dragon-adorned roofs to colorful mosaics and delicate wooden carvings.
Although you can explore the city on your own, a guide is highly recommended if you want to learn more about royal rituals, court intrigue and the impact of war on this historic heritage.
2. Visit the Imperial Tombs
In southwestern Hué, you will find the imperial tombs of the 13 Nguyen princes who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The tombs in which the Nguyen princes are buried are huge, and some are more extravagant than others. Yet stories also circulate that the emperors were not buried here to deceive tomb raiders. Thus, the diggers of the tombs are said to have been killed so that the location of the actual resting place remains secret.
The two most famous tombs are those of Tu Duc and Minh Mang. Our personal favorite is the tomb of Khai Dinh because of its architecture, many steps and terraces, and eccentric interior.
You can easily visit the various imperial tombs in Hué on your own by renting a bicycle or scooter. For example, use the offline map from maps.me or Google Maps to navigate there. What we always really like is that a bike or scooter gives you the freedom to decide where to go and how long to stay there. After all, you will pass several graves along the way, so who knows where you might want to make an extra stop.
3. Wander through the abandoned water park
One of the sights in Hué that gets a lot of attention online is the Ho Thuy Tien water park, which, incidentally, is completely abandoned. After a hefty investment of some 3 million, construction of the new water park was abruptly halted in 2004. That was some time ago now, so it is not surprising that nature has taken over this place. This makes the abandoned water park a photogenic place and thus attracts many visitors. Just be careful where you walk, as it is an abandoned and dilapidated water park.
If you rent a bike or scooter in Hué, you can drive yourself to the water park. This will take you about 30 minutes. Keep in mind that there are regular scams here. They ask you to pay an entrance fee, but you don't have to.
4. Take a boat ride on the Perfume River
The Song Huong, also known as the Perfume River, is an 80-kilometer-long river that runs through the city of Hué. You can walk along the river's wharves, picnic in one of the adjacent parks and catch a glimpse of local life along the river. But surely the main activity on the Song Huong is the boat ride you can take in a so-called dragon boat.
5. Drive over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An
The Hai Van Pass is one of Vietnam's most beautiful coastal roads and a spectacular connection between Hué and Hoi An. This winding mountain pass crosses the Annamite Mountains and offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea, lush jungles and rugged mountain peaks. Along the way, you are treated to panoramic views of the coast and countryside. On clear days, you can see all the way to Da Nang and the Son Tra Peninsula. The name "Hai Van" means "Sea of Clouds" and refers to the often foggy mountain peaks, which we too had to drive through (and thus could not enjoy the views).
It is mainly a fun tip and an adventurous way to travel from Hué to Hoi An. After the pass, you continue to Hoi An, one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam, via Da Nang.
Tip: If you rent a scooter from MotorVina in Hué, you can drop it off at their location in Hoi An. They will make sure your luggage is already waiting for you here when you arrive, so you can go straight from here to your accommodation in Hoi An. Don't feel like driving yourself? Then you can also book an Easy Rider!
Where to stay in Hué?
Hué is not a very big city, but make sure you book accommodation in the city center. After all, this is where you'll find the nicest restaurants and bars, as well as some sights. Because the center is compact, much can be reached on foot. Ideal!
We stayed in the cozy Hué Boutique Homestay, which we can definitely recommend. The rooms were clean, the beds comfortable and breakfast was very good. Would you like a little more luxury and comfort? Then we can recommend you Purple Hue Central Hub advise.
What is the best time to visit Hué?
The best time to visit Hué is from January to September, with February through April being the best months. The weather then is pleasant with mild temperatures and relatively little rain. From May to September it gets warmer, making it less ideal for sightseeing. The months of September through January see the most rain.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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