What to do in Hue? 24+ unique experiences from nature to culture

Hue is not only a land of ancient royal heritage—it’s also evolving into a destination that harmoniously blends nature, culture, art, and entertainment. So, what to do in Hue beyond the usual tombs and temples? The answer: much more than you might expect! Let’s explore the colorful charm of the former imperial capital through the guide below.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Hue

Many tourists may not know that Hue not only has royal palaces and mausoleums but also possesses natural masterpieces that captivate people's hearts.

1. Stunning beaches that capture the heart

Lang Co Bay: This is one of the 30 most beautiful bays in the world voted by Worldbays Club in 2009. Tourists can combine relaxation at luxury resorts, swimming, diving, fishing, watching boat racing festivals, and fishing festivals of local people.

• Address: Chan May Commune - Lang Co, about 60 - 70km from the city center

Lang Co (Source: Internet)

Thuan An Beach: King Thieu Tri once ranked Thuan An as the 10th most beautiful place in the “Than Kinh Nhi Thap Canh” - "The Twenty Realms of Than Kinh" of Hue. This beach is suitable for day trips with activities such as swimming, volleyball, camping, and parties.

• Address: Thuan An Ward, about 15km from city center

Thuan An Beach (Source: Internet)

Hai Duong Beach: The space is quiet and still wild. This place is also famous for its 1km long breakwater and amazing natural rock beaches, creating an ideal setting for "virtual life" enthusiasts.

• Address: Thuan An Ward, about 20km from city center

Unique rock beach in the middle of Hai Duong Beach (Source: Internet)

Canh Duong Beach: Located in Chan May Bay, Canh Duong beach is famous for its long and clean sandy beach. Visitors can camp right on the beach and experience the rustic fishing village life, or participate in surfing, windsurfing, rowing, playing soccer, walking around Bich Hoa village, etc.

• Address: Chan May Commune - Lang Co, about 50 - 60km from the city center

SUP to watch fishermen fishing at Canh Duong beach(Source: Internet)

Reference cost: Parking from 5,000 - 20,000 VND/time. Chair rental from 30,000 VND/chair. Tent rental from 100,000 - 600,000 VND/tent. Fresh water shower 10,000 VND/time.

2. Bach Ma National Park - A Trekker’s Paradise

Bach Ma National Park is known for its vast primary forests, rich biodiversity, cool climate year-round, and stunning views. Trek through jungle trails, conquer Hai Vong Dai for panoramic views of Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon, take a dip in the crystal-clear pools of Ngu Ho (Five Lakes), or marvel at the majestic Do Quyen Waterfall.

• Address: Phu Loc Commune, about 40km from the city center
• Expense: Entrance ticket 25,000 - 65,000 VND/person. Shuttle bus to the top of the mountain 600,000 - 1,300,000 VND/trip. Meals 80,000 - 220,000 VND/person/meal

Hai Vong Dai in Bach Ma National Park (Source: Internet)

3. Bathing in the stream - Finding the cool water of the mountains and forests

When the Central region's heat becomes hot, there's nothing better than immersing yourself in the cool water from streams deep in the forest.

Bo Ghe Waterfall: Peaceful, cool air with clear upstream water cascading down small gentle falls. The water level here is suitable for both children and adults. Address in Chan May commune - Lang Co, about 50km from the center

Suoi Mo (Coconut Bald): Suoi Mo is a waterfall and stream complex with wild beauty and many stunning "virtual living" angles. You can bathe in the stream, relax under small waterfalls, enjoy local specialties such as grilled chicken, stream fish, wild vegetables, etc.Address in Chan May commune - Lang Co, about 70 - 80km from the center

Anor Falls: A majestic and pristine waterfall, with natural pools at the foot of the waterfall. This is a great choice for those who love exploration and adventure. Address in Chan May commune - Lang Co, about 75km from the center

Khe Su Stream: Full service, many huts for resting and eating, air-conditioned bedrooms for overnight guests. Address in Phu Loc commune, about 45km from the center.

Nhi Ho Waterfall: Many beautiful landscapes for taking pictures, clean and cool stream water, there is also a gentle rocky slope area for waterfall sliding. Address in Phu Loc commune, about 45km from the center.

Reference cost:Entrance fee from 15,000 VND, hut rental from 100,000 - 200,000 VND/hut, food from 60,000 - 400,000 VND/dish.

Note: The well-known Elephant Springs (Suoi Voi) is currently closed for renovation.

Nhi Ho Waterfall (Source: Internet)

4. Explore Hue's Picturesque Lagoons and Fishing Villages

Lap An Lagoon: Located at the foot of Phu Gia Pass, the brackish lagoon is as beautiful as a miniature bay, an ideal place to take photos, watch the sunrise and sunset. Interesting activities include SUP rowing, taking virtual photos on the tidal road, and enjoying fresh Lang Co oysters.

• Address: Chan May Commune - Lang Co, about 68km from the center
• Expense: Entrance fee 10,000 VND/person. Meals from 100,000 - 300,000 VND/person/meal.

Lap An Lagoon (Source: Internet)

Dragonfly Lagoon: Where you can experience rowing a boat on the “lagoon road”, watching the sunrise and sunset in a peaceful space. The famous specialties are whale cake, bee fish, charcoal-grilled brown fish and simple but poetic hut restaurants.

• Address: My Thuong Ward, about 12km from the center
• Expense: Parking from 5,000 VND/trip. Boat ride 150,000 VND/30 minutes. Food from 50,000 - 600,000 VND/dish

Dragonfly Lagoon (Source: Internet)

5. Discover the mysterious beauty of Ru Cha mangrove forest

Ru Cha is a large primeval mangrove forest with diverse flora, attracting many tourists because of its wild and mysterious beauty. Interesting experiences here include boating, trekking through the forest, climbing to the observation tower to see the whole forest, taking artistic photos or simply sitting and watching the sunset on the wharf.

• Address: Thuan Hoa village, Hoa Chau ward, about 15km from city center
• Expense: Free admission. Boat rental from 100,000 VND/30 minutes.

Ru Cha Mangrove Forest (Source: Internet)

6. Ideal hills for "wind and scenery"

Vong Canh Hill: Once a favorite spot of Nguyen emperors, this hill offers a sweeping view of the Perfume River meandering through pine forests and royal tombs. The open, romantic space filled with purple myrtle flowers and shady trees makes it ideal for picnics, art photography, strolls, or simply relaxing in nature.

• Address:102 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Thuy Xuan ward, 7.5km from the center
• Expense:Free admission. Parking from 5,000 VND/person

Thien An Hill: Known as Hue’s “check-in sanctuary,” this spot features winding roads, pine-covered hills, and the hidden French-style Thien An Monastery. It evokes the feel of a miniature Da Lat.

• Address:Dai Nam Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, 7.5km from the center
• Expense:Free admission

Vong Canh Hill (Source: Internet)

7. Conquer Hai Van Pass - ""The Greatest Scenic Wonder"

Hai Van Pass is a majestic natural boundary between Hue and Da Nang. With towering mountains on one side and a vast ocean on the other, this winding mountain road offers breathtaking views—perfect for stunning photos. Notable stops include Hai Van Gate, Don Ca Railway Bridge, and the signature S-curves near the peak. You can rent a motorbike, private car, or join a Jeep tour to conquer this iconic pass.

• Location: National Highway 1A, Bach Ma mountain range, about 80km from the center
• Expense: Free admission

Hai Van Pass (Source: Internet)

Stroll and relax along the poetic Huong River

It is impossible to mention Hue without mentioning the Perfume River - the river associated with history, poetry and the life of the people of the Capital. Nowadays, besides its romantic beauty, the Perfume River is also the "playground" of many memorable activities.

8. Stroll and enjoy the riverside scenery

The downtown area has many attractions and riverside views that are completely free for visitors:

Walking routes: Nguyen Dinh Chieu walking street, the roads along Tu Tuong park, Thuong Bac park, ironwood pedestrian bridge, crescent bridge floating on the water, etc. are all ideal places to stroll, enjoy the cool breeze and record poetic moments.

Truong Tien Bridge: The ancient bridge located right in the city center is a hundreds-year-old symbol of Hue.

Nguyen Hoang Bridge: Standing out with its modern design, high steel arches, softly curved like a bird spreading its wings in the middle of the Perfume River.

Park and walking path along the Huong River (Source: Internet)

Nguyen Hoang Bridge (Source: Internet)

Truong Tien Bridge (Source: Internet)

Lim wood pedestrian bridge (Source: Internet)

9. Relaxing SUP on the Perfume River

Popular SUP areas are the area along Tu Tuong Park on Le Loi Street or Ben Me area on Le Duan Street, where the water is calm, the wind is light and the scenery is open. The feeling of standing in the middle of a calm river is a simple relaxing experience that is extremely free and liberal.

Expense: 50,000 - 150,000 VND/person including life jacket, mineral water. SUP for 2 people

SUP on the river (Source: Internet)

10. Cruise on the Perfume River

Cruise tours on the Perfume River usually depart from Toa Kham Wharf on Le Loi Street, and can be booked privately or in groups. Some popular itineraries:

• Monument tour: Run along the North bank of the river, stopping at Thien Mu Pagoda, Gia Long Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Hon Chen Palace, etc.
• River Music Tour: Takes place in the evening, lasts about 1 hour, combines performances of traditional musical instruments and Hue traditional songs or modern music right on the dragon boat.
• Food Tour on Boat: Dinner service available, suitable for groups of friends or couples who want to enjoy private space.

Expense: Group tour from over 90,000 VND/person. Dinner tour from over 290,000 VND/person. Full boat from 600,000 - 1,700,000 VND/boat. Booking tickets online and going in a group will get a better price.

Cruise on the Perfume River (Source: Internet)

Discover Hue’s imperial history and cultural heritage

With more than 700 years as the cultural and political center of Thuan Hoa land, Hue preserves a rich heritage treasure, extremely ideal for tourists who are passionate about learning about history and culture.

11. Imperial City (Hue Imperial Citadel)

At the heart of ancient Hue lies the Imperial City (Đại Nội), a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. This grand complex was once the political and ceremonial center of the Nguyen Dynasty. Allocate at least 2–3 hours to explore key landmarks like Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Kien Trung Palace, Hien Lam Pavilion, and Dong Khuyet Bastion. Don’t miss the chance to rent traditional royal costumes like áo Nhật Bình or áo ngũ thân for unforgettable photos.

• Address: Twenty-Third August Street, Phu Xuan Ward
• Ticket price: 200,000 VND/person. Buying combo tickets will get a better price.

Hue Imperial City (Source: Internet)

Dien Kien Trung (Source: Internet)

12. Royal Mausoleums and Historic Sites

Minh Mang Tomb: Minh Mang Tomb is a majestic, ancient architectural work with perfect balance in its layout. This is a place that clearly shows Confucianism and harmony with nature. It is located on Cam Khe mountain, near Highway 49, Kim Long ward.

Minh Mang Tomb (Source: Internet)

Tu Duc Tomb: With more than 50 large and small constructions hidden among the cool green space of the lake and trees, Tu Duc Tomb has a poetic and romantic beauty. The tomb is built in garden architecture, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. Located on Doan Nhu Hai Street, Thuy Xuan Ward.

Tu Duc Tomb (Source: Internet)

Tomb of Khai Dinh: The architecture combines East and West, elaborate and lavish, highlighted by stone steps, pillars and brilliant porcelain inlays in Thien Dinh Palace. Visitors are often surprised by the detail and sophistication of the painted ceilings and mosaic walls here. The location is at Chau Chu Mountain, Dai Nam Street, Thuy Xuan Ward.

Space inside Khai Dinh tomb (Source: Internet)

An Dinh Palace: A palace with European style mixed with Asian architecture, once the residence of King Bao Dai and Queen Nam Phuong. Address at 179 Phan Dinh Phung, Thuan Hoa ward.

An Dinh Palace (Source: Internet)

Expense: Tickets to the mausoleums are 150,000 VND/person, tickets to An Dinh Palace are 50,000 VND/person. Buying a combo will get a better price.

13. Famous spiritual destinations

Hue is known as one of the major Buddhist centers of Vietnam, with hundreds of large and small sacred pagodas. Whether you come to worship or simply find a moment of peace, visiting ancient pagodas always brings an indescribable sense of serenity.

• Thien Mu Pagoda: Symbol of Hue. Located on the North bank of the Perfume River, it stands out with Phuoc Duyen tower and the deep bell sound echoing far away. This is a destination not to be missed to feel the spiritual beauty and charming scenery.
• Thien Lam Pagoda: An ancient temple of the Southern sect with unique architecture inspired by Thailand. The temple has impressive standing and reclining Buddha statues, attracting Buddhists and tourists to come and worship.
• Temple of Princess Huyen Tran: The solemn temple complex commemorates Princess Huyen Tran, who contributed to the expansion of the country. The architectural complex includes the Hoa Binh bell tower, the exhibition hall, and the octagonal pavilion, creating a peaceful space to learn about history and offer incense.
• Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery: Located on Linh Son Mountain next to Truoi Lake, the Zen Monastery is a Buddhist center of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. It owns a majestic giant statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, a pilgrimage and spiritual sightseeing spot that attracts tourists.
• Tu Hieu Pagoda (Tu Hieu Ancestral Temple): One of the large and valuable ancient temples of Hue, famous for its filial piety.
• Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda: The temple is hidden in the cool green nature, bringing a peaceful space for those who want to find peace of mind. The natural stone gate with delicate Buddhist patterns is a unique highlight.

Expense: Most temples have free entrance fees. Visitors only have to pay parking fees from 5,000 VND/turn.

There are many outstanding spiritual destinations in Hue. (Source: Internet)

14. Explore culture, enjoy art

Luc Bo Cultural Space: The space recreates the Six Ministries, including Lai, Le, Ho, Binh, Hinh, Cong - the center of power of the Nguyen Dynasty; at the same time, it introduces Royal Tea, Royal Wine products and traditional Hue handicrafts. Here, visitors can also participate in interesting activities to experience making handicraft products.

• Address: 79 Nguyen Chi Dieu, Phu Xuan ward. Free admission

A corner of the exhibition in the Luc Bo cultural space (Source: Internet)

Skillful traditional handicrafts (Source: Internet)

Sống lab - Digital Art Centre (Sống Platform): The first digital art museum in Hue, which hosts multimedia exhibitions, combining sound, images, and light, helping visitors experience art with multiple senses.

• Address:172 Ba Trieu, Thuan Hoa ward
• Ticket price: Adults 150,000 - 200,000 VND/person, children 120,000 VND/child

Songlab Digital Museum (Source: Internet)

Le Ba Dang Memorial Space: A prominent project with contemporary architecture, beautiful landscape, inside the exhibition are hundreds of artworks by artist Le Ba Dang, an outstanding son of Hue, internationally honored as "master painter of two worlds East - West".

• Address: Bui Dinh Tuy Street, Thuy Xuan Ward
• Ticket price: 200,000 VND/person

Le Ba Dang Memorial Space(Source: Internet)

Immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere of Hue

Unique festivals and traditional craft villages are where Hue culture appears most clearly and intimately.

15. Hue Festival

Hue Festival is an international cultural and artistic event. During the festival, Hue city becomes a big stage with hundreds of art performances, Ao Dai shows, street parades, light festivals, fine art exhibitions, regional and international cuisine.

Art program on the occasion of Hue Festival (Source: Internet)

16. Buddha's Birthday

Hue is a major Buddhist center of the country, so the Buddha's Birthday (April of the lunar calendar) is celebrated very solemnly here. Notable activities include flower float parades, releasing flower lanterns on the Perfume River, and the Buddha bathing ceremony at Tu Dam Pagoda and other major pagodas.

Flower parade to celebrate Buddha's birthday (Source: Internet)

17. Hue Craft Village Festival

Hue Craft Village Festival is nThe festival gathers and introduces traditional craft villages of the capital such as hat making, incense making, bronze casting, jewelry, embroidery, etc., along with activities such as artisan exchanges, Ao Dai performances, tours to craft villages and learning about the handicraft production process, etc.

Street performance at Hue Traditional Craft Festival (Source: Internet)

Entertainment, check-in activities

Despite its slow pace of life, Hue still has plenty of entertainment and relaxation spaces for all ages.

18. Western Quarter - Nighttime meeting place for young people

This is where many pubs, small bars and cafes with dynamic style are concentrated. The walking street space is organized on weekend evenings, with outdoor stages, live music, and street food carts. This area is crowded but not too noisy and still retains the inherent pleasantness of Hue.

• Address: Pham Ngu Lao - Vo Thi Sau - Chu Van An street area, Thuan Hoa ward
• Expense: Parking from 5,000 VND/turn. Food from 25,000 - 500,000 VND/dish

Lively atmosphere at a corner of Hue's Western Quarter (Source: Internet)

19. Shopping at Dong Ba market

Dong Ba Market is the busiest commercial center in Hue. Here, you can find everything from local specialties such as shrimp paste, sour shrimp, sesame candy, dried seafood, to fabrics and souvenirs. This is also an ideal place to experience traditional shopping culture and enjoy Hue street food.

• Address: Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Xuan Ward
• Expense: Parking from 5,000 VND/turn. Shopping from over 30,000 VND/item

Dong Ba Market (Source: Internet)

20. Shopping and entertainment at Aeon Mall Hue

As the first large and modern shopping center in the Central region, Aeon Mall Hue offers a world-class shopping, dining and entertainment space. This is an ideal destination for tourists looking for convenience and diversity with a series of utilities:

• Diverse shopping paradise with more than 120 stores
• Rich culinary world from Asia to Europe
• Modern entertainment area for all ages
• Vibrant cultural events and festivals

Address: 08 Vo Nguyen Giap, An Cuu ward.

Aeon Mall Hue (Source: Internet)

21. Cycling around town

Hue is one of the few cities that still retains a dense green density and traffic is not too crowded. The experience of cycling around Tinh Tam Lake, Le Loi Street, along the banks of the Perfume River or through ancient villages such as Kim Long, Bao Vinh, Chi Lang, etc. brings a sense of relaxation that few places have.

Hue is the first “National Green City” in Vietnam (Source: Internet)

22. Stop at beautiful cafes

Hue has many garden cafes and youthful virtual living corners with diverse drink menus. Some prominent cafes often visited by tourists include:

• Tu Phuong Vo Su Lau: Ancient space, rooftop with panoramic view of the Imperial City, very suitable for taking photos of Ao Dai and traditional costumes. The cafe is located right in the Imperial City.
• Cafe Depot: 2nd floor Dong Ba market, Tran Hung Dao street
• Tan Cafe: 86 Dinh Tien Hoang
• Thanh Cafe: 24 Van Cao
• DeChill: 102 Princess Huyen Tran
• Nha Lao Beo: 6/239 Queen Trung
• Cui Coffee: 164 Bui Thi Xuan

Tu Phuong Vo Su Lau Coffee Shop (Source: Internet)

Some cafes with beautiful spaces in Hue (Source: Internet)

23. Soak in mineral water and have fun at Alba Thanh Tan hot spring

Thanh Tan hot spring is a famous resort combining therapy and entertainment in Hue. This place directly exploits natural hot mineral springs from underground, suitable for visitors who want to soak and relax to dispel fatigue.

In addition to the mineral bath area, Thanh Tan also has an adventure game area such as zipline, adventure rope swing through the forest, rafting, swinging bridge, water play area for children, meditation garden, restaurant, and resort accommodation.

• Address: Phong Thai Commune, about 30km from the center
• Expense: Entrance fee from 230,000 VND/person. Room booking from 450,000 VND/guest/night

Have fun, relax and unwind at Alba Thanh Tan tourist area (Source: Internet)

24. 7+ Other outstanding virtual living locations

• Thuy Tien Lake Park: This abandoned water park is a unique "virtual living" spot with a large lake, green pine forest, old grandstand area and giant dragon shape in the middle of the lake - attracting many tourists because of its mysterious, mossy beauty. The city is planning to convert this place into a community space.
• Hue National School: An ancient school with French architecture and impressive red walls. This is where President Ho Chi Minh and many other famous people studied.
• An Hien Garden House: One of the most beautiful traditional houses in Hue, imbued with the architecture and living space of ancient aristocrats.
• Hue Flag Tower: The ancient flagpole, located opposite Ngo Mon Gate, is a historical symbol and an ideal "virtual living" spot, especially sparkling when lit up at night. This place is also an open space for locals and tourists to fly kites, walk, and organize group games.
• Phu Cam Church: A typical Catholic building in Hue, standing out with its large dome and modern concrete architecture but still in harmony with the surrounding landscape.
• Redemptorist Church: East-West architecture combined, both classic and elegant, solemn space, spacious and peaceful campus.
• Hue Old Wharf: Ancient, quiet beauty with a view of the poetic Huong River. Located at alley 73 Nguyen Sinh Cung.

Lots of beautiful check-in locations in Hue (Source: Internet)

Enjoy Hue cuisine

Besides the interesting experiences mentioned above, don't forget to explore Hue cuisine - a place where rustic but unforgettable dishes converge such as Hue beef noodle soup, pressed rice cake, mussel rice, tapioca dumplings, etc. Each dish carries the unique and sophisticated flavor of the ancient capital.

See also: TOP 30++ Hue specialties that are memorable and everyone loves to buy as gifts

Hue is not only a land of heritage and history but also a diverse destination with beautiful natural landscapes and many rich entertainment experiences. From pristine beaches, the legendary Huong River, to ancient architectural works and unique cultural spaces, the ancient capital of Hue always knows how to charm visitors with its own beauty. Hopefully this article has given you a comprehensive view of "What to do in Hue" so that you can plan your upcoming memorable trip.