Hue is a city in central Vietnam. Hue was chosen as the capital city of the Southern Kingdom by all Lords Nguyen and officially became the capital under Tay Son Dynasty. For approximately 400 years, Hue has become a great landscape and architectural site. Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Day 1:

  • Visit the Imperial City.
  • Explore the Imperial City (Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Palace, and the Forbidden Purple City)
  • Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and take a boat ride along the Perfume River.
  • Enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2:

  • Visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
  • Visit the Thanh Toan Bridge and take a cycling tour of the surrounding villages.
  • Enjoy a dinner of local specialties at a restaurant.

Day 3:

Detailed Itinerary for 3 days in Hue

Day 1:

Morning:

– Arrive in Hue and check into your accommodation.

– Visit the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Imperial City is open from 8:00am to 5:30pm, and tickets cost 150,000 VND per person.

UNESCO World Heritage Site 
UNESCO World Heritage Site

– Explore the various palaces, temples, and gardens within the Imperial City, such as the Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Palace, and the Forbidden Purple City. You can easily spend several hours exploring the Imperial City. In these sites, you can rent traditional costumes and take photos as memories.

Afternoon:

– Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous Buddhist temple located on the banks of the Perfume River. The pagoda is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and admission is free.

– Take a boat ride along the Perfume River and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. You can hire a boat at the Thien Mu Pagoda or at the boat station near the Imperial City.

Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda

– Enjoy a traditional Hue-style dinner at a local restaurant, featuring dishes such as:

+ Banh khoai (Hue-style pancake) – Banh Khoai Hong Mai at 67 Dien Bien Phu Street (30,000 – 50,000 VND).

+ Bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) – Bun bo Hue Ut Lanh at 19 Ly Thuong Kiet Street (30,000 – 50,000 VND).

Many restaurants in Hue serve local specialties, and you can ask your hotel or tour guide for recommendations.

– Visiting Trang Tien Bridge – a beautiful historic bridge located in the heart of Hue, Vietnam. It spans the Perfume River. This is the perfect time to take photos and enjoy the stunning scenery of the bridge and the river. When the bridge is also lit up and there are many street performers and vendors along the riverbank.

Trang Tien Bridge
Trang Tien Bridge

You can also visit Alden Tea Shop located at the foot of Truong Tien Bridge, open for sale from 3pm to 9pm daily. There are 24 different types of tea such as purple potato tea, pineapple green tea, lotus tea, coconut filter powder…with prices ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 VND.

Day 2:

Morning:

– Visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, a beautiful and peaceful tomb complex built during the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is open from 7:00am to 5:30pm, and tickets cost 100,000 VND per person.

– Continue to the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, a stunning tomb that combines traditional Vietnamese and European architectural styles. The tomb is open from 7:00am to 5:30pm, and tickets cost 150,000 VND per person.

Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc

Afternoon:

– Visit the Thanh Toan Bridge, a beautiful covered bridge located in the countryside outside of Hue. Admission is free. You can hire a bicycle or motorbike to explore the surrounding villages and countryside.

– Enjoy a cycling tour of the surrounding villages, such as Thuy Bieu Village, and learn about the local way of life. You can hire a bicycle or join a guided tour to explore the villages.

– Return to Hue and enjoy a dinner of local specialties at a restaurant, such as

+ Com hen (rice with mussels) – Com hen Huyen Anh at 3 Tran Cao Van Street (20,000 – 30,000 VND)

+ Banh beo (steamed rice cakes) – Banh Beo Ba Tu at 1 Tran Thai Tong Street (20,000 – 30,000 VND)

Thanh Toan Market

Day 3:

Morning:

– Visit the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts, located in the former Long An Palace. The museum is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and tickets cost 30,000 VND per person

–  Dong Ba Market, one of the largest and oldest markets in Hue, and shop for local products and souvenirs. The market is open from early morning until late afternoon, and you can find a wide variety of items for sale, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, textiles, handicrafts, and more.

Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market

Afternoon:

– Visit the An Hien Garden House, a beautiful traditional house and garden that showcases the local architecture and way of life. The garden house is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, and admission is free. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the house.

An Hien Garden House
An Hien Garden House

– Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Perfume River and take in the beautiful scenery. The river is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and there are many parks, gardens, and restaurants along the riverbanks.

– Depart from Hue and continue your travels. Depending on your itinerary, you may be heading to another city or returning to the airport or train station for your departure.

– This itinerary allows you to experience the best of Hue in 3 days, including its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. You can explore the historic sites, enjoy the local cuisine, shop for souvenirs, and take in the stunning scenery along the Perfume River.

Some tips for first-time tourists in Hue:

Dress appropriately: Hue has a tropical monsoon climate, so it can be hot and humid during the day. Wear light and breathable clothing, and bring a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. You should dress politely and discreetly when visiting historical sites such as tombs, temples,…

Bargain when shopping: Bargaining is a common practice in Hue’s markets and street vendors. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price when buying souvenirs or other items, but do so in a polite and respectful manner.

Carry small bills: When paying for small items or street food, it’s best to carry small denominations of Vietnamese Dong. Many vendors may not have change for larger bills.

Hire a local guide: A local guide can help you navigate the city, provide valuable insights into the history and culture of Hue, and help you avoid common tourist traps.