The best things to do in Hue
Hue was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945, and its monuments were listed by UNESCO in 1993. Most of what you come to see is a monument, a pagoda or a tomb, and several of the best sights are outside the center. The list below is an editorial selection, not an official ranking. It starts with the Imperial City and the tombs, moves to the pagoda, the river and the market, then covers a palace, the garden houses and the food, and ends with two day trips.
Prices are adult prices in Vietnamese dong (VND) for 2026. The national tourism authority suggests a 3-day plan for culture seekers. Floods hit Hue in early October 2026, so check that your sights are open before you set out.
The Imperial City and the royal tombs
Experiences 1 to 4: the center of the old capital and three tombs of Nguyen emperors.
1. The Imperial City (Dai Noi)
The Imperial City is the historic imperial district, and it has its own ticket. The adult ticket costs VND 200,000 and the child ticket VND 40,000. The Citadel, the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City are separate, nested areas, so the ticketed Dai Noi does not include every street inside the outer wall.
Imperial City guide →2. Tu Duc Tomb
The tomb stands around the artificial Luu Khiem Lake, with the Du Khiem and Xung Khiem pavilions. The emperor also used it as a retreat. Entry is VND 150,000 for adults and VND 30,000 for children. A combo with the Dong Khanh tomb costs VND 200,000.
Royal tombs guide →3. Minh Mang Tomb
The tomb lies on Cam Khe Mountain on the Perfume River, about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Hue according to the national tourism authority. The grounds cover about 18 hectares (44 acres) with around 40 historic buildings. Entry is VND 150,000, or VND 240,000 together with the Gia Long tomb.
Royal tombs guide →4. Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh's tomb mixes Eastern and Western design. It rises in levels, and the local tourism portal counts 127 steps. It is about 10 km (6 mi) from Hue. Entry is VND 150,000 for adults. Do not count on step-free access.
Royal tombs guide →Our picks: things to do
A walk through the Imperial City, a boat to Thien Mu Pagoda and a ride over the Hai Van Pass.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Easy Rider motorbike tour over the Hai Van Pass
An English-speaking Easy Rider drives you, with helmet, fuel, rain gear, entry fees and parking included. Food and drinks are extra, and riding yourself is a separate option at $29.
Check availability →
Perfume River boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda
A boat from the Toa Kham pier to Thien Mu and back, with time to see the pagoda on your own. There is no guide and no hotel transfer, and food and drinks are extra.
Check availability →Walking tour of the Imperial City with a local guide
About two and a half hours on foot with a local guide. Tips are voluntary and not included.
Check availability →Hue tours and day trips
Imperial City and tomb tours, Perfume River boat trips, DMZ and Hai Van Pass day trips, with live prices and availability.
Pagoda, river and market
Experiences 5 to 7: a Buddhist site, an evening on the water and a food market.
5. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu is a Buddhist site on the Perfume River, and its tower has 7 storeys. A private travel portal lists free entry with voluntary donations, daily hours of 05:00–18:00 and a visit of about 30 to 45 minutes. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take your shoes off before the main hall.
Thien Mu Pagoda guide →6. A boat trip on the Perfume River
Dragon boats are the classic way onto the river. One operator sells a sunset cruise with dinner for USD 54 per person, including an English-speaking guide and a cyclo pickup in the center, with pickup at 17:30. Children under 8 pay half. This is one product, not a standard fare.
Perfume River guide →7. Dong Ba Market
The national tourism authority describes Dong Ba as a market and a place for local food. It is a good stop to combine with Hue's local dishes (experience 10). Bring cash, since street stalls and small shops often do not take cards.
A palace, the garden houses and the food
Experiences 8 to 10: quieter stops that fill the gaps between the big sights.
8. An Dinh Palace
An Dinh is a former royal residence and a visit point of its own, with its own admission. Check the ticket price and hours at the entrance, because they are separate from the Imperial City and tomb tickets.
9. The garden houses of Kim Long
The national tourism authority points visitors to the historic garden houses of Kim Long. Some charge admission, and some are private homes you can visit. There are no common opening hours, so ask at the gate.
10. Hue cuisine
Hue has its own dishes. The national tourism authority names banh khoai, a crisp pancake, and banh beo, small steamed rice cakes, among them. Try them at the market or at a local restaurant. Prices vary and are not fixed.
Two day trips
Experiences 11 and 12: both leave the city, so plan a full day.
11. A DMZ day trip
A hotel tour program lists Hien Luong Bridge, the Vinh Moc tunnels and the Khe Sanh combat base as one trip from Hue. These are war memorial sites, not a city walk, and a few tour programs skip Khe Sanh. Respect the sites, and do not pick up or approach unknown metal objects on the ground.
DMZ tour guide →12. The Hai Van Pass
The pass is a scenic road between Hue and Da Nang, about 20–21 km (13 mi) long and about 500 m (1,640 ft) high. It combines with a continuation to Hoi An, about 130 km (81 mi) from Hue by road. Poor weather reduces visibility, and operators advise against the pass then.
Hai Van Pass guide →Planning the list
The Imperial City and one or two tombs fill a first day. A pagoda visit and an evening on the river fit a second day, and the DMZ or the Hai Van Pass each take a full day of their own. Combo tickets save money if you plan to see the Imperial City and two or three tombs. The Imperial City combo with two tombs costs VND 420,000, and the all-monuments ticket costs VND 600,000 and is valid up to 5 days from the start of your first visit, based on a decision effective 4 January 2026.
If rain is forecast, move the tombs and the river to another day and keep a flexible schedule. Our weather page shows the monthly rainfall, and our where to stay guide compares the areas to sleep in.
Things to do in Hue: frequently asked questions
What is the one thing not to miss in Hue?
The Imperial City is the center of the old capital and the obvious first stop. The tombs and the river fill out a second day.
How many days do I need for the list?
The national tourism authority suggests a 3-day plan. You can see the Imperial City, two tombs and the pagoda in two days. The DMZ and the Hai Van Pass each need a full day.
Is it cheaper to buy a combo ticket?
Yes, if you plan to see several sites. The Imperial City alone costs VND 200,000 and each tomb VND 150,000. The Imperial City plus two tombs costs VND 420,000 and plus all three tombs VND 530,000, valid up to 2 days.
Are the sights open after the October 2026 floods?
Floods were reported in Hue on 9 October 2026. Whether a particular site is open on your day is not something we can promise, so check before you go. On 3 November 2025, all monuments were closed to visitors because of flooding.
Can I do the DMZ and the Hai Van Pass in one day?
Not realistically. They lie in different directions from Hue, and each is a full-day trip.