1. Introduction:
As the last capital of the feudal dynasty of Vietnam, Hue has an ancient and quiet beauty. Not only famous for its UNESCO-recognized relic complex, the city is also attractive for its slow life, charming nature, and unique royal cuisine.
In 2025, Hue will make a strong comeback with a series of cultural activities, royal night festivals, expanded walking spaces, restored craft villages, and more modern, friendly tourism services. If you are looking for things to do in Hue Vietnam, to explore a profound and peaceful Vietnam, Hue is the choice not to be missed.
2. Suggestions for Top Things to Do in Hue Vietnam, Not to Be Missed in 2025:
2.1. Visit Hue Citadel—a World Heritage Site in the heart of the ancient capital.
The Hue Citadel was built in the early 19th century under the Nguyen Dynasty and was the administrative, political, and royal center of the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam. The entire complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1993.
The citadel consists of 3 citadels: the Capital City, the Imperial City, and the Forbidden City, with a total area of over 500 hectares. The architecture is imbued with feng shui elements, in harmony between nature and man-made, with a system of palaces, red-tiled towers, moats, and massive gates.
In 2025, many items in the Imperial Citadel have been restored, the nighttime sightseeing space has been expanded, and 3D guides, multilingual explanations, and interactive areas for children have been added.
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- Address: 23/8 Street, Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City
- Opening hours: 7:00–17:30, 18:30–21:00
- Reference ticket prices:
Daytime: Adults: 7.63 USD/person; Children (7–12 years old): 1.53 USD/person
Evening: People who have not visited during the day: 5.72 USD/person; People who have visited during the day: 2.86 USD/person
Hue Imperial City – Ancient beauty on the poetic Huong River. (Source: internet)
2.2. Take a dragon boat ride and enjoy Hue folk songs on the Perfume River.
Experiencing a dragon boat on the Perfume River is an activity that bears the mark of Hue culture. During the day, you can drift on the poetic river, admire the beautiful scenery on both banks, such as Thien Mu Pagoda and Vong Canh Hill, and listen to an introduction to the Nguyen Dynasty’s vestiges.
When night falls, the romantic space on the boat becomes lively with the Hue folk song program—where the sounds of the zither and the moon lute blend with the sweet voices of the artists. In 2025, the program was renewed with a live exchange, the introduction of traditional musical instruments, and the releasing of flower lanterns, creating a highlight that cannot be missed in the list of things to do in Hue, Vietnam.
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- Boat station: Toa Kham, 49 Le Loi, Thuan Hoa ward, Hue city
- Operating hours:
Sightseeing boat: 8:00–18:00
Ca Hue: 19:00 – 20:30
- Ticket price:
Boat: from 5.72 USD/person
Ca Hue: 5 – 22.86 USD/person
Dragon Boat tour and listen to Hue songs on the Perfume River. (Source: internet)
2.3. Visit the Nguyen Dynasty Tombs.
The tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, such as Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, and Minh Mang, are three typical works of the Nguyen Dynasty, harmoniously combining architecture, feng shui, and art.
Each tomb reflects the unique personality of the king: Khai Dinh is elaborate, blending East and West; Tu Duc is poetic and calm; Minh Mang is majestic and symmetrical. Visiting the tombs helps you better understand the culture and ideology of the ancient Hue Dynasty.
- Location: Huong Thuy Ward, Hue City.
- Opening hours: 7:00–17:00
- Ticket price: 4 USD – 6 USD, depending on the tomb
Khai Dinh Tomb – Masterpiece in Nguyen Dynasty Tomb Architecture. (Source: internet)
2.4. Enjoy the Royal Night.
If you come to Hue during the International Arts Festival, don’t miss the opportunity to attend the “Royal Night” program—one of the most unique and luxurious things to do in Hue, Vietnam.
The event is held in the splendid space of Hue Imperial City, recreating the golden beauty of the ancient court through royal ceremonies, royal music performances, royal dances, the changing of the guard ceremony, and especially a buffet with more than 37 traditional Hue dishes. A more classy option is the “Royal Night Banquet” program at Can Chanh Palace yard, where visitors can experience a separate royal space, a delicately selected menu, and an aristocratic art performance.
- Location: Truong Sanh Palace or Can Chanh Palace – Hue Imperial City
- Ticket price for “Royal Night”: about 60 USD/person
- Ticket price for “Royal Night Banquet”: about 80 USD/person
- Time: Within the framework of Hue Festival
- Note: The program only takes place during major festival seasons and requires advance booking.
2.5. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
Located on Ha Khe hill, overlooking the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is a sacred ancient pagoda built in the 17th century. Standing out with the 7-story Phuoc Duyen tower, this place is a symbol of Hue city.
The pagoda also preserves many treasures, such as the great bell, ancient stone stele, and the car of Venerable Thich Quang Duc. The peaceful space and the echoing sound of the pagoda bell create an ideal stop for those seeking peace.
- Address: 140-142 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Kim Long Ward, Hue City.
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 18:00
2.6. Visit An Dinh Palace
An Dinh Palace is a unique construction combining classical Western architecture and traditional Asian features. Built in the early 20th century, this place was once the childhood residence of King Bao Dai.
The exterior is covered with sophisticated European reliefs, and the interior has murals, chandeliers, and imported ancient tile floors. After many years of restoration, by 2025, An Dinh Palace has reopened all 3 floors for visitors, with a modern lighting system and 3D models recreating history.
- Address: 97 Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City.
- Opening hours: 7:30–17:00
- Ticket price: about 2 USD
2.7. Explore Nguyen Cong Tru food street
Nguyen Cong Tru is a bustling culinary street at night, famous for a series of typical street foods of Hue. From banh beo, banh nam, and banh loc to nem lui, che Hue, banh ep, bun bo Hue, etc., all are delicious, cheap, and served quickly.
You can start your journey from the beginning of Pham Ngu Lao Street, walk along the street, and stop at stalls or sidewalk restaurants. Not only delicious, this is also a place where you can easily interact with Hue people and learn more about the culinary culture of Central Vietnam.
- Opening hours: 17:00–21:00
- Average price: 1 USD – 2 USD/dish
Hue Pressed Cake – Delicious, cheap and unique street food, must try. (Source: internet)
2.8. Visit the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum
The Hue Royal Antiquities Museum preserves thousands of precious artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty, such as royal costumes, jade seals, thrones, royal musical instruments, and unique ceramics.
Since 2025, the museum has integrated virtual reality (VR) technology, helping visitors relive the ancient royal court scene. The interactive area for children also allows them to try on royal robes and experience painting royal patterns.
- Address: 3 Le Truc Street, Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City
- Opening hours: 7:00–17:00
- Ticket price: 2 USD
2.9. Hue Walking Street
Hue Walking Street is a modern entertainment space located in the city center with the streets of Chu Van An, Vo Thi Sau, and Pham Ngu Lao. On weekend evenings, this place becomes a gathering place for locals and tourists with exciting activities such as street music performances, folk art, folk games, and night cuisine.
You can enjoy sidewalk coffee, buy souvenirs, or simply stroll in the colorful space. This is a place that clearly shows the combination of classical and modern Hue.
- Area: Chu Van An – Vo Thi Sau – Pham Ngu Lao, Thuan Hoa ward, Hue city.
- Opening hours: 18:00 – 24:00 (Friday – Sunday)
2.10. Experience Truc Chi art—paintings made from bamboo.
Truc Chi is a new art form of Hue, created from bamboo paper combined with light to create vivid paintings. At Truc Chi Garden, visitors will be guided from the papermaking stage to printing and creating their own works of art.
- Address: 52 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, Kim Long Ward, Hue City.
- Opening hours: 8:30–17:30
- Workshop: 8 USD – 10 USD/person
Bamboo art on Hue conical hats. (Source: internet)
2.11. Explore Thuy Xuan Incense Village
Thuy Xuan Incense Village near Tu Duc Tomb is a famous traditional craft village in Hue. Colorful bundles of incense drying along the road create a lively scene, attracting tourists to take photos and explore.
Here, you can learn about the process of making handmade incense from natural ingredients such as cinnamon, agarwood, star anise, etc., and create your own products. This is an ideal stop for those who love Vietnamese culture and crafts.
- Address: 84 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
- Opening hours: 8:00–17:00
Thuy Xuan Incense Village: Ancient features remaining in the heart of Hue. (Source: internet)
2.12. Explore Dong Ba Market
As the largest and oldest market in the city, Dong Ba Market sells a variety of goods, from food and specialties to souvenirs such as conical hats, sesame candy canes, and royal tea. The food court is attractive with many typical Hue dishes. In 2025, the market will upgrade the walkways and add English signs, making it easier for visitors to visit and experience local life.
- Address: 02 Tran Hung Dao Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
- Opening hours: 6:00–18:00
- Note: You should bargain gently when buying goods.
2.13. Relax at Thuan An Beach
Thuan An Beach is only about 15 km from Hue city center. With a long white sand beach, clear blue water, and quiet space, this place is suitable for both swimming and walking. You can rent a chair, relax by the sea, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants along the shore, or watch the romantic sunset. In addition, Thuan An Beach now also has many convenient homestays and coastal resorts, creating conditions for tourists to stay overnight.
- Location: Thuan An ward, Hue city
- Ideal time: March – August (avoid the rainy season)
- Service fee: Free; renting a beach umbrella is about 3 USD.
2.14. Join a Hue cooking class
Hue cuisine is famous for its sophistication and sophistication, and is an intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam. Many local chefs have opened cooking classes for international and domestic tourists.
You will go to the local market with your host, choose fresh ingredients, then learn to cook dishes such as Hue beef noodle soup, banh khoai, nem lui, and royal sweet soup. After cooking, you will enjoy the results together and receive the recipe to take home. This is one of the things to do in Hue Vietnam that brings a practical and interesting experience, helping you understand more deeply about the royal and folk culinary culture here.
- Suggested locations: Thuy Bieu Eco Village, Hue Cooking Class, Nook Eatery, Ms. Hanh Cooking Class, etc.
- Common class hours: 9:00 – 13:00 or 15:00 – 18:00
2.15. Visiting Ho Quyen Arena—Hue’s “Colosseum”
Ho Quyen is a stone arena built by the Nguyen Dynasty to organize matches between tigers and elephants, demonstrating royal authority. With its solid circular architecture and tiered stands, this place is reminiscent of a miniature Colosseum.
In 2025, the relic was restored and reopened with vivid explanations. Visitors can combine a visit to Gia Long Tomb and neighboring pine hills in the same trip.
- Location: Truong Da village, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city.
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 17:00
- Ticket price: 1.5 USD/person
Ho Quyen – the only arena in Vietnam, with extremely unique architecture, imbued with the culture of the Nguyen Dynasty (Source: internet)
2.16. Cycling to explore Thanh Toan ancient village
About 8 km from the city center, Thanh Toan ancient village is an ideal destination to experience the atmosphere of a Vietnamese countryside. This place is famous for its ancient covered bridge over 200 years old, with a strong East Asian architectural style.
Visitors can rent a bicycle to explore the village, go through the green rice fields, stop at the countryside market, or participate in experiential activities such as pounding rice, cooking rice in clay pots, and making traditional cakes. The village also has a farm tool display house, where you can learn more about Hue’s farming profession.
- Location: Thanh Thuy Chanh Village, Thanh Thuy Ward, Hue City.
- Rental price: about 3 USD/day
- Ideal time: Early morning or late afternoon
Thanh Toan Bridge – an ancient bridge over 200 years old is now one of the famous relics in Hue, a highlight of Hue tourism. (Source: internet)
3. Conclusion
Hue is not only a journey back to the past but also an experience full of art and modern life. Don’t forget to add things to do in Hue Vietnam, to your Vietnam discovery itinerary—and if you want to enjoy the trip fully and delicately, Asia Luxury Travel is always ready to accompany you.
4. Contact :
Phone: +84 965 721 426
Email: sales@asialuxurytravels.com
Website: https://asialuxurytravels.com/
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