1. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda, literally known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, is a very famous monument that stands in the background of Hue City and represents the imperialism of the ancient capital city. This seven-story pagoda is one of the top attractions in Hue and a superb example of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Following the paths along the pagoda grounds, you will find beautiful bonsai gardens, praying halls, meditation halls, and towers for storing historic items. Monks can still be seen strolling around since it is still regarded as a holy heritage.
2. Khai Dinh Tomb
Constructed for the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who passed away in 1925, Khai Dinh Tomb is situated not far from Hue City on the inclining Chau Chu Mountain. The mausoleum is one of the largest ever created in Vietnam, with a blend of Eastern and Western elements. It stands out with two enormous dragon sculptures and includes an imperial audience court featuring 12 statues as bodyguards, a palace room elaborately furnished with porcelain and glass, and a modest temple with an altar where the real grave is placed.
3. Minh Mang Tomb
One of the most majestic mausoleums in Nguyen Dynasty architecture is the Tomb of Minh Mang King. The royal tomb complex houses 40 constructions of palaces, shrines, pavilions, and towers under the influence of Confucian principles. From the central gate and 2 others on the left and right leading to the Honor Courtyard, you will encounter rows of mandarins, horses, and elephants’ stone statues. Combined with the surrounding landscape, Minh Mang Tomb is a perfect blend of human-created and natural beauty of Hue.
4. Tu Duc Tomb
Another location that draws plenty of people interested in learning about Vietnamese history is the mausoleum of Tu Duc King. Located in the village of Thuy Ba, this tomb complex boasts elegant architecture, a gorgeous landscape painted with a sense of harmony, and is not angular like other structures. As a result, Tu Duc King’s tomb is regarded as the most beautiful among Hue’s several intricate mausoleums.
5. Hue Imperial Citadel
When you visit Hue, the Imperial City is a must-see and should be the first place you visit to explore the city. Located near the Perfume River, the Citadel is an architectural masterpiece of cultural features and historical marks witnessing the last feudal reign in Vietnam as well as the ups and downs in the country timeline. The attraction ground with tall walls and a moat protects inside palaces, royal residences, temples, and gardens. Many surviving structures are now empty and opened freely for guests, however some have been restored or under restoration, including gates, halls, and shrines.
6. Listen to Hue songs on the Perfume River
The peaceful Perfume River flows slowly through Hue, which is a big difference from the busy city life. The river gets its name from the nice smells it gets from the aromatic plants along the banks. Surrounded by old monuments in the city, Perfume River offers splendid boating tours that allows visitors to admire the extremely picturesque riverside landscape and stop to visit the city’s top-rated attractions. What’s better than boarding a traditional dragon boat along the scenic river, feeling the cool breeze, and listening to authentic Hue songs performed by friendly local people.
7. Thanh Toan Bridge
Situated on the outskirts of Hue city, Thanh Toan Bridge is a special wooden tile-roofed footbridge dating back to the 18th century. The old bridge over 200 years old was built over a small river to connect the two villages as well as provide an escape from the heat for villagers. On special days like the Hue Festival, the Japanese-style bridge becomes very colorful with lanterns, flowers, and flags moving in the wind. This adds excitement to the peaceful countryside.
8. Dong Ba Market
Outdoor markets are an important part of Vietnamese culture, and the Dong Ba market in Hue is no different. Dong Ba is the oldest and biggest market in the city where you can find a lot of different things like fresh vegetables, fruits, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market opens very early in the morning for locals to buy fresh foods. However, you can also come during the day or afternoon to buy souvenirs to bring home or enjoy a sumptuous food tour. Don’t miss out a chance to taste Bun bo Hue, Banh khoai, Banh nam, Banh uot, Banh beo, Banh bot loc, etc.
9. Quoc Hoc Hue High School
Established in 1896, Quoc Hoc Hue is the first and oldest high school in Vietnam, which was initially only for children from noble and royal families. Nowadays, the national high school still maintain well its original French colonial style with outstanding red buildings in harmony with the green background of large shady trees and stone benches. It’s the perfect location to take pictures of natural scenery, learn about French colonial architecture, and meet friendly students.
10. Tam Giang Lagoon
If you are looking for somewhere unspoiled nature, quiet and peaceful, it’s time to explore Tam Giang Lagoon – Southeast Asia‘s largest lagoon! 15km from Hue City, this attraction becomes a popular tourist spot for its amazing sunset views. Imagine a rose gold spectacle of the sun stained the entire lagoon’s sparkling golden water surface that can be found nowhere else. Take a boat trip, interact with local people, slowly paddle on the serene water, Tam Giang Lagoon is absolutely a photo hunt for all nature lovers.
