Top Things to Do in Hue

About the City

Hue, Vietnam: A Dazzling Blend of History and Culture with a Dash of Motorbike Buzz Imagine a city where imperial history comes to life amidst a vibrant cultural tapestry. Hue, a central Vietnamese city, often feels like a time capsule with its grandiose Citadel and the tombs of ancient emperors. Picture strolls along the Perfume River, which bisects the city, offering serene views and a fragrance that can shift from blooming flowers to the scent of the bustling nearby markets. Each year, the Hue Festival dazzles with cultural performances, breathing contemporary life into its historical veneer. But not all is stuck in the past; modern Hue buzzes with life. Scooters zip through the streets in a frenetic dance that can overwhelm the uninitiated, and the culinary scene is an adventure — think sizzling Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup that promises to tantalize your taste buds. And yet, amidst this hustle, the challenges of urbanization emerge. Traffic congestion and noise are steadfast companions, and the tug-of-war between preservation and modernization can be witnessed daily. Nevertheless, the truly adventurous will find Hue's contrasts enticing. It's a city where tranquility meets vitality, and where every corner offers a new slice of history to discover or a delicious local dish to savor. It's a testament to the resilience and evolving story of Vietnam.

Things to Do in Hue

Munch on Bánh Lọc Trần

Food & Drink

Get ready to meet Bánh Lọc Trần – the transparent champ of Hue's snack scene! These chewy tapioca dumplings are like little see-through parcels of joy, stuffed with shrimp and pork and ready to party ...

Pedal and Picnic in Paradise

Outdoors

Grab a bicycle and pack a picnic for a scenic ride through the picturesque rice paddies and rolling countryside of Hue. Stop by a tranquil spot, lay down your blanket, and feast on local delights amid...

Royal Costume Play

The Unexpected

Wanna feel like Vietnamese royalty for a day? Zip over to Hue to don an emperor's robe or dress up like a mandarin! Walk in the footsteps of kings and queens as you strut your stuff in traditional roy...

Countryside Storytelling with Locals

The Unexpected

Go beyond the guidebook and chill with locals in the countryside. Hear stories handed down through generations, laugh and learn about the local way of life. It's like a living library of tales, with r...

Mystical Trek to Abandoned Temples

The Unexpected

Get your Indiana Jones hat on and trek to some seriously mystical abandoned temples. We're talking about hidden gems overgrown by jungle, where you can uncover the secrets of the past.

Royal Tea Ceremony Experience

The Unexpected

Step into the shoes of royalty with an authentic Vietnamese tea ceremony. Sip on exquisite local blends, get schooled in the fine art of tea-making, and feel zen vibes in a traditional garden setting....

Twilight Descends on the Thanh Toan Bridge

Outdoors

Imagine the golden hour glow as you meander over the Thanh Toan Bridge, an ancient arched beauty made of wood. As you stroll this picturesque piece of history, watch the sunset paint the skies while f...

Paddleboard Performance on the Tam Giang Lagoon

Outdoors

Ready to stand up and paddle your way across the biggest lagoon in Southeast Asia? Glide across the Tam Giang Lagoon on a paddleboard and get up close with the local fishing scene. It's part workout, ...

Rock the Tam Giang Waves

Outdoors

Get splashy and hop on a jet ski to whip across the waters of Tam Giang Lagoon. Show off your aquatic acrobatics as you zip around the fishermen and redefine 'making waves'!

Zipline Across the Treetops

Outdoors

Whoosh through the lush canopy of Hue's verdant forests on an exhilarating zipline adventure! Feel the wind on your cheeks and the thrill in your belly as you glide from tree to tree like a tropical b...

Relish in Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng

Food & Drink

Wrap your appetite around Bánh Ướt Thịt Nướng – Hue's take on the roll-your-own spring roll adventure! It's all about silky flat rice noodles and grilled meat magic, rolled up with a bunch of fresh he...

Chill with Monks at Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda

Sights

Get ready to reach peak tranquility at the Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda. Nestled in the pine hills, this peaceful spot is the ideal place to hang with Buddhist monks and nuns, sip on green tea, and f...

Conquer the Heights of Hai Van Pass

Sights

Brace yourself for the ride (or drive) of your life at Hai Van Pass! It's the kind of twisty, turny road that'll have your adrenaline pumping and your jaw dropping. With stunning views of the coast an...

Dive into a Hue Eats Marathon

Sights

Get ready for a culinary sprint through Hue's delicious dishes. Enjoy an eating marathon that takes you through rounds of traditional snacks, main courses, and sweet desserts. Come on, stretch those b...

Master the Art of Lantern Making

Sights

Channel your inner artist and join a lantern-making workshop. Twist and turn those bamboos, and paint like Van Gogh's got nothin' on you! Hang your masterpiece, light it up, and let it glow your mind.

Cycle the Imperial Charm

Sights

Pedal your way through Hue's history as you take a leisurely bike tour around the city. Feel the breeze in your hair and the culture in your spirit as you cruise past ancient sites, with the wind chee...

Delight in Banh Canh Nam Pho

Food & Drink

Slurp alert! Dive into Banh Canh Nam Pho, a scrumptious thick noodle soup that's Hue’s cozy hug in a bowl. With its chewy noodles, rich broth, and a medley of toppings like fish cakes, crab, and sprin...

Indulge in Banh Khoai

Food & Drink

Get ready to have a little crunch in your lunch with Bánh Khoái, Hue’s answer to the ultimate crispy pancake! Stuffed with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and fried to golden perfection, this dish is ...

Gobble Up Bánh Ép

Food & Drink

Whatcha waitin' for? Bánh Ép's gonna flip your world upside down with its crazy thin, crispy goodness! It's like the lovechild of a quesadilla and a crepe, born right in the streets of Hue. Stuffed wi...

Incense Crafting Quest

The Unexpected

Get crafty and delve into the aromatic world of incense. Hue offers you a chance to learn the ancient art! Roll up your sleeves and make your own scented sticks with the guidance of local artisans. Yo...