Vietnam's imperial capital from 1802 to 1945. The walled Imperial City and its Forbidden Purple City, the emperors' tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh in the hills, and the Thien Mu pagoda on the Perfume River make it the country's richest heritage city. Hue's Buddhist tradition makes it the easiest place in Vietnam to eat vegetarian. Heavy rains and floods come from October to December.
Highlights
- Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City
- Tomb of Tu Duc
- Khai Dinh's mosaic tomb
- Thien Mu Pagoda by dragon boat
- Bun bo Hue
- Vegetarian imperial-style banquet
- Hai Van Pass towards Da Nang
- Perfume River at dusk
Things to do
- Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple CityMorning · 3h 30m
- Royal tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai DinhMorning · 4h
- Dragon boat to Thien Mu PagodaAfternoon · 2h 30m
- Hue street-food evening (bun bo, banh khoai)Evening · 2h
- Thanh Toan tiled bridge by bicycleAfternoon · 2h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: February – April
Worth knowing
Typhoon and Flood Season on the Central Coast
⚠️ From September to December typhoons and heavy rains hit central Vietnam, worst in October and November. Hoi An's old town and parts of Hue flood most years, flights are cancelled when a storm passes, and floods can cut the railway and roads for days (they did in late 2025). Keep a spare day, book refundable trains and rooms, and follow the storm warnings.
Worth knowing
Tet: Closures and a Travel Rush
Tet (Lunar New Year) falls on 6 February in 2027. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and fares rise; for three to five days after, many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close. Check the date for your year, book transport a month or more ahead, and expect higher prices.
- Tet (Lunar New Year) — Vietnam's biggest holiday. In the week before, trains, buses and flights sell out and prices rise as everyone travels home; for three to five days after New Year's Eve many shops, restaurants and family-run hotels close, while temples and flower markets are at their liveliest. Book transport a month or more ahead, or avoid travelling in the days either side.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu) — The children's festival of the full moon: lanterns, lion dances and mooncakes. Hanoi's Hang Ma street and Hoi An's old town are full of lanterns in the week before.
Part of a longer route
Hue is a stop on a curated circuit through Vietnam.