Located in central Vietnam, Hue was the country’s imperial capital for 143 years. The city is filled with marvelous temples, pagodas, and citadels that were built by the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. A visit to Hue is not complete without exploring the ancient Citadel, taking a cruise on the Perfume River, and visiting the magnificent tombs of the emperor. Here’s a guide on how you can spend three perfect days exploring this wonderful city.
Day 1: The Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda
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photo: Xiaofen P
Start your first day by taking a leisurely stroll through the Imperial Citadel. The Citadel was built in 1804 and served as the home of the Nguyen Dynasty until 1945. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hue. Be sure to visit the Thai Hoa Palace and Dong Ba Market while you are there. In the afternoon, take a cruise down the picturesque Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda. Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the oldest and most iconic temples in Hue. It was built in 1601 and is known for its seven-story octagonal tower.
Day 2: The Tombs of the Emperors
No trip to Hue is complete without visiting the tombs of the emperors. There are a total of seven imperial tombs, each of which is unique and worth exploring. The most popular tomb is that of Emperor Tu Duc, which is located on a scenic lake surrounded by gardens and trees. Other notable tombs include those of Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Minh Mang. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as some of the tombs are located a fair distance from the city center.
Day 3: Hue’s Countryside
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photo: Thành Trần
On your final day in Hue, take some time to explore the beautiful countryside. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a motorbike or scooter tour. There are many tour companies that offer half-day and full-day tours of the countryside. These tours typically include stops at rice fields, pagodas, temples, and villages. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a cooking class or go on a bike ride through the jungle. No matter how you spend your day, exploring the Hue countryside is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
photo: Thành Trần
Hue is a city located in central Vietnam that is filled with marvelous temples, pagodas, and citadels. A visit to Hue is not complete without exploring the ancient Citadel, taking a cruise on the Perfume River, and visiting the magnificent tombs of the emperor. The most popular tomb is that of Emperor Tu Duc, which is located on a scenic lake surrounded by gardens and trees. On your final day in Hue, take some time to explore the beautiful countryside. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a motorbike or scooter tour. Many tour companies offer half-day and full-day tours of the countryside. These tours typically include stops at rice fields, pagodas, temples, and villages. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a cooking class or go on a bike ride through the jungle. No matter how you spend your day, exploring Hue’s countryside is sure to be a highlight of your trip!
a visit to Dong Ba Market, where you can sample a variety of local dishes and fresh produce. Don’t forget to try the famous Hue-style beef noodles, known as Bun Bo Hue. After satisfying your taste buds, head to the Royal Tombs, where you can appreciate the intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere. This article provides a comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of Hue, from its historical sites to its mouthwatering cuisine.
Thank you for sharing this informative travel guide on how to spend three perfect days in Hue, Vietnam. It’s fascinating to learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Hue, particularly through exploring the Imperial City and visiting the tombs of the Nguyen emperors. Did you know that Hue is also famous for its delicious cuisine, especially its royal dishes?
the surrounding countryside to visit the famous Thanh Toan Bridge, a historic covered bridge with a bustling local market nearby. Don’t forget to try the delicious local specialty, banh beo, a steamed rice cake topped with shrimp and pork. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive itinerary for anyone looking to experience the beauty and charm of Hue. What are your favorite destinations or activities in Hue, Vietnam?
Hue, Vietnam sounds like a hidden gem with so much to offer! The Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda seem like must-see attractions, and I love the idea of exploring the countryside and taking a cooking class to truly immerse oneself in the culture. This article has definitely sparked my wanderlust!
Hue sounds like an incredible place to visit! I love exploring historic sites and learning about new cultures, so the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda are definitely on my list. Did you know that Hue was once the capital of Vietnam and is home to some of the country’s most important historical landmarks?
Hue is such a peaceful place. I have not been here but everything just seems so calm and in touch with nature, I really want to go. This short guide makes me want to go even more.
@MrZero The serene beauty of Hue depicted in this concise guide has ignited a longing within me to experience its tranquility firsthand, like a gentle breeze caressing the soul.
I understand your enthusiasm! Hue genuinely possesses a captivating allure that entices you to fully embrace its serene atmosphere. The way you depict it, it’s akin to an undiscovered treasure yearning to be found. Have you ever experienced Hue? If so, what was the most cherished aspect of your trip?
Hue is such a beautiful place that I don’t think 3 days would be enough. I love this simple guide though. It gives you an idea of what you can see and do for a short trip.
@Dear_Bae Honestly, I think 3 days in Hue is more than enough. I found the city to be quite underwhelming and lacking in activities. This guide seems to cover everything worth seeing, but I wouldn’t recommend extending your stay.
@Dear_Bae! I get that people have different tastes when it comes to traveling, but I wanted to offer a fresh perspective. While Hue may not be as lively as some other cities in Vietnam, it has a captivating and thrilling history that you can explore. From the Imperial Citadel to the Perfume River, there’s a lot to uncover in terms of the city’s past. Plus, the mouthwatering street food and enchanting atmosphere make it a totally cool destination. So, even though you may think 3 days is enough, I’d encourage you to give Hue a chance and immerse yourself in its one-of-a-kind charm and history. Happy travels!
It’s great to see the beauty of Hue Vietnam through your eyes, have you tried any of the local cuisine during your stay?
Hue is the capital of Vietnam and it’s filled with wonderful temples, pagodas, and citadels that were built by the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. A visit to Hue is not complete without exploring the ancient Citadel, taking a cruise on the Perfume River, and visiting the magnificent tombs of the emperor. The Citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hue.
@MelodyHunter Wow, Hue sounds like an amazing destination to explore the rich history and culture of Vietnam. I can’t wait to visit the ancient Citadel, take a cruise on the Perfume River, and see the magnificent tombs of the emperor.
This is a good way to make the most out of a short trip. I like to spend a minimum of 3 days in any location just because that is a good number to get to do enough things.
Three days seems like such a short trip but I guess this would be accompanied by staying in other areas in Vietnam as well. I was there a few times but was not staying in the area. It is a gorgeous place.
I have been to Hue and I think it is a beautiful place. It’s definitely a good idea to spend 3 days there because there are so many things to see and do.
I went there last year and it was so beautiful. I highly recommend going to the tombs of emperors, especially Tu Duc’s. It’s a great way to get a taste of history and tradition while still being able to enjoy the present (they have a bunch of nice restaurants around the tombs).
Hue is a very beautiful place but I have only been through in passing. I have never stayed in the area. I would love to after reading this. I had not considered it at the time as I was so busy but looking back now, I wish I would have better planned for it and stayed a few days.
I’ve been to Hue, and I have to say that this is spot-on. It’s a beautiful city and you can spend hours exploring the temples.
@RinieTran Hue is a city that truly captured my heart, and I would recommend anyone to take the time to explore this gem of Vietnam.