Things to do in  Hue

The renowned Hue Citadel (Da Noi) in Hue attracts history buffs from around the globe. The sprawling fortress, which was constructed in 1804 for the Gia Long Emperor, is surrounded by a 68-foot (21-meter) defensive barrier and is home to the tallest flagpole in Vietnam.

The 7-story Thien Mu Pagoda towers over the banks of the Perfume River (Song Huong River). The pagoda, which sits among the buildings of a Buddhist monastery, became known as a site for anticommunist protests after Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist clergy member, self-immolated and brought attention to the plight of his people.

Arguably the most recognizable gate of the UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi,) Noon Gate (Cua Ngo Mon) is one of five entrances that were used only by emperors. Follow in the footsteps of Vietnamese royalty as you walk beneath the 17-foot (5-meter) arch and admire the yellow tiles that adorn the roof.

The Perfume River (Song Huong River)—so-called due to the aroma released by blooming flowers in autumn—provides visitors with a wealth of activities. The river affords spectacular photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset, and it is flanked by cycle and walking paths that offer a cooling escape from the humidity of Hue.

Khai Dinh Tomb is in Chau Chu village, south of Hue. It took 11 years to build—longer than Khai Dinh himself reigned. An elaborate, Gothic structure, with blackened concrete exteriors and flamboyantly gaudy interiors, it fuses French, Vietnamese, and Chinese architectural styles.

The biggest lagoon in all of Southeast Asia, Tam Giang stretches for some 15 miles (24 kilometers) north of Hue, Vietnam. Framed by mountains to the west and the lapping South China Sea to the east, it’s one of the richest sources of flora and fauna in the region. In other words, come here for great views, great nature, and, course, great seafood.

Home to a colonial-era hill station, the monsoon forests of Bach Ma National Park center on Bach Ma, or White Horse Mountain, which rises 4,757 feet (1,450 meters). Waterfalls, crumbling villas, hiking trails, and a wealth of wildlife, including pheasants, langur monkeys, and muntjac deer, make a magnetic spot to spend a day—or longer.

Contributing to Hue's imperial heritage is the Minh Mang Tomb, a 19th-century mausoleum set amid the lush landscapes of central Vietnam. The tomb, located 7 miles (12 kilometers) outside of Hue on the west bank of the Perfume River (Song Huong River), attracts visitors with more than 20 structures and its flower-lined walkways.

The oldest market in Hue, Vietnam, is Dong Ba Market (Cho Dong Ba), which dates back to 1887. It is the perfect snapshot of life in this ancient city, with thousands heading to the massive two-story structure every day in search of handicrafts, fresh goods, clothes and fabrics, teas and candies, and more.

It took nearly three years to build the 50 structures that make up the Tomb of Tu Duc (Lăng Tự Đức), devoted to the fourth emperor of Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. The pavilion—where the emperor once perched to compose poems and admire flowers—leads to the impressive tomb, on which a narrative written by the emperor himself is engraved.

Towering 37 meters (120 feet) over Hue’s UNESCO-listed Hue Citadel (Da Noi), Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài) claims to be the tallest flagpole in Vietnam. The tower comprises three stone platforms, with the third featuring eight canons and a sentry box at either end.

Stretching almost 2,000 meters (6,562 feet from the coastal town of Vinh Moc to a beach overlooking the South China Sea, the Vinh Moc Tunnels were dug in the late 1960s to serve as a live-in bomb shelter for more than 60 families. These families lived their lives underground, some on and off for up to six years.

The ornate, covered Thanh Toan Bridge—Cau Ngoi to locals—humbly crosses a canal in Thuy Thanh, a rural village about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Hue. If you love Hoi An’s famous Japanese covered bridge, you’ll love Thanh Toan: Built in the 18th century in both Japanese and Chinese styles, it’s got all of the pomp and circumstance of Hoi An’s, but without the crowds.

The Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh) was once the magnificent centerpiece of Hue’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Imperial City. Inspired by Beijing’s famous Forbidden City, the 19th-century palace served as the principal residence of the Nguyen Dynasty, and its elaborate ruins stand in tribute to Hue’s rich history and heritage.

Formerly used to host the receptions and ceremonies of Vientamese emperors, Thai Hoa Palace dates back to 1805 and is notable for its lacquered columns. Plus, due to the palace’s innovative design, if you stand at the exact center of the courtyard you can hear whispers from anywhere in the building.