Hue attractions

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.

Part of Hue’s UNESCO-listed Imperial City, the bronze and elaborately decorated Nine Dynastic Urns each represent a different Nguyen emperor. Each of the urns depicts classic Vietnamese motifs, such as mountains, oceans, stars, and rivers. They sit inside the Hien Lam Pavillion, the grand entrance to which is terracotta- and yolk-yellow colored.

Hue’s An Dinh Palace was home to Vietnam’s last and final King—deposed in 1945—and while it’s not quite in ruins, the building is equal parts spooky and impressive. Combining elements of both Asian and European architecture, the UNESCO–listed site welcomes visitors through a spectacularly ornate gate and into a world of not-so-long-gone royalty.

Built in the mid-19th century, Dieu De Pagoda is one of Hue’s many spectacular Buddhist temples. Sitting on the tree-lined Dong Ba Canal, it offers visitors a reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle—and a dose of culture and history, too. A stronghold during French occupation, this spot has a complex past that belies its gentle facade.

The Ho Chi Minh Museum honors the late former leader of Vietnam: a man famous for leading his country’s revolutionary struggle against foreign powers. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that detail Ho Chi Minh’s early upbringing; his travels across the globe to fight colonial powers; and a collection of his certificates and medals.

Dotted with lush green islets and blooming with lotus flowers, Tinh Tam Lake—located just north of the walled Imperial City—provides welcome respite from the bustle of Hué’s city center. This manmade lake was laid out in the 19th century and was once part of the royal grounds, where the emperors would come to walk, relax, and drink tea.

Sitting just north of the imperial city of Hue, the Quang Dien District is where locals and travelers go to get a simple slice of rural life. Defined by water—the Sia and Bo rivers, the Tam Giang Lagoon, and the South China Sea—Quang Dien is an excellent spot for slow adventures, like bike rides along the riverbanks and through the rice paddies.

The stained and moss-covered stone gate outside Bao Quoc Pagoda (Chua Bao Quoc) tells you you’re somewhere sacred—and ancient. Commissioned in 1670, this temple is the oldest in Hue, dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty. Though it’s undergone several renovations and distinct eras, it still signifies this ancient imperial city's beauty, mystery, and importance.