Hue
Hue is located around 100 kilometres northwest of Da Nang. From 1802 to 1945, it was also the headquarters of every Vietnamese emperor. The city is therefore a particular highlight for culture vultures.
Destination Hue
The former imperial palaces and the tombs of the former emperors are of such enormous importance for Hue and also for Vietnam as a country that they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. You can discover many of the sights during a cruise on the Perfume River.
Regardless of whether you prefer budget or luxury travel, you will find everything a traveller's heart desires in Hue.
Topics
- Culture
- Nature
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Scenic river landscape
- Impressive imperial city
- City of Ghosts - An Bang
Discover historic Hue
Almost all of Hue's most famous sights have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. First and foremost, of course, the Citadel and the Forbidden City, as well as the Thien Mu Pagoda and the Imperial Tombs.
The old imperial capital of Hue lies at the mouth of the Perfume River and is considered the centre of the Vietnamese rice basket between the Red River Delta and the Mekong Delta. Hue is divided into two halves by the Song Huong, better known as the Perfume River. The Perfume River takes its name from a fragrant shrub and is the centre of the city.
Places of interest in Hue
The Forbidden City in the centre of the city can be easily reached and visited on foot. For the imperial tombs and pagodas, you can easily book a boat or a private transfer.
The citadel and the royal palace
The citadel of Hue, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the magnificent imperial residence of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. This extensive complex on the banks of the Perfume River is an outstanding example of Vietnamese feudal architecture. It is home to the inner, strictly sealed-off Forbidden Purple City, once the residence of the imperial family, as well as numerous ornately designed temples, ceremonial pavilions and idyllic gardens that reflect the harmony with nature.
The citadel is open from 6.30 am to 5.30 pm in summer and from 7 am to 5 pm in winter. Admission is currently around €6.90 for adults and around €1.40 for children aged 7 to 12 (as of May 2025).
The seven imperial tombs
In the middle of a picturesque landscape on the Perfume River lie the magnificent mausoleums of the Nguyen emperors. They reflect the personality and taste of each ruler, decorated with ornate sculptures, mosaics and calligraphy. The tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh are particularly worth seeing.
The mausoleums are usually open daily from 7:00/7:30 to 17:00/17:30. The entrance fee for the tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh is around €6.90 for adults and around €1.05 for children (7-12 years) per tomb (as of May 2025).
The Thien Mu Pagoda
The Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601, is the oldest and an iconic symbol of Hue. It houses a striking seven-storey stupa and a large bell from the 18th century. A historic Austin float commemorates the monk Thich Quang Duc and his self-immolation in 1963 as a protest against religious oppression.
The pagoda is usually open daily from around 8.00 am to 6.00 pm and admission is free. It is picturesquely situated on the Perfume River.
Truong Tien Bridge
Truong Tien Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel and built in 1899, is an iconic iron bridge over the Perfume River in Hue. It connects the historic citadel with the newer parts of the city and offers a picturesque view of the river and the surrounding architecture.
As a public bridge, the Truong Tien Bridge has no entrance fee and is freely accessible at all times. It is a favourite place for locals and visitors alike to take a stroll and enjoy the view.
An Bang: The "village of ghosts" - an insider tip near Hue
Less well-known than the imperial tombs, but fascinatingly different, is the "Village of ghosts" in An Bangeast of Hue. This unique village is famous for its magnificent and colourful tombs, which often take on palatial proportions. They bear witness to the wealth and afterlife care of the villagers, many built with the help of overseas Vietnamese. The ornate details and bright mosaics make the cemetery a surreal and impressive sight off the beaten track.
As a place open to the public, An Bang has no entrance fee and can be visited during the day.
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The weather in Hue
The weather in Hue is hot and dry from mid-January to the end of August, with maximum temperatures exceeding 30 °C. Rainfall increases in the winter months, especially in October and November. Typhoons can also occur in the region during this time.
How to get to Hue ?
Hue has good transport connections and is easy to reach by plane, bus and train. Within the city, most sights can be easily explored on foot or by bike.
The right time to visit
We recommend the months of February, March, April and May as the best time to visit central Vietnam around Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. The weather is ideal at these times. Daytime temperatures between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius offer the best conditions for a great holiday. Overall, the months of January to August are a very acceptable time to visit, as it is the dry season. The rainy season lasts roughly from October to December.
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