Is Hue worth visiting?
Yes, there are many reasons to visit Hue. Everyone should experience this amazing city, and we loved our stay here. We first visited in the fall of 2009 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its amazing Vietnamese restaurants and fascinating cultural sites.
Whether you're a traveling as a family, a couple, or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the terrific museums and attractions and great food.
Huế is located in central Vietnam along the Perfume River. It was the country's capital during the mid 1700s and again during the 1800s when it was home to the Nguyen Dynasty. The Imperial City is filled with palaces and temples, and the city itself is rich in history and culture.
Royal Palace, Hue, Vietnam
6 Reasons to Visit Hue
1. Museums and Attractions
It's an ancient city that is filled with many sights from its imperial past. The Imperial City in Hue is the city's most important attraction. Other sights include the Thai Hoa Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts is known for housing an extensive collection of artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty including royal costumes and imperial ceramics. (₫150000)
Dai Noi Royal Palace is known for its historical significance as the imperial residence of the Nguyen Dynasty and its impressive traditional architecture. (₫150000)
An Dinh Palace is known for its unique blend of French and Vietnamese architectural styles and historical significance as a residence of the Nguyen Dynasty princes. (₫50000)
Thien Mu Pagoda is known for its iconic seven-story pagoda and its peaceful location on the banks of the Perfume River. (Free)
Pagoda of the Celestial Lady (Chua Thien Mu) is known for its iconic seven-story pagoda and significant cultural and religious heritage in Hue. (Free)
Tu Hieu Pagoda is known for its peaceful Buddhist environment, historic architecture, and spiritual significance in Hue. (Free)
2. Food
Local dishes were once served to the city's emperors, but today you'll find them in restaurants and food stalls. Dishes are either sweet or spicy with lemongrass, basil, chilies, and mint herbs mixed in. Soups and grilled meats are popular such as bun bo hue and nem lui.
Ben Ngu Market is known for its wide range of local products, traditional Vietnamese food, and an authentic market experience. (Free)
Dong Ba Market is known for its wide selection of local products, street food, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere. (Free)
3. Historical Sights
As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.
Imperial City (Citadel) is known for its well-preserved and expansive imperial structures that illustrate the traditional Vietnamese royal lifestyle and history. (₫150,000)
Tomb of Khai Dinh is known for its ornate design featuring a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese and French architectural styles, with intricate ceramic tile mosaics and grand staircases. (₫150000)
Forbidden Purple City is known for its role as the former imperial residence of the Nguyen emperors with traditional Vietnamese architecture and royal heritage. (₫150,000)
Tomb of Minh Mang is known for its imperial architecture and peaceful garden setting honoring Emperor Minh Mang. (₫100000)
Tomb of Tu Duc is known for its elegant Nguyen Dynasty architecture, peaceful lakes, lush gardens, and the serene atmosphere reflecting royal meditation and life. (₫150000)
Ben Ngu Market is known for its wide range of local products, traditional Vietnamese food, and an authentic market experience. (Free)
Dong Ba Market is known for its wide selection of local products, street food, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere. (Free)
4. Shopping
The city has many local markets where you can find traditional and authentic handicrafts. Some of the most interesting things to purchase at the markets include silk paintings, antiques, and lacquerware.
Ben Ngu Market is known for its wide range of local products, traditional Vietnamese food, and an authentic market experience. (Free)
Dong Ba Market is known for its wide selection of local products, street food, traditional crafts, and vibrant atmosphere. (Free)
5. Nightlife
For the best nightlife, many visitors head to the Western Area, particularly around the streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is another popular area for nightlife in Hue.
6. The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hue might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Hue here or see if Hue is expensive here.
Is Hue worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the low season for travel in Hue. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 29°C (85°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, browse around the old town, and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
Is Hue worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Hue. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 25°C (78°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the historic old town and the museums and landmarks.
Autumn Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
| November | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) |
Is Hue worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 22°C (71°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
The peak season for travel is winter in Hue, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.
Winter Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| February | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Is Hue worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Hue. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 26°C (80°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| June | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Hue
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
Related
What is Hue most famous for?
Hue is most famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. The city is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, and shopping. Also, it's known for nightlife. It is often described as ancient, imperial, cultural, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Hue?
The most popular sight in Hue is Imperial City. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hue on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Imperial City and other attractions here.
How touristy is Hue? Is it a popular city to visit?
Hue is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Hue to Hoi An via Hai Van pass, Da Nang, My Son sightseeing stops: $55
- Half-Day Guided Street Food Walking Tour at Hue: $38
- Hue to Hoi An with Sightseeing via Hai Van Pass: $75
- Hue City Sightseeing Private Car with English Speaking Driver: $17
- Motorbike Tour From Hue to Danang or Hoi An via Hai Van Pass: $59
- Private Tour from Hue to Hoi An and Da Nang via Hai Van Pass by car: $43
- Hue Morning Countryside Motorbike Tour: $45
- Hue History & Hidden Spots: Curated City Tour with Local Insights: $25
How long should I spend in Hue?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Hue is one to three days. Since Hue has activities such as museums and attractions, dining, historical sights, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hue? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hue?.
More Things to Do in Hue
- Is Imperial City (Citadel) Worth Visiting?
- Is Thien Mu Pagoda Worth Visiting?
- Is Perfume River Worth Visiting?
- Is Ben Ngu Market Worth Visiting?
- Is Dong Ba Market Worth Visiting?
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Vietnam and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Vietnam.
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