Nguyen dynasty citadel, royal tombs & refined cuisine
Hue
Huế · The imperial citadel city
Vietnam's last imperial capital, Hue is a stately city of moated citadels, riverside pagodas and grand royal tombs scattered along the Perfume River. Its refined court cuisine and UNESCO monuments make it the country's most regal stop.
Top sightsSights
Imperial Citadel
A vast walled complex of palaces, gates and temples that housed the Nguyen emperors.
Thien Mu Pagoda
A seven-tier riverside pagoda, an icon of Hue rising above the Perfume River.
Royal Tombs
The elaborate garden tombs of emperors Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, spread outside the city.
Perfume River boat
A dragon-boat cruise linking the pagodas and tombs along the water.
Dong Ba Market
Hue’s bustling central market, the place to try its famous street foods.
What to eatFood
Bun bo Hue
A bold, lemongrass-and-chili beef noodle soup born in this city.
Banh khoai
A crispy turmeric pancake stuffed with shrimp and pork, served with peanut sauce.
Com hen
Rice with tiny river clams and herbs, a humble Hue specialty.
Good to know
- Allow a full day for the Citadel and a half day for the royal tombs by boat or bike.
- Hue is a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Da Nang over the Hai Van Pass.
- Try a royal-style banquet to experience the city’s refined court cuisine.
Getting there
Phu Bai Airport (HUI) has domestic flights; Hue is a central stop on the north–south railway and about 2.5 hours from Da Nang by road.
Next city
Nha Trang