Hue sits on the banks of the Perfume River and is another of Vietnam’s safeguarded heritage sites under UNESCO and an interesting blend of old and new.

This was the Imperial City created under the Nguyen Dynasty, and the old citadel, royal tombs, working temples and exquisite pagodas sit right alongside a contrasting present of sleek hotels and modern houses.

Given the destruction wrought by the French and American wars on Hue, these are best explored with one of our expert guides. Watch from the Trang Trien Bridge daily life flow past on the Perfume River in the form of dragon and house boats, a setting that really lends itself to Hue’s subtle charms.

We can arrange you travelling by boat to the 17th-century Thien Mu Pagoda, surrounded by graceful gardens, or choose to visit Hue’s more recent past at the former Demilitarized Zone and the tunnels at Vinh Moc.

In contrast to nearby Danang, Hue offers an assortment of delicious restaurants but no bar scene making it a tranquil and pleasant city.

When to go

Being in central Vietnam the best months to visit Hue are January to August to avoid the rainy season.

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What to do

  • Witness the once stately Imperial Citadel (Dai Noi).
  • See Hue’s most famous pagoda, Thien Mu Pagoda, which overlooks the scenic Perfume River.
  • Visit the tombs of ancient emperors such as Tu Duc Tomb.