A gate of the Hue Imperial Citadel reflected in a lotus pond

Central Vietnam

Hue, the quiet grandeur of an imperial capital

From 1802 to 1945 Hue was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam's last royal family. Its citadel, riverside pagodas and emperors' tombs form the Complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.

Explore Hue tours

Why visit Hue

What makes Hue special

The Imperial City is one of Southeast Asia's great palace complexes.
Royal tombs set in gardens and pine hills line the Perfume River.
Hue cuisine, shaped by the royal court, is refined and distinctive — try bun bo Hue.
A slower pace than Hanoi or Saigon makes it ideal for history lovers.

Top attractions

Best things to do in Hue

Imperial City (Citadel)

Moats, gates, throne halls and the Forbidden Purple City.

Thien Mu Pagoda

A seven-storey tower overlooking the Perfume River.

Tomb of Khai Dinh

An ornate hillside tomb blending Vietnamese and European styles.

Tomb of Minh Mang

Symmetrical pavilions and lakes in a peaceful setting.

Dong Ba Market

Hue's largest market, beside the river.

Featured tours

Hue tours you can book

Hue · 8 hours 30 minutes · starts 08:00

Hue City Tour Full Day – Small Group Tour

Explore the Citadel and royal tombs without planning transport.

From US$30.62

View experience

Visitor information

Practical travel tips

Best time: February to April is pleasant; heavy rains often fall from September to December.
Getting there: Fly to Phu Bai Airport, or travel from Da Nang by road or train over the Hai Van Pass area.
Tickets: Combination tickets cover the Citadel and several tombs.
Pace: Sites are spread out — a guided day tour saves time on transport.