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Hue Tours | Top 10+ Hue Day Trips & Excursions

Hue, the city in the center part was Vietnam capital during the 1802 – 1945, has so much to offer to tourists. All of our Hue tours are specially designed to introduce you to the history & the culture of Hue's fascinating place. Our Hue tours including Tours in Hue city & Tours from Hue to former DMZ, Hue to Vinh Moc Tunnel… For the Hue tours, we arrange the visit to the incredible Imperial City is truly a highlight of Vietnam, Boat trip on the River of Perfume to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Majestic Royal Tombs. This layback city retains its citadel walls and gates, symbols of its old glory will highlight your Vietnam vacation.

Tour Route: Hue - Phong Nha Cave - Vinh Moc Tunnels - Hien Luong Bridge - Ben Hai River - Con Tien - Doc Mieu Combat - Hue

Tour Highlights

  • Discover the World Heritage - Phong Nha Cave.
  • Explore the impressive complex of Vinh Moc Tunnel.
  • Feast on delicious lunch with authentic Vietnamese food.
  • Go deep into Vietnam history when visiting the former DMZ on the way back to Hue.

Tour Route: Hien Luong Bridge - Ben Hai River - Khe Sanh Base - Vinh Moc tunnel

Tour Highlights

  • Give a local perspective on Vietnam War and its historical values when visiting top historical sites of the former DMZ.
  • Feast on delicious lunch with authentic Vietnamese food.
  • Discovery the diversity of Vietnamese culture by meeting the ethnic minority people.
  • Explore the amazing tunnels of Vinh Moc.

Tour Route:Dragon boat on Perfume River -Heavenly Lady pagoda -King's tomb - Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City - Dong Ba market

Tour Highlights

  • Boat trip along romantic Perfume River.
  • Take a trip travel back in time when immersing yourself in impressive tombs of Vietnamses Kings.
  • Pay a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage - Imperial Citadel.
  • Savor the delights of Hue.
  • Stroll through a colorful local market: Dong Ba Market.

Tour Route: Cyclo to Dong Ba market – Dragon boat on Perfume River – Cooking class while cruising

Tour Highlights

  • Hop on a cyclo to discover an authentic local market in Hue City: Dong Ba Market
  • Meet the locals and learn about their daily life as well as the way to bargain in a Vietnamese market
  • Embark on a boat to appreciate the beautiful landscape along Perfume River
  • Discover the truly delights of Hue cuisine with our expert chef


Top 8 Things To Do & See in Hue Tours

Hue Imperial City

Located on the northern shore of the Huong River, the Forbidden City was the home and working place of Kings and the royal family of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). The citadel is surrounded by high walls buried deep underground so that no one from outside can intrude on the Imperial City. The construction proved the skillfulness and talent of the Vietnamese which can be equally compared to the Chinese. Hue Imperial City used to have more than a hundred palaces but the wars destroyed most of them. However, the left ones such as Ngo Mon (the south gate), Flag tower, and Long An palace are well-preserved and open for visitors to explore the architecture and history of Vietnam.

hue tours to visit the imperial citadel

Tombs of Nguyen Kings

Tomb of King Tu Duc (1829-1883)

The tomb is located at Thuong Ba village, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City. In his period, King Tu Duc loved arts and poems so his tomb was built with the artistic and poetic style. Inside the tombs, you will be amazed by the luxury and delicacy of every detail which can be considered the representative of Nguyen dynasty’s architecture.

hue day tours to visit minh mang tomb

Tomb of King Khai Dinh (1885-1925)

Located in Thuy Bang village, Huong Thuy District, Hue City, the tomb of King Khai Dinh is different from the architecture and style of his ancestors’ tombs. The construction was inspired by French, Roman, and Indian art and architecture which is similar to his time and characteristics of King Khai Dinh – the melting pot of Western and Eastern cultures.

hue trips to visit khai dinh tomb

Thien Mu Pagoda

The pagoda is on Ha Khe Hill near Huong River, 5km to the West of Hue. It was built in 1603 in the period of Lord Nguyen Hoang (1525-1613). After completion, the Thien Mu pagoda became the symbol of the prosperity of Buddhism in Vietnam at that time. Up to now, it has still maintained the ancient construction such as the Phuoc Duyen (1844) tower or 2-ton bronze bell from the period of Lord Quoc (1691-1725).

hue day trips to visit thien mu pagoda

Relax at My An Hot Springs

My An Hot Springs may be on the top list of ideal places to relax after a long trip to visit a chain of highlights in Hue tours. It offers therapeutic mineral water treatments, spa services as well as modern accommodations in large traditional houses. Hit this place on Saturdays when it is full of festivals to soak into the colorful atmosphere. If you prefer a quiet space you should go there during the winter months when the accommodation is quite decent.

hue tour to relax at hot spring

Shop at Dong Ba Market

Shopping around is one of the most relaxing things to do on Hue tours. Spending a half-day in Dong Ba market is the best way to discover Hue city via local specialties. It is the heaven of traditional crafts which reflect the ancient cultural feature such as Hien Luong scissors, Phu Cam conical hats, Nam Thuan sweets, etc. Dong Ba market also enchants tourists with a ton of tasty street foods that you cannot find anywhere else such as clam rice, sour shrimp, and so on. Visit this bustling market to immerse yourself in the culture of Hue. Do not forget to pick up some unique souvenirs for your family members or friends.

hue day tour to visit dong ba market

Explore Hue By Bicycle

Thanks to less traffic than other major cities in Vietnam, Hue is one of the best cities for cycling. The popular route is riding along the Huong river, over the Truong Tien bridge, and into the 200 years old Citadel before heading to the city center to soak up a series of coffee shops, fashion boutiques, motorbike repair stores, and hairdressers. Another perfect choice is riding around the suburb of Hue to admire a scenic landscape and enjoy the fresh air. Visitors also can join in a cycling tour riding from Danang, along the stunning coast road, and climbing up to Hai Van pass. Riding about more than 30km and stopping at a sideroad restaurant to get a bite before heading to Hue. That‘s such an amazing experience on your Hue tour!

hue day trip by bike

Swim at Thuan An Beach

Located in Phu Vang district, Thuan An beach is an extremely enjoyable destination for travelers after a long day of exploring Hue attractions. It is also an ideal place to admire the pristine landscape, feel the fresh air, enjoy sea-bathing and relax. In addition, you and your friend can camp at the beach and visit the Thai Duong temple which worships Thai Duong Godness and whale - a sacred animal of locals.

hue tour packages to thuan an beach

Jungle at Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is well-known for its biodiversity with over 140 species of plants, including orchids and ferns as well as more than a hundred decaying French villas. Bach Ma guarantees you an exciting experience with a lot of fun activities such as camping, rappelling, trekking, or wandering through that jungle in order to explore the beauty of the flora and fauna of Bach Ma. The best time to head to Bach Ma National Park is in February when the famous Rhododendron simsii blossom vividly along the winding streams and at the bottom of the Rhododendron waterfall. Visiting there from June to August if you want to escape from the heat of summer.

hue tour package to bach ma national park

Top 5 Mouthwatering Dishes You Must Try In Hue Tours

Hue-Style Beef Noodle Soup (Bun Bo Hue)

Bun Bo Hue is the most famous delicacy which you can taste in any sideroad restaurants in this elegant city. The ingredients to make this special dish include pork bones, noodles, lemongrass, red annatto-see-colored oil, shrimp paste, chili, and different spices. A bowl of Bun Bo Hue is a harmonious combination of pork knuckle, soft white noodles, fresh beef slices, a vibrant spicy broth, veggies, and the texture of the blood of duck. As with many Vietnamese noodle dishes, Bun Bo Hue is also served with a mountain of herbs, bean sprouts, shredded banana flowers, shredded cabbage, and shredded lettuce.

hue tours with bun bo hue

Rice with Clams (Com Hen)

You absolutely must taste rice with clams if you are in Hue. This dish is a mild combination of pork fat, onion, chili pepper, star fruit, Vietnamese coriander, mint, rice, and taro stems. Stop at a sideroad restaurant to enjoy a bowl of “ com hen ” - the balance of saltiness, sweetness, sourness, and spiciness.

hue travel with com hen

Hue Style Sweet Soup (Che Hue)

Che Hue is the perfect combination of condensed milk, mung bean, and jelly. Actually, there are various versions of Che which are made from different ingredients such as black-eyed peas, tapioca, red kidney beans, lotus seeds, aloe vera, sesame seeds, jelly, taro, and fruits like longan, jackfruit, mango durian, and lychee. If you have a chance to visit Hue City, make sure you will not miss four famous and unique versions of Che Hue including Che with lotus seed tastefully wrapped within longan, Che with purple sweet potatoes, Che with floating sticky rice cakes plus with shrimp, and Che with rice pastry and bean.

hue vacation with che

Wet Cakes Grilled Meat (Banh Uot Thit Nuong)

“Banh uot thit nuong” is a great specialty of Hue that tourists cannot miss when coming to the ancient capital land. To make the shell of this dessert, the locals will mix rice flour with chestnut starch or cassava starch in proper proportion. And then the shells are carefully wrapped in the roll, filled with grilled beef or pork and fresh herbs. Dip the rolls into the special sauce – a combination of Vietnamese fish sauce, freshly sliced chilies, lime juice, and garlic to enjoy the perfect flavor of this delicacy.

hue tours with banh uot thit nuong

Bloating Duckweed-Shaped Cake (Banh Beo)

Bloating duckweed – the shaped cake is simple, rustic but special with the attractive fragrant of rice flour, the sweetness of fried dried shrimp, and the spiciness of the dipping sauce. The name “Banh Beo” refers to the shape of the cake which is thin and rounded like the duckweed and you can easily realize that “banh beo” in Hue is thinner than that in other provinces. Taste this dish with the sour and spicy sauce… yummy!
We hope that after reading this article, you will get some ideas for your Hue tours.

hue city tours with banh beo

Best Time to Visit Hue

Weather in Hue

Hue’s weather is intermediate between Northern and Southern Vietnam. The average temperature is about 25oC. The city has two distinct seasons: the dry season (from December to May) and the wet season (from June to November).

January to May: the Perfect Time for a Hue Tour

At that time, Hue is in the dry season when rains rarely happen and the weather is temperate in the daytime and cool at night. Most well-known festivals in Hue are organized during this time such as Tet Holiday (in February) or Hue Festival (in April). You will have a chance to enjoy cultural performances, traditional music shows, royal arts, and delicious local dishes. Besides, comfortable weather makes the sightseeing on your Hue tour at destinations in the city more interesting.

best time to visit hue tours

May to July: Exploring the Dreaming Hue

The wet season begins in Hue during these months. However, visiting Hue on this occasion is still possible. The sunlight together cool breeze fills the atmosphere of Hue. Colorful flowers blossoming in the summer contribute to the brilliance of the city. A peaceful and lovely Hue is waiting for your exploration.

August to December: Experiencing a Different Hue

Rains may interrupt your Hue tour but it also brings a lot of emotions to tourists. There is a ton of indoor activities are recommended in downpours in Hue. You can discover the history of Hue in historical and cultural museums or see Hue's ancient streets without the appearance of people in the coffee shops. When it stops raining, you can go out for outdoor activities.

Hue Travel Guides

Hue General Information

Location: Central Vietnam, Thua Thien Hue Province
Population: Over 450,000 (2018)
Language: Vietnamese
Currency: Vietnam Dong (VND)
Natural Condition: Mostly delta
The mountainous area in the West and North

hue travel map

People, History & Culture in Hue

Hue People

Hue people are generally friendly and hospitable. They always welcome tourists with their cheerful smiles as well as polite gestures. Their lifestyle seems nostalgic and treasures traditional values. Women in Hue prefer charming ao dai with long black hair to modern outfits of the 21st century. Not as fast as Saigoneers, as energetic as Danang ones, or as delicate as Hanoians; Hue people are slowly and rustically like the peaceful home they live.

hue tours with people

Hue History

In the 14th century, Hue used to belong to Champa. In the 17th century, Nguyen Lords became the rulers of Southern Vietnam and developed Phu Xuan (the old name of Hue) to be a vibrant city. After conquering all of Vietnam, King Gia Long (1762-1820) chose Phu Xuan as the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). Therefore, it owns a lot of historic constructions and cultural values such as Hue Imperial City, Tombs of King Tu Duc (1829-1883) and King Khai Dinh (1885-1925), Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Royal Court Music, and the diverse Hue royal as well popular cuisine.

hue private tours with history

Hue Culture

Over a long period of formation and development for centuries, Hue has integrated precious materials and spiritual values to create a unique culture. In the process of forming Hue culture, there was an impact of Dong Son culture brought by people from the North before the 2nd century. With the cultural addition of Sa Huynh from the South, the melting pot of Vietnamese and Cham culture was established and developed till the 19th century. At the end of the 19th century, Hue culture has been influenced by the flow of culture from other countries such as France, India, China, and Southeast Asia. In short, Hue culture is the perfect combination of cultures all over the world.

hue tours with culture

How to Get to Hue

Plane

Hue has Phu Bai domestic airport so you can arrive at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi or Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City then take a flight to Hue. Names of recommendation are Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet. Check their website for detailed flight information.

From Phu Bai Airport, there are two options to get to Hue:

  • Taxi (around 250,000 VND/$10 for a single ticket)
  • Bus (around 50,000 VND/$5 for a single ticket)

For saving your time and energy, you can fly to Danang International Airport in Danang and then travel to Hue (100km) by taxi, train, or bus.

  • Taxi (around 1,200,000 VND/$50 for a five-seat car)
  • Train (around 120,000 VND/$5 for a single ticket) from Danang station (No. 202 Hai Phong Street)

Bus

Daily Travel Mart
Tel: +84 913 140 033 - +84 913 140 033
Price: around 150,000 VND/$8 for a single ticket

BNT Travel
Tel: +84 984 859 723
Price: From 80,000 VND/$4 to 180,000 VND/$8

Train

From Hanoi to Hue

Hanoi station
Address: No. 120, Le Duan St, Hoan Kien District
Tel: +84 43 942 3697

From Saigon to Hue

Saigon station
Address: No. 136 Ham Nghi Street, District 1
Tel: (+84 028) 3846 8701

Bus

From Hanoi to Hue
Travel time: 12-16 hours
Price: 250,000 VND/$10 to 350,000 VND/$15 for a single ticket

Some recommended transportation companies:

Hoang Long Company
Address: 43 Nguyen Huy Tuong St, Thanh Xuan District
Tel: +84 978 600 558

Camel Travel
No. 459, Tran Khat Chan St, Thanh Nhan Ward, Hai Ba Trung District
Tel: +84 943 696 611

From Saigon to Hue
Travel time: About 20 hours
Price: 400,000 VND/$17 to 500,000/$20 for a single ticket
Some recommended transportation companies:

Hoang Long Company
Address: 73 Hoang Long St, Thu Duc District
Tel: +84 925 950 950

Tam Minh Phuong Company
Tel: +84 234 381 0667

Transportations in Hue

Motor

You can consider some companies for hiring motorbikes below:

Hue Motor Adventure
Address: No. 35/42 Nguyen Cong Tru St
Tel: (+84) 054 362 4044

Nam Thanh Company
Address: No. 48 Le Loi St
Tel: +84 054 382 8951

Besides, you can ask the hotels you stay at for this service.

Taxi

Some famous taxi brands in Hue

Dong Ba Taxi
Tel: (+84) 0234.3.84.84.84

Mai Linh Taxi
Tel: (+84) 0234.3.89.89.89

Phu Xuan Taxi
Tel: (+84) 0234.3.87.87.87

Bike

Renting bicycles in Hue is not only cheap and safe but also friendly to the environment.
Price: 40,000 VND/$2 – 60,000 VND/$3 a day

Hue Smile Travel
Address: No. 42 Nguyen Cong Tru St
Tel: +84 935 484 415

In addition, ask the staff of the hotel you stay for hiring a bike.

Cyclo

Another environment-friendly way on your Hue tour is cyclo. The average price is about 20,000 VND to 30,000 VND per hour. You can hire a cyclo easily on the streets in Hue.

Mobile Phone & Internet Access in Hue

The quality connection of mobile phones is Hue is needless to discuss. As foreign tourists, you need to register with Vietnamese operators such as Viettel, Vinaphone or Mobifone for international roaming service, SIM card purchases, and others.

Internet access and Wi-Fi connection in Hue are available in destinations, cafés, hotels, and other public places.

Useful Information for a Perfect Hue Tour

  • In the wet season, carry with you a raincoat or an umbrella since downpour is aggressive and suddenly happens. Check the weather forecast regularly to have a suitable plan for your Hue tour. Prepare plan B is recommended as the weather in Hue at this season is quite unpredictable. You should choose clothes made of materials which are easy to dry and waterproof. Jackets and coats are recommended especially at night when it gets cold. Besides, sneakers will be very useful to keep you from wiping out on slippery roads.
  • In the dry season, always bring a bottle of fresh water to keep you hydrated when exploring outdoors. You can wear any clothes fitting your style. But in religious places, show your respect by wearing pants and covering your shoulders.
  • A map should be included in your backpack for a convenient Hue tour.
  • When hiring a motor or bike in Hue, check the brake, horn, and lights carefully. Besides, note the contact of the company you hire in case you get in trouble with your vehicle when traveling.
  • The roads in Hue are quite wide and not too many vehicles so renting a bike or motorbike on your Hue tour is absolutely safe and interesting. Bike and cyclo are only convenient for traveling in the city center. To go to the destinations in the suburb of Hue, a taxi and motorbike will help you save time and energy.
  • Before purchasing anything in Hue, remember to ask their price first
  • Hue cuisine is spicy so if you do not prefer spicy food, ask the waiters/waitress to reduce the spice.

With these informative things, your Vietnam day trips will leave you with unforgettable memories in Hue. Wish you have a safe and fun journey.