Hue Holidays

Of all the things to do in Hue, seeing the vast Imperial City should be at the top of your list. This sprawling complex was completed in 1832, and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Surrounded by thick stone walls, a moat and 10 impressive gates, the Imperial City is made up of shrines, temples, tombs, and grand mansions. Thai Hoa Palace is the star of the show here, with its ornate architecture and ruby-coloured pillars. 

Make sure you also visit Thien Mu Pagoda during your Hue holiday. A historic seven-storey temple on the banks of the Perfume River, this striking building has become synonymous with Hue. And don’t forget to see the Tomb of Khai Dinh, who was the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.

In the evening, why not join a street food tour? You can try lots of local specialities, such as grilled squid, Hue sweet soup – featuring a variety of beans, peas, yams, and coconut – and Hue khot cake, which is a fishcake-style snack made with shrimps, rice and turmeric.

Central Hue is famous for its historical sites, but there are lots of natural wonders nearby, too. So if you fancy a daytrip, you’ll have some great options. An hour’s drive south of Hue, Bach Ma National Park is perched 1,400 metres above sea level, so you can look forward to staggering views over the lush greenery. Hike along one of the trails, listen out for tumbling waterfalls, and go for a dip in one of the natural pools.

If you’d prefer to swim somewhere a little warmer, check out Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs. One of the best hot springs resorts in Vietnam, this place is less than an hour northwest of Hue. You can soak in the mineral waters, and head to the spa for a soothing massage or pedicure.

Fancy some beach time? Spend a day at Thuan An Beach. Less than 10 miles from Hue, this palm-backed stretch of sand is a lovely spot for sunbathing and swimming. There’s also a rustic beach bar on hand, when you need a refreshing drink or two.

Want to extend your Hue holiday, and see more of Vietnam? We’d recommend travelling down the coast, where you can spend some time in Da Nang and Hoi An.

Enjoy a few days in thriving Da Nang, which is the perfect blend of city and beach. You can browse vibrant markets, visit tranquil temples, and gaze up at the surrounding skyscrapers. Then spend some time on the powdery sands, or venture into the mountains to walk across the magnificent Golden Bridge – a sprawling structure held up by two huge, sculpted hands.  

Next, you can tick off Hoi An. This picturesque city is as historical as it is beautiful, with canary-coloured buildings, bustling night markets, and scented temples. You can admire silk fabrics in the fascinating tailor shops, marvel at the diverse architecture, and fill up on delicious street food. And, as darkness falls, watch in amazement as hundreds of lanterns turn the streets into a kaleidoscope of colour.

Like the rest of Vietnam, Hue has a dry season and a wet season. It’s best to plan your Hue holiday between December and July, as this is the driest time of year. Temperatures are also cooler, so you’ll be more comfortable exploring the sights. December to February is the coolest period, with an average temperature of 25°C. Temperatures then rise gradually each month, peaking at 35°C in July.

The wet season, meanwhile, runs from August to November. You can expect rain most days during this time, especially in September and October. It’s also very cloudy and humid, with temperatures rarely dropping below 30°C – so it’s best to avoid travelling to Hue during this season.