Last updated on : August 16, 2026
Third Stop on Our Vietnam Trip: Hue
Formerly the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is now renowned for its remarkable historical and cultural heritage. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city attracts travelers eager to discover a more traditional and imperial side of Vietnam.
Here, you’ll find impressive reminders of the country’s past: the Imperial City, emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, historic palaces, and the remains of an era when Hue stood at the heart of Vietnam’s history.
After our stay in Hoi An, we couldn’t wait to discover Hue. As passionate lovers of history, culture, and places with a story to tell, there was no question of leaving it out of our 17-day Vietnam itinerary. We already had high expectations for this stop.
And honestly, Hue turned out to be a wonderful surprise.
You’ll often read that two days are enough to visit the city. However, after spending three nights there, we felt we could easily have stayed longer to enjoy the city’s slower pace and take more time exploring its many historical sites.
Because Hue isn’t a destination you simply “check off” your list. It’s a city best appreciated through its details: the peaceful atmosphere of its pagodas, the imperial gardens, the scent of incense, the ancient gates, the banks of the Perfume River, and the history that seems to linger around every corner.
🎥 Watch the Video: In the Heart of Imperial Vietnam
In this video, I’ll take you through Hue’s most iconic historical sites, its ancient pagodas, imperial tombs, and a few quieter moments along the Perfume River.
From a dragon boat ride and a visit to the Imperial City to magnificent emperors’ tombs, peaceful temples, and glimpses of everyday life, this stop allowed us to discover a more authentic and historical side of Vietnam. A city that won us over with the richness of its heritage, its slower pace, and its truly unique atmosphere.
⚠️ The prices mentioned in this article reflect our visit in March 2026. They are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD), unless otherwise stated, and may vary over time.
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Day 6: Discovering the Mysterious “City of Ghosts”
For our transfer from Hoi An to Hue, we booked a GetYourGuide excursion that included several stops along the way, turning what could have been a simple transfer into a full day of sightseeing.
Since I already cover several of those stops in my Da Nang article, I’ll focus here on one place that left a lasting impression on us: An Bang Cemetery, better known as the “City of Ghosts.”
Even before visiting, I had seen a few photos and read about this unique place, and I already knew it was somewhere we absolutely wanted to stop.
And honestly, seeing it in person was even more impressive than I had imagined.
An Bang Cemetery is enormous and filled with incredibly large, colorful, and lavish tombs. Some resemble small palaces or miniature temples, with remarkably intricate architectural details.
Our driver explained that many Vietnamese families who emigrated abroad and achieved financial success invest significant amounts of money in building elaborate family tombs. When a family member passes away—even if they die elsewhere in the world—they can be brought back to Vietnam to be laid to rest here.
Walking through this cemetery leaves a truly unique impression. There is something fascinating, almost surreal, about seeing these grand monuments stretching as far as the eye can see.
Despite its striking beauty, the site also inspires a deep sense of respect for what it represents culturally.
Looking back, I honestly don’t think we gave ourselves enough time to fully appreciate it. This stop came at the end of an already long and eventful day, and the fatigue was definitely starting to catch up with us. We were also looking forward to finally arriving at our hotel in Hue.
Even today, whenever I look back at our photos and videos, I’m reminded of just how remarkable and unique this place was. It’s definitely one of the most unusual stops we’ve experienced and one that has stayed with me ever since.
After this final visit, we got back on the road and continued toward Hue, where we were genuinely happy to arrive after such a full day of exploring.
We received a wonderfully warm welcome at our accommodation, which was exactly what we needed after spending so many hours on the road.
That evening, we took a short walk around the neighborhood to find a place for dinner. It gave us our first glimpse of Hue’s lively tourist district, with its restaurants, lights, and atmosphere that felt completely different from everything we had experienced earlier that day.
However, our fatigue quickly caught up with us, and after dinner we headed back to our hotel to rest and recharge for another day of discovering Hue.
Day 7: An Incredible Day of Culture in Hue
For our first full day in Hue, we had planned a packed day of sightseeing.
Since we wanted to visit several of the city’s most important historical landmarks, we booked a private GetYourGuide tour that included transportation between each site.
At first, we had considered spreading these visits over two days, but it was difficult to find an itinerary that really suited us. In the end, we decided to fit everything into one full day, keeping the following day mostly free to relax or revisit anything we felt we hadn’t had enough time to enjoy.
And honestly… while it turned out to be a wonderful day, looking back, I truly believe these sites are best explored over two days so you can appreciate them at a more leisurely pace.
That said, it didn’t take away from what was an unforgettable day, filled with history, culture, and some truly spectacular places.
A Dragon Boat Ride on the Perfume River
Our day began early, with our private driver picking us up around 7:30 a.m.
We really enjoyed this type of tour. Our driver was incredibly friendly and took the time to tell us about the places we were visiting while driving between each stop. Since English isn’t our native language—and it wasn’t his either—communication in these situations isn’t always easy. But with him, everything went remarkably smoothly.
Our first activity was a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, taking us to the famous Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady.
We had the entire boat to ourselves, which made the experience especially peaceful and relaxing.
Before we set off, a local woman was quietly setting up her small souvenir stand near the dock. We took the opportunity to buy a little Vietnamese figurine, which we later brought home as a keepsake from our trip.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Our arrival at Thien Mu Pagoda – also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady – was a little livelier than expected, as we arrived at the same time as a large group of students.
In fact, this was something we experienced several times throughout Vietnam. School groups are often full of energy and can take up quite a bit of space at popular attractions, making visits a little more lively than expected.
But that’s all part of the travel experience in Vietnam.
And honestly, for many of the students, the main attraction often seemed to be… us, the foreign tourists! We were regularly greeted with cheerful “Hello!”s, big smiles, attempts at conversations in English, and plenty of curiosity.
Even so, the visit was thoroughly enjoyable. The pagoda is beautiful and has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere, despite the number of visitors.
Since we didn’t have a guide with us that day – our driver was only responsible for transportation between the different sites – we explored the pagoda on our own after receiving a few general explanations from him. While having a guide would probably have given us a deeper understanding of the site’s history, we still thoroughly enjoyed discovering it at our own pace.
Tu Hieu Pagoda: A Peaceful Escape
After visiting the Imperial City, we made a stop at Tu Hieu Pagoda, a much quieter and less touristy site than many of Hue’s other attractions.
Surrounded by lush greenery, the pagoda has an especially serene atmosphere. After the bustle of the Imperial City, we really appreciated this peaceful break, which gave us a chance to slow down and catch our breath during an otherwise busy day of sightseeing.
Although the visit itself is fairly short, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary if you have a little extra time. The atmosphere here is completely different—more intimate and contemplative—offering a chance to experience another side of Hue’s religious heritage.
For us, this quiet pause in the heart of nature was one of the day’s most enjoyable moments and provided the perfect balance to an itinerary filled with historical discoveries.
The Imperial City: The Highlight of Our Day
Next, we visited Hue’s Imperial City, which was undoubtedly the highlight of our day.
We spent nearly three hours exploring the site, and honestly, we could have stayed much longer.
The complex is enormous, so even with plenty of visitors, it never felt overcrowded. There was always space to wander at our own pace and take in everything around us.
We absolutely loved this place.
My husband, who has a real passion for history, was completely in his element. As for me, it was the architecture that truly captivated me.
It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow down, admire the intricate details, wander through ancient gates, peaceful courtyards, and beautifully landscaped gardens, and imagine the centuries of history that unfolded within these walls.
Hue’s Imperial Tombs
After another peaceful stop at a pagoda, we continued our day by visiting Hue’s famous Imperial Tombs.
We had purchased a combination ticket that included the Imperial City and several of the imperial tombs, which is an excellent option since the pass remains valid for two days.
Looking back, that’s probably what I would recommend.
Visiting the Imperial City one day and exploring the tombs the next would have allowed us to enjoy each site at a more relaxed pace without ending the day quite so exhausted.
Our first stop was the Tomb of Tu Duc, probably the most well-known of the imperial tombs. The grounds are beautiful, elegant, and surrounded by stunning gardens, making for a peaceful and enjoyable visit.
Next, we visited the Tomb of Minh Mang, which impressed us even more.
Its long, perfectly symmetrical layout creates an atmosphere that feels both majestic and incredibly serene. I can’t quite explain why, but this was the tomb that resonated with me the most on an emotional level.
Finally, we ended our tour at the spectacular Tomb of Khai Dinh.
And this one… wow.
Built into the mountainside, with breathtaking views and remarkably intricate architecture, it feels almost more like a palace than a tomb.
Architecturally, it was definitely my favorite.
The entire site is incredibly impressive and completely different from the other tombs we had visited earlier in the day. Just be prepared to earn the view—reaching the main entrance requires climbing quite a few stairs!
An Dinh Palace
To wrap up this incredible day, we made one final stop at An Dinh Palace.
Although the site appears to be a little less well maintained than some of the other historical landmarks we had visited earlier in the day, we still found it to be a fascinating place full of character.
A wedding photoshoot was taking place during our visit, which made it a bit more challenging to take our own photos and videos since we often had to wait between different scenes. That said, it was completely understandable—the palace has a unique charm that makes it a perfect setting for this kind of photography.
By this point, we were also starting to feel the effects of such a long day, so we probably moved through the palace more quickly than we otherwise would have.
Even so, it was a worthwhile visit and a fitting way to complete our exploration of Hue’s imperial and historical heritage.
A Wonderful… but Very Full Day
This was truly an unforgettable day.
It’s exactly the kind of cultural and historical experience we love when we travel.
That said, if we were to do it again, we would probably spread these visits over two days. It would allow us to slow down, take more breaks, and fully appreciate each site without feeling rushed.
After such a long day in the heat, we were more than ready to return to our accommodation for a refreshing shower and a chance to relax.
Later that evening, we took another leisurely walk along the Perfume River before heading out for dinner, bringing a perfect end to an incredibly full and rewarding day.
Day 8: A Day to Slow Down
After two particularly busy days—our long transfer from Hoi An to Hue, followed by a full day of exploring the city’s historical landmarks – we clearly needed a slower pace.
And honestly, we simply didn’t feel like planning anything.
So, we decided to use this day to slow down, wander around the city at our own pace, and simply recharge.
At one point during the day, we also looked for a spa where we could treat ourselves to a little relaxation. Finding a place that truly inspired our confidence wasn’t as easy as we had expected. It certainly wasn’t the most luxurious or memorable spa experience of our trip, but it was still wonderfully relaxing – and that’s really the whole point of getting a massage, isn’t it?
In the end, it gave us exactly what we needed: a chance to completely unwind.
We chose a package that included a full-body massage and body scrub, which honestly felt amazing after several days of walking in Vietnam’s heat.
The rest of the day was wonderfully simple: relaxing by the hotel pool, taking it easy, and enjoying a quiet evening before heading to bed early.
Sometimes, when you travel, those are exactly the days you need.
Day 9: Our Sleeper Bus Experience to Tam Coc
To leave Hue and make our way to Tam Coc (Ninh Binh), we decided to try another uniquely Vietnamese experience: traveling on a sleeper bus.
Since we had planned a more relaxing day beforehand, we took the opportunity to locate our pickup point in the city the day before our departure. It turned out to be a great decision and saved us a bit of stress the following morning.
The process was a little different from what we expected. A shuttle first picked up passengers from various meeting points around the city before taking everyone to HK Busline’s main terminal. Once there, travelers were assigned to different buses based on their final destination.
A Uniquely Vietnamese Experience
Honestly, I had wanted to experience a sleeper bus at least once during our trip to Vietnam.
And despite the more challenging parts of the journey, I don’t regret it for a second.
Sleeper buses are definitely more comfortable than sitting upright on a traditional coach, especially for long-distance travel. I completely understand why they’re so popular, particularly for overnight journeys that allow travelers to save the cost of a night’s accommodation.
As for us, we deliberately chose a daytime departure so we could be sure to get a good night’s sleep beforehand.
Even so… nearly eleven hours on the road is still a very long journey.
The Biggest Challenge: Very Few Stops
Before we left, the bus company indicated that there would be several stops along the way.
In reality, we only had one proper stop, about an hour and a half into the journey.
Because we expected to have more opportunities later, we didn’t buy much food at that first stop… which turned out to be a mistake.
After that, even when the bus pulled over to drop off passengers in other towns, the driver generally wouldn’t let anyone get off, most likely because we were running behind schedule.
Several passengers tried to step outside for a few minutes to use the restroom or simply stretch their legs, but they were quickly asked to get back on the bus.
And honestly, after several hours, that started to become really difficult.
There was a restroom on board… but let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the highlight of the experience.
A Journey That Seemed Never-Ending
At first, the journey was actually going quite well.
We had downloaded a few series on Netflix, enjoyed watching the scenery roll by, and found the experience interesting in its own way.
But after so many hours…
it started to feel incredibly long.
I honestly think that if we had been able to take a few proper 15- to 20-minute breaks to stretch our legs and grab something to eat, the trip would have been much more enjoyable.
By the time we finally arrived in Tam Coc around 8:00 p.m., we were completely exhausted.
And the day still wasn’t over.
We still had to walk another 20 to 25 minutes with our backpacks to reach our accommodation.
At that point, I was honestly out of patience.
We tried stopping at a restaurant for dinner, but the wait felt endless because I was so tired and hungry. In the end, I bought a few snacks from a small convenience store before heading straight back to our room and going to bed.
Let’s just say… that wasn’t our favorite day of the trip.
Would I Recommend the Experience?
Despite everything… yes, I would.
Because it’s genuinely part of the travel experience in Vietnam.
I’m really glad we did it at least once, and I can now say that we’ve experienced one of Vietnam’s famous sleeper buses.
That said, for a journey this long, I would definitely think twice before choosing the same option again. For shorter distances or overnight routes, however, I can absolutely see why they’re such a popular way to travel.
If I Had More Time
Or Rather… If We’d Had More Energy
Even though we loved our time in Hue, there were still several activities we had hoped to do if we’d had a little more energy by that point in our trip.
After our long transfer from Hoi An and our packed day exploring Hue’s historical landmarks, we were honestly exhausted. Instead of filling every moment with more sightseeing, we chose to slow down and give ourselves a chance to recharge.
Looking back, however, there are a few experiences that still stand out as ones we would have loved to include.
One of them was an excursion to the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the historic war tunnels.
This was something my husband was especially interested in.
The tours looked absolutely fascinating from a historical perspective, but they require almost an entire day, and we quickly realized we simply wouldn’t have the energy to fully appreciate the experience.
It’s definitely on our list for a future trip.
We had also considered an excursion to one of the beautiful lagoons near Hue, where we could have spent more time surrounded by nature and enjoyed a peaceful day on the water. In the end, however, we decided that resting was the better choice.
Looking back, we also would have loved to rent bicycles and explore some of the quieter parts of the city at a slower pace.
At that stage of our trip, we had no idea that cycling would soon become one of our favorite ways to discover different regions of Vietnam.
Honestly, spending a relaxed day cycling around Hue would probably have been a wonderful experience.
Even so, we absolutely loved our time here, despite not being able to do everything.
We also noticed that evening cruises on the Perfume River seemed to be especially popular.
Since we had already enjoyed a dragon boat ride earlier that morning, we didn’t book another activity on the river. However, several options looked very appealing, including sunset cruises and even dinner cruises.
It would probably have been a lovely way to end the day after exploring Hue’s fascinating historical and cultural sites.
How to Get Around Hue
Like many cities in Vietnam, Hue offers several ways to get around, depending on the type of sightseeing you have planned.
For our trip, we mainly combined walking, private transportation, and guided excursions.
🚶 Walking
For everything around the city center and near our accommodation, we mostly explored on foot.
Many parts of Hue are easy to discover this way, especially the more tourist-friendly areas along the Perfume River, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and small local shops.
Walking also gives you the chance to fully appreciate Hue’s slower, more relaxed atmosphere, especially compared to some of Vietnam’s busier cities.
🚕 Grab or Taxi
As in many parts of Vietnam, Grab and traditional taxis are convenient and affordable options for longer distances.
They’re especially useful for reaching historical sites located outside the city center or when the tropical heat makes walking less appealing.
🚲 By Bicycle
Cycling also seems to be an excellent way to explore Hue.
Looking back, it’s probably something we would have liked to do more, especially to discover some of the quieter areas beyond the city center at a slower pace.
Hue’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal city for exploring by bike.
🚐 Private Tours and Drivers
For our full day of cultural sightseeing, we chose to book a private tour with a driver.
Honestly, it made the day so much easier, considering the number of places we wanted to visit.
It’s also one of the most convenient ways to reach the imperial tombs, pagodas, and other attractions outside the city without having to worry about transportation or navigation.
Where to Stay in Hue
During our stay in Hue, we chose Hue Riverside Villa, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the biggest highlights of our entire trip.
From the moment we arrived, we received an incredibly warm welcome from the staff. Once again, the genuine hospitality we experienced throughout Vietnam made a lasting impression on us, and this accommodation was no exception.
The hotel is located right on the banks of the Perfume River, giving it a wonderfully peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Since the property isn’t directly accessible by car, we had to walk a short distance with our backpacks when arriving and leaving. However, because we were traveling with carry-on luggage only, it was very manageable and never felt like an inconvenience.
And once we got there, the location was absolutely worth it.
Outside, there was a small swimming pool, lounge chairs, several seating areas, and direct access to the riverside promenade. We especially enjoyed taking peaceful evening walks along the river before heading toward Hue’s livelier downtown area.
It took only about a 10- to 15-minute walk to reach the restaurants and the more vibrant parts of the city, offering the perfect balance between tranquility and convenience.
Our room was beautiful, comfortable, and exactly what we needed after long days of sightseeing.
But honestly… the breakfasts deserve a special mention too.
Each morning, we could choose our meal from a small à la carte menu prepared fresh on-site. Personally, I almost always ordered the onion omelet because it was simply delicious.
Breakfast was served with fresh fruit and several other options to suit different tastes, while my husband became a big fan of the breakfast sandwiches.
Overall, we absolutely loved our stay here.
Looking back, Hue Riverside Villa was probably one of my favorite accommodations from our entire trip to Vietnam—not only because of its beautiful location, but also because of the warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere.
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
💲Rate in March 2026: approximately VND 3,375,000 (about CAD $178) for 3 nights in a Superior Villa, including breakfast.
Where to Eat in Hue
Unlike some of the other stops on our Vietnam itinerary, we didn’t spend much time exploring Hue’s food scene.
After several busy days of traveling and sightseeing, fatigue had started to catch up with us, so we naturally gravitated toward simpler meals and a few familiar comfort foods.
We did, however, make the most of the excellent breakfasts served at Hue Riverside Villa. Each morning, we could choose from a selection of freshly prepared à la carte dishes, which was the perfect way to start a full day of exploring.
We also enjoyed a few light meals and snacks at the hotel, as the property offered a small menu for lunch and in-between cravings.
For dinner, we even treated ourselves to a little break from Vietnamese cuisine by eating at Pizz.A Restaurant. After several days of discovering local flavors, enjoying a good pizza and a plate of pasta felt surprisingly comforting.
Sometimes, when you’re traveling – especially after several busy days – going back to familiar comfort food is simply part of the experience.
In Conclusion
In the end, Hue was one of the highlights of our trip to Vietnam.
We truly loved this destination for its rich history, fascinating culture, magnificent imperial landmarks, and its slower, more peaceful atmosphere compared to some of the country’s larger cities.
Looking back, my biggest regret is probably that we didn’t stay longer.
I wish we had given ourselves more time to slow down, fully appreciate the historical sites, and add a few of the excursions we had originally planned but simply didn’t have the energy to do.
I also would have spread some of our sightseeing over two days instead of trying to fit everything into one very full day.
Because Hue is the kind of place that deserves to be experienced at a slower pace.
Of course, it’s possible to visit the main highlights in two days. But honestly, if you have even the slightest interest in history, culture, architecture, or destinations with a real sense of place and story, I believe Hue deserves more time.
It’s not a city that necessarily tries to impress you instantly. Instead, it’s a destination that reveals its charm gradually, the longer you stay.
For us, it was truly one of the most rewarding discoveries of central Vietnam.
