Hue

Imperial City·Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Start at the Imperial City when it opens (6:30am in summer, 7am in winter; 200,000 VND) and allow at least 3 hours. Don't miss Kien Trung Palace, the home of Emperors Khai Dinh and Bao Dai, restored in 2024. Sleeves and knee-length clothes are required at the citadel, tombs and pagodas. Rest through midday, then go to Thien Mu Pagoda for sunset (free). In the evening, take a Ca Hue folk music boat from Toa Kham wharf (about 1 hour, 100,000-150,000 VND per person; buy at the wharf or book ahead).

Tự Đức Tomb·Minh Mạng Tomb·Khải Định Tomb

Be at Tu Duc Tomb at 7am, when it's cool and quiet (150,000 VND, open until 5:30pm). Stop at Thuy Xuan incense village nearby, then Minh Mang Tomb (150,000 VND, 7:30am-5:30pm). Save Khai Dinh Tomb for after 3:30pm when the sun softens (150,000 VND). The 4-site combo covers the Imperial City and all three tombs for 530,000 VND - see the FAQ. Don't try more than this in one day; the tombs are spread out, so rent a motorbike or hire a car.

Tự Đức Tomb·Minh Mạng Tomb·Khải Định Tomb

Be at Tu Duc Tomb at 7am, when it's cool and quiet (150,000 VND, open until 5:30pm). Stop at Thuy Xuan incense village nearby, then Minh Mang Tomb (150,000 VND, 7:30am-5:30pm). Save Khai Dinh Tomb for after 3:30pm when the sun softens (150,000 VND). The 4-site combo covers the Imperial City and all three tombs for 530,000 VND - see the FAQ. Don't try more than this in one day; the tombs are spread out, so rent a motorbike or hire a car.

Imperial City·Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Start at the Imperial City when it opens (6:30am in summer, 7am in winter; 200,000 VND) and allow at least 3 hours. Don't miss Kien Trung Palace, the home of Emperors Khai Dinh and Bao Dai, restored in 2024. Sleeves and knee-length clothes are required at the citadel, tombs and pagodas. Rest through midday, then go to Thien Mu Pagoda for sunset (free). In the evening, take a Ca Hue folk music boat from Toa Kham wharf (about 1 hour, 100,000-150,000 VND per person; buy at the wharf or book ahead).

Start early at Thuy Tien Lake, west of the centre: a never-opened water park, now a lakeside walking and cycling path; its giant concrete dragon was kept. The dragon's interior is damp and run-down, so watch your footing. Then An Dinh Palace (50,000 VND), the last emperors' residence, best early before the crowds. Walk the old village lanes of Vi Da nearby. Cross Truong Tien Bridge to Dong Ba Market for lunch and souvenirs (bargaining is normal). End with a walk along the Perfume River. Bring cash - many street stalls don't take transfers.

Tự Đức Tomb·Minh Mạng Tomb·Khải Định Tomb

Be at Tu Duc Tomb at 7am, when it's cool and quiet (150,000 VND, open until 5:30pm). Stop at Thuy Xuan incense village nearby, then Minh Mang Tomb (150,000 VND, 7:30am-5:30pm). Save Khai Dinh Tomb for after 3:30pm when the sun softens (150,000 VND). The 4-site combo covers the Imperial City and all three tombs for 530,000 VND - see the FAQ. Don't try more than this in one day; the tombs are spread out, so rent a motorbike or hire a car.

Imperial City·Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Start at the Imperial City when it opens (6:30am in summer, 7am in winter; 200,000 VND) and allow at least 3 hours. Don't miss Kien Trung Palace, the home of Emperors Khai Dinh and Bao Dai, restored in 2024. Sleeves and knee-length clothes are required at the citadel, tombs and pagodas. Rest through midday, then go to Thien Mu Pagoda for sunset (free). In the evening, take a Ca Hue folk music boat from Toa Kham wharf (about 1 hour, 100,000-150,000 VND per person; buy at the wharf or book ahead).

Start early at Thuy Tien Lake, west of the centre: a never-opened water park, now a lakeside walking and cycling path; its giant concrete dragon was kept. The dragon's interior is damp and run-down, so watch your footing. Then An Dinh Palace (50,000 VND), the last emperors' residence, best early before the crowds. Walk the old village lanes of Vi Da nearby. Cross Truong Tien Bridge to Dong Ba Market for lunch and souvenirs (bargaining is normal). End with a walk along the Perfume River. Bring cash - many street stalls don't take transfers.

Do Quyen Waterfall (Rhododendron Waterfall)

Bach Ma is about 40km from Hue. The park is open 7am-5pm (65,000 VND adults); the park shuttle costs 900,000 VND per trip for up to 12 people (1,300,000 VND return), so it's cheaper in a group. The trail to Do Quyen Waterfall is a real hike - bring good shoes and water. Trail access depends on the weather; in the rainy months (Sep-Jan) check before you go, or stay in Hue instead.