English
French
Spanish
Italian
Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue calls travelers with its history, culture and nature. It lies on the peaceful Huong River, therefore Hue has a gentle and poetic lifestyle. Arriving in Hue, you seem to settle into a slower pace of life in a developing city.
Aerial view of Hue Imperial Citadel
Over a Hue 5-day tour, you can visit a plethora of attractions, also experience joyful activities. Let Asia King Travel recommend a suitable plan to wrap up Hue in 5 days!
One of the most convincing reasons to visit Hue is its unparalleled historical significance. Being the capital of the last dynasty in Vietnam, Hue has many feudal historical relics remain today. The city is home to the Imperial City, a vast complex of palaces, temples and pagodas. Walking through ancient sites, you will feel transported back in time.
Sidewalk along Huong River
Hue offers a variety of landscapes for natural lovers. Thua Thien Hue Province has all types of terrain: mountain, delta and beach. Huong River meanders through the city, providing more picturesque view while on a boat ride. Nearby, you'll find Thuan An Beach, where you can relax on the sand and enjoy fresh seafood delicacies.
Hue is located in the center of Vietnam, a great place to visit anytime in the year. The weather is almost perfect all year round, it doesn’t have North cold winds nor the harsh sunlight of the South. However, Hue often suffers from big storms from the sea.
Therefore, the best time to visit Hue is usually between March and August. During this time, the weather is generally sunny. It might be a little bit hot from May but still comfortable. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities. Consider visiting from September to December due to the storm season.
Suggested for you: Vietnam Tours 7 Days
Begin your adventure with a check-in to the Hue Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main entrance is through Ngo Mon Gate, was once reserved for the exclusive use of the emperor. As you wander through the Citadel, you will see many palaces with Vietnamese feudal architecture. The most notable palace to visit is Thai Hoa Palace.
Say goodbye to Imperial Citadel, take a short tour to Thien Mu Pagoda. Thien Mu Pagoda is covered with ornamental plants and delicate lotus ponds. The fragrant lotus scent spreads everywhere. Huong River reflects the grandeur of the pagoda. Leaving behind all the noise and fatigue outside, visitors can feel a sacred yet calm Buddhist space.
Reenactment of the guards change ceremony in front of Ngo Mon Gate
In the afternoon, visit the tombs of the capital's former owners. Start with Minh Mang Tomb, a standard architecture of oriental feng shuil. Followed by Tu Duc Tomb, the harmony between palaces and nature. And finally Khai Dinh Tomb, the unique tomb combines Eastern and Western art.
End your Vietnamese feudal visiting day with Hue folk songs on Huong River. This is an art form only ancient emperors could enjoy. Gliding along the river on a traditional dragon boat, the melodies of Hue folk songs fill the air, creating a wonderful scene beneath the moonlit sky.
Let’s start the day with another Khai Dinh Empror’s remarkable building - An Dinh Palace. An Dinh Palace is a beautiful example of early 20th-century architecture combining Vietnamese and European styles. The palace has a Roman architectural style combined with meticulously traditional Vietnamese motifs such as phoenixes and dragons.
Crossing Huong River, Trang Tien Bridge is Hue’s iconic landmark. The image of the graceful bridge reflecting on Huong River with quiet boats is such a beautiful scene to behold. Don't forget to return in the evening to see the Trang Tien Bridge illuminated under the lights.
Trang Tien Bridge wears many colors at night
Make your way to Hue Gifted High School. The school stands out with its vibrant red paint and the rows of green trees all year round. The school campus is large, so feel free to stroll through the corridors, classrooms, and schoolyard. Here you can admire the old French architecture and take commemorative photos. This is also where President Ho Chi Minh studied.
Another European architecture in the heart of the city is Phu Cam Cathedral. The cathedral on Phuoc Qua Hill, with its imposing main building and two bell towers reaching high into the sky. The spacious sanctuary inside can hold up to 3,000 people at once. As Phu Cam Cathedral is a religious site, please dress modestly, maintain silence, and be respectful when taking photos.
Dedicate this day to exploring traditional villages around Hue. The first one will be Vi Da Village on the northern bank of Huong River. This village is known for its pleasant beauty, lush gardens, and traditional homes. The beauty of Vi Da Village has been fully captured in the famous poem "Here Vi Da Village" by Han Mac Tu.
A traditional house in Vi Da Village
After exploring Vi Da Village, head to Sinh Painting Village. Sinh Village paintings are a folk art form that has existed for over 450 years in Hue. Visiting Sinh Village in Hue, you can join hands to be involved in creating a painting. Listening to artisans tell the story of this folk art form and buy Sinh Village paintings as souvenirs from your Vietnam trip.
Conclude your afternoon by visiting Phu Cam Village, known for making high-quality Vietnamese conical hats (non la). Witnessing the hat-making process, you will appreciate the skill and patience required for this traditional craft. Purchasing a beautifully crafted hat is a great way to support local artisans and take home a piece of Vietnamese culture.
Only about 20 minutes drive, you will reach Thuan An Beach near Hue City Center. The beach is less crowded than other Vietnamese coastal destinations, offering a peaceful atmosphere to relax. The clear, calm waters are perfect for swimming, and the gradual slope makes it safe for all ages.
On the coast of Thuan An Beach
Spend the morning swimming in the refreshing sea or simply lounging on the sand. Around midday, have a seafood lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. Thuan An Beach is known for its fresh seafood, and you can savor dishes like grilled fish, prawns, squid, and clams. Enjoy your meal while seeing the beautiful ocean views enhancing the seafood flavors.
Start your final day in Hue with an early visit to Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in the city. As you enter the market, you'll be greeted by a lively atmosphere filled with the sounds of vendors calling out their wares. Take your time to wander through the market’s aisles, and feel the rich sensory experience.
Taking a Hue culinary tour in Dong Ba Market
Have breakfast with the famous Bun Bo Hue. The soup features tender slices of beef, pork knuckles, and congealed pig’s blood. All are served in a rich, lemongrass-flavored broth with thick Vietnamese rice noodles. Accompany your meal with fresh herbs, lime, and chili for an authentic taste.
While wandering through the market, try and buy some Hue fishing boats off the coast of Thuan An as souvenirs. Some of these can be mentioned as: sour shrimp paste, sesame candies, Hue Royal Tea, Minh Mang Herbal, etc.
This Hue 5-day tour plan showcases Hue's rich history while allowing you to experience the region's natural beauty. Not only that, Hue has many other attractions for you to explore. Contact us now to create an unforgettable Vietnam holiday!
Suggested for you: Vietnam Tours 10 Days
