As the former capital of Vietnam, Hué has a lot to offer. Especially when it comes to history – the city is full of historical buildings and sites. With its location along the Perfume River, Hué is a perfect stop on a trip through Vietnam. With a calm and pleasant atmosphere, Hué is ideal to visit, to learn more about Vietnamese history. Below, we have gathered 5 places you simply must see when visiting Hué.
1. Be amazed by the Tomb of Khai Dinh
You cannot visit Hué without exploring at least one of the many tombs in the surrounding area. The Tomb of Khai Dinh, the twelfth Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, is the one that amazed us the most during our visit to Hué. It took 11 years to build this incredible tomb, whose architecture is a blend of eastern and western architecture. With only a 20-to-30-minute drive from Hué city, the Tomb of Khai Dinh is a must-do.
2. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda
The Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Celestial Lady, is located on the Ha Khe hill right on Kim Long Street. This is about 5 kilometers from the center of Hué city. It was built in the 1600s and has been preserved over the years. With its 21 meters height, it was designed as an octagon with 7 floors. On each of these floors, you will find a different Buddha.
3. Explore the Imperial City of Hue
Right on the bank of the Perfume River is the Imperial city of Hué to be found. This site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely worth a visit when in Hué. This huge complex includes the Imperial Citadel, the Forbidden City, as well as the surrounding areas of the Imperial city, where the ancient kings lived, worked, and reigned. Despite many renovations over the years, this entire place still retains its stunning architectural features. The Imperial City of Hué is a perfect place to admire the beautiful architecture from ancient times while learning about Vietnamese history during the years of the Nguyen Dynasty.
4. Admire the architecture of the Tomb of Minh Mang
Another Tomb that you simply cannot miss when in Hué is the Tomb of Minh Mang. This incredible complex is one of the most remarkable monuments of the Nguyen Dynasty. In front of the mausoleum, you will see three main gates. The middle one is Dai Hong Mon, which was the one that opened when the body of King Minh Mang was carried inside. This door will never be opened by anybody else than him. A visit to this place is incredible as the atmosphere is calm due to the location between rivers, mountains, and lakes.
5. A trip to the abandoned water park in Hue
Thuy Tien Lake abandoned water park has become a famous destination for thrill seekers in Hué. It is about 10 kilometers from the city center, which makes it perfect for a small trip if you dare. As it is no longer in use, this abandoned water park has a ghostlike feeling – straight out of a horror movie.