Things to Do for One Day in Hue

By huynhtuyen | Posted in Hue | December 26, 2024

One day in Hue City offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s ancient imperial heritage. As the former capital, Hue is filled with serene pagodas, historic architecture, and a culinary scene rich with local flavors. It’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of history and tranquility. In this 2025 itinerary, discover the best sites to explore and local delicacies to enjoy, ensuring a memorable experience in just one day.

Detailed itinerary for one day in Hue

Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to consider the best time to visit Hue. The months from March to August in the city will offer pleasant weather with moderate temperatures and mild. The weather in these months sometimes will have a pouring in the afternoon, but it will be fine to explore.

Therefore, if you have a plan to go to this city, you can discover it at this time. However, keep in mind that Hue is known for its sudden rainfall in the afternoon, so carrying an umbrella or raincoat is advisable.

Start your morning with authentic Bun Bo Hue

Kickstart your day by indulging in a traditional breakfast of Bun Bo Hue, the city’s famous beef noodle soup. This featured dish is famous for its delicious and tasty flavor. You can easily find this delectable dish at street-side eateries at affordable prices.

Recommended places to eat Bun Bo:

Quan Cam:

Address: 45 Le Loi Street, Hue.
Opening hours: 6:00 – 7:00 AM.

Bun Bo Hue Mu Roi:

Address: 40 Nguyen Chi Dieu Street, Hue.
Opening hours: 6:30 – 11:30 AM.

Bun Bo Hue Me Keo:

Address: 20 Bach Dang Street, Hue.
Opening hours: 6:00 – 10:00 AM.

Step back in time at the Imperial Citadel

If you come to Hue without visiting the Imperial Citadel, it is a big mistake. This UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty. With intricate architecture, stroll through the beautiful gardens and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Vietnam’s royal past.

Discover serenity at Thien Mu Pagoda

Next, you can head to Thien Mu Pagoda. This pagoda is the psychical emblem of Hue City. Because it is located atop a hill overlooking the Huong River, this pagoda will have breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Furthermore, you can take a dragon boat to go to this pagoda for a more interesting experience.

Marvel at the grandeur of Khai Dinh Tomb

After that, you can continue your journey by visiting Khai Dinh Tomb. This tomb is a fusion of Vietnamese and European architecture. When you come to this tomb, you will be surprised by the historical architecture. Moreover, this tomb will also have many natural landscapes surrounding it that you can explore.

Lunch on Hue Cuisine at a local restaurant

After the exploring journey morning, you can treat yourself to a delightful lunch at a local restaurant. In the local restaurant, you can taste many kinds of dishes with the flavors of authentic Hue cuisine.

Don’t miss out on specialties like Banh Khoai (Hue-style savory pancake) and Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers). These dishes have a unique culinary heritage in this city.

Some highly rated restaurants:

Madam Thu Restaurant:

Address: 4 & 45 Vo Thi Sau Street, Hue.
Opening hours: 8:00 – 22:00.

Y Thao Garden:

Address: 3 Thach Han Street, Hue.
Opening hours: 11:00 -21:00.

Uncover the beauty of Minh Mang Tomb

After lunch, head to Minh Mang Tomb, one of the most majestic royal tombs. Because it is nestled amidst lush greenery and surrounded by a serene lake, this tomb offers a serene and picturesque setting. During this time, you can stroll through to admire the beautifully landscaped and historical architecture of this tomb.

Dive into local life at Dong Ba Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture by visiting Dong Ba Market. This market is the perfect place for tourists to observe the daily lives of local people. You can also taste many local foods at reasonable prices at the stalls along the market. Furthermore, you can buy local souvenirs or handcrafts as gifts in this market.

Drift along the dreamy Perfume River

To truly appreciate the beauty of Hue, let’s take a dragon boat trip along the Perfume River. Let’s admire the scenic landscapes along the river in the afternoon. If you are lucky, you can observe the gorgeous sunset scenery in the city on a dragon boat.

Maybe you interesting private tour: Hue boat tour on Perfume River.

Admire the lights of Truong Tien Bridge at night

When the dark comes down, you have to make sure to try Truong Tien Bridge. This is a popular local food in the evening. This crisp filled with various savory and sweet ingredients is a beloved snack among locals and visitors alike.

Have more than one day in Hue?

If you have the luxury of spending more than one day in Hue city, there are additional attractions and activities worth exploring:

Explore other royal tombs

Because of the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is home to several other royal tombs. Each tomb has its own architectural style and historical significance. Consider visiting Tu Duc Tomb, the resting place of Emperor Tu Duc, or Gia Long Tomb, the final resting place of the first Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. These tombs offer a deeper insight into the Nguyen Dynasty’s rich history.

Trekking in Bach Ma National Park

Nature enthusiasts can venture to Bach Ma National Park, located just a short distance from the city center. When you come to this place, you can experience trekking to the peak. Bach Ma National Park will offer many breathtaking landscapes for you to admire. So, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this national park in this province.

Visit Thuy Tien Water Park

For a unique and slightly offbeat experience, pay a visit to Thuy Tien Water Park. Abandoned in the late 1990s, this eerie yet fascinating attraction offers a glimpse into a forgotten amusement park. When you come here, you can explore the unique architecture and the natural landscapes. Remember to take some pictures to capture the bewitching scenery.

How to rent a car to visit Hue for 1 day

If you’re starting your journey from Da Nang and prefer the convenience of a car, renting Da Nang to Hue by car is the best option. You will arrive in the city center in around two to three hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Explore Hue in style and comfort with our private car rental services. Enjoy the freedom to plan your own itinerary and explore the city’s attractions at your own pace. Book Hue sightseeing by car now!

Conclusion

One day in Hue lets you explore the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, royal tombs, visit Dong Ba Market, and savor delicious local dishes. I hope this article helps you enjoy a wonderful and fun-filled journey exploring the beautiful city of Hue.

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