Top 7 Attractions In Hue City Must See
The ancient city of Hue is nestled on the banks of the lovely Perfume River in Thua Thien Hue Province of Central Vietnam. Hue served as the political, cultural, and religious capital of the Nguyen dynasty. The Nguyen dynasty reigned Vietnam from 1802 until 1945, leaving a lasting legacy of temples, citadels, and royal tombs that are today popular tourist attractions in Hue.
The Complex of Hue Monuments is a fascinating example of how a fully protected capital city was designed and built in a relatively short amount of time in the early 19th century. The Complex of Hue Monuments was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to the integrity of the city layout and building design. It is an excellent illustration of East Asian late feudal urban planning.
Solid citadel gates, massive walls, a mesmerizing Forbidden City, well-built Imperial Citadel structures, and vast royal tombs all attest to Hue’s strength and pride as an imperial city. However, the attractions in Hue are not only limited to its exquisite architecture, but also its friendly locals, delectable cuisine and rich cultural heritage.
1. Imperial Citadel
Hue Imperial Citadel is the legacy of Vietnam’s last royal family, the Nguyen Dynasty. The Imperial City of Hue is home to the Nguyen Emperors’ throne. The 13 Nguyen Emperors who helped mold the nation into what it is now are reflected in Hue’s imperial citadel, which is a testament to their long and majestic rule.
The Purple Forbidden City, courtyards, royal gardens, pavilions, and palaces are all found within the fortified Hue Citadel and are unmistakable displays of the once grand and marvelous Nguyen Dynasty.
2. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Hue City, which was built on a tiny hill overlooking the Perfume River, 4 kilometers away from the imperial citadel. In accordance with a tale involving the Nguyen Lords, the Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, was constructed in her honor.
Nguyen Hoang, the provincial governor of Thuan Hoa, laid the foundation for the Thien Mu Pagoda in 1601. The Nguyen Dynasty emperors supported the temple in the nineteenth century. Thap Phuoc Duyen, an octagonal tower 21 meters high, was erected in 1844 under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri. This seven-story pagoda is a prominent emblem of Hue.
Thien Mu Pagoda’s structures have been demolished and rebuilt numerous times throughout the centuries. It is one of the city’s most popular pagodas due to the tranquility and beauty of the Perfume River.
3. Royal Tombs
Beautifully designed royal tombs are also found within the Thuan Thien Hue Province, the tombs reflect the philosophy and beliefs of the emperor who owns it. The royal tombs are one of the top attractions in Hue.
Gia Long Tomb
The Emperor Gia Long’s solitary tomb is the oldest of the Hue royal tombs, having been constructed around 1820. This mausoleum is secluded as it is 16 kilometers away from the city, which is why it is rarely visited. Gia Long is the first Nguyen emperor who coined the country’s name, Viet Nam.
Minh Mang Tomb
The enormous and well-designed tomb of Minh Mang was finished in 1843. Minh Mang Tomb is the most opulent of all the Hue tombs, with lovely slopes covered in pine trees and ponds that blossom with colorful lotus flowers in the spring. Minh Mang’s ultimate burial place is concealed behind a closed gate that is only ever opened once a year.
Tu Duc Tomb
The grandeur of Tu Duc’s tomb contrasted with how terrible his life was. Tu Duc, the longest-reigning Nguyen emperor, passed away without a child after 35 years in rule and criticized the French for their growing dominance. He was also the only emperor to relocate his family into his own tomb and build his own Forbidden City there.
Khai Dinh Tomb
The most peculiar and eccentric ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty was Khai Dinh, who is said to have supported French colonialism. Emperor Khai Dinh preferred imported luxury, which is mirrored in the Khai Dinh tomb, which is an extraordinary blend of Eastern and Western components that has divided public opinion.
Thieu Tri Tomb
There are three other Hue royal tombs that are worth visiting. The Thieu Tri Tomb is the only dynasty tomb without a wall, and the location is clearly divided into a temple and crypt. While Emperor Duc Duc shares his comparatively modest tomb with two other Nguyen dynasty emperors, Thanh Thai and Duy Tan. Dong Khanh tomb, the smallest of Hue’s recognized royal tombs, is actually a memorial temple that has been converted into a tomb.
Hue Tomb Tour – Private Tour
- Private Tour
- 1 Day
From
15 USD
4. Incense And Conical Hat Village
Incense burning is an ancient cultural and religious activity not only in Hue City but all over Vietnam. The act of burning incense is typically viewed as a prayer rising to heaven with fragrant smoke. Incense smoke acts as a link between the earthly and spiritual realms. The Incense Village in the imperial capital of Hue has been producing incense since the Nguyen dynasty, when incense burning may have begun with the Mandarins. Hue City’s neighboring villages continue to produce these colorful and fragrant incense to this day.
Aside from incense, Hue has a terrific memento for visitors to take home: the conical hat. Conical hats are generally utilized as a type of sun and rain protection. It is a well-known trademark in Asia, but Hue conical hats appear to be unique in that they include poems. This is why they were dubbed poetic conical hats. Over the years, the village has succeeded in transforming the ancient village into one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in Hue.
5. Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon is Southeast Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, covering an area of 52 square kilometers and 24 km in length.
Tam Giang Lagoon is located 15 kilometers from Hue City at the confluence of three major rivers: the O Lau, Huong, and Bo Rivers. It belongs to Tam Giang Cau Hai, which is the largest freshwater lagoon system in Hue, comprising four districts in Thua Thien Hue Province. The region directly or indirectly provides adequate living circumstances to all villages surrounding it.
Tam Giang Lagoon in ancient Hue city is a beautiful site that is rarely discovered by tourists and is recognized as one of the richest sources of flora and fauna in SouthEast Asia. It is easy to say that Tam Giang Lagoon is one of the must see attractions in Hue. It is magnificent at dusk, when golden water sparkles in, with a maze of shrimp farming fields of various forms and sizes that amaze visitors.
6. Taste Hue’s Cuisine
The Imperial City of Hue is not just popular with tourists for its regal architecture and serene temples; it is also the heart of Vietnamese food. The intricate cooking skills used to produce Hue food, whether primitive or royal, depict the people who reside here and their rich heritage.
Hue food is primarily savory and rich in local spices and herbs. Since Hue served as the Nguyen Dynasty’s former capital for a century, it makes sense that the city takes pride in its understanding of royal cuisine. The imperial capital is the only city that offers such royal cuisine, attempting to replicate them would be difficult. However, it is also impossible to ignore rustic cuisine because it is undeniably delectable and expertly made, much like royal dinners.
