The Ultimate Two days in Hue Itinerary for 2025
If you’re planning an itinerary in Vietnam, two days in Hue is ideal for seeing the main attractions, the Imperial Citadel, the Royal tombs, a Dragon Boat ride, the Dong Ba Market and much more.
If you’re wondering, “Is Hue worth visiting?” and “How many days in Hue is enough?” Hue is definitely worth visiting, and 2 days in Hue is an ideal length of time to stay.
This Hue itinerary and travel guide gives suggestions on how to get around, where to stay, where to eat and everything you need to know for an enjoyable stay in Hue Vietnam.
I’ve travelled throughout Vietnam and have been to Hue twice. On my second visit, I spent 2 days in Hue and it was a rewarding experience, much better than my first visit when I only had 1 day in Hue and joined a bus tour to see the Citadel and the Royal Tombs. It rained all day, we rushed from place to place and I ended up leaving Hue without really getting a feel for the city.
One day is enough to cover the top things to see in Hue, but I think it’s worth allowing more time to relax and enjoy the city. As well as the UNESCO sites, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Hue like strolling by the river, hanging out in the local cafes, and eating the local food. I didn’t have much time for these on my first visit and I missed out.
My ultimate Hue Vietnam itinerary spreads the main sites over 2 days, and I suggest allowing 3 days in Hue or more if you want to see all seven of the Royal Tombs and an extra day to visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) outside the city.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, and if you make a booking, I may receive a small commission. There is no extra cost to you, and it helps keep this website running. I appreciate your support!
Is Hue Worth Visiting?
Hue is an attractive regional city in Central Vietnam worth visiting for its impressive Imperial Citadel and Royal Tombs. It’s a rewarding addition to a Vietnam itinerary.
The main historical attractions in Hue are from the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century and recognised by UNESCO for their historical significance. The Hue Monuments are at the top of the list things to see in Hue.
Of Hue’s 7 Royal tombs, the mausoleums of Emperors Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh are the most popular and easiest to visit with 2 days in Hue.
Hue sits on the banks of the Perfume River with colourful Dragon Boats cruising slowly up and down. There’s a busy marketplace, a thriving coffee scene and a selection of unique local dishes to try on a Hue itinerary.
How to get around Hue
Hue is mostly flat and easy to get around on foot. I walked a lot in Hue and used the Grab app to book longer trips by car on my 2 day Hue itinerary.
On my first visit, I saw Hue in one day and saw the most important sites on a tour. But on my next trip, I used Grab cars to get around independently and found them very convenient and reasonably priced.
Local taxis and Xe-Oms (motorbike taxis) also operate, and hiring a car or a motorbike is an option for getting around.
Dragon boats on the Perfume River are a feature of Hue and are available for hire. I took a Dragon Boat across the river to the bustling Dong Ba Market and joined a Dragon Boat cruise to visit the Buddhist Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River.
2 Days in Hue Itinerary
Day 1 in Hue
On your first day in Hue, spend the morning exploring the impressive Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City, and in the afternoon, take a Dragon Boat cruise on the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda.
Stroll along Le Loi Walking Street beside the river. The pathway is shaded and pleasant during the day, and at night, you can enjoy the colourful city lights and the relaxed atmosphere.
Take a Dragon Boat across the Perfume River to the Dong Ba Market, a hive of activity and local colour and one of the best places to see in Hue.
Hue Things to Do
Hue Imperial Citadel
At the top of the list of places to see in Hue is the Imperial Citadel of Hoang Thanh. A walled fortress built in the early 19th century, the Citadel encloses the Forbidden City, the palaces of the royal Nguyen family and the gardens and temples of the Mandarin bureaucrats and scholars.
I spent a couple of hours exploring the palaces, grounds, and temples and, for me, one of the most interesting displays was an exhibition of portraits of the royal family looking very serious and formal.
You can stop for a coffee and a rest inside the Citadel grounds.
Entry: VND 200,000
Thien Mu Pagoda
Around 4 kilometres from the Imperial Citadel, the Buddhist Thien Mu Pagoda sits on the banks of the Perfume River. The Pagoda’s octagonal tower is 7 stories high and it’s an icon of Hue. Originally founded in 1601, the current Thien Mu Pagoda was built by Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844 and is a must-see attraction in Hue. Entry is Free.
To get there, hire a Dragon Boat from the dock in town and cruise slowly up the river.
Dragon Boat Ride
The colourful Dragon boats wait on the banks of the Perfume River, and I was repeatedly asked if I wanted to hire a Dragon Boat while walking by the river in town. Remember to bargain and agree on a price before you get into the boat.
Dong Ba Market
The Dong Ba market is a busy local trading centre near the Perfume River, not far from the Imperial Citadel. The bustling market sells everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to sweets, clothing, jewellery, household items and souvenirs.
The marketplace is a central part of the local culture and worth adding to a Hue itinerary to experience the lively atmosphere and local colour.
I hired a Dragon Boat to take me across the river to the Dong Ba Market. The short trip took about 5 minutes and saved me a 15-minute walk over the bridge.
I wandered around the stalls and bought some juicy red dragon fruit for breakfast the next day.
Day 2 in Hue
Spend the second day of this 2 day Hue itinerary exploring the best Tombs in Hue. There are 7 royal tombs that are the final resting place of the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue. The tombs are located outside the city and have impressive structures set in beautifully landscaped gardens.
Many people join a bus tour to see the royal tombs but it’s inexpensive to use Grab taxis to get there if you prefer to be independent. You’ll see more and be able to move at your own pace.
The Royal Tombs are popular with visitors and locals, and taxis and Grab cars often wait outside the more popular tombs to pick up passengers.
Royal Tombs
You’ll need 2 days to see all 7 of the Royal Tombs, so I suggest planning to see at least 3 on this Hue itinerary, starting with the tombs of Emperor Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc.
Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
Visiting the picturesque Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc is one of the best things to do in Hue. Tu Duc was an artist and poet, and his mausoleum reflects his love of beauty and blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings.
Tu Duc’s tomb is very popular, and it’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the atmosphere.
The Tu Hieu Monastery and Pagoda are nearby.
Entry: VND 150,000
Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang
Visiting the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Hue. The tomb is set beside a lake surrounded by tall trees and consists of three courtyards guarded by stone warrior statues and three grand entrance gates.
Minh Mang’s tomb lies on a pine-covered hill across the lake, and it’s out of bounds for visitors, but the impressive Tomb Entrance gates and the atmospheric grounds make the mausoleum a delightful place to visit.
The stately grounds are most beautiful in spring when the garden is in bloom and lotus flowers fill the lake.
Entry: VND 150,000
Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh Tomb
Emperor Khai Dinh was a leader with an eccentric personality. He spent a large amount of money constructing his tomb in a combination of Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Cambodian architectural styles. The concrete exterior of the tomb has blackened with time and has a gothic look, and the interior is decorated with intricate mosaics and murals.
Khai Dinh’s tomb lies on a pine-covered hill with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
If time permits, the tombs of Emperors Duc Duc, Dong Khanh, Thieu Tri and Gia Long are also worth adding to your Hue itinerary.
Entry: VND 150,000
More Things to Do in Hue
Thuy Xuan Incense Village Hue
The Thuy Xuan Incense Village is one of the most colourful places to visit in Hue, located around 7 kilometres outside the city not far from Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb.
Incense making is a craft with a history dating back 700 years. In Thuy Xuan Village, many shops make and sell incense, and you can choose from a wide range of scents and colours if you want to make a purchase.
The Thuy Xuan Incense Village is a photogenic place to visit, but it is quite touristy and I would skip it if you’re short of time on your Hue itinerary.
Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
Visiting the Demilitarised Zone on a popular day trip from Hue for those who want to learn more about the Vietnam War and explore memorial sites such as the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe San Combat Base and the Hien Luong Bridge.
The Demilitarised Zone was established in 1954 on the border between north and south Vietnam and extends 5 kilometres on either side of the Ben Hai River. The DMZ was a battleground that saw a lot of action and was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War.
TIP: This full day tour to the DMZ from Hue visits the most important historical relics from the Vietnam War, the Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh, Ben Hai River, Dakrong Bridge, and more.
Street Food Tour
Joining a street food tour is one of the best things to do in Hue and a great way to introduce yourself to the city. I can highly recommend the experience. I did 2 street food tours in Vietnam, and they were a highlight of my holiday.
TIP: On this Hue Street Food Tour, you’ll discover Hue’s culinary delights with a local guide and enjoy 8 distinctive dishes with their unique stories. This street food tour gets excellent reviews and is very similar to the tours I did in Da Nang and Hanoi.
Hue Cooking Class
One of the best ways to discover Vietnamese culture is through the food, and a cooking class is a fun addition to a Hue itinerary. You’ll learn new skills and enjoy delicious food with new friends.
TIP: Join a Hue Cooking Class with a local family and learn how to cook the amazing dishes of Hue with an English-speaking chef. This cooking class gets great reviews and is very similar to the fun cooking class I took in Hoi An. I had a great time, and I can recommend the experience for a Hue itinerary.
Abandoned Water Park
If you’re still looking for things to do in Hue, you might like to visit the abandoned water park, a theme park that was never finished. The abandoned water park has a scenic location on Thuy Thien Lake, approximately 7 kilometres from the city.
What to Do in Hue at Night
Here are some suggestions for things to do in Hue at night:
- Stroll by the river on Le Loi Walking Street and enjoy the atmosphere. The city’s bridges and trees are decorated with colourful lights, and it’s an enjoyable, quiet way to end an evening.
- For more action, head to Bo Thi Sau Street, a busy, noisy area witha selection of restaurants and bars.
- Around the corner, Pham Ngu Lau Street has more restaurants and bars, such as the DMZ, Why Not?, and Sophie, a glitzy nightclub with garish neon lights where you can dance the night away.
When to Visit Hue
The best time for travel to Hue, Hoi An or Da Nang and Phong Nha-Ke Bang in Central Vietnam is from February to August. It’s the dry season, and the weather in Hue is warm and sunny with less humidity than other times of the year. I travelled to Hue Vietnam in January and on my first visit it rained heavily all day but the weather clear and warm on my second visit.
September to November are the worst months to visit Hue. It’s the wet season in Central Vietnam, and the weather is rainy and humid with some seasonal flooding.
How to Get to Hue
You can get to Hue by air, train or bus. Hue’s Phu Bai International Airport is around 15 kilometres from the city centre.
I caught the sleeper train to Hue from Ninh Binh (and Hanoi) and booked an overnight Livitrain berth. I’ve also travelled in a first class sleeper carriage and they are a comfortable way to travel by train in Vietnam.
I can also recommend catching the train from Hue to Da Nang (Hoi An). It’s a very scenic trip over the Hai Van Pass, with the train line hugging the beautiful coastline.
I don’t recommend the local bus from Hue to Phong Nha, as it was a cramped and uncomfortable 5 hour journey. Instead, I suggest catching the train from Hue to Dong Hoi (3 hours) and a local bus to Phong Nha (1 hour)
TIP: I booked my train, bus and ferry tickets in advance with 12Go Asia. This service is reliable and easy to use throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
On my first holiday in Vietnam, I flew to Danang from Ho Chi Minh City and took an Easy Rider motorbike tour over the scenic Hai Van Pass from Hoi An to Hue, and I loved the experience. My driver, Henry, strapped my bag to the back of his motorbike, and I rode along very comfortably behind.
Henry made many stops along the way, and I saw all the sights between Hoi An and Hue. I can highly recommend Easy Rider Tours for adventurous solo travellers in Vietnam.
Where to Stay in Hue
Hue is a regional city with a good selection of accommodations for all budgets. Here are a few suggestions for where to stay in Hue:
Mid-Range: Chum Boutique Hotel is a great option in Hue with a central location not far from the river. I loved the relaxed atmosphere and the fabulous free-standing bath.
Vina Hotel has comfortable rooms and is located right on the river. I enjoyed my stay here and loved the river views from my room.
Luxury: The Melia Vinpearl Hotel Hue is a luxury hotel with an exceptional location and spectacular city views, and it gets excellent reviews.
Where to Eat in Hue
Hue has many restaurants and some unique Central Vietnamese dishes worth trying. Here are some suggestions to include on a Hue itinerary:
Chan Restaurant (Com Nieu Chan) Nha Hang Kin Do 2 is a popular restaurant around the corner from the busy Bo Thi Sau Street. I had a delicious meal here and enjoyed the atmosphere. The area comes alive at night with restaurants, loud bars and clubs.
Banh Kohai Hong Mai is a local restaurant famous for its crispy fried pancakes with prawns, pork, shallots, and bean shoots, served with a peanut dipping sauce. This restaurant has friendly staff and is not far from the citadel. I enjoyed eating here.
More Food to Try in Hue
Bun Bo Hue is a beef noodle soup similar to Pho. It’s a traditional dish from Hue with flat noodles and a spicy lemongrass broth. I tried the hearty soup at a local eatery close to the Chum Hotel, where I was staying.
Banh Mi is also popular in Hue, and I had Banh Mi for breakfast twice in Hue. A local lady was selling super fresh baguettes with pork pate filling at a street stall opposite the Chum Hotel, where I was staying.
Com Hen is another delicious traditional Rice dish with mussels, peanuts, pork and star fruit and
Banh Beo is a chewy pancake topped with shrimp, shallots, and fish sauce.
Cafes in Hue
Like Hanoi, Hue has a thriving coffee scene and cafes on every street corner that serve strong iced Vietnamese coffee.
Salted coffee (Ca Phe Muoi) is a delicious local specialty in Hue and Central Vietnam. It’s a strong dark roast coffee made with a pinch of salt and whipped cream and served with ice. Egg coffee and Coconut coffee are also delicious Vietnamese brews to try on a holiday in Vietnam.
Hue Cafes
Gemstone café: Across the bridge from the Hue train station, this café serves excellent Egg coffee, and it’s a good breakfast stop after the night train from Hanoi.
Laph Café: Across the road from the Chum Boutique Hotel, Laph Café serves iced coffee but will make it hot if you ask.
Highlands Coffee: A café chain in Vietnam that serves strong coffee, cakes and snacks. It’s a reliable place to go for a coffee in Hue.
FAQs
Are 2 days in Hue enough?
2 days in Hue is enough time to see the main sites, visit the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City, the Thien Mu Pagoda, and several Royal Tombs, enjoy a Dragon Boat ride on the Perfume River, and visit the Dong Ba market and the Incense Village. You can take a relaxed pace, discover the city on foot, and enjoy the local food, restaurants and bars. 3 days in Hue are needed to see all 7 Royal Tombs or to visit the DMZ on a day trip.
Is it better to stay in Hue or Hoi An?
Hoi An and Hue offer different experiences so it really depends what you’re looking for. Hoi An has a delightful Ancient Town located near the beach, while Hue is a regional city with an Imperial Citadel and Royal Tombs. Hoi An is very touristy while Hue offers a more authentic experience of Vietnam, with cheaper food and accommodation.
Both Hue and Hoi An are popular destinations in Central Vietnam with UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are well worth visiting. A day trip from either Hoi An or Hue is possible, and it takes around 3 hours to travel between the two cities in Central Vietnam.
Final Thoughts: Two Days in Hue Vietnam Itinerary
Two Days in Hue is an ideal amount of time to see the main sites on a Hue itinerary, visit the Imperial Citadel and several Royal Tombs, enjoy a Dragon Boat cruise on the perfume River, shop at the bustling market and discover the local food and nightlife.
While it’s possible to see the most important sites of Hue in one day, for me, this was too rushed, and I missed out on a lot. I suggest planning a longer Hue itinerary to enjoy the shaded pathways beside the river, the colourful Dragon Boats, the marketplace, the local food, cafes and restaurants.
The impressive Citadel and beautifully landscaped Royal Tombs were highlights for me. With 2 days in Hue, I saw them independently at a more relaxed pace.
You might also enjoy
The Perfect 3 Day Hanoi itinerary
Halong Bay Overnight Cruise: What to Expect & is it Worth it?
A Stunning North Vietnam Itinerary 5 – 14 Days
The Ultimate 2 Days in Hue Itinerary
Da Nang or Hoi An? Choose the Best Base in Central Vietnam
The Perfect 3 Weeks in Vietnam Itinerary
North Vietnam in 2 weeks – A Trip You’ll Love
An Exciting South Vietnam Travel Itinerary 10 Days
How to Visit Ha Long Bay: A Natural Wonder in Vietnam
Solo Travel in Vietnam – What You Need to Know
Best & Worst Time to Visit Vietnam
The Best Time to Visit Cambodia and Vietnam
The Ultimate Ninh Binh Travel Guide: Best Things to See in Ninh Binh
Beautiful Vietnam: Is Phong Nha-Ke Bang Worth Visiting?
The Perfect Hoi An Travel itinerary: What to Do in Hoi An for 3 Days
Pin It! If you enjoyed this Hue itinerary, save it for later!
