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Things To Do in Hue: Dragons, Pagodas and the Offbeat Side to Vietnam

Dragon statue. One of the Best things to do in Vietnam

Explore things to do in Hue, an offbeat destination in Vietnam that exudes history, culture and beauty. From the cool dragon at abandoned waterpark, to stunning pagodas, Hue is a must visit for travel enthusiasts. Join us as we visit this unusual city.

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Happy exploring!

How To Get To Hue

A platform with train tracks.

You can easily get to Hue internally through buses, trains or flights.

Here is a chart showing you time taken by train to reach Hue from some other cities in Vietnam.

Train To Hue
Departure CityTime taken by Train
DaNang2 hr 30 min
Hanoi14 hours
Ho Chi Minh22 hr 10 min
Nha Trang14 hr 45 min

Want to visit other quirky places in Vietnam? Check out our blog on Things to Do in Dalat right here. 

Hue has an international airport which makes it easy for local and international travellers to access the city.

There are no non-stop international flights to Hue.

International and Local Flights to Hue
Departure CityAirlinesTime TakenStarting Cost
HanoiViet Jet1 hr 10 minINR 3,600
Ho Chi MinhVietnam Airlines1 hr 25 minINR 4,000
New DelhiVietnam Airlines11 hr 45 minINR 15,500
MumbaiVietnam Airlines8 hr 45 minINR 17,000
SydneyViet Jet13 hr 35 minAUD 470
MelbourneViet Jet14 hr 35 minAUD 800

Best Time To Visit Hue

Best time to visit Hue depends on whether you like rainy weather or dry weather.

Hue has 2 seasons:

Dry Season: February/ March to August

Rainy Season: September to January/ February.

However, we visited Hue is May and got plenty of sporadic shower spells along with sunshine.

There are plenty things to do in Hue across all seasons.

A person walking in rain
Walking in the rains in Hue.

Things to do in HUe

1. Visit the abandonded waterpark

Eerie, mysterious and gorgeous, Ho Thuy Tien Waterpark is one of the coolest places to visit in Hue, Vietnam.

Imagine a huge dragon looming over a lake just it’s like a scene from a fantasy movie!

The once bustling waterpark is now abandoned and has no official entrance. We can guarantee this is one of the best things to do in Hue, Vietnam.  

Two people posing with a lake behind and dragon statue

2. Absorb History at Imperial citadel

If you are a history enthusiast, then the Imperial Citadel is a must-see. The massive palace was home to the most powerful empire of Vietnam, the Nguyen Dynasty for over 200 years!

Spend at least half a day here to soak up the ancient culture and explore its huge grounds.

A person standing in a red corridor

3. Get Spiritual vibes at Thien Mu Pagoda

About 4 kilometres from the citadel stands the Thien Mu Pagoda, a majestic seven-story tower.

It’s not just a beautiful sight but also part of many Vietnamese stories and songs. The pagoda is worth the visit for its cultural significance.

4. Relax by the Riverfront Park

Watch the sunset at the riverside park and witness beautiful hues of the sky change… trust us, its magical.

The entire city of Hue is situated on Huong river making it a delightful place to visit.

You can even stroll across the beautifully decorated bridge and soak in the evening vibes.

Two people posing in front of River and Dragon. One of the best things to do in Hue is to stroll the area.

5. Have a Beer at the Night Walking Street

On weekends, the Night Walking Street is the place to be. It’s vibrant and lively, filled with great food, drinks, and music.

It’s where the city comes alive after dark, perfect for a fun night out. Walking the streets and soaking in the fun is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Hue.

Places to Stay in Hue

  1. La Paix Hue: Facing the riverfront with a beautiful cafe. A romantic option for couples. 
  2. To Vo Hostel: Best of both worlds with budget dorm options and luxury private rooms. 
  3. Nana Homestay and Villa: Homestay with lovely ambience. Near the famous Trang Tien Bridge.
  4. Vietnam Backpacker Hostels: Great place for solo travellers who like to meet new people. Budget travel option. 

Conclusion

Discover fun things to do in Hue with us. 

This city is an offbeat gem in Vietnam, perfect for travellers who love exploring the unusual. 

Find cool places to visit and rich cultural heritage right here. Don’t miss out on the unforgettable experiences Hue has to offer. 

People sitting on chairs in groups.

Vietnam is a diverse land filled with so much to see and know. Explore Vietnam in 2024 right here.

 

Hello, we are Sam and Aman, Local Backpackers! Welcome to our world of wanderlust and exploration! We are a travel-loving couple who share a passion for discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories.