Things to do in HUE
During our time in Hue, we visited the following attractions:
Imperial City, Thuan Thanh
8am-5:30pm
200,000VND per person
Covered shoulders and knees needed for certain areas
Imperial City, a UNESCO Heritage Site, is the number one thing you must do while in Hue. During its time, between the 12th and 20th centuries, it saw much history, specifically during the Nguyen Dynasty when Hue served as the capital of Vietnam. The Imperial City is a vast complex, and although it looks like a straightforward square, it is very easy to get lost in its many temples, museums, gates, and gardens. The intricate architecture is impressive and presents outstanding grandeur, and despite hundreds of tourists, the area is spacious and tranquil.
Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, Phu Nhuan
7am-5:30pm
50,000VND per person
Signs to say to covered shoulders and knees but not enforced
Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities is situated a 10 minute walk from the entrance of the Imperial City and displays an array of artefacts from the Nguyen Dynasty. The museum includes the Golden Throne, Imperial robes, royal paintings and silverware. Do, however, ensure that you visit before or after visiting the Imperial City and not mid-way, as you may be refused back in. This happened to us, but after some persuasion via Google Translate, we were allowed to do so, but we may have gotten lucky.
Thuy Tien Lake Abandoned Water Park, Thuy Xuan
Small 20,000VND tip for caretaker at entrance
There is no other reason to see this other than experiencing the eerieness of a deserted water park. When visiting, you can explore what would have been a walk through an aquarium, multiple slides, and climbing up the head of a towering dragon. Do know that this has not been preserved - there is graffiti, shattered glass and rubbish everywhere - so keep your expectations low.
Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, Thuy Bang
7am-5pm
150,000VND per person
Signs to say to covered shoulders and knees but not enforced
The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh is the final resting place erected for the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Known to be one of Hue’s most lavish and impressive tombs, it showcases influence from traditional Vietnamese and Gothic European architecture.
Constructed from stone, the mausoleum has five levels, 127 steps, a gate, a pavilion, two pillars and several figure statues. The top level, referred to as Thien Dinh Palace, is where the real beauty lies. A colourful background of golds, blues and reds housing a canopy framing a bronze statue of the Emperor himself, tiled walls and multiple large paintings.
Mausoleum of Minh Mang, Thuy Xuan
7am-5pm
150,000VND per person
Signs to say to covered shoulders and knees but not enforced
The Mausoleum of Minh Mang is also a tomb, but, with a very different style and feel than Emperor Khai Dinh’s. The mausoleum is of traditional Vietnamese architecture, similar to what you may see at the Imperial City, with stone structures, decorative archways and tiled roofs. Minh Mang’s Mausoleum consists of three main sections: the Honour Courtyard, the Stele House, and the Tomb Area. Each section reflects Minh Mang’s achievements and power. What we particularly preferred here over Emperor Khai Dinh’s mausoleum was the natural surroundings, which formed a tranquil and peaceful area.
Tomb of Tu Duc, Thuy Xuan
7am-5pm
150,000VND per person
Signs to say to covered shoulders and knees but not enforced
Further north, 16 minutes from Minh Mang’s mausoleum, is the tomb of Tu Duc. In terms of setting, these two are very similar - multiple spaces, lots of greenery and a serene atmosphere. Unlike Minh Mang’s and Khai Dinh’s tombs, Tu Duc’s was lived in. The emperor himself lived in the mausoleum before his demise, and therefore, there is an abundance of amenities.
Getting Around
An easy way to travel to the Abandoned Water Park, Mausoleums and Tomb, and in style, is by hiring a scooter driver. We went with a company named Le Family Riders. They were safe, and patient and provided information despite not being tour guides.
Contact the following number to experience this yourself - +84962998485
Accommodation in HUE
While in Hue, we stayed in the below accommodation:
Sweethouse 2 Homestay, Phu Hoi - GREAT
Pros:
Spacious room
Bright room with a nice view
Cons:
Broken door handle
Light seeps through in the morning due to non-blackout curtains
= £20.20 per night
SUGGESTIONS
For other places to stay, we suggest looking at the following:
Na Na Homestay, Phu Nhuan
Pros:
Breakfast included
Good facilities
Cons:
Outside of the main centre
Construction ongoing
= £15.43 per night
The Purple Hue Central Hub, Phu Hoi
Pros:
Helpful staff
Great location
Cons:
No elevator
Thin walls
= £15.32 per night
Comments