Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary for Exploring Hue

The city of Hue not only boasts picturesque landscapes and poetic charm but also carries a rich cultural and historical heritage, being the only locality with 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spending 3 days and 2 nights in the Imperial City of Hue is enough for you to witness majestic palaces, ancient temples, experience a peaceful and slow-paced lifestyle, and meet gentle and hospitable people. Take some time to visit the dreamy land of Hue!

The serene and ancient Imperial City of Hue (@henry_huynguyen)

Ideal Time to Visit Hue

Hue's weather is characterized by a tropical monsoon climate, with dry season (from March to August) and rainy season (from September to February of the following year). Traveling to Hue during any time of the year allows you to experience the unique beauty of Hue: January - March is springtime in Hue, April is the Hue Festival season, May - June - July is the peak of summer beach tourism, August - September is gentle autumn, and October - December brings cooler weather marking the onset of winter. Therefore, you can plan your visit to Hue at any time.

Typically, domestic tourists visit Hue more from May to September, while international tourists often choose from October to April.

Transportation Options When Visiting Hue

You can utilize air travel, road, or rail transportation to reach Hue.

Traveling to Hue by Air

You can fly to Hue from several major cities across the country such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, etc. The flight ticket to Hue ranges from 600,000 VND to 2,600,000 VND/one-way flight excluding taxes and fees. With a travel time of less than 1 hour and 30 minutes, this is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Hue.

Prices may vary depending on the airline, route, ticket checking time, and booking period. It's advisable to book tickets early if you have plans in advance to manage your time effectively. Also, keep an eye out for promotional programs offered by airlines to increase your chances of getting good-priced tickets.

Transportation to Hue by Road

From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can opt for traveling to Hue by high-quality sleeper buses.

The ticket price for sleeper buses from Hanoi to Hue ranges from 250,000 VND to 400,000 VND per passenger per trip, with a travel time of approximately over 12 hours.

The ticket price for sleeper buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue ranges from 270,000 VND to 550,000 VND per passenger per trip, with a travel time of around 20 hours.

Additionally, you can use private vehicles such as cars or motorcycles if you want to experience the feeling of exploring every road on the journey.

Transportation to Hue by Railway

Taking the train is also one of the popular ways to travel to Hue, although the travel time is quite long. There are 5 North-South trains departing from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Hue each day.

- The train ticket from Hanoi to Hue costs around 420,000 VND to 1,050,000 VND depending on the seat class, with a travel time of 12 to 14 hours.

- Train tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue cost approximately 310,000 VND to 950,000 VND depending on the seat class, with a travel time of 18 to 23 hours.

Transportation in Hue

To explore the city of Hue, you can use cyclos, bicycles, or motorbikes. The most convenient and flexible option is motorbike rental, with prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 300,000 VND per day depending on the type of vehicle. Cyclos and bicycles are suitable when you want to spend some quiet time in the ancient and peaceful atmosphere of Hue.

Recommended hotels and resorts in Hue

Vinpearl Hotel Hue

Vinpearl Hotel Hue - luxury amidst the ancient land

Address: 50A Hung Vuong Street, Hue City

Lowest room rate from 1,950,000 VND per night

Imperial Hotel Hue

Experience true royal treatment at Imperial Hotel Hue

Address: 8 Hung Vuong, Hue City

Lowest room rate from 1,305,000 VND per night

Indochine Palace

Experience luxurious retreat at Indochine Palace

Address: 105A Hung Vuong, Hue City

Lowest room rate from 2,090,000 VND per night

Banyan Tree Lăng Cô Hotels & Resort

Experience the priceless living coordinates of Banyan Tree Lăng Cô Hotels & Resorts (@banyantree.langco)

Address: Cù Du Hill, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc District, Hue

Lowest room rate from 7,890,000 VND per night

Ana Mandara Huế Resort & Spa

Ana Mandara Huế Resort & Spa - an ideal stopover (@anamandarahue)

Address: An Hai Village, Thuan An Town, Thua Thien Hue Province

Lowest room rate from 1,760,000 VND per night

The hotel I chose for my recent trip to Hue was the Indochine Palace Hotel. This is a 5-star international hotel belonging to the renowned Best Western Premier hotel chain. Indochine Palace attracts tourists with its harmonious combination of luxurious Indochinese architecture and the exquisite grandeur of a palace, surrounded by lush greenery. With a total of 222 guest rooms and a system of meeting rooms, banquet halls, the hotel is suitable for various types of guests, from leisure travelers to business executives. The room I booked was the Palace Deluxe priced at 2,090,000 VND per room per night, for 2 adults, including complimentary breakfast buffet. I was impressed by the spacious room layout, artistic interior decoration, gentle fragrance, and dominant yellow color scheme, creating a feeling of being in a real palace. To best meet the diverse needs of guests, Indochine Palace offers a full range of entertainment and relaxation facilities such as restaurants, spa, gym, bar, all equipped with modern facilities and standards. Located in a prime location, within a radius of 2km are famous attractions such as Truong Tien Bridge, Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts, along with reasonable prices for 5-star luxury services, Indochine Palace Hotel is the ideal destination for your trip to Hue.

>> Check out other hotels in Hue at: https://www.Mytour.vn/khach-san/hue

3D2N Hue Sightseeing Itinerary

Day 1: Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue Imperial City

- Ngọ Môn Gate: With nearly two centuries of history, Ngọ Môn Gate has evolved into an invaluable masterpiece of ancient architecture. Facing south towards the imperial city, it is divided into 5 entrances: the central gate reserved for the Emperor, two gates on each side for civil and military mandarins, and the remaining two gates for soldiers and elephants. Above Ngọ Môn Gate lies the Five Phoenix Pavilion, constructed from ironwood, consisting of 2 floors and 9 roofs, with the central roof painted yellow and the rest green, serving as the venue for grand royal ceremonies of ancient dynasties.

Ngọ Môn Gate - A masterpiece of Nguyen architecture (@tung_ovaltine)

- Thái Hòa Palace and the Great Court: Thái Hòa Palace and the Great Court symbolize the power of the Nguyen dynasty and the authority of the nation. It is where important court ceremonies such as coronations, royal birthdays, receptions of envoys, and grand court meetings take place.

Capturing the exterior of Thái Hòa Palace (@thuongcesc_4)

- Dien Tho Palace: Former residence of the Queen Mother and Empress Dowager. Today, Dien Tho Palace remains the largest remaining architectural complex in the Imperial City of Hue, comprising Dien Tho Palace, Ninh Tho Palace, Truong Du Pavilion, Phuoc Tho Pavilion, and Tinh Minh Tower.

- Forbidden Purple City: Situated behind Thái Hòa Palace, the living quarters of the King and the royal family. The Forbidden Purple City consists of several palaces such as:

+ Can Chanh Palace: Venue for royal ceremonies and banquets.

+ Can Thanh Palace: Royal dining and resting place.

+ Khon Thai Palace: Located north of Can Thanh Palace, consisting of Khon Thai Palace, Trinh Minh Palace, etc., the residence of the Queen Consort and concubines of the Inner Court.

+ Thai Binh Pavilion: Constructed from 1919 to 1921, a place for the King to read books and relax.

Additionally, there are Duyet Thi Duong, Kien Trung Palace, Ta Vu and Huu Vu, etc.

- Hien Lam Pavilion: The tallest structure in the Imperial City, serving as a memorial monument commemorating the achievements of past kings and distinguished officials. No structure within the Imperial City surpasses the height of Hien Lam Pavilion.

Hien Lam Pavilion adorned with moss, ancient (@k.h.a.n.h_v.a.n)

- Nine Peaks: 9 bronze peaks placed in front of Hien Lam Pavilion, facing The Ancestral Shrine. These are treasures cast symbolically representing the eternal dynasty of the Nguyen, demonstrating the authority and power of the ruler.

- The Ancestral Shrine (The Mieu): Where the kings of the Nguyen dynasty are honored.

Hien Lam Pavilion, Nine Peaks, and The Ancestral Shrine are an inseparable architectural ensemble, always mentioned together, interconnected from architecture to symbolic significance.

If you're visiting Hue Imperial City on a Saturday, stay until the evening to participate in the reenactment of ancient royal rituals in the captivating program 'Imperial Night.' Moreover, you'll have the special opportunity to admire the shimmering beauty of Hue Imperial Citadel illuminated at night.

After concluding our tour of Hue Imperial City, we returned to the hotel for a brief rest before heading out for dinner and exploring the city's night scene at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street. Situated alongside the Perfume River and Trang Tien Bridge, this destination is beloved by locals and tourists alike for its enticing street food, unique cultural activities, and vibrant souvenir shops showcasing the essence of Hue.

Day two: Tomb of Tu Duc - Tomb of Minh Mang - Tomb of Khai Dinh - Ancient Town of Bao Vinh

Our plan for the second day is to visit the tomb complex of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. After breakfast, we'll set out to explore the prominent tomb sites of the Nguyen dynasty, including the Tomb of Tu Duc (Khiem Tomb), the Tomb of Minh Mang (Hieu Tomb), and the Tomb of Khai Dinh (Ung Tomb).

- Tomb of Tu Duc (Khiem Tomb)

A tranquil corner within the Tomb of Tu Duc (@oohlameo)

Address: 7/69 Le Ngo Cat, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm

Ticket price: 150,000 VND per person

The Tomb of Tu Duc is the most beautiful tomb complex in the Nguyen dynasty's system of tombs. As the king was inclined towards literature and romance, he had this tomb complex built in a location blessed with picturesque landscapes, abundant with various birds, and lush vegetation. During his reign, this was where King Tu Duc often came for fishing, sightseeing, composing poetry, and enjoying music.

- Tomb of Minh Mang (Hieu Tomb)

Transform into a Hue beauty queen at the Tomb of Minh Mang (@gin.cestmoi)

Address: National Highway 49, Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province

Opening hours: 6:30am - 5:30pm

Ticket price: 150,000 VND per person

The Minh Mang Tomb complex is situated on Cam Ke Mountain, comprising 40 large and small structures symmetrically arranged along a 700-meter-long axis along the Divine Road. The majestic and splendid palace system, citadels, grandiose temples, surrounded by mountains, forests, and rivers, create a space that is both solemn and romantic.

- Tomb of Khai Dinh (Ung Tomb)

Graceful ao dai stands out in the majestic space of the Khai Dinh Tomb (@gin.cestmoi)

Address: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province

Opening hours: 7:00am - 5:30pm

Ticket price: 150,000 VND per person

The Khai Dinh Tomb boasts the most unique architecture, blending Eastern and Western architectural styles, influenced by various impressive architectural trends from around the world such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Roman, Gothic... It was constructed and completed over a period of 11 years. The construction materials of the Khai Dinh Tomb were all modern types imported from France during that period, including iron, steel, cement, Ardoise,... The decorative reliefs in the three central chambers of the Thien Dinh Palace are made of porcelain and colored glass imported from China and Japan. It can be said that the Khai Dinh Tomb fully embodies the desire to build a completely innovative tomb compared to the predecessors of King Khai Dinh.

After the tour, we returned to the hotel to change clothes and continued our journey to Bao Vinh Ancient Town. Bao Vinh used to be a bustling trading port of the Dai Viet region during the 15th - 17th centuries. Today, Bao Vinh Ancient Town preserves only a few ancient houses dating back 150 - 200 years old, containing valuable historical and cultural treasures related to the golden era of Hue Imperial City.

Day three: Dong Ba Market

On our last day, we visited Dong Ba Market to buy gifts for our family and friends.

Local cuisine delights at Dong Ba Market (@i.m.nhung)

Dong Ba Market is a large 3-story market located in the center of Hue City, stretching from Gia Hoi Bridge to Truong Tien Bridge, with thousands of stalls selling everything from fabrics, clothing, handicrafts to various specialties of Hue such as dried seafood, fish sauce, and local cakes. Some specialties you can buy as gifts include pickled shrimp, sesame candy, and fermented pork roll (nem)...

If you want to enjoy traditional local dishes at the food stalls in the market, it's best to go after 3 pm, when Dong Ba Market is most crowded and bustling.

After shopping, we returned to the hotel to pack our things and check out before heading to the airport. This marks the end of our 3-day, 2-night Hue trip.

Delicacies of Hue

Based on my travel experience in Hue, here are some local specialties you shouldn't miss when visiting Hue:

- Rice with baby clams: A famous specialty of Hue cuisine. Rice with baby clams is made from cold rice mixed with stir-fried baby clams, added with clam broth, fermented shrimp paste, cabbage, lard cubes, grilled rice paper, ... along with a few other ingredients.

- Hue Beef Noodle Soup: Consists of main ingredients such as rice vermicelli, beef shank, pork knuckle, sausage, and a characteristic red broth made from beef bones simmered to create the unique flavor of Hue beef noodle soup.

- Ram it cake: A dish originating from the common people, later becoming a familiar dish in the Hue royal court. Ram it cake is a combination of two types of cakes made from glutinous rice flour: ram cake and it cake. These two types of cakes, both rich and chewy, are crispy and elastic when dipped in traditional sweet and sour fish sauce, so there is no feeling of greasiness. Ram it cake is truly a delicious treat that delights travelers far and wide.

Rice with Baby Clams

- Lotus Seed and Longan Sweet Soup: A refined dessert made from lotus seeds harvested from Tinh Tam Lake. The lotus seeds are steamed until soft, then cooked with rock sugar or brown sugar until lightly boiled to allow the sweet flavor of the sugar to infuse into the lotus seeds. To make a delicious pot of sweet soup, the cook must pay attention to maintaining the right level of heat, gently stirring constantly, and cooking for the appropriate amount of time to ensure that the lotus seeds are tender but not too soft, retaining the natural fragrant aroma of the lotus.

- Grilled Pork-Stuffed Tapioca Cake Sweet Soup: An unusual dish, made from grilled pork, cut into squares, and wrapped in sticky rice flour, then cooked with boiled sugar water to make a sweet soup. Because it has both salty and sweet flavors, the dish does not feel greasy.

This itinerary suggestion for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Hue will be very useful for those who enjoy traveling independently to have control over their sightseeing and leisure activities. Advice for saving time booking services is to use a Hue travel combo that includes both flight tickets and hotel accommodation. If you're new to Hue and not confident in your ability to travel independently, you can book all-inclusive Hue tours to have a trip prepared from A to Z!

>> Must-know tips for traveling to Hue

Wishing you all a wonderful journey!

Thanh Ha Village

Photo sources: Internet & Instagram