Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hue?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hue?
Many visitors spend one to three days in Hue during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and shopping.
Huế is located in central Vietnam along the Perfume River. It was the country's capital during the mid 1700s and again during the 1800s when it was home to the Nguyen Dynasty. The Imperial City is filled with palaces and temples, and the city itself is rich in history and culture.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Hue? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Hue?
Three days provides ample opportunity to explore the entirety of Hue at your own pace to experience the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and shopping. Then you can use this city as a convenient base for venturing into smaller destinations nearby where you'll discover exciting day trip options.
How to spend 3 days in Hue
Don't miss Imperial City during your trip to Hue, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this city, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. Local dishes were once served to the city's emperors, but today you'll find them in restaurants and food stalls. Dishes are either sweet or spicy with lemongrass, basil, chilies, and mint herbs mixed in. Soups and grilled meats are popular such as bun bo hue and nem lui.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hue Flavor Street Food Tour ($50)
- Hue Street Food Tour At Night By Scooter ($49)
- Hue Specialty Food Cooking Class ($39)
Hue is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. Many of the sights can be reached on foot and the city is relatively compact.
Plenty of amazing museums and famous landmarks make Hue a special place to visit. Spend at least one full day visiting the sights that are appealing to you. It's an ancient city that is filled with many sights from its imperial past. The Imperial City in Hue is the city's most important attraction. Other sights include the Thai Hoa Palace, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Royal Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 3-Hour Hue Royal Palace Small Group Guided Walking Tour ($23)
- 3 Hour Guided Sightseeing of Hue Imperial Palace ($25)
- Hue city tour for King Palace and royal tombs then taste local food like locals ($70)
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. For the best nightlife, many visitors head to the Western Area, particularly around the streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau. Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is another popular area for nightlife in Hue.
Public transit in Hue is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. Cyclos, motorbikes, and local bus are the most common ways to get around the city.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.
A few tour suggestions include:
- 2,5 hours walking tour inside Hue Imperial city ($35)
- Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City ($20)
- Private Walking Tour of Hue Imperial City ($34)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hue.
Is 4 days enough time in Hue?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Hue has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Hue as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the museums and landmarks, the historic old town, and the restaurant scene at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for backpackers. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
Royal Palace, Hue, Vietnam
How to spend 4 days in Hue
With 4 days in Hue, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in Hue is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. The city has many local markets where you can find traditional and authentic handicrafts. Some of the most interesting things to purchase at the markets include silk paintings, antiques, and lacquerware.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hue.
Is 5 days enough time in Hue?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to Hue, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. The museums and landmarks, the historic old town, the restaurant scene, and shopping on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel or use Hue as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding areas.
How to spend 5 days in Hue
If you have more than 5 days in Hue, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of Hue, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Hue Citadel day trip ($55)
- Hue city tour - Day Trip ($85)
- TRAVEL WITH DRIVER: Day trip to Phong Nha ($152)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Hue.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Hue, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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