Are you thinking about visiting Hue, Vietnam? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Hue worth visiting?
Yes, it's worth visiting this city for one to three days because of the many great activities. 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. We first visited in the fall of 2009 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its amazing Vietnamese restaurants and fascinating cultural sites.
Royal Palace, Hue, Vietnam
Reasons to Visit Hue
Museums
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.
Food
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.
Historical Sights
As the former imperial capital, you'll see many temples and historical sites in the city.
Shopping
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.
Nightlife
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.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hue might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Hue here or see if Hue is expensive here.
Is Hue worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the low season for travel in Hue. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 29°C (85°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, browse around the old town, and enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 29°C (85°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 29°C (85°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| September | 28°C (82°F) | 331 mm (13 in) |
Is Hue worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Hue. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 25°C (78°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience the historic old town and the museums and landmarks.
Autumn Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 25°C (78°F) | 613 mm (24.1 in) |
| November | 24°C (76°F) | 376 mm (14.8 in) |
| December | 23°C (73°F) | 223 mm (8.8 in) |
Is Hue worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 22°C (71°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.
The peak season for travel is winter in Hue, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, sample the delicious cuisine, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to enjoy an evening out.
Winter Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 22°C (71°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| February | 23°C (73°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| March | 24°C (75°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
Is Hue worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Hue. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 26°C (80°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.
Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you can experience the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Hue
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 26°C (80°F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) |
| May | 29°C (83°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| June | 30°C (85°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Hue
Not As Romantic
For couples, this destination does not have a great vibe for romance compared to other places.
Related
What is Hue most famous for?
Hue is most famous for its imperial buildings and political history as the country's historic capital. The city is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Also, it's known for nightlife. It is often described as ancient, imperial, cultural, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Hue?
The most popular sight in Hue is Imperial City. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hue on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Imperial City and other attractions here.
How touristy is Hue? Is it a popular city to visit?
Hue is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- 2,5 hours walking tour inside Hue Imperial city: $35
- Hue City Private Tour: $95
- Half-Day Guided Street Food Walking Tour at Hue: $33
- 2 Day Motorbike Tour from Hue to Hoi An by Mister T Easy Rider: $160
- Hue to Hoi An Motorbike Tour: $74
- Hue Imperial City Walking Tour 2.5 Hours: $27
- Hue City Motorbike Tour Full Day to Countryside & Heritage Sites: $49
- Private Tour via Hai Van Pass from Hue to Hoi An or vice versa: $55
How long should I spend in Hue?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Hue is one to three days. Since Hue has activities such as museums, dining, historical sights, and shopping, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hue? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hue?.
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