Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Thừa Thiên Huế – Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs & Scenic Spots

1. Thien Mu Pagoda – Seek Peace

A must-do in Hue is to walk to Thien Mu Pagoda which is found on the riverbank to the north of the Citadel, only a few kilometers away. It has received recognition as one of the main spiritual centers in Vietnam. Tourists have several ways to reach Hue, one is via a bicycle and another is by dragon boat across the Huong River. Since it was built in the year 1844, this building is recognized by some golden Buddha paintings. In addition, at the bottom you can see these portraits with a big bell and a stone turtle from the 17th century. Many monks call this holy place home and a lot of tourists also visit it.

• The restaurant is based in Hương Hòa, Thành phố Huế, Hương Hòa Thành phố Huế Thừa Thiên Huế 532761, Vietnam.
• Working hours are between 8 in the morning and 6 in the evening.

2. Dong Ba Market

If you’re not sure how to spend an evening in Hue, this is what to do. Shopping in the city of Hue is a wonderful activity when you want to do something new. Should you want to revisit Hue, Dong Ba Market is strongly suggested. There are countless traditional products and many other items crowding this market. It is often hard for tourists to leave the market, as they are right away surrounded by a large number of things. Traditional examples are Hien Luong scissors, Phu Cam conical hats, Ke Mon Jewellery, Phuoc Tich pottery, Nam Thuan sweets, Tinh Tam lotus and different kinds of bamboo. The market sells other dishes such as beef noodles, bean puddings, shrimp cakes, pancakes, clam rice and sour shrimps.

• 2 Trần Hưng Đạo, Phú Hoà, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam
• Opening hours are from 6 AM to 6 PM.

3. Ho Quyen

Ho Quyen is among the most appealing tourist spots in Hue. Climbing up the Ho Quyen which is the Tiger Fighter Arena, is one of the best ways to spend time in Hue. A tiger and an elephant battled against each other every year at this site. It was mostly used as a place to entertain and look after the Emperor as well as his high-level nobles. The most unfortunate thing about this place is that it is now ignored by a large number of tourists. Its design features 2 thick and round walls, an earthen mound in the centre and stairs on 2 sides, with one leading up to the Emperor’s level and the other for the court and citizens. Doing it is one of the top activities in Hue.

• Address: 373 Bùi Thị Xuân, Thủy Biều, Huế City, Hue Province, Vietnam.
• Open all the time

4. Brass Works

Learning about brass work is less well known in Hue City and observing the art is an uncommon thing to do. Everyone traveling should give this a try. Brass Works is worth visiting if you decide to see Tu Duc Tomb. The market makes brass items very accessible to interested buyers. Basic methods and tools are what make these fascinating brass artworks possible.

• Address: 17/69 Lê Ngô Cát, Thủy Xuân, Thành phố Huế, Thừa Thiên Hu, Vietnam.
• Work hours are from 7 AM till 5:30 PM.

5. Hue City 

Going out to see the city on two wheels is a great time in Hue. When you go on a bicycle tour, your visit becomes more exciting. Hue is also a great place in Vietnam to go cycling. One of the main benefits of cycling is that few vehicles are seen and the local people are not rushing which makes it easy for tourists to cover the entire city on a bicycle. The biking journey starts at the Huong River along Truong Tien Bridge and passes by many planes related to the American War, then enters the Citadel. Instead of simply going to local shops such as hairdressers, clothes shops and coffee shops, why not join a cycling tour that starts from Da Nang’s coast and climbs to Hai Van pass. In case you have only 1 day in Hue, then you should check these places out. Being unable to flip the pagoda inside out during any other Vietnamese visit, this is a rare experience in Hue.

6. New Space Arts Foundation

The New Space Art Foundation [NSAF], based in Hue city, was founded by twins Le Duc Hai and Le Ngoc Thanh, who have been working with art for over ten years. The purpose is to involve the general public in enjoying modern art.

• The paintings are located in Lại Thế, Phú Thượng, Phú Vang and Thừa Thiên Huế, Vietnam.
• Timings: NA

7.Posh Boutiques 

Posh Boutiques allows all users to buy, sell and express their individual style on the biggest social shopping site for fashion. Having both over two million seller stylists and many shoppers, Posh Boutiques unites a lively community every day to express themselves and show their passion for fashion. Should retail therapy not be a top experience in Hue, then what else would be?

• Hanoi Unique Hotel is at 28 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hue
• The opening hours are between 10 AM and 10 PM.

8. The Emperor’s Tomb

Because the Nguyen Dynasty ruled for so long, the Emperor’s Tomb represents a big part of the city’s history. You should make an effort to go here regardless of the cost. Tu Duc created a tomb for himself which has a lake and a small island inside. The Emperor chose to be buried somewhere different and in a secret place and so the location has never been known. Emperor died after this tomb had been completed.

• The place is located in Khải Định, Thủy Bằng, Hương Thủy, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000, Vietnam.
• The doors are open from 7 AM until 5:30 PM.

9.Thanh Toan Bridge 

You should make time to see the citadel if you visit Hue. Thanh Toan Bridge is a main reason people come to Hue. The oratory was built in the 18th century. Elements from Japanese and Chinese architecture can be seen in the bridge. The main role of the bridge is to bring together two remote villages in Hue. Most people mainly go to the bridge to take some pictures.

• Adress: Làng Thanh Thủy Chánh, Phú Vang, Thừa Thiên–Huế 536100, Vietnam.
• Round the clock operation: 24/7

10.. Bach Ma National Park

The elevation of Bach Ma National Park is 1450 metres above sea level. The weather is always cool at any time of the year. Nearly 100 villas are found in the depths of the biodiversity park, all surrounded by green plants. They were made by the French. Different areas are present across this park. Rainforests grow between 700 and 900 metres above sea level. However, the sub-tropical evergreen forest is found at 1000 metres.

• Phú Lộc, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam, is the location of Mang Cuong Temple.
• The restaurant is open day and night.

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