What to Do in Hué in 2 Days? My Itinerary

Many tourists only spend one day in Hué, often squeezed between Da Nang and Hoi An. However, with its imperial heritage, majestic tombs, and hidden gems, a single day is simply not enough to truly appreciate the city.

After several visits and different approaches, I’d say a day and a half is enough to see the essentials without rushing. With a bit more time, you can also explore the surrounding countryside and discover less-visited spots, all while keeping a good pace.

So here’s my optimized itinerary to make the most of Hué in 48 hours, without wasting time and while fully experiencing the unique atmosphere of the former imperial capital.

Day 1: The Essentials of Hué’s Imperial History

Hué is, above all, about its imperial past. You can’t visit the city without exploring the sites that tell its story. This first day is dedicated to the must-sees, and it’s best to plan your itinerary efficiently, as the distances between sites can be long.

Morning: Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda

I started the day at the Imperial City of Hué, the historic heart of the city. It took at least three hours to explore it properly without rushing. The ruins were impressive, but much of it had been destroyed during the war. Even though it wasn’t as grand as it once was, it remained an absolute must-visit.

Note that you can get a combined ticket that includes the Imperial City and 2 or 3 tombs, which helps you save money. That’s what I did, and you can buy this ticket directly at the entrance of the Imperial City.

Next, I headed to Thien Mu Pagoda, about 15 minutes away by scooter. Perched on the banks of the Perfume River, it was one of Hué’s most famous landmarks. The octagonal tower was particularly photogenic, and the atmosphere remained peaceful, especially in the late morning. The visit didn’t take long—45 minutes to an hour—but it was a great stop before moving on.

Midday: Local Lunch Break

For lunch, no hesitation—I had a Bún Bò Huế, the city’s signature dish, just like Cao Lầu in Hoi An. If you want some variety, local specialties like bánh bèo, bánh nậm, and bánh lọc are also a great option.

I stopped at Madam Thu 2, one of the best restaurants in Hué, which also has a terrace overlooking the street—a great bonus.

Afternoon: The Imperial Tombs

The afternoon is dedicated to the imperial tombs, which are located outside the city center. To save time, it’s best to rent a scooter or hire a private driver.

I recommend visiting two of the three main tombs:

• Tu Duc Tomb – The most picturesque, with gardens and a peaceful lake. If you enjoy tranquil places, this is the one for you.
• Minh Mang Tomb – Well-preserved and perfectly symmetrical. If you want to see an impressive imperial tomb, this is the best choice.
• Khai Dinh Tomb – Completely different from the others, with a mix of Vietnamese and European styles. The interior is extravagantly decorated, almost kitsch, but fascinating.

Each tomb takes about 45 minutes to 1h30 to explore, plus travel time between them. The best combinations for efficiency are Minh Mang ( The choice I made ) and Khai Dinh or Tu Duc and Khai Dinh, as they are located along routes that minimize travel time.

Evening: Night Walking Street and Riverside Stroll

After a full day, I ended the evening with a relaxed stroll through Hué’s night walking street (only open on weekends, so if you come during the week… too bad for you!).

It’s the perfect place to try some local snacks, buy souvenirs, enjoy great restaurants, party, or simply watch local life unfold. Then, I took a short walk along the Perfume River, passing by the illuminated Truong Tien Bridge—a great way to end the day peacefully.

Day 2: Off the Beaten Path

After a busy first day exploring Hué’s imperial history, I dedicated the second day to lesser-known but equally fascinating places. In Hué, attractions are often spread out, so it’s best to plan your route carefully to avoid wasting time on the road.

Morning: Thanh Toan Covered Bridge & Incense Village

I started the day by heading towards Thanh Toan Covered Bridge, located in the countryside, about 15 minutes by scooter from the center of Hué. This small wooden bridge, far less touristy than the Imperial City, crosses a canal and offers a beautiful view of local life. Right next to it, there is a small market where locals sell fresh produce and a small museum. It’s the kind of place where I like to take my time, away from the crowds.

Before reaching the bridge, you’ll pass through vast rice fields. After the visit, I recommend taking a stroll around the village where the bridge is located.

Next, I headed to Thuy Xuan Incense Village, known for its colorful incense sticks that create a picture-perfect setting. You can watch artisans at work and even try making incense yourself. The visit doesn’t take long—30 to 45 minutes—but it’s a great stop before lunch.

Midday: Local Lunch & Break Before Urban Exploration

I took advantage of being outside the city center to try a more local restaurant, away from the touristy streets. After enjoying Bún Bò Huế, I decided to try other specialties, like Cơm Hến (rice with baby clams).

Afternoon: Urban Exploration at Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park

If you enjoy unusual places, I highly recommend visiting Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park. Left in ruins for years, this park has become a cult spot for urban explorers and photography enthusiasts. With its massive decaying dragon statue, overgrown water slides, and empty pools, the atmosphere is truly surreal.

Access is sometimes restricted, but if you ask a guard nicely, you can usually get in. Just be discreet and respectful of the site. The visit takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on whether you want to explore everything in detail or just check out the giant dragon.

• Note that it is currently being renovated to be turned into a park. It is still accessible.

Evening: Last Night in Hué

To end the day on a relaxing note, I attended a traditional show on the Perfume River. Some boats offer small concerts featuring royal court music and Vietnamese singing. It’s a bit touristy, but still a nice cultural experience if you want one last touch of local tradition before leaving the city.

My Opinion

In two days, I had enough time to see the essentials of Hué, combining historical sites and more unique experiences. If you enjoy history and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s definitely worth spending at least two full days here.

For most travelers, a day and a half is enough. If you’re short on time, you can head to Da Nang or Hoi An in the afternoon of the second day.