Hidden Ancient Capital in Central Vietnam! 6 Must-Visit Spots in Hue for a Day Trip

On my second trip to Vietnam, I dedicated half a day to exploring Hue—the last ancient capital of Vietnam. This city holds the century-old charm of the Nguyen Dynasty, and from dawn to dusk, it was full of surprises! Starting at 8 AM and returning to the hotel at 9 PM, I managed to visit six attractions in a packed yet incredibly satisfying itinerary. [1] Hue Imperial City: Known as the "Little Forbidden City," the Nguyen Dynasty modeled this after Beijing's Forbidden City. The red walls and yellow tiles reflect traditional Chinese architectural influences. Locals dressed in Ao Dai can often be seen taking photos here, creating a perfect blend of traditional attire and ancient architecture. Though smaller in scale compared to the Forbidden City, it takes about two hours to explore thoroughly. Afterward, you can recharge with a bowl of Vietnamese pho nearby. [2] Tu Duc Tomb: Among the three royal tombs included in the combo ticket, this one is the most majestic! The wooden carvings in the sleeping palace, the colorful paintings in the theater, and the reflections in the lotus pond all preserve the exquisite craftsmanship of the past. Walking through the garden feels like stepping back into the Nguyen Dynasty era. One hour is enough to enjoy it leisurely without rushing. [3] Khai Dinh Tomb: The most "unique" of the three royal tombs! Built later than the others, it combines Vietnamese and French styles—Vietnamese traditional carvings under French-style domes, Italian ceramic tiles paired with Western-style railings and reliefs, creating a distinctive aesthetic. It's also the most photogenic tomb. With its smaller size, you can explore it in just half an hour. [4] Minh Mang Tomb: This tomb has a more understated style, resembling a serene Jiangnan garden. Stone statues of people and animals line the paths neatly, making it a quiet place to relax. However, compared to the other two tombs, it offers less to see. If your schedule is tight, this can be skipped. [5] An Dinh Palace: The residence of the last emperor exudes an exotic vibe! The two-story mansion is full of French romanticism, with iron railings and colorful stained glass windows that evoke the charm of a European town. The French-style garden behind the palace is a perfect spot for photos. You can explore it thoroughly in 30-40 minutes. [6] Thien Mu Pagoda: The oldest temple in Hue, its layered pagoda towers are incredibly impressive, and the gold-leafed roofs shimmer under the sunlight. Make sure to arrive an hour before sunset; after exploring, you can head to the Perfume River to watch the sunset turn the water a warm red hue—a truly divine moment! 🎫 Tickets: The combo ticket for the Imperial City and three royal tombs is the best deal, and you can buy it on-site without needing a reservation. An Dinh Palace requires a separate ticket, while Thien Mu Pagoda is free to enter. The ticket costs are very reasonable.