24 Hours In Hue: Your ultimate one-day itinerary

7 A.M – 7:30 A.M: A street food breakfast

People like to start a day in Hue with a bowl of Bun Bo Hue. A tender pork leg and some slices of beef, along with all the garnishes, everything comes together to complement the complexity of the broth, which, in the case of a good bowl of Bun Bo Hue, is sweet, spicy, and savory at the same time. 

• Bun Bo Hue: 35,000+ VND/bowl
• Address: 47 Nguyen Cong Tru

7:30 A.M – 8:30 A.M: Sip a morning cup of coffee, like a true Hue resident

Nothing knocks the sleepiness out of you better than a cup of creamy coffee. A small note, Hue coffee is quite strong in flavor. To begin with, the milk coffee here is quite sweet, as it’s heavily inspired by Ban Me coffee – Buon Ma Thuot. There is also the typical sweet and spicy flavor of Hue coffee so be sure to take small sips or drink it with ice.

• Salt Coffee: 15,000 VND/ cup
• Address: 142 Dang Thai Than, Thuan Hoa

8:30 A.M – 10 A.M: Dai Noi, Thien Mu Pagoda

In the last few years, a lot of the ancient tourist sites in Hue have undergone refurbishment. Therefore, this is the perfect time to visit places such as Dai Noi or Thien Mu Pagoda so that you can get yourself some amazing-looking pictures.

Fantastic spots for some fantastic-looking photos: 

• Đại Nội Main Entrance - Main Entrance of the Imperial City
• Imperial City’s Main Entrance
• Main Entrance of Thien Mu Pagoda
• Red corridor in the Forbidden Purple City

10 A.M – 11 A.M: An Hien Garden House

An Hien Garden House is one of the oldest garden houses in Central Hue. Once the place reserved for princesses only, An Hien Garden House holds royal mysteries that might have been known by a very selected few. So come to An Hiên Garden House, try on traditional clothes from the late 19th century, enjoy a cup of tea in a beautiful garden and just live like an old royal for a while. 

Ticket: 50,000 VND / person

11 A.M – 12 P.M: Food tour in Dong Ba market

Dong Ba market is a true hub when it comes to shopping in the city center. But even more so, Dong Ba market is known for its food. There are tons of food stands with a wide variety of dishes that are super affordable, waiting to be tasted during your 24 hours in Hue!

You can try the following delicacies:

• 3 different types of banh beo, “nam & loc” - Phu Hoa spring rolls - Con Hen rice - Kim Long grilled meat vermicelli - five-color pudding and buy a cup of refreshing My Loi sugarcane juice to enjoy during the hot afternoon trip .
• Total: 100,000 VND/person

1 P.M – 3 P.M: Ho Thuy Tien Abandoned Water Park

“Ho Thuy Tien” is an abandoned water park sitting on Thiên An hill, just 10km away from downtown. It’s world-renowned for its mystique. The spot has attracted countless curious youngsters who love to test their courage and take stunning pictures. Visiting in the early afternoon is a plus: the photos taken will be more vibrant and easier to edit, but don’t forget to bring a hat, glasses and apply sunscreen thoroughly!

3 P.M – 4 P.M: Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh

The mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh is not only considered the most beautiful of mausoleums, but it also has many other "best”s  that visitors can’t help taking notice of when they spend a day in Hue. With extremely elaborate and splendidly designed architectural works, a sophisticated combination of East-West culture and architecture, this is the spot that many young people rely on for effortlessly beautiful pictures. 

• Ticket price: 100,000 VND / person
• Ideal color palette: Red, white, yellow

4 P.M – 5 P.M: Enjoy European-style tea party

Doesn’t it sound nice to reward yourself with some tea and sweet pastries, having run around all day, exploring Hue? Stop by Silk Path Grand Hue (No. 2, Lê Lợi street) to unwind and re-energize at the afternoon tea party. 

Tea + pastries: 150,000 VND/person

5 P.M – 7:30 P.M: Dinner on Hương River, stroll around Truong Tien bridge

For the longest time, Perfume River has been synonymous with Hue and its beauty.  In the evening, when the city lights up, the river glitters. Go on a cruise, enjoy Hue traditional dishes while being bathed in the lights and beauty of the Perfume River. Depending on the menu, the royal cuisine will be served while royal music is playing. After the boat trip, spend time strolling around Truong Tien Bridge, soaking in the beauty of the city in the dim light.

Price: From 300,000 VND / person / boat ticket + meal

7:30 P.M – 10 P.M: Enjoy the nightlife

The street that runs Pham Ngu Lao - Chu Van An - Vo Thi Sau has long been renovated, modernized, and turned into a more vibrant urban corner of Hue. There is a space for pedestrians, along with coffee shops, bars, street food stalls, etc. 

Some cool places for the night:

• Café: Gecko, Sweet Kingdom, T'House
• Pubs: Ta Vet, Serpent Bar, Aboss Bar, 912 Factory Bar, DMZ Bar