Is 1 day in Hue enough?
If you’re travelling through Vietnam, Hue is usually just one stop on a bigger trip, so you have to decide how much time to give it. The city is packed with stunning historical sights you could spend days exploring, but you won’t cover them all in 24 hours — and that’s fine.
With a smart plan, you can see the real showstoppers and still feel like you’ve experienced the best of Hue. For most travellers, a single day is enough to get a taste of its imperial history and unique food scene. But if you’re the type who likes to dig deep into every palace, tomb, and museum, you’ll definitely want to linger longer.
Hue as a day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang
It’s possible to visit Hue as a day trip from Hoi An or Da Nang, but you’ll spend a big chunk of your time on the road. The easiest and most efficient way is by joining a tour or hiring a private car with driver, which lets you stop at a few scenic spots along the way without worrying about logistics. You can also take the scenic train from Da Nang — the ride is beautiful, especially over the Hai Van Pass — but it eats into your time in Hue, leaving you with just a few hours to explore.
From Hoi An, the journey takes around 3–4 hours each way; from Da Nang, about 2.5–3.5 hours. That’s why day trips can feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to see more than just the Imperial City. If you can, plan to spend at least one night in Hue so you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing without racing the clock.
Hue Historic City Tour from Hoi An or Da Nang
- Highlights: Imperial City, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, Lap An Lagoon.
- Experience: Day trip with local guide, door-to-door from Hoi An or Da Nang.
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Tip: Scenic road to Hue
If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, the drive between Da Nang or Hoi An and Hue can be a trip in itself. Instead of taking the tunnel, follow the old coastal road over the Hai Van Pass — a winding mountain route with panoramic sea views, misty hills, and plenty of photo stops. On the way, you can pass by Lang Co Beach, Lap An Lagoon, small fishing villages, quiet stretches of countryside, and even beaches where you can stop for a drink or lunch. This route works perfectly if you’re transferring between cities, turning a simple journey into one of the most scenic parts of your Vietnam trip.
Pro tip: Hue in 1 Day by tour
If you’ve only got one day in Hue, you don’t want to waste half of it figuring out transport, haggling with taxi drivers, or scrolling on your phone to check what’s worth seeing next. That’s why we recommend doing the itinerary below as part of a guided tour — it’s designed to cover the city’s biggest highlights in a logical route, so you spend more time exploring and less time in transit.
A group tour is a good budget-friendly choice, while a private tour gives you the flexibility to tweak the itinerary to your interests. Either way, having a local guide means you’ll get the historical context that brings each palace, pagoda, and tomb to life, while someone else handles all the logistics.
Itinerary of Hue in 1 Day
If you follow this itinerary for 1 day in Hue, you’ll move smoothly between the city’s highlights without wasting time backtracking. It starts with a peaceful morning on the Perfume River, moves through Hue’s most famous imperial landmarks, and ends with a relaxed evening by the water.
1. Dragon boat ride on the Perfume River
Start your morning at Toa Kham Wharf in central Hue, where colourful dragon boats line up along the Perfume River. This gentle cruise is a calm introduction to the city, offering views of riverside gardens, bridges, and life along the water. It’s also the most scenic way to reach your first major stop, Thien Mu Pagoda.
Boats usually leave regularly in the morning, and the ride takes about 20–30 minutes. You can buy tickets at the pier or arrange the trip through your hotel. Sit on the open deck for the best views, but bring a hat or sunscreen — the morning sun in Hue can be strong even before noon.
2. Thien Mu Pagoda
Rising above the riverbank, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of Hue’s most recognisable landmarks and a must for any Hue in 1 day itinerary. Built in 1601, it’s famous for its seven-tiered Phuoc Duyen Tower, a giant bronze bell, and the Austin car linked to monk Thich Quang Duc’s protest in 1963.
Once your boat docks at the base, a short climb up the stone steps brings you into the pagoda grounds. Most visitors spend 20–30 minutes here before continuing on. From the pagoda, it’s best to take a taxi or Grab straight to the Imperial City — about 10 minutes by car.
3. Hue Imperial City
The heart of Hue’s UNESCO-listed heritage, the Imperial City was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty for more than a century. Inside its moats and walls, you’ll find grand gates, palaces, temples, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City. If time is tight, focus on the Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, the Forbidden Purple City, and the To Mieu Temple Complex.
Plan for 2–3 hours here, as the grounds are large. Pro tip: Exit through the east gate when you’re done — from here, it’s an easy walk (about 10 minutes) to Dong Ba Market, passing the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities along the way if you’d like a quick look.
4. Dong Ba Market
Hue’s largest and oldest market, Dong Ba Market is a lively mix of food stalls, fabric vendors, and household goods. It’s a great place to grab a snack, browse local produce, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
If you’ve walked from the Imperial City, you’ll arrive at the main riverside entrance. Mornings are busiest with grocery shoppers, but late morning to early afternoon is easier for browsing. Allow 30–40 minutes here, then take a taxi or Grab to your next stop — the Tomb of Minh Mang, about 12 km away.
5. Tomb of Minh Mang
Known for its perfect symmetry and peaceful setting, Minh Mang’s tomb is one of Hue’s most impressive imperial sites. Built in the 1840s, it features landscaped lakes, courtyards, and ornate temples laid out along a central axis.
From Dong Ba Market, the taxi ride takes around 25–30 minutes. Spend at least 45 minutes exploring before moving on. The next stop, Khai Dinh’s tomb, is about 20 minutes away by car, so it makes sense to visit them in one loop.
6. Tomb of Khai Dinh
Khai Dinh’s tomb stands out for its unusual mix of Vietnamese and European influences. Dark stone terraces and steep staircases lead to the lavish Thien Dinh Palace, decorated with colourful mosaics, painted ceilings, and gold details.
Be prepared for a climb — there are over 100 steps to the top — but the intricate interior is worth it. Most visitors spend about 30–40 minutes here before heading back into the city for the evening.
7. Hue walking street (weekends)
If your 1 day in Hue falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, make time for the pedestrianised walking street in the city centre. It’s lined with restaurants, bars, and small shops, creating a lively atmosphere for your final night in the city.
Even on weekdays, the same area is still a good choice for dinner or a drink. It’s within easy walking distance of the river promenade, so you can combine both for a relaxed evening.
8. Evening walk along Perfume River
End your day with a gentle stroll along the Perfume River promenade. The Truong Tien Bridge is lit with changing colours at night, and you’ll find plenty of benches to sit and watch the river traffic.
It’s a peaceful way to reflect on your 1 day in Hue before heading back to your hotel — and a reminder that the city’s charm isn’t just in its historic sites, but also in its slower pace after dark.
Overview of 1 Day in Hue
| Time | Activity / Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 08:00 – 08:15 | Toa Kham Wharf | Arrive early to get tickets for the dragon boat. |
| 08:15 – 08:45 | Dragon boat ride on the Perfume River | Scenic cruise to Thien Mu Pagoda. |
| 08:45 – 09:15 | Thien Mu Pagoda | Explore pagoda grounds and tower; taxi to Imperial City. |
| 09:30 – 12:00 | Hue Imperial City | Focus on main highlights; exit via east gate. |
| 12:00 – 12:40 | Dong Ba Market | Lunch or snacks; browse stalls. |
| 12:40 – 13:10 | Taxi to Tomb of Minh Mang | ~12 km from city centre. |
| 13:10 – 14:00 | Tomb of Minh Mang | Symmetrical layout and peaceful setting. |
| 14:00 – 14:20 | Travel to Tomb of Khai Dinh | ~20 minutes by car. |
| 14:20 – 15:00 | Tomb of Khai Dinh | Steep steps, ornate palace interior. |
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Return to city centre | Taxi or Grab. |
| 15:30 – 17:00 | Free time / rest at hotel | Optional coffee or shopping. |
| 17:00 – 18:30 | Hue walking street (weekends) or dinner nearby | Evening atmosphere and food options. |
| 18:30 – 19:30+ | Evening walk along Perfume River | Bridge lights and riverside ambience. |
Alternative sights
Even with a well-planned 1 day in Hue, there’s always more to see. If you want to switch things up, it’s best to choose sights close to the city centre or along the same routes in the main itinerary so you’re not wasting time in traffic.
For travellers with extra days, we have a full list of the Best Temples, Pagodas & Tombs in Hue, but here are a few easy swaps or add-ons to consider.
Alternative tombs or add-on sight
If you’d like to change the flow of your Hue in 1 day itinerary, you can replace one of the main tombs with the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. This large, scenic complex has lakes, gardens, and pavilions, plus the rare Minh Khiem Theatre overlooking the water. Its location is closer to the city than Minh Mang’s tomb, making it a practical swap.
Just down the road is Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village, famous for its bright, colourful incense bundles and long tradition dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty.
Pro tip: If you’re an efficient traveller who doesn’t linger too long at each stop, you can even add Tu Duc’s tomb and Thuy Xuan village at the end of your day after visiting Khai Dinh’s tomb. It will make the schedule tighter, but still doable — just be sure to keep an eye on the time so you’re not rushing through the last sights.
Off-the-beaten-path spots
Some travellers enjoy seeing the main highlights first, then using the rest of their one day in Hue to explore quieter or less touristy locations. These spots offer a different side of the city and can be combined with the main itinerary if planned well.
- Hue Abandoned Water Park – A surreal, overgrown park with dragon sculptures and empty pools, popular with photographers and urban explorers. Officially closed, but often informally accessible.
- Mausoleum of Emperor Gia Long – The oldest Nguyen dynasty tomb, set in a peaceful rural location with great views. Best for those with private transport.
- Ho Quyen Arena – A circular stone arena where elephant and tiger fights were once staged, with crumbling stands you can still climb.
- Thanh Toan Bridge – A covered wooden bridge in a village setting, often paired with a visit to the small market nearby.
- An Dinh Palace – An early 20th-century residence mixing European and Vietnamese architecture, right in the city.
- Countryside cycling routes – Slow down and see Hue’s rural side, with rice paddies, temples, and village life along quiet backroads.
Tips for 1 Day in Hue
These tips will help you make the most of a short visit, whether you follow our itinerary exactly or mix in some alternative stops.
Go by local guide
If you only have 1 day in Hue, a good local guide can make a big difference. Many of the imperial sites are visually stunning, but without context you’ll miss much of their history and symbolism. You can still enjoy them on your own, but a guide can bring the stories of emperors, dynasties, and architecture to life.
Travelling between sights without a tour
Taxi or Grab
Taxi or Grab (booked through the app with an upfront fare) work well for central sights like the Imperial City and Dong Ba Market. If you’re going to Minh Mang or Khai Dinh, make sure your driver agrees to wait — these tombs are remote, and finding a new taxi or Grab there can be difficult.
Car with driver
Hiring a car with driver for the day is one of the most efficient ways to follow your Hue in 1 day plan. The driver takes you between sights, waits while you visit, and you pay a fixed price for the agreed itinerary — no meter running like with taxis. This also avoids the hassle of finding new rides at remote locations like the imperial tombs. You can read our full guide to renting a car with driver in Vietnam for details on booking, prices, and recommended providers.
Motorbike
If you have experience, renting a motorbike is an adventurous and flexible way to get around. But for first-time riders in Vietnam, the traffic and unfamiliar roads can be risky.
Buy a combo ticket
You can buy a combo ticket that covers the Imperial City and multiple tombs at a discounted price. The easiest time to get it is when you enter the Imperial City — it’s cheaper than buying separate tickets later in the day.
Have internet on your phone
If you’re doing 1 day Hue on your own, you’ll need internet to book Grab rides, check maps, and quickly research places as you go. You can read our guide on getting a Vietnamese SIM card, or — if your phone supports it — check our recommendations for the best eSIMs in Vietnam.
Where to stay in Hue
If you only have 1 day in Hue, stay in the city centre. Being too far out in the countryside wastes precious time on transfers. The main tourist area is directly across the Perfume River from the Imperial City, near the walking streets, with lots of hotels, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance.
More days in Hue
If you have extra time, see our guide to Hue in 2 days for more ideas. It includes day trips to Phong Nha, the DMZ, and Bach Ma National Park, plus lesser-known sites in Hue that most visitors miss.
