Is 2 days in Hue enough?
Many travellers only plan a single day in Hue, but stretching your stay to two days makes a big difference. With 48 hours, you can see the main imperial landmarks at a comfortable pace on the first day, then use the second for hidden gems, day trips, or more time at your favourite sites. A short visit works for those on tight schedules, but history lovers and slower travellers will find Hue far more rewarding with an extra day to explore. The city’s atmosphere is rooted in history and riverside charm rather than beaches or nightlife, so those extra hours are best spent soaking up its culture and heritage.
Overview of 2 Days in Hue
Day 1 – Imperial Highlights
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:00–08:30 | Dragon boat ride on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda |
| 08:30–09:00 | Visit Thien Mu Pagoda |
| 09:15–11:30 | Explore Hue Imperial City (option: exit via east gate and visit Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities) |
| 11:45–12:15 | Walk through Dong Ba Market |
| 12:15–13:30 | Lunch break in city |
| 13:30–14:30 | Tomb of Minh Mang |
| 14:45–15:30 | Tomb of Khai Dinh (or swap with Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc & Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village) |
| 15:45–17:00 | Optional: Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc & Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village (if time and pace allow) |
| 17:30–18:30 | Hue walking street (weekend) or riverside area for dinner |
| Evening | Stroll along Perfume River |
Day 2 – Choose your focus
- Option 1: More historical sights in Hue – Hue Abandoned Water Park, Mausoleum of Emperor Gia Long, Ho Quyen Arena, Thanh Toan Bridge, An Dinh Palace.
- Option 2: DMZ day trip – Hien Luong Bridge, Vinh Moc Tunnels, optional Khe Sanh Combat Base and other war sites.
- Option 3: Trekking in Bach Ma National Park – Do Quyen Waterfall, forest trails, viewpoints, cooler mountain climate.
- Option 4: Day trip to Phong Nha National Park – Paradise Cave, Phong Nha Cave; best with overnight stay if possible.
Itinerary of 2 days in Hue
If you follow this 2 days in Hue itinerary, you’ll make the most of your time in the city. It’s designed so you can see the essential imperial landmarks without rushing, while still leaving space for authentic local experiences.
Day 1 in Hue – Imperial Highlights
Your first day in Hue focuses on the must-see landmarks that define the city’s imperial history. You’ll travel by river, walk through the grand Imperial City, browse the bustling market, and visit two of the most famous royal tombs — with the option to add another if time allows.
Pro tip – Make the most of Day 1
We recommend booking a tour (group or private) for this day (it follows the exact same itinerary as below) so you can see the top sights without worrying about transport or navigating between them. A good guide will help you understand the history behind each stop, and a private tour lets you adjust the pace and order to your liking.
1. Dragon boat ride over the Perfume River
Start the day at Toa Kham Wharf, where colourful dragon boats wait along the Perfume River. The gentle dragon boat cruise is a peaceful introduction to Hue, with views of riverside gardens, bridges, and daily life along the water. It’s also the most scenic way to reach your first major stop — Thien Mu Pagoda.
Boats usually depart throughout the morning, but earlier is better to avoid the heat. The ride to the pagoda takes 20–30 minutes, and tickets can be bought at the pier or through your hotel. Sit on the open deck for the best views, and bring a hat or sunscreen as the river offers little shade.
2. Thien Mu Pagoda
Perched on a hill overlooking the river, Thien Mu is Hue’s oldest and most iconic pagoda. Founded in 1601, it’s known for the seven-tiered Phuoc Duyen Tower, a giant bronze bell, and the Austin car linked to monk Thich Quang Duc’s 1963 protest in Saigon.
When your boat docks, climb the stone steps to reach the pagoda grounds. Most visitors spend about 20–30 minutes here, enough to take in the main sights and enjoy the views. From the pagoda, take a taxi or Grab to your next stop — the Imperial City — about 10 minutes away.
3. Hue Imperial City
This UNESCO-listed complex was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty for more than a century. Inside the moats and walls are grand gates, ceremonial halls, temples, and the remains of the Forbidden Purple City. If time is short, focus on the Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, To Mieu Temple Complex, and the main sections of the Forbidden City.
Allow at least 2 hours to explore. Pro tip: Exit via the east gate when you’re done; from here you can walk about 10 minutes to Dong Ba Market, with the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities along the way if you’d like a quick look.
4. Dong Ba Market
Hue’s oldest and largest market is a lively maze of stalls selling everything from local snacks and produce to clothes and kitchenware. It’s an ideal place to grab lunch or a cold drink while soaking up the atmosphere.
If you walked from the Imperial City, you’ll enter via the riverside side of the market. Late morning to early afternoon is best for a less hectic browse, as early mornings are busiest with grocery shoppers. Spend about 30–40 minutes here before taking a taxi or Grab to your first tomb.
5. Tomb of Minh Mang
Built in the 1840s, Minh Mang’s tomb is famous for its symmetry and harmonious setting of lakes, bridges, and courtyards. The design reflects strict feng shui principles, creating a tranquil space that feels far removed from the city.
From Dong Ba Market, it’s about a 25–30 minute drive. Plan for at least 45 minutes here to walk the central axis from the Honour Courtyard to the Emperor’s resting place. The next stop, Khai Dinh’s tomb, is about 20 minutes away by car.
6. Tomb of Khai Dinh
This tomb contrasts sharply with earlier ones, combining Vietnamese and European influences. Its dark stone terraces and steep staircases lead to the opulent Thien Dinh Palace, decorated with mosaics, gold, and painted ceilings.
Be prepared for over 100 steps to reach the top, but the richly detailed interior makes it worthwhile. Most visitors spend 30–40 minutes here before returning to the city.
7. Pro tip – Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc & Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village
If you move quickly through each stop, you can also add Tu Duc’s tomb and the nearby Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village at the end of the day. Tu Duc’s complex features lakes, gardens, and a royal theatre, while Thuy Xuan offers colourful photo opportunities and a look at traditional incense-making. These can replace one of the other tombs or be an add-on if time allows.
8. Hue walking street (weekend)
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, the area near Vo Thi Sau and Chu Van An streets becomes a lively walking street. Restaurants, bars, and street performers make it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Even on weekdays, the same area is worth visiting for dinner or a drink. It’s close to the river promenade, so you can easily combine the two.
9. Evening walk along Perfume River
End your first day with a stroll along the Perfume River promenade. The Truong Tien Bridge is lit with changing colours at night, and the riverside paths are lively but relaxed.
This is a great way to wind down after a full day, giving you time to reflect on what you’ve seen before starting fresh tomorrow.
Day 2 in Hue – Hidden Gems & Day Trips
With the major imperial highlights covered on your first day, your second day in Hue can be tailored to your interests. You might explore more historical sites, venture into the countryside, learn about Vietnam’s war history, or head into the mountains and national parks nearby.
Option 1: More historical sights & hidden gems in Hue
If you still have energy for more imperial history and architecture, Hue offers plenty of lesser-visited sites worth your time.
Hue Abandoned Water Park – A surreal and photogenic site with rusting slides, empty pools, and the famous dragon structure overlooking a lake. Officially closed but often accessible, it’s best visited with a local who knows the area.
Mausoleum of Emperor Gia Long – The most remote of Hue’s royal tombs, set in a peaceful countryside location with mountain views. The large grounds and minimal tourist traffic make it ideal for a quiet visit.
Ho Quyen Arena – A unique historical structure where elephant–tiger fights were once staged for royal entertainment. The stone arena is small but unusual compared to other Hue landmarks.
Thanh Toan Bridge – A 200-year-old covered bridge in a rural village outside Hue, surrounded by rice fields. It’s a good mix of history and countryside scenery, with a small market nearby.
An Dinh Palace – An early 20th-century residence of Emperor Khai Dinh, combining traditional Vietnamese architecture with European-style interiors. The restored reception hall is particularly impressive.
For more ideas, see our full guide to the best temples, tombs & historical sights in Hue.
Option 2: Day trip to the DMZ
The former Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was the dividing line between North and South Vietnam during the war. Today it’s a key historical area with several preserved and reconstructed sites.
Most day trips include Hien Luong Bridge, the Vinh Moc Tunnels, and sometimes the Khe Sanh Combat Base, the Truong Son National Cemetery, and the Mine Action Visitor Center. Visiting all of them makes for a long day, but you can choose a shorter route.
Pro tip: If you’re already travelling between Hue and Phong Nha, turn the journey into a sightseeing transfer via the DMZ instead of a separate day trip.
DMZ Day Tour from Hue – Explore Vietnam War Sites
- Highlights: Vinh Moc Tunnels, Khe Sanh Combat Base, Hien Luong Bridge, Quang Tri memorials.
- Includes: Hotel pickup, lunch, entrance fees, and guided transport between all sites.
Option 4: Trekking in Bach Ma National Park
Located about 40 km south of Hue, Bach Ma National Park is a former French hill station with a cooler mountain climate and lush forests. It’s known for its rich biodiversity and panoramic viewpoints over lagoons and the coast.
A typical day trip includes trekking to Do Quyen Waterfall, short hikes through forest trails, and visits to old French villas. The park is hilly, so moderate fitness is required, but the cooler air makes it a pleasant escape from the city.
Bach Ma National Park Tour – Trekking & Waterfalls
- Highlights: Trek Five Lakes, see Do Quyen Waterfall, enjoy panoramic views from Hai Vong Dai.
- Includes: Round-trip from Hue, guided nature walk, and refreshing swims in clear waters.
Option 5: Day trip to Phong Nha National Park
Phong Nha National Park is famous for its huge cave systems, jungle-covered karst mountains, and rivers. It’s one of Vietnam’s top natural destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A day trip from Hue can cover one or two caves — often Phong Nha Cave and Paradise Cave — but travel time is long. If you enjoy nature and adventure, it’s worth staying overnight or longer to explore more of the park.
Tips for 2 Days in Hue
Go by local guide
If you have just 2 days in Hue, a knowledgeable local guide can help you make the most of your time. They add historical context to imperial landmarks, explain cultural details you might overlook, and handle the logistics so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Travelling between sights without a tour
If you don’t join a tour, you’ll need to arrange your own transport between locations. Distances vary, and some tombs are in remote areas where finding a taxi afterwards can be difficult.
Taxi or Grab
Ideal for city sights like the Imperial City or Dong Ba Market. For remote tombs, arrange for the driver to wait, as finding a new taxi or booking Grab on the spot can be tricky.
Car with driver
Book for a fixed price covering your agreed itinerary — no meter. This is the most convenient way to see multiple sites in one day. Read our full guide on arranging a car with driver.
Motorbike
Only recommended for experienced riders who are confident in Vietnamese traffic and rural roads.
Buy a combo ticket
One ticket covers the Imperial City and several royal tombs. It’s best to buy it at the Imperial City entrance, as it’s cheaper than purchasing separate tickets later.
Have internet on your phone
You’ll need it for booking Grab, navigating, and doing quick research on the places you visit. See our guides on getting a Vietnamese SIM card or the best eSIMs for Vietnam.
Where to stay in Hue
Stay in the city centre for easy access to sights, especially if you only have 2 days in Hue. The main tourist area is directly across the Perfume River from the Imperial City, near the walking street district with plenty of restaurants and cafes.
