Best things to do in Phu Xuan

Hue Unmissables

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. This selection covers the city's architectural landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel and the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda. The list features the sprawling tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the historic Truong Tien Bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the vibrant Dong Ba Market. These sites represent the spiritual and administrative center of imperial Vietnam, showcasing traditional garden houses, royal theaters, and ancestral temples.

Hue Unmissables — Map

David McKelvey / CC BY 2.0

A

Imperial Citadel

The Imperial City is a walled enclosure within the citadel of the city of Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyễn…

Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Thien Mu Pagoda

The Thiên Mụ Temple is a historic temple in the city of Huế in Vietnam.

ntt / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Tomb of Emperor Tự Đức

Tomb of Tự Đức, officially Khiêm Mausoleum, is located in Huế, Vietnam.

Francisco Anzola / CC BY 2.0

D

Dong Ba Market

If you are interested in the local life, this is a place to be. The market sells everything, from fresh local food to fake brands of clothes.

Thomas Hönicke / CC-BY-SA

E

Truong Tien Bridge

Historic steel arch bridge spanning the Perfume River. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1899, it connects the commercial center with the imperial district.

Thomas Hönicke / CC-BY-SA

F

Flag Tower

A three-tiered masonry structure built in 1807 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. Located on the southern face of the Citadel, it served as the empire's main flagpole.

G

Purple Forbidden City

The innermost enclosure of the Imperial Citadel, historically reserved exclusively for the emperor and his family. Restoration efforts continue on its foundations and remaining gates following wartime damage.

Thomas Hönicke / CC-BY-SA

H

Thế Tổ Miếu

Ancestral temple dedicated to the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. The courtyard houses the Nine Dynastic Urns, bronze vessels cast in 1835 representing the sovereignty of the empire.

Thomas Hönicke / CC-BY-SA

I

Duyệt Thị Royal Theatre

The oldest operating theater in Vietnam, built in 1826 within the Imperial City. It serves as a venue for Nha Nhac, the UNESCO-recognized Vietnamese court music.

Thomas Hönicke / CC-BY-SA

J

Hue Royal Antiquities Museum

Housed within the Long An Palace, this museum displays Nguyen Dynasty artifacts including royal ceramics, furniture, and court robes, alongside a collection of ancient Champa sculptures.