8 Things to Do In Hue with Kids
Huế, pronounced as hwe, is located in the heart of Vietnam, about 70km south of the DMZ. It was the intellectual and cultural heart of Vietnam until the beginning of the 1900s. Talking about the DMZ, there’s so much to learn about the Vietnam War during the 1960s. Enough reason to travel to Hue and for me to share the most fun things to do in Hue with kids.
Hue is a captivating city that should be on your family road trip itinerary of Vietnam. We stayed in Hue for 4 days and absolutely loved the vibe. Less touristy than Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An. People seemed more welcoming and that’s saying something, because the Vietnamese are a welcoming people anyway.
During those 4 days we spent 3 full days exploring Hue and one day taking a tour to the nearby Demilitarized Zone of Vietnam. Our family loved the history lessons we learned from visiting the Imperial City and about the Vietnam War. We all got a much better understanding from Vietnam, because of the time we spend in Hue!
Let’s dive into the best 8 things to do in Hue so you won’t miss any of them on your family trip to Hue.
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Best tours in Hue with kids
Before we start, here are some of the top tours in Hue with kids for you to check out.
Best 8 things to do in Hue with children
It’s time to start listing the best 8 things to do in Hue with kids! To see and do them all you need 3 days in Hue. 4 is even better, if you want to spend a good amount of time at the highlights.
1. Explore the Imperial Citadel
Hue’s roots can be traced back to the Nguyen Dynasty. Because of this imperial background, Hue is known for its historic monuments, earning the town a UNESCO World Heritage site status.
So, when it comes to things to see in Hue there’s a clear number 1: the Imperial Citadel (aka Kinh Thành Huế). The former imperial seat of the government of Vietnam.
It was constructed to look like the Forbidden Palace in Beijing and that is clear to see the moment you set foot inside it via the Meridian Gate. You can easily spend 3-4 hours on the premises. Make sure you’ve got enough time to cover it all.
Not to miss sights within the Imperial Citadel
Get yourself a map of the Imperial Citadel at the ticket booth and if you’re a little short on time, or your kids are short on patience, make sure to at least check out these marvels:
- The red doors of the Thái Miếu Temple
- The huge and impressive Thế Miếu Temple
- After entering via the Meridian Gate, turn around for a fantastic view
- Visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony, before entering the Forbidden Purple City
2. Feel like an emperor in the Forbidden Purple City
Within the walls of the Imperial Citadel, you’ll find the Imperial City. The Imperial City is more commonly known as the Forbidden Purple City.
Unfortunately not only the Vietnam War destroyed parts of the Forbidden Purple City, but also 2 wars before that.
UNESCO preserved as much as they could and nowadays you really get a great sense of how the emperor’s lived within this closed off part of the citadel.
Kids will love roaming around in rooms where the emperor used to live. And to be honest, for us as parents it was also one of the most fun things to do in Hue.
Opening hours and ticket prices of the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City
The citadel and the Forbidden Purple City within its walls is open all year round. The opening hours of Hue’s Imperial City are from 6.30am to 5.30pm in summer and 7.00am to 5.00pm in winter.
The ticket booth at the entrance closes half an hour before closing time. If you buy a ticket here, you’ll not only get access to the Imperial City and the Forbidden City, but also to the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang. The price for this ticket is €5,50 for adults and €1,10 for children aged 7 to 12. Kids younger than 7 are free.
Hue Imperial City dress code
Dress appropriately in the Forbidden purple city and keep your knees and shoulders covered. It’s also frowned upon to wear flip flops or other open toe shoes.
3. Visit the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang
The Minh Mang Tomb is known as the most majestic of all of Vietnam’s royal tombs. You can find it about 10km from Hue’s city center and the complex is made out of an impressive 40 sites. You can find palaces, temples, gates and towers within the complex.
The tomb was constructed in 1840 under the order of Emperor Minh Mang. The monument was completed 3 years later, when Minh Mang was already dead.
The mausoleum of Minh Mang is both a burial place and a place of worship and the whole complex is beautiful and serene.
The best and nicest way to get to the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang is via boat, since it’s located along the Perfume River.
Opening hours & ticket prices
The Royal Tomb of Minh Mang is open year round from 7.00am – 5.30pm from Monday to Sunday.
If you buy a ticket here, you’ll not only get access to the Royal Tomb of Minh Mang, but also to the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. The price for this ticket is €5,50 for adults and €1,10 for children aged 7 to 12. Kids younger than 7 are free.
4. Check out the Thien Mu Pagoda
One of the top free things to do in Hue with kids is walking up to the Thien Mu Pagoda, which translates to Pagoda of the Celestial Lady. It was built on the hill of Ha Khe on the banks of the Perfume River in 1601.
It’s the oldest temple in Hue and was lucky enough to stand the tests of time.
The main reason to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Linh Mu Pagoda, is the Phuoc Duyen Tower. A 7 story octagonal tower with Buddha statues on each floor.
Kids might like to check out the giant marble turtle. Legend has it that when you touch it you’ll live forever. If nothing else, it’s an engaging saga to tell the kids.
Like the other ancient sites in Hue, you should wear appropriate clothing when visiting this temple.
Top tip: visit this pagoda around sunrise, when you can see the sun rising on the Perfume River from the Ha Khe Hill.
Opening hours & ticket prices
The Thien Mu Pagoda is free and you can visit it at any time of day.
5. Enjoy the Perfume River from a Dragon Boat
A must thing to do in Hue Vietnam is boarding a dragon boat that will take you along the Perfume river.
Along the banks of the Perfume River you’ll see dozens of colourful boats, built in the shape of dragons. Some of them are used as public transport and they will stop at different sights in Hue that are located on or along the Perfume River.
But others can be booked for a scenic cruise. Buy your tickets at Toa Kham Station and enjoy an hour-long trip. The ideal time to hop aboard a Dragon Boat is in the early morning at sunrise or the late afternoon at sunset.
Note that during the wet season, the dragon boats don’t operate or only a few of them offer their services. The boats do have a roof, but the sides are open.
Top dragon boat tours in Hue
How did the Perfume River get its name?
It’s said that over a 100 years ago, during autumn, flowers from the orchards along the river would fall downriver. This made the river fragrant, hence the name.
6. Eating Bun Bo Hue
The food in Hue is delicious and like every city in Vietnam, Hue has some signature local dishes. The most famous dish in Hue? It’s on every menu and it’s amazing: Bun Bo Hue, a beef noodle soup.
Hue beef noodle soup is filled with noodles (duh!), thin slices of beef and a spicy broth. Maybe not a good idea for the youngsters, but my (then)9 year old couldn’t get enough of it.
Like Phở Bo locals eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Basically whenever they feel like it. I can understand that, because during the 4 days we were there I ordered it everyday for dinner. And on the last day also during lunch, because I knew I would miss it.
For a family who ate so much Bun Bo it’s extremely surprising that I couldn’t find one photo with the dish on it. Maybe that’s a good thing, because it shows how eager we were to eat it.
There are a lot of recipes for Bun Bo online. Do you want to see a picture, read about the history of this local dish and maybe even cook it for yourself? Here’s an authentic Bun Bo Hue recipe we tried and tested with 8 thumbs up as a result ;).
7. Taking a ride in a cyclo tuk tuk
The most popular mode of transportation is the cyclo. They first appeared on the streets of Hue during the French colonial era. So, it’s safe to say: they’ve been around!
The cyclo is a 3-wheeled cycle, pedalled by a driver. The front seat holds 2 people max.
At first we were hesitant to use them, because we thought it was only for tourists and it felt like taking advantage of the locals. But, when we talked to the host of our AirBnb, we learned that it’s also a popular transportation option amongst the locals.
It’s really something you can’t miss when you’re in Hue. You can’t find these types of Tuk Tuk anywhere else in Vietnam. Or at least not that we’ve seen.
8. Shop at the Hue Dong Ba Market
We’ve been to quite a few markets during our travels in Southeast Asia, but this one was something else! It was huge! This Hue market has 3 floors and if you walk to the centre of each floor you see part of a bell tower. Basically everything happens around the tower.
You can find anything from traditional Vietnamese clothing, to groceries, to souvenirs.
It can be quite busy though, so be prepared for that. But it’s so fun to walk through, try some fruits you’ve never seen or eaten before and buy some souvenirs to take home.
3 Things to do in Hue with kids
These were the must Hue things to see and do! If you don’t have time to do all these activities in Hue during your family trip, then at least try to check out the top 3 things to do in Hue with children.
- The Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City
- Dragon boat tour along the Perfume River
- Go to the Hue Dong Ba Market and have Bun Bo
Things to do around Hue
If you have 4 days or more in Hue, venture outside of the city to explore even more of the area. Let’s talk about other things to do around Hue.
Bach Ma National Park
The Bach Ma National Park is situated halfway between Hue and Da Nang. It will take almost 2 hours to drive the 40km distance from Hue to Bach Ma NP. With about 38.000 hectares, Bach Ma is an impressive stretch of land. If you’re really lucky, you can spot rare animals here like the red-shanked douc langur (a monkey), leopard and fire wolf. All endangered species.
The center of it all is Mount Bach Ma, peaking at 1.488 meters. To get to the summit you have to be an experienced hiker. More family friendly is a trail that takes you to a series of dreamy blue lakes, Ngu Ho (Five Lakes). The walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes.
Top tours Bach Ma National Park from Hue
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of Vietnam
Like Korea, Vietnam used to be divided into North and South. From 1954 until 1976 the two were separated by the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone, more commonly known as the DMZ. This border was about 75km long, running from east to west and was located near the middle of present day Vietnam.
Learning more about the history of the Vietnam War and what happened around the DMZ is a must when you’re in the area.
But, visiting the DMZ is not suitable for kids of all ages. Visitor centers and museums that center around the Vietnam war with America, show the damage that was done in this area. To the land, but mostly the people. We’ve all seen the pictures and every parent can decide for themselves whether or not their kids are old enough to visit this area.
When booking a day tour, you’ll be picked up from your hotel very early in the morning. You’ll arrive at the DMZ in 1,5 hours and will visit multiple sites like the Vinh Moc Tunnels, the Dakrong Bridge and the Khe San Combat Base.
Top Vietnam DMZ tours from Hue
Hue itinerary for families
Now that I’ve hooked you up with a list of what to do in Hue we’ll break things down for you in some itineraries. Pick the one that suits your family’s timeframe best and enjoy!
The daily itineraries are based on the distance between the sights. This way you get the most out of your time in this beautiful city.
3 day Hue itinerary
This list of 8 things to do in Hue with kids is perfect if you have 3 days in Hue. It will probably be too much if you add more.
Day 1
- Imperial City
- Forbidden Purple City
- Have some Bun Bo (or have one during a food tour)
Day 2
- Hop on a cylo to the next highlight for today
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Dong Ba Market
Day 3
- Royal Tomb of Minh Mang
- Dragon Boat along the Perfume River
2 day Hue itinerary
If you only have 2 days in Hue, these are the best things to do.
Day 1
- Imperial City
- Forbidden Purple City
- Hop on a cyclo to the next highlight of the day
- Dong Ba Market
Day 2
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Have some Bun Bo (again you could also join a food tour)
- Dragon Boat along the Perfume River
1 day Hue Itinerary
When you only have one day in Hue with children you’re limited to what you can explore. I would stick to a visit to the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple city in the morning.
After that it’s time for lunch, so why not join a food tour and make sure Bun Bo is on the menu.
Then take a cyclo to the Thien Mu Pagoda and after that head to the Dong Ba Market to get some snacks, souvenirs or maybe even dinner.
Why Hue is a great choice for a family visit
Hue is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. The Imperial Citadel, which stood for more than 2 centuries, is the main reason for travellers to make the trip to the center of Vietnam. People also use Hue as a base for a day trip to the DMZ.
But there’s more to Hue than the Imperial Citadel. Hue’s history is deeply embedded within its present. Your kids and you will learn a lot about Vietnam as a country and Hue as a former capital.
You get a glimpse into the lives of Vietnam’s emperors all over this city and around it.
Many tombs and temples can be explored in Hue, some tombs are even hidden in the jungle.
Enough to explore and like for the entire family! Hue is a definite must on your Vietnam family trip itinerary.
Hue with toddlers
Everyone with an interest in the history of Vietnam must visit Hue. And while kids can only be entertained by historical facts for so long, Hue will be fun for them as well. Even for the little ones.
The Imperial Citadel, and the Forbidden Purple City within its walls, is filled with statues of mythical creatures. Kids ages 2 and up will undoubtedly have fun roaming around here.
A great thing to do in Hue with toddlers is a walk through the gardens in the Imperial city. In some parts you’re allowed to walk and sit on the grass. But do check before you sit down.
Another thing toddlers will love is a ride on a dragon boat. As the name suggests these boats are shaped like a dragon and are extremely colourful. What kid wouldn’t want to board a dragon boat?
Food in Hue
The food in Hue is amazing and there are lots of kid friendly dishes in Hue.
This city has the most amazing produce in all of Vietnam. With lots of juicy fruits and fresh seafood, meats and herbs to spice all the dishes up.
Kids will love Bun Bo Hue, a hearty noodle soup. Arguably the best food in Hue. Just make sure they leave out the chili. Another kid friendly fish is Bun Thit Nuong. A BBQ pork noodle dish that’s very yummy.
Since Hue is located in the heart of Vietnam, this is the place to find all the food that Vietnam is famous for. And that also applies to vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese dishes! Vegans will love Hue, because we haven’t seen this many vegan dishes anywhere else in Vietnam.
When to visit Hue
Being close to the equator, Hue has a tropical climate. Try to avoid the wet season.
Downpours are most common in October and November.
We visited Hue in December. Still some short rain showers and a bit gloomy, but overall we had great weather with temperatures around 18° to 20° Celsius.
Spring is the best time for your family to visit Hue. This lasts from January to April. Temperatures average between 20° to 26° Celsius.
How to get to Hue
Fly
Some international airlines fly to Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), an airport located about 15km from Hue. But there’s a big chance that you have to travel to Hue via Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) or Da Nang. Hue is located about 700 km south of Hanoi and about 1100 km north of Ho Chi Minh City (lots to do for kids). Da Nang is closest to Hue, at 94 km south of the city.
Book your international flight to either Hanoi, HCMC or Da Nang. And from there travel to Hue by booking a domestic flight (booking this separately from the international flight is mostly cheaper) or by train.
If you are taking a domestic flight, I recommend 12Go. This is a user-friendly website that will show you all the different price options and comparisons as well as reviews from fellow travellers.
Train
We visited Hue while on a Vietnam family trip. After exploring Hanoi we enjoyed some time in Ninh Binh, and we took the sleeper train from Ninh Binh to Hue. This is a 575km journey that took almost 12 hours.
We left Ninh Binh at 10pm and arrived in Hue at 8.30am. The sleeper berth had 4 comfortable beds and the ride was an easy one. We arrived well rested for a day of exploring Hue. And highly recommend taking the train if you’re coming from Ninh Binh or if Ninh Binh is your next destination.
Our next destination was Da Nang, so after exploring Hue, we took another train from Hue to Da Nang. This journey took us 2,5 hours. This is a great option if you’re next destination is also Da Nang.
We booked the tickets for both trains via 12Go.
How to get around Hue
To check out the 8 best things to do in Hue with kids you have a few options of how to get there. The most important sites are quite easy to get to, because you can use various means of transportation.
Cyclo
Like I mentioned when recommending the cyclo as a top thing to do in Hue: the cyclo is the most popular mode of transportation.
The price for the locals differs from the ones they make tourists pay. They pay about €1,50 for 30 minutes, while we pay €4. A rather small price to pay for a ride like this, in our opinion.
Boat
On the banks of the Perfume River you’ll find dragon boats. These boats can transfer you to various tourist destinations. The extra bonus is that you can admire the view, while you’re en route to your fun thing to do in Hue.
Bus
The public bus is a great choice if you want to venture out into the various districts within the province of Thua Thien Hue. You can choose from 15 routes that will take you to various destinations within Hue and outside of the city.
Car
If you want to be more flexible, call a taxi or a Grab. Grab is the Uber of Southeast Asia.
You’ll notice that getting around Hue as a family is pretty easy to do.
History of Imperial Vietnam
Rise and fall of Imperial Vietnam
During the beginning of the 1800s the unification of Vietnam took place. An event that happened more than once, most recently after the Vietnam War.
But let’s get back to the 19th century, when Vietnam’s first emperor, Gai Long, ordered to look for the best place in Vietnam to build a new palace. Because of its central location, Hue was the most ideal city to build a citadel. Imperial Vietnam’s demise came in 1955. Instead of an emperor, South Vietnam was ruled by a president. This marked the end of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam.
Vietnam War
During the Vietnam War, Hue was attacked by North Vietnam and the Vietcong. About 80% of Hue was destroyed during this attack. Unfortunately that also meant that a lot of the Imperial Citadel (also known as the Imperial Enclosure) and the Forbidden Purple City was damaged.
The entire complex, along with some other sites in Hue, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 1993. Soon after, renovations started. Many of the buildings’ rich architectural details and the parks within the Citadel can be admired again, because of these renovations.
Visiting the Imperial City is an absolute must, when in Hue. You have to spend an entire day here to see it all, but you can also get a great sense of the place within 2 to 2,5 hours.
That’s the end of this post. I hope you’ll find the time in your Hue itinerary to visit all 8 top things to do in Hue. And hopefully you’ll also get to check out Bach Ma NP and the DMZ.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment below. And because I like a head start on things, I’ll close off this post with the FAQ of Hue with children.
FAQs – Things to Do In Hue with kids
How many days in Hue is enough?
When planning a trip to Hue, two to three days is just about perfect for most families. This gives you time to explore the ancient imperial city, visit the stunning royal tombs, and take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River without feeling rushed.
If you’re really into history or want to explore some of the less-touristy spots, you might stretch it to four days, but two to three is usually enough to soak in the culture and vibe of this charming city.
Is there much to do in Hue?
Absolutely! Hue is packed with historical sites, cultural experiences, and natural beauty that can easily keep you and your kids entertained.
From exploring the majestic Imperial City and the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda, to biking through the countryside (I didn’t even mention that yet!) and visiting colourful local markets, you’ll never get bored.
Plus, the food scene is amazing, with plenty of kid-friendly options too.
Is Hue worth a visit?
Hue is definitely worth a visit, especially if you and your kids are interested in history, culture, and scenic landscapes. The city has a unique blend of ancient temples, royal tombs, and French colonial architecture that you won’t find anywhere else in Vietnam.
Add in the friendly locals and delicious cuisine, and you’ve got yourself a top travel destination! Whether you’re wandering through ancient palaces or cruising down the Perfume River, Hue offers a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Is it safe to visit Hue with kids?
Hue is a safe and family-friendly destination, making it an excellent choice for travelling with kids. The locals are warm and welcoming, and the city is generally calm and less chaotic compared to bigger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
While it’s always important to keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious, especially in crowded areas, Hue is known for its relaxed atmosphere. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities, from boat rides to exploring ancient ruins, so your little ones are sure to have a great time.
Is Hue Vietnam walkable?
Yes, Hue is quite walkable, especially in the central areas where many of the main attractions are located.
The city is relatively compact, and you can easily stroll between the Imperial City, local markets, and riverside areas. The streets are generally less busy than in larger Vietnamese cities, making it a pleasant place to explore on foot.
However, if you’re travelling with younger kids, you might want to use a back carrier (it’s not a very stroller friendly city) or hop on a cyclo for longer distances.
Why is Hue popular?
Hue is popular for its rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes. As the former capital of Vietnam, it’s home to the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and several royal tombs that offer a glimpse into the country’s imperial past.
The city’s peaceful setting along the Perfume River, combined with its cultural festivals and delicious dishes, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Vietnam.
Can you do Hue in one day?
While it’s possible to see some of Hue’s highlights in a day, you’d be missing out on much of what makes the city special.
In a single day you can visit the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple city in the morning, join a food tour and make sure Bun Bo is on the menu. And after that take a cyclo to the Thien Mu Pagoda before closing off with the Dong Ba Market to get some snacks, souvenirs or maybe even dinner.
If you’re pressed for time, one day will give you a taste, but two or three days will allow you to truly experience what Hue has to offer.
Did you enjoy the Best Things to Do In Hue with Kids?
If so, read more about family travel in Vietnam:
- Ultimate Vietnam Family Road Trip Itinerary
- 16 Things to Do In Hanoi with Kids
- Planning a Family Trip to Hanoi: Things to Know Before You Go
- 10 Things to Do In Ho Chi Minh City with Kids
- 8 Things to Do In Hue with Kids
- Planning a Family Trip to Hoi An: Things to Know Before You Go
- 24 Best Things to Do In Hoi An with Kids
- Halong Bay Cruise with Kids
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