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25 Best Things To Do In Hue (Vietnam)

Hue is one of the most charming towns in Vietnam and is located on the banks of the beautifully named Perfume River. This part of Vietnam has a long and illustrious history as it used to be one of the main royal capitals of the country. As such, history lovers will find a huge amount to enjoy here, from the rambling ancient architecture to the engaging museums that will fill you in on all the details. Many people come here in particular to check out the ancient tombs of former emperors which are dotted all over the city and provide you with a fascinating insight into Hue in the days of old.

As this is a riverfront town, you will also be able to spend time enjoying the cool breezes and the pretty vistas as you stroll along the riverside walkway, and if you want to get out of the town center than you will also be spoiled for choice. There are a number of fascinating day trip locations close to the city, which means that can happily spend a week in Hue and still not see and do everything that this pretty part of Vietnam has to offer.

Here are the best things to do in Hue …

1. Visit the Tombs of the Ancient Emperors

One of the big draws in Hue is the tombs of the Ancient Emperors and this is the main reason why so many visitors travel here every year.

Anyone with an interest in ancient architecture and history needs to visit the tombs which were built in honor of famous emperors of Hue.

The tombs mostly date from the 19th and 20th centuries and are carved to tell the stories of Buddhist legends.

Some of the main tombs not to miss include the Tomb of Tu Duc, the Tomb of Minh Mang and the Tomb of Khai Dinh.

If you are not sure which tombs to visit on a trip here then you can take a dedicated guided tour.

Included in : Hue Full-Day City Group Tour Including Lunch

2. Visit the Tu Hieu Pagoda

Tu Hieu Pagoda is one of the most famous in all of Hue and dates from 1843. This pagoda was also the home of eunuchs during the times of the Ancient Citadel in Hue and nowadays some 70 monks live here.

When you visit you can enjoy two towering temples and also listen to the monks chanting throughout the day as part of their religious rituals.

3. Walk along the Perfume River

The Perfume River is one of the most famous waterways in Vietnam and Hue is the perfect place to take it all in.

There is a delightful waterfront promenade along the banks of the river and this makes a great place to come for a scenic walk in the evenings.

You can also take to the water yourself if you want to get a closer look at the river and rent a paddleboat or opt for an elegant dinner cruise.

This tour includes a dragon boat trip on the Perfume River: Hue Full-Day City Group Tour Including Lunch

4. Sample the food

Hue is often said to have some of the best food in Vietnam and with that in mind you need to make sure that you sample all the delights on a trip here.

As Hue was once one of the most important royal cities in Vietnam, it was also one of the premium producers of famed Imperial Banquets.

Many restaurants all over town still serve these in the traditional style and you can sit down and enjoy a meal that unfolds over multiple courses.

If you are looking for a sweet treat in the city then make sure to check out the local candy which is made of sesame seeds.

Suggested tour : Hue: 5-Hour Street Food Tour by Motorbike

5. Explore Huyen Tran Princess Temple

The Huyen Tan Princess Temple consists of a large complex which is covered with lakes of lotus flowers.

The monastery of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong is also located here and you will also be able to stroll in picturesque orchard gardens when you visit.

Other highlights include a library which holds important documents relating to previous kings and historical figures during the Tran Dynasty.

6. Visit the Imperial Citadel

The Imperial Citadel in Hue would have been the previous center of the government and is made up of a vast complex.

When you walk around you can admire the moats, carved gates and royal pavilions, and there are also a clutch of engaging museums on the grounds.

If you like Vietnamese costumes, textiles and art then make sure not to skip the main galleries here.

7. Have a blind massage

If you want to support the local community and also relax and unwind at the same time, then you need to make an appointment at the Institute of the Blind.

Here you will find a number of blind massage staff who will give you a massage and all the proceeds go to helping those who live at the institute find employment.

At the end of the massage you will also get to spend time in the onsite herbal steam room.

8. Admire the Thien Mu Pagoda

Another famous pagoda in Hue is the Thien Mu Pagoda.

This temple sits overlooking the Perfume River and is known for its gold and silver images of the Buddha.

The pagoda is so well known in Vietnam that it is also the official symbol of Hue and you can take in beautiful views over the city from this spot.

Other highlights to look out for inside include a huge bells that was cast in 1710 as well as a stone turtle which dates from the 17th century and holds a marble stele.

9. Visit Phu Bai Airport

Phu Bai Airport is actually no longer a working airport but a museum dedicated to Vietnamese war history.

The airport would have operated as an American garrison during the Vietnam War and you can tour around the complex and even walk on the old, deserted airstrip here.

As well as the former runway, you will also find other historical relics such as bunkers and outbuildings that would have been used by the American military.

10. Soak in the Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs

If you want to get outside Hue then head to the Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs which is around 30 kilometers from the city center.

Here you will find one of the most famous hot springs resorts in Vietnam and there are a number of outdoor tubs available here.

You can also enjoy designated therapy rooms where you can get a soothing massage or other spa treatments.

There are also other quirky activities on offer here such as a high wire and a zip line, or you can play water games in the aqua park.

11. Visit the Royal Theatre

The Royal Theatre was constructed in 1826 and the National Conservatory of Music was then built on these foundations.

You can come here to watch a performance of traditional Vietnamese dance and music, or you can visit to tour the spacious galleries.

The exhibitions are made up of traditional masks as well as local Vietnamese musical instruments.

The performances are held according to a rotating schedule and usually last around 45 minutes.

12. Cycle around the city

Hue is often said to be one of the nicest cities in Vietnam to cycle around.

You will find far less traffic here than in other parts of the country and you can also cycle along the lush banks of the Huong River and visit all the key attractions for which Hue is famous.

You can either just rent a bike and go it alone, or you can also join a dedicated cycling tour with a guide that will take you around Hue or out into the surrounding countryside.

13. Take a photo at the Hue Sign

Anyone looking for a modern side of Hue needs to head to one of its newest attractions with is known as the Hue Sign.

Visitors flock to this spot in the city which is located in February 3 Park and includes a colorful illuminated sign that says ‘I Love Hue’. This installation is known as a premium place in the city for a photo opportunity and you can also enjoy the leafy park at the same time.

14. Shop at the Hope Center

The Hope Center is a project that has been set up to help disabled and disadvantaged residents in Hue find employment.

The center makes a number of garments and you will find amazing local handicraft items.

Some pieces to look out for include cloth which is woven by hand by A Luoi women and you will also find other items like bags, purses, scarves and even traditional jewelry for sale.

15. Journey to Bach Ma National Park

Bach Ma National Park is located at 1,450 meters above sea level and encompasses some of the prettiest scenery in all of Hue.

On a visit here you will find towering waterfalls as well as pretty hiking trails and there are several crumbling French villas to observe along the way.

The park is part of the wider Annamite Range and this part of Vietnam is known for its lush landscapes.

You can also combine a trip here with a stop off at the Cau Hai Village.

There is also the option to stay overnight here at the camp ground of you can just spend the day swimming in limpid pools and taking in the flora and fauna.

16. Visit the Ho Quyen Tiger Fighting Arena

The Tiger Fighting Arena is situated around three kilometers outside of the center of Hue proper and was erected in 1832. As such, it was built during the time of the Minh Mang Dynasty and would have been the venue for dramatic fights between tigers and elephants.

Nowadays you won’t find any more fights here (luckily!) as these were stopped in the 1900s but you can still take in this great monument to history and if you look closely there are even claw marks pocking the crumbling walls.

17. Admire Hon Chen Temple

Hon Chen Temple is dedicated to Po Nagar who is the Goddess of the Cham population who would have been based in Ngoc Ho Village in the days of old.

The shrine sits in on top of a craggy cliff in Ngoc Ho Village and was restored several times, first in 1832 and then again in 1886. The temple now has several antiques of interest such as a number of ancient vases, some Chinese calligraphy and ornate animal carvings.

If you come here on the third and seventh lunar month of the year then you will also find local music and dance performances.

18. Take a trip to Elephant Springs

Located between Hue and neighboring Da Nang, Elephant Springs is a top spot for anyone who wants to visit a famous springs in the area without the crowds.

Elephants Springs is far less visited by tourists than other springs around Hue and this attraction got it name thanks to the boulders that surround the waters and are said to resemble elephants playing.

There is also a carved elephant stone which has water squirting from its trunk and the pools here are cool but also make a great place to come if you want to relax in the middle of the jungle.

19. Take a Huda Brewery Tour

If you want to get a drink in Hue then consider signing up for a Huda Brewery Tour.

Located close to Phu Bai Airport, you can come here and see how Danish technology is being used to make a variety of delicious local brews.

You can tour the factory and learn about the history of the Huda brand and you will also get the chance to sample some of the different beverages available.

20. Shop at Dong Ba Market

Dong Ba Market is one of the premium shopping spots in Hue if you are looking for a dose of authenticity in the city.

Here you will find a flea market as well as a number of toothsome local food stalls.

This spot was made famous when celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain came here and filmed an episode of his show ‘No Reservations’. Bourdain sampled the Bun Bo here but you will find a huge number of other dishes including noodle soups and spring rolls.

21. Sunbathe on Thuan An Beach

Around 14 kilometers outside of Hue is Thuan An Beach, so if you fancy some sea and sun then this is the spot for you.

Part of the Phu Van District, Thuan An Beach consists of a long strip of fluffy sand and many locals claim that this is one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.

Activities here include swimming and sunbathing and the main season here runs from May to September when temperatures in Hue rise.

22. Visit the Royal Antiquities Museum

If you like antiquities then head for the Royal Antiquities Museum where you will find a wide variety of different pieces that date from the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. As you walk around the different galleries you will be able to enjoy traditional furniture as well as textiles, jewelry and other antiques that used to belong to the royal family.

There are seven different zones inside the museum and you should make sure to check out the ornate beams which are carved with sculptures of dragons.

23. Walk across the Thanh Toan Bridge

Thanh Toan Bridge is the most famous bridge in Hue and is said to date back some 200 years.

The bridge spans the Nhu Y River and is made up of a wooden platform which is topped with a tiled roof.

The bridge only stretches for 17 meters but it also has a shrine located inside which is dedicated to the patron of the structure.

You will find the bridge around 10 kilometers to the north of the city and this is a great place to come to see a more authentic side of Hue as this is also a residential neighborhood.

24. Visit the Healing the Wounded Heart Shop

The Healing the Wounded Heart Shop is the place to come in Hue if you want to pick up some gifts or souvenirs while also helping the local community.

The shop sells a range of handicrafts which were made by disabled artisans in Hue and many of these use recycled materials such as soda cans.

All the profits of any items you buy are then funneled back into the local community and used to fund heart surgery for local impoverished children.

25. Have dinner at Ancient Hue Royal Cuisine and Gallery

One of the best known restaurants in Hue is Ancient Hue Royal Cuisine and Gallery which serves delicious food and is located inside an ancient housing complex.

The food is a mix of local and international faer and although it is a little pricier than other restaurants in the city it is more than worth it if you are in the mood for some upscale dining.

They also serve cold beer so this is a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

25 Best Things To Do In Hue (Vietnam):

• Visit the Tombs of the Ancient Emperors
• Visit the Tu Hieu Pagoda
• Walk along the Perfume River
• Sample the food
• Explore Huyen Tran Princess Temple
• Visit the Imperial Citadel
• Have a blind massage
• Admire the Thien Mu Pagoda
• Visit Phu Bai Airport
• Soak in the Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs
• Visit the Royal Theatre
• Cycle around the city
• Take a photo at the Hue Sign
• Shop at the Hope Center
• Journey to Bach Ma National Park
• Visit the Ho Quyen Tiger Fighting Arena
• Admire Hon Chen Temple
• Take a trip to Elephant Springs
• Take a Huda Brewery Tour
• Shop at Dong Ba Market
• Sunbathe on Thuan An Beach
• Visit the Royal Antiquities Museum
• Walk across the Thanh Toan Bridge
• Visit the Healing the Wounded Heart Shop
• Have dinner at Ancient Hue Royal Cuisine and Gallery

• Culture & Arts
• Ho Chi Minh City
• Attractions
• Phu Quoc Island
• Mekong Delta

Top 16 Best Things to Do in Hue for First-Timers

Recommendations of Rich Culture Destinations in Hue

Hue, Vietnam is best known for its royal mausoleums, imperial citadel, and iconic pagodas. Boasting a fantastic and rich cuisine, Hue is not only a favorite destination for people loving architecture but also a mecca for Vietnam gastronomes. Here are top 16 recommendations of rich culture and best things to do in Hue , Vietnam.

1. Contemplate Imperial City

The Imperial City is a part of of the Imperial Citadel back to the Nguyen dynasty. This used to be a combination of many temples, courts, pavillions, walls and gates, but unfortunately, mostly everything was destroyed during the Vietnam-America wars in the 19s. However. it’s still very well-worth to visit the place, since the left buildings are being restored, and there are even some places that are still in good condition. Coming to the Imperial City, you can also book a tour guide to take you through the place and tell you about the history of Hue city and the Nguyen emperor, which is really interesting and important in Vietnam’s 4000 years history.

Opening hours: 8AM – 5:30PM every day (including weekend)

Dress code : Not required

Entrance fee:

• Imperial City only: 150.000VND/person
• Combination ticket (Imperial City + Minh Mang Tomb + Khai Dinh Tomb): 280.000VND/person
• Combination ticket (Imperial City + Minh Mang Tomb + Khai Dinh Tomb + Tu Duc Tomb): 360.000VND/person

2. Visit Ancient Emperors’ Tombs

2.1. khai dinh tomb.

Khai Dinh Tomb , officially known as the Ứng Mausoleum, is situated in Chau Chu mountain, about 10km away from Hue city, Vietnam. The tomb is the smallest, but most costly and recent one in comparison with other tombs of Nguyen royals. It was established by Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th Emperor of the Nguyễn Dynast, during the period from 1920 to 1931. Khai Dinh became Vietnam’s penultimate emperor from 1916 to 1925 , but was not popular amongst Vietnamese people due to his close collaboration with the government of France. This 11-year-to-complete tomb is located hillside and has a combination of Eastern and Western style in terms of architecture. Khai Dinh Tomb is considered one of the most worth-visiting Hue attractions.

Entrance fee :

• Adults: 150,000 VND per person
• Children: 30,000 VND per person

Opening hours:  7AM–5:30PM

2.2. Tu Duc Tomb

With the unique architecture and perfect harmony with the natural landscape, Tu Duc Tomb becomes one of the buildings that make the charming beauty of Hue. Tu Duc Royal Tomb was built in the Nguyen Dynasty, deserving to be one of the most attractive and indispensable destinations when traveling to Hue City.

Tu Duc Tomb Total Square is about 12 hectares, 10 times larger than Gia Long Tomb . The layout of the tomb includes nearly 50 large and small buildings scattered in clusters on the land. All the buildings in this overall architecture are accompanied by the word “Khiem” (means “Modest” in English). The overview of Tu Duc Tomb is like a large park that integrates with nature. There is no straight line, angular, but there is harmony, winding instead, even though the building is entirely created by human hands.

2.3. Minh Mang Tomb

Minh Mang Tomb  is located on the west bank of Perfume River. It was completed in 1843 with an unique architecture, different from all of the other ones. While Khai Dinh Tomb was strongly influenced by the French style, and Tu Duc Tomb was rather more traditional and Vietnamese, Minh Mang Tomb was built in a balance order in terms of nature and structures, with a lot of trees and plants around. This balance between landscape and buidings reveals a lot about personality of Minh Mang.

Opening hours:  7:30AM to 5.00PM

3. Explore Huyen Tran Princess Temple

Huyen Tran is one of the most famous princesses in Vietnam’s history, who contributed as the main mediating factor between Vietnam and Champanagara. She was married to the King of Champanagara as a peace ambassador to the expansion of Vietnam’s territory at the moment. The temple was built to show the deep respect and grastitude of Vietnamese towards her. It is normally as very solemn and quiet place, however it still attracts many tourists, especially on January 9th – 15th – the death anniversary of Huyen Tran Princess. The temple is located at the foot of Ngu Phong mountain, about 6 kilometers from Hue’s center. The temple is near the royal tombs, so it’s a good idea to combine all those destinations in just one trip.

4. Savor Tasty Hue Cuisine

Hue is definitely one of the Vietnamese cities with the best and most unique cuisine culture. In the past, the dishes were only exclusively served to the royal families. However, nowadays, tourists can find them very easily on the streets or in the restaurants with a very reasonable price. The characteristic of Hue’s food is full of sweet and spicy flavour, with a lot of herbs and different sauces (namely fish sauce ). A few must-try dishes when you visit Hue are: Bun Bo Hue ( Hue Beef Noodle Soup ); Nem Lui (Hue Lemongrass Skewers); Com Hen (Clam Rice); Banh Beo (Steamed Rice Cakes); Banh Ram It (Fried Sticky Rice Dumplings); Che Hat Sen (Lotus Seeds Sweet Soup);…

5. Take a Perfume River Boat Ride

Coming to Hue, it’s a must that you have to visit the famous Perfume River. The name “Perfume” dates back to 100 years ago, when people could smell the sweet scent of flowers that floated in the river from the upriver orchards. Especially, the floral scent was the strongest during the autumn, from July to October.

Today, due to the industrialisation and the increasing numbers of boats, it may not smell the same anymore. However, Perfume River is still the symbo of Hue, and it is one of the most famous landmarks in Hue. The best time to visit Perfume River is in the afternoon when you can witness the breathtaking sunset view.

The cruising service on Perfume River is also popular here, and you will be able to visist most of Hue’s landmarks if you join a river boat tour. Today, travellers coming to Hue could not miss a while of  boating along the river . Most of them admit that this is one of the most beautiful and extremely splendid riverside landscape (especially at night when lights are on) that they have ever visited! Besides, tourists usually book a river boat tour in the evening with luxury dinner served on boat. It will give you the feeling of being royal, just like the Royal families in the past.

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6. Find Peace in Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda (namely Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda), also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is one of the most fascinating and ancient pagoda in Hue city. It is situated on Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River , in Huong Long village, 5 kilometers from Hue city, which is easy to reach from the city center. Thanks to such a mysterious history, the pagoda has attracted a great number of tourists from both inside and outside of the nation to come and explore the legend themselves.

With its typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas and a romantic location right next to the Perfume River’s bank, Thien Mu Pagoda has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hue City. It is recommended that visitors going on a city tour around Hue visiting this pagoda in the afternoon so they can observe the monks’ praying time inside the pagoda as well as enjoy the beautiful sunset on the Perfume river.

7. Visit Thanh Toan Tile-roofed Bridge

Thanh Toan Tile-roofed Bridge belongs to Thanh Thuy village which is 7km from Hue centre. Just around 15 minutes on motorbike and 30 minutes on cyclo or bicycle to reach the bridge. This is the most ancient bridge in Vietnam with a very artistic architecture style, and it’s extremely valuable in terms of architecture, history and culture.

Visit Thanh Toan Village, except for seeing the most ancient bridge in Vietnam, visitor can also row boat along canals or ride bicycle on green village road for visiting other old temples. In addition, you can also join to be a farmer and experience farming life, especially learn how to wrap a Tet sticky rice cakes ( Banh Chung & Banh Tet) or make conical hat, etc… You will have an opportunity to go to the countryside market, play hut gambling and pounding rice singing (on festivals) as well as enjoy special cuisines here.

8. Have Hue Royal Banquet Dinner

Having a Hue Royal Banquet Dinner could be the most interesting experience when you visit this city. In the past, since Hue used to be the capital in which the Royal families lived, Hue people are often very well-trained in cooking rustic food and preparing exquisite meals for the Royaltie. Going on a Royal Banquet Dinner tour, you will have the chance to actually dress up like the Vietnamese Emperor and Empress, have dinner on boat and be served with our most delicious and sophisticatedly-made dishes. You can book this tour online through an agency.

9. Relax at Hue Beaches

9.1. lang co beach.

Lang Co beach is located in a romantic city called Hue. Just 24 km from Bach Ma National Park , it is an attractive stretch of white sand with 8 km length. The bay is a perfect spot for many types of beach tourism such as swimming, scuba diving, sunbathing, fishing…  Additionally, you can also find attractive luxury resorts along the beach. Besides, it is well known for colorful coral reefs, lobsters, and the diversity of seafoods. From the bay, it is convenient to visit other places such as Hai Van pass, Bach Ma Mountain, and Lap An Lake. The best time to visit Lang Co is from December to March.

9.2. Thuan An Beach

Thuan An Beach was ranked by King Thieu Tri as one of the 10 most beautiful senses in Hue. The beach is about 13km to the east of Hue Imperial Citadel. The coastline is around 12km long with cool and fresh sea water. Although Thuan An beach has all the potentials to become a popular spot for tourism industry, it is fortunately kept unspoiled until now. If you are a person who likes to explore the natural beauty and wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center, this would be the perfect place for you. Bring a tent for a beach picnic with you friends or family, but don’t forget to clean your waste before leaving!

10. Admire the Refindness of Hue Royal Theatre

For people who are interested in Vietnamese Arts and Culture, Duyen Thi Duong, or Hue Royal Theatre is one of the places that you cannot miss when visit Hue. This is the oldest theatre in Vietnam, and it was the place that used to serve artistic performance to the Royal families. It was built under King Minh Mang reign, with an impressively large area of 11.740 m², along with unique architecture and patterns. Going through many wars, the Royal Theatre doesn’t remain the same as what it was anymore, but the replica restoration is still a very attractive place to visit.

11. Take a short walk to Hue Conical Hat Making Village

The conical hat is a symbol of Vietnam, especially Vietnamese women since it’s elegant, delicate and also useful under the hot sun in Vietnam. Tay Ho village in Hue is one of the leading conical hat making villages all over the country. Visiting this village, tourists will have a chance to explore the conical hat making process, and can also participate in a class and learn how to make them. It is probably not so easy to make a conical hat, but you will do just fine thanks to the instruction and guidance of the local craftmen, and it’s also a very good way to learn about Vietnamese Culture.

12. Visit Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

Among many interesting places in Hue, the Royal Fine Arts Museum will surely spark off your trip as one of the earliest and largest museums in Hue. The Royal Fine Arts Museum is situated inside Long An palace which is known as one of the most existing beautiful palaces in Vietnam. It covers an area of up to 6.330 square meters. Since its establishment, it took the responsibility for reviving generations of hundreds of artisans who had contributed to build up the Hue royal court. Now, the museum is under the administration of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center. Tips: Bringing cameras or taking pictures are not allowed in the museum, so you should prepare to remember everything you see in the museum.

13. Join Hue Festival (if lucky)

Every two years, Hue Festival will be held in April, May or June to preserve the traditional customs since the Nguyen Dynasty and promote the tourism industry of the city. It takes place at 40 venues around the city. A few events usually helf in Hue Festival are Ao Dai fashion shows, Hue Poetry Festival, Dialogue of Drums…. There are also a wide range of sporty activities for you to enjoy such as boat racing, kite flying or human chess . In addition, there are also exhibitions organized during the festival which shows the history of Hue. Visitors can come here to enjoy the street performances, art and film screenings to learn more about the old Hue’s culture and heritage.

14. Take in the View from Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam. When braving the steep winding roads of a paved mountain pass, you will have a chance to discover peace, quiet and history along the way. This is the highest pass in Vietnam (500m above sea level). Hai Van means “Sea Clouds”, since the peak of the mountain is in the clouds while its foot is close to the sea. In the past, Hai Van Pass was known as the Thuan Hoa and Quang Nam frontier.

With sudden curves and blind corners, Hai Van Pass is likened to an arrogant but beautiful girl challenging drivers’ skills. On a journey through the land, Hai Van is always an attractive landscape, full of perilous obstacles and is the last spur of the Truong Son Range reaching to the sea.

Hai Van Pass will satisfy your desire to conquer high peaks and  remind you of the glorious past of the Viet people. Moreover, from the pass, on nice days, visitors can enjoy the whole vista of Danang, the Tien Sa seaport, Son Tra Peninsula ,  Cu Lao Cham Island  and long  sandy beaches .

15. Visit the Bronze Casting Village – Phuong Duc

For hundreds of years, the techniques of bronze casting in Hue City have always been acclaimed as the pinnacle of Vietnam’s bronze casting. Therefore, Hue’s bronze products, such as bells, statues and fine art products, appear everywhere in Vietnam, even in some markets abroad.

The prestige of Hue bronze casting has inspired local authorities to develop the Phuong Duc Bronze Casting Village into a tourist site to introduce the tradition to local and foreign visitors and to preserve and honor the craft. Phuong Duc Village on Bui Thi Xuan Street attracts tourists at the beginning of the street with many shops displaying bronze Buddha statues and bells. It is certain that the lines, patterns and decorations of each work, which are so fine and delicate and nice, make visitors think of the dexterity and talent of the local artisans and of just how this work is done. Therefore, after admiring works in galleries along the street, tourists should stop in at a bronze casting factory to know the process and to witness the talents of the artisans.

Among Hue’s bronze products, bells gain the most attention and appreciation by their prestigious beauty and elegance and their resounding, warm and pure sound. Some people say the prestige is due to secret talents of the local artisans, but some reckon it comes from the special character of the soil and water of the region.

“Making a bronze product is an exciting experience, and the fun will be doubled if some tourist loves it and brings it home as a gift for family or a friend. Hue is not only a land of history and royal temples but also for crafts for a long time,” said Nguyen Van Niem, an artisan with 20 years experience in casting bronze.

16. Visit Tiger Arena & Voi Re Temple (Long Chau Temple)

Tiger Arena (Ho Quyen) is one of the most historic few sites still stands today in Vietnam, the fighting place between animals, especially are elephants and tigers, much to the glee of the royalty as well as to assert the unbeatable strength of battle elephants. Attempting to bring back these sites, Vietnam Travel Depot made a trip and be pleased to present to tourists. Ho Quyen and Dien Voi Re symbolized the invincible strength and vitality of the Kings

The construction of the site began in 1830 after the ceremonial fight for King Minh Mang ‘s 40 th  birthday on the northern bank of Perfume river, a tiger suddenly broke free and threatened the King by charging toward him. Afterward, the King chose the land near Long Tho Hill to the west of the capital as permanent arena to hold fights and named it Ho Quyen. The stories of area are still kept spreading among the communities but beginning to fade with the passing of time from the day of the last fight was in 1904 during the reign of King Thanh Thai (the 10 th  king of Nguyen Dynasty)

Just some steps from Ho Quyen is Temple of the Crying Elephant where the elephants were worshipped, those achieved great feats in battle fields. Locals called the temple “ Dien Voi Re”.

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• Hanoi, Vietnam: 23rd Floor, TASCO Building, Pham Hung road, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Hanoi.
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: 2nd Floor, VIPD Building, No. 4 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC
• Hong Kong: Vietnam discovery Travel Limited Room 1D, 2/F, Fu Tao Building,98 Argyle Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

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