Hue tours

Things to do in Hue

Welcome to Hue, a city that whispers the tales of emperors and dynasties. Here, the Perfume River carries with it echoes of the past, and the mist that drapes over pagodas adds to its enigmatic allure. With ToursByLocals, your guide becomes a storyteller, bringing to life the narratives that are etched into the city's very fabric. Venture beyond mere sightseeing to uncover the mystic tombs and lively markets that define Hue. Every bite on a food tour introduces you to the royal cuisine of yesteryears, and a sunset glide on the Perfume River is nothing short of enchanting. Each tour is a chance to peel back the layers of Hue's rich heritage. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Hue. Explore Hue your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Hue tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Hue for every interest, including: History tours: Step through the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City as your guide unpacks Nguyen-dynasty court life, then ride along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of Emperors Tu Duc and Khai Dinh to decode royal symbolism up close. Food and Drink tours: Pull up a low stool for bún bò Huế at a family shop near Dong Ba Market, nibble bánh bèo and bánh nậm straight from the steamer, and try Hue’s signature salty coffee (cà phê muối); cap it with a cold Huda at a riverside stall your guide loves. Off The Beaten Path tours: Cycle to Thanh Toan’s tile‑roofed bridge to browse the village market and chat with farmers, then glide across Tam Giang Lagoon at sunset to learn traditional net fishing and sample freshly steamed clams on a simple boat. The city centre around the Citadel and along the river is walkable, but tombs and craft villages sit kilometres away and buses are limited; ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Hue inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Join a private walking tour to discover Hue's historical wonders and vibrant neighborhoods with your local guide. Exploring the city with someone who knows it inside out is a great way to dive deep into its culture. - Imperial City: This area is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and cultural tourists. Explore the ancient citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas that make Hue a hub of Vietnam's imperial past. - Phu Hoi: Fantastic for families and those craving authentic Vietnamese life. Wander through bustling markets, try local delicacies, and enjoy the vibrant street life in this lively neighborhood. - Thuy Bieu: A peaceful village perfect for those seeking meaningful connections. Known for its lush gardens, fruit orchards, and traditional crafts, it offers a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. Day trip ideas from Hue After the Citadel and the riverside, use your day for short hops to the coast, mountains, and history sites that fit neatly into day trips and match well with tours that focus on what you like most. - Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Beach: a winding coastal road with big views and a quiet arc of sand on the other side, good for photos, a simple swim, and fresh seafood, and your tour can time stops to keep the ride smooth. - Bach Ma National Park: cool forest, short trails to waterfalls, and an old hill station feel, so hikers and nature fans get shade, birdlife, and lookouts without a long trek. - DMZ and Vinh Moc Tunnels: wartime relics and an underground village that shows daily life in shelter, best for history lovers who want context and calm time to walk the sites. - Tam Giang Lagoon: low boats, net fishing scenes, and soft sunset light over wide water, a fit for photography and a slower cultural look at village life near the coast. - Da Nang and the Marble Mountains: city beaches, a riverfront stroll, and limestone hills with caves and pagodas, so you get a tidy mix of urban and nature in one day without rushing back late. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Hue most travellers miss.