Top Rated Attractions in Thừa Thiên Huế

The Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts is one of the most vibrant museums in Hue, which was the capital during the former imperial times. The museum features a variety of artifacts and art works that depict the historic times of the Imperial rule. The museum features sculptures, contemporary art, relics, etc. that gives you a wider aspect on the creativity and the history of the people of Hue. Multiple exhibitions are carried out at this venue, while the permanent items remain more of an attraction.

Also locally referred to as the Cot Co, the Flag Tower heads over the Imperial city (Citadel) as a symbolic flag like structure. Towering over the flat surface of 3 pyramids, the iron made flag-staff is a landmark of sorts in the city of Hue. Adding to the cultural charm of the magnificent Imperial city, the Flag Tower is certainly a must-visit historic site. Call ahead for more details.

Burrowed in Chau Chu Mountain, this palatial mausoleum eternally enshrines Emperor Khải Định. Located within close proximity to Huế, the tomb is one of the most extensively and beautifully-designed structures of its time. Fringed by scenic green terrains of Huế's frontiers, this tomb is awash in a melange of European and Asian architectural styles, flanked by walls adorned with what are one of Vietnam's largest dragon sculptures. An ostentatious mausoleum which is definitely one of its kind in the country, the building also shelters the Khai Thanh Palace, which is marvelously adorned with patchworks of glass and porcelain. A gem-like extension to the imperial city of Huế, the tomb is complete with glimmering relics of the king, a string of solemn, stone-built statues, murals as well as inscriptions detailing the life and times of the emperor. Drawing from Roman, Buddhist, Hindu as well as Gothic architectural styles, this mausoleum is a tribute to the long-standing Nguyễn dynasty, bearing testimony to the ancient feudal system of Vietnam.

A fortified palace at the heart of Vietnam's historic Hue city, Imperial City of Hue was once the capital of the nation. Gia Long, the founding Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, constructed the palace and citadel, after consulting his geomancers for a suitable location, that would bring him luck in his conquests and safeguard his stronghold against invading forces. Thousands of skilled laborers worked tirelessly for 27 long years to turn the monarch's vision to reality, which in the end did it justice and made it one of the most imposing structures built in the history of Vietnam. The fortress' strategic location on the northern bank of the Huong River, coupled with its thick walls, menacing forts, cannons and artilleries are largely credited to the dominance of the Nguyen Dynasty and survival of the ancient city of Hue. Much of the complex's original features remain intact and the site now hosts musical performances and cultural shows that replicate some of the most iconic moments of the city's history.

Taking a Cruise along the Perfume river, and you come across the Thien Mu Pagoda or Chùa Thiên Mụ, the Octagonal tower that has a symbolic meaning to the city of Hue. Dating back to the 1600's, it houses a Buddha statue, a cemetery and a beautiful garden. The Buddhist temple is also a popular tourist attraction that is seen by many as a symbol of Hue.

Built during the period of 1920-1931, the Khai Dinh Tomb is the final resting place of the Emperor of Vietnam, Khai Dinh (1916-1925) of Nguyen dynasty. Although located 8 kilometers south of the city Hue, the tomb is quite a center point of hustle and bustle of tourists, mainly due to its mixture of European and Asian influence in its architecture. The tomb comprises of a Thien Dinh palace with walls elaborately decorated using porcelain designs. The room at the rear end of the palace is where the grave, the alter and the stone statue of the emperor is placed. The tomb is among the last of the imperial structures and serves as a magnificent homage to the emperor.