---
node: dest_hue
type: destination
slug: hue
title: "Huế"
lead: "Huế was the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyễn dynasty, and it keeps a great walled citadel and the royal tombs along the Perfume River. Its palaces, pagodas and refined cuisine make it the country's historic heart."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
image_file: hue.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Vietnam,_Hue,_Imperial_City_of_Hue,_Gate.jpg"
image_author: "Vyacheslav Argenberg"
image_license: "CC BY 4.0"
---

## Overview

The seat of the emperors from the early nineteenth century until 1945, Huế is a quieter central city built around a vast citadel modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City, much of it damaged in war and now being restored. Along the Perfume River beyond the city lie the elaborate tombs of the emperors, set in gardens and lakes, and hillside pagodas keep the religious heritage. Cooler and more reserved than the beach towns, it is a place for history, gardens and a distinctive royal cuisine.

## Highlights

The Imperial City, a citadel of gates, palaces and courtyards within the walls, is the great sight, slowly restored after the war. Boats on the Perfume River reach the Thiên Mụ Pagoda and the royal tombs of emperors like Minh Mang and Tự Đức, each a landscaped complex. The refined court cuisine of Huế and the war history of the surrounding country round out a visit.