Huế Day Trip from Da Nang | Best Things to Do in Vietnam’s Imperial City: Citadel, Khai Dinh Tomb & Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Huế | Introduction

Huế was the imperial city of the last Vietnamese dynasty—the Nguyễn Dynasty. When traveling in Central Vietnam, Huế is definitely a must-visit destination. In fact, Huế's history can be traced back to the Qin Dynasty of ancient China, when it belonged to the Xiang Prefecture. From the time when China governed Jiaozhi and Annam, this region has always been a crossroads of culture and politics. After centuries of dynastic changes, it wasn’t until the Nguyễn Dynasty established its capital here in 1802 that Huế officially became Vietnam’s political center.

From 1802, when Emperor Gia Long (Nguyễn Phúc Ánh) founded the Nguyễn Dynasty and declared Huế the capital, to 1945, when the last emperor Bảo Đại abdicated, Huế served as the capital for 143 years. Located in the geographical center of Vietnam, it was not only a critical transportation hub between the north and south, but also a major battleground during the Vietnam War, with many remnants of conflict still visible.

Today, Huế is renowned for its well-preserved imperial palaces and royal tombs from the Nguyễn era. Unlike traditional Chinese architectural styles which mainly use wood and bricks, structures like the Khải Định Tomb and parts of the Imperial City incorporate a mix of East Asian and Western design elements and use concrete as the primary material, showcasing the dynasty’s attempts at modernization.

Huế | One-Day Itinerary

The classic attractions in Huế include the renowned Imperial City, Thiên Mụ Pagoda, and three royal tombs—Khải Định, Minh Mạng, and Tự Đức. These sites are spread around the city, so if you'd like to explore them at a relaxed pace, it’s best to spend two to three days and stay overnight. With just one day, most travelers focus on three highlights: the Imperial City, Thiên Mụ Pagoda, and the architecturally unique Khải Định Tomb.

Although the Minh Mạng Tomb is grand and highly regarded among locals, it resembles traditional East Asian mausoleums, so it’s usually skipped during a one-day trip—better saved for a more in-depth visit to Huế.

Transportation from Đà Nẵng to Huế

There are two main routes from Đà Nẵng to Huế: the fast and efficient Hải Vân Tunnel, and the scenic Hải Vân Pass. On our trip, we happened to try both. We took a one-day tour to Huế using the tunnel route for convenience. Later, heading north from Hội An, we opted for a private car ride through the famous Hải Vân mountain road. This allowed us to experience and compare both routes.

In short, if you're not in a hurry and don’t mind taking the longer mountain road, the Hải Vân Pass is absolutely worth it. This winding road, built along the mountain ridge, is considered one of the world's top ten most beautiful drives, offering stunning views of the coastline and Lăng Cô Bay—far more immersive than just passing through the tunnel.

If you're short on time and just want to reach Huế quickly, the Hải Vân Tunnel is your best option. Stretching 6.28 kilometers, it’s currently the longest tunnel in Southeast Asia. Opened in 2005 and built in collaboration with Japanese and Korean engineers, it has become a vital artery between Central and Northern Vietnam.

If you're traveling independently and want to take the tunnel route, note that motorcycles and fuel trucks are not allowed inside due to the tunnel’s length. Motorcyclists can either purchase a ticket to load their bike onto a truck or opt for the Hải Vân Pass instead.

Book a transportation to Hue

• Chartered bus to/from Hue (Klook)
• Hue City Chartered Tour (Klook)
• Da Nang Charter |Vietnam (kkday)

Below is a list of some of the side attractions you will pass along the Hai Wan Pass route.

Hải Vân Pass Route | Scenic Spots Along the Way

Hải Vân Gate (Hải Vân Quan)

Located between Đà Nẵng and Huế, Hải Vân Gate is one of the most famous "natural barriers" in Central Vietnam. Perched on the ridgeline, it offers stunning views of the South China Sea on clear days, while foggy weather makes you feel like you're standing above the clouds—hence the name "Hải Vân" meaning "Sea of Clouds."

This was once a military checkpoint, and the stone gate called “Hải Vân Quan” still stands atop the mountain. Though modest in scale, the view from here is striking, offering sweeping vistas of the winding pass and Lăng Cô Bay. Unfortunately, during our visit, the gate was under renovation, so we could only take photos from the outside. Still, it felt like stepping into a historical scene.

Lăng Cô Bay

One of the main reasons the Hải Vân Pass was listed by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful roads is the breathtaking Lăng Cô Bay.

Located at the border between Đà Nẵng and Huế, this bay boasts postcard-perfect views of where the mountains meet the sea, often shrouded in mist. National Geographic even listed it as one of the “Top 50 Places of a Lifetime.” From the pass, you can see the train tracks curving along the coastline—riding a train through here would surely be a memorable journey.

Lap An Lagoon

After passing Lăng Cô Bay, the next scenic stop is Lap An Lagoon—a serene lagoon encircled by mountains and sandy banks. On clear days, the calm water reflects the sky like a mirror, creating a surreal beauty. Many one-day tours also include this spot as a rest stop.

Nowadays, it's become a popular photography spot in Vietnam, with decorative props like small bridges, benches, and fishing nets set up around the lake. While a bit touristy, the photos turn out beautifully. If you ask locals to help take pictures, be aware that some may charge—so it’s best to ask in advance.

We happened to visit during pearl harvesting season. We saw workers pull up old tires used for oyster farming, shake off the oysters, and collect them in baskets. They also offered a “pearl farming demo,” which turned out to be surprisingly educational. For example, pearl oysters are attached to upright wooden frames and need years of cultivation. Water quality can also affect the color of the pearls.

There weren’t many shops by the lake, just a few stalls selling pearls and drinks. We stopped for a quick refreshment—the prices were a bit high but still reasonable. If you enjoy scenic lakeside views, this is a great place for a short break.

Huế | One-Day Attractions

Khải Định Tomb

Also known as Ứng Lăng, Khải Định Tomb is the smallest yet most luxurious and distinctive of all the royal tombs in Huế. If you only have time for one, this one is highly recommended. Unlike traditional East Asian tombs, it features a mix of Chinese and French elements.

Emperor Khải Định, the penultimate ruler of the Nguyễn Dynasty, reigned for just nine years but built what is considered the most extravagant tomb. In Vietnamese tradition, the afterlife is eternal, so tombs are often more important than homes—people would save their entire lives to build a good one. Naturally, the emperor spared no expense, reportedly using up the national treasury for this project. Construction began in 1916 and was completed in 1931, two years after his death—taking 11 years and vast manpower and money.

Khải Định was said to be an ardent admirer of French culture, and his tomb incorporates reinforced concrete structures popular in France at the time, along with Chinese dragon motifs and royal symbols. The result is a dazzling, exotic hybrid unlike any other.

At the entrance, intricately carved dragon stairs greet you, flanked by two rows of life-sized statues of officials. Interestingly, these statues appear unusually petite—because Khải Định himself was only 150 cm tall, and he allegedly ordered the statues to match his height so he wouldn’t be dwarfed by his subjects.

Behind the stairs lies Thiên Định Palace, the heart of the tomb.

Its exterior is already grand, but the interior is extravagantly decorated to a jaw-dropping extent. Due to the huge costs, a 20% tax hike was imposed on the people, and many soldiers died from water contamination during the build—fueling public resentment.

Inside, the main hall Khải Thành Palace features walls and ceilings decorated with broken porcelain and glass mosaics, and even a famous ink-painted dragon on the ceiling.

There’s a story that this artwork was painted with the artist’s feet, since it was on the ceiling and standing was easier than lying down—though the emperor was initially furious, he eventually allowed it. The painting has never been restored, yet remains vivid to this day.

Behind the main hall is Khải Định’s burial chamber, where a life-sized bronze statue sits atop a 9-foot pedestal symbolizing imperial authority.

According to records, the emperor is buried directly beneath this statue—a rare case, since most emperors’ burial sites were kept secret to avoid tomb raiding. But because Khải Định was seen as a puppet of the French, the entire funeral and construction were under French supervision, making this one of the few clearly documented burial sites.

Emperor Khải Định himself was not a popular figure. During his reign, he was seen as completely subservient to the French and was often regarded as a national traitor. He lived lavishly, had a fondness for Western cuisine and aesthetics, and was even said to frequently parade around in custom-made French dresses—earning him heavy criticism at the time for being "overly enamored with the West."

He never officially married an empress, and some historical records suggest he may have been homosexual. His only son—Vietnam’s last emperor, Bảo Đại—was reportedly born from a drunken encounter with a palace maid. Even the empress dowager at the time doubted the legitimacy of the royal bloodline. It is said that she once used an ancient method of interrogation: having a hole dug in the ground, forcing the maid to lie with her stomach facing down, and subjecting her to torture to force a confession. Yet the maid maintained her story under intense duress, which ultimately allowed Bảo Đại to ascend the throne. Still, some questioned the truth—especially since Emperor Khải Định was so short, yet Bảo Đại grew to be unusually tall.

While these stories cannot all be definitively verified, they have made Khải Định a figure of ambiguity and dramatic intrigue in Vietnamese history.

Though controversial and often criticized as a traitor who pandered to colonial powers, Khải Định’s tomb stands as a masterpiece of architectural fusion and a reflection of a conflicted era.

Perfume River (Sông Hương)

The Perfume River flows through Huế and is considered the lifeblood of the city. On the way into Huế’s city center, you can opt to take a boat ride along the Perfume River. If you're on a group tour, you may be given the choice to either ride in the tour bus the whole way or take a “dragon boat” across the river. Since you're already here, why not experience a royal-style cruise?

The boat itself is decorated like a dragon, making it quite photogenic. The interior, however, is basic—just a few plastic chairs without special equipment, safety briefings, or life vests. It’s that typical Vietnamese simplicity: slightly rough around the edges, but no one minds. The atmosphere is actually quite relaxing. As the boat glides across the water, you’ll see views of both the old city wall of the Imperial City and the modern urban area, all while slowly heading toward Thiên Mụ Pagoda. On the right-hand side, you’ll pass by the Imperial City—the ancient heart of the city.

Thiên Mụ Pagoda

Located on the north bank of the Perfume River, Thiên Mụ Pagoda is one of the oldest and most legendary temples in Huế, built in 1601—over 400 years ago.

According to legend, Nguyễn Hoàng, the founding emperor of the Nguyễn family, once dreamed of an old woman prophesying that “the true son of Heaven would one day build a capital here.” Believing himself to be that chosen one, he established Thiên Mụ Pagoda on this hill as a symbol of spiritual legitimacy. It later became a protectorate temple for the Nguyễn royal family.

Another legend leaves a vivid impression: it’s said couples should avoid visiting the temple together. The story goes that a pair of lovers were separated due to social differences. The man drowned himself in the river, while the woman was rescued and later married someone else. His soul, waiting in vain, eventually took refuge in the temple—and now allegedly “curses” couples who visit. Whether or not you believe it is up to you!

At the top of the stone steps leading to the temple stands the iconic Phước Duyên Tower, an octagonal seven-story structure that’s striking and symbolic of Buddhist cosmology. It was built under the order of the third Nguyễn emperor and represents the cycle of rebirth and enlightenment.

The plaque at the main gate reads “Linh Mụ Temple” instead of “Thiên Mụ.” This is because during Emperor Tự Đức’s reign, the word "Heaven" (Thiên) was considered too sacred, so the name was temporarily changed to avoid offending the divine. The change didn’t help much, so the original name was eventually restored. Interestingly, “Linh Mụ” sounds like a curse in Chinese!

Inside the main hall, you’ll find statues of the Future Buddha, Present Buddha, and Past Buddha, enveloped in incense smoke and solemn ambiance. The Maitreya Buddha (Laughing Buddha) is always placed at the front, symbolizing the need for joy at the beginning of the spiritual journey.

Deeper inside the temple grounds, there’s a surprisingly out-of-place blue vintage car.

This was the vehicle used by the monk Thích Quảng Đức, who famously self-immolated in 1963 in protest against religious persecution by the South Vietnamese government. His act shocked the world. It’s said that during the 15-minute immolation, he sat in perfect stillness, and his heart remained intact—eventually enshrined and considered a relic.

The courtyard behind the main hall is unexpectedly serene and spacious, offering a peaceful atmosphere even during group tours. At the end of the courtyard is a small tower—walk around it three times and it’s said to bring financial blessings.

Imperial City (Đại Nội)

You simply can't visit Huế without seeing its crown jewel: the Imperial City. This was the palace complex of the Nguyễn Dynasty, Vietnam’s final imperial dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945 under 13 emperors.

Construction began under Emperor Gia Long and was completed during the reign of his son, Emperor Minh Mạng—taking nearly 30 years in total. Modeled after China’s Forbidden City, it includes moats, palaces, ancestral shrines, and grand halls. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and remains the best-preserved complex of Nguyễn-era architecture.

The city faces south, with its main gate—the Meridian Gate (Ngọ Môn)—on the southern side. Crossing the bridge over the moat and entering the gate instantly feels regal. Admission tickets are required and can be bought on site.

The noon gate has five entrances: the central one reserved exclusively for the emperor during important ceremonies, the two larger side gates for civil and military officials, and the two smaller ones for guards, animals, and goods. Even the pathways were strictly regulated—a sign of rigid court protocol.

In 1945, the last emperor Bảo Đại formally abdicated in front of this very gate, marking the end of the Nguyễn Dynasty.

Inside, the first major space is the Great Court—a stone plaza used for royal ceremonies and public audiences. Standing on the central axis, it’s easy to imagine rows of officials lined up and the emperor descending the main hall with great pomp.

Bronze qilin statues—said to punish corrupt officials—dot the plaza for spiritual protection.

Unfortunately, the main hall Thái Hòa Palace was under renovation during our visit, so we couldn’t see its grandeur. However, the grounds still contain plenty of open spaces. These aren't part of the original design but are the result of war damage from the French and Vietnam Wars, which destroyed many buildings—leaving only foundations or a few stone pillars.

The large open spaces were once the emperor’s private quarters. Walking through these areas, now reduced to empty lots, you can still sense the grandeur that once stood here. In a way, these ruined remnants serve as a stark reflection of the scars left on Vietnam’s history.

Next is the Thế Tổ Miếu, a shrine for Nguyễn emperors. Of the 13 rulers, only 10 are worshipped here, as three were forced to abdicate and thus excluded by tradition.

Photography isn’t allowed inside, but the space contains documents and altars that help illustrate each emperor’s story. For example, Gia Long is controversial for seeking Thai military help to unify Vietnam, while Minh Mạng is widely respected for his reforms and state-building efforts. His tomb is said to be magnificent, but hard to squeeze into a one-day itinerary.

Minh Mạng reportedly had 500 concubines and 142 children—his secret? A special royal tonic wine called “Minh Mạng Wine,” which you can still buy as a souvenir.

Deeper inside the complex is the unique Tịnh Minh Tower, a two-story European-style building constructed in 1932 for a sick empress. The Western influence is apparent and contrasts starkly with the traditional surroundings.

Inside, displays focus on the famously beautiful Empress Nam Phương (Nguyễn Hữu Thị Lan), wife of the last emperor Bảo Đại. He reportedly fell in love with her at first sight and refused to marry anyone else, even defying his mother’s orders. To please her, he temporarily abolished the concubine system and promised monogamy.

But as often happens, that promise didn’t last. After their child was born, he resumed taking concubines, and Nam Phương, heartbroken, died of heart disease at 49—a tragic ending.

Next to the tower is Diên Thọ Palace, once the queen mother's residence, later turned into a tea house. It now displays royal furniture and daily items, offering glimpses into court life.

Further in lies the most private area for the emperor and his consorts. Though much of it is now empty space, you can still see the foundation layout and remaining walls. The halls feature period documents, artifacts, and original Chinese texts—since Vietnamese writing hadn’t been developed yet during the Nguyễn era.

Due to Huế’s humid climate, we even spotted a small snake slithering through the grass—a reminder to stay alert while walking outdoors!

On the eastern side of the Purple City, we visited Duyệt Thị Đường, the oldest surviving royal theater in Vietnam. This space was used for traditional court performances and offers a glimpse into the imperial entertainment scene.

The entire visit took about two and a half hours. We exited through the Hiển Nhơn Gate, just as the sun was setting.

Strolling along the moat, with golden sunlight shimmering on the water, the city felt like it was slowly transitioning between history and modernity—a feeling hard to forget.

Restaurant | Biet Phu Thao Nhi Restaurant

As part of our one-day group tour, we had lunch at Biet Phu Thao Nhi Restaurant, located just two minutes by car from Khải Định Tomb in the suburbs of Huế. Though it caters mostly to tour groups and we didn’t have high expectations, the food turned out to be surprisingly good—home-style Vietnamese cuisine, with some very tasty cold dishes.

The restaurant’s highlight is its decor, modeled after the Imperial City, giving off a regal vibe that makes it a great photo spot. While the food isn’t spectacular, it’s sincere and solid for a tour meal, and the ambiance was a pleasant surprise.

Further reading

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