In Vietnam travel itinerary, Hue is often left out or at best, just a stop place. This is a big shame. The true travellers always choose Hue as their great destination in the journey from Ha Noi to Hoi An. This lovely town is littered with both impressive historic and natural sights, from small peaceful villages to sandy beaches, it’s all there within reach. If you are familiar with normal Hue city tour, you can check out these following charming places as your own way to discover this beautiful city.

A visit to Hue will not be complete without a leisure dragon boat excursion along the waterway on the romantic Perfume river (Huong river). This is the best way to enjoy amazing views of the scenic landscape across the most famous river of Hue city. You will listen to the story and know how the river got its name “Huong” river. Then disembark to visit Thien Mu Pagoda on the north bank of the river. It landed on the river and housing some very fine gold and silver Buddha images. Thien Mu Pagoda overlooks the Perfume river and now is the official symbol of the Hue city.

It is still important to highlight the fact that the Imperial Citadel is an absolute must-see in Hue. The Citadel was built in the north of river consisting of palaces under the Nguyen Dynasty. Courtyard of Ngo Mon, with the Thai Hoa Palace in the background. Being the former imperial seat of government and Hue’s prime attraction, this is a great sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, walls, gates, shops, museums and galleries, featuring art and costumes from various periods of Vietnamese history. The Imperial City reflected the life of the Emperor and Mandarin under the Nguyen ‘s reign.

Beyond the Citadel, you will go on your trip to discover one of Hue traditional craft villages, Thanh Tien paper flower village. For many years, Thanh Tien village has become a fascinating destination highly rich in local culture, local belief and traditions. Thanh Tien paper flowers derived from folk belief and be considered as sacred objects for Tet. They are changed once a year and are revered as unfading flowers. Every year, colorful elegant paper flowers made in Thanh Tien village are sold before Tet in flower markets and some streets of Hue City. Despite fresh and plastic flowers of different varieties available in the market, Thanh Tien paper flowers are indispensable on Hue family altars. In the house of a local family, tourists will learn how to make many kinds of flower in a traditional way.

Far from Hue city, you will find a charming spiritual space at Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery located at Bach Ma mountain foot in Phu Loc town. To reach this pagoda, you will go by boat about 10 minutes and admire the beautiful scene of imposing mountains surrounding by a fresh water pond. You step up about 200 steps to see the pagoda aporous in clouds and fogs. Coming here, you will admire the artistic masterpieces of Buddhism, the patterned motifs on the ancient roofs and charming scenery. You will immerse yourself into the calm and fresh atmosphere and relieve your mind in the sound of the bell vibrating around this magical place.

The last but not least should be mentioned here is Lang Co which is famous for its stunning beach with the massive view to mountains in the distance. This is the interesting opportunity for you to get refreshment in the most beautiful beach of Asia with nice breeze. At the bottom, you’re rewarded with a great seat for the perfect sunset view. Once finishes, you can head out for a great dinner as there are variety of seafood restaurants all along the shore.

While there are some organized tours, Hue now is still a place with very much off the beaten paths. Let join in Hue city tour to explore plenty of Hue hidden gems with a ton of things to do and make sure to add them into your itinerary!