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Day trips to Hue from Hoi An: Must-see spots and travel tips

02/12/2025

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After seeing everything that Hoi An has to offer, you can take a day trip to Hue from Hoi An to further explore central Vietnam. Just a few hours’ drive away from Hoi An, Hue is home to some of the country’s most significant attractions.

1. Best attractions for the ultimate day trip from Hoi An to Hue
2. Highly recommended day trips to Hue from Hoi An
3. Tips for a seamless day trip from Hoi An to Hue

1. Best attractions for the ultimate day trip from Hoi An to Hue

If you are looking for memorable day trips from Hoi An, Hue should be high on your list. Hue is packed with enriching attractions, and here are some that you should not miss out on your day trips from Hoi An.

There are many sites for history buffs to visit on a day tour from Hoi An to Hue (Source: Collected)

1.1. Historical sites

Hue is full of historical sites that tell the story of Vietnam’s imperial past:

Hue Imperial City (northern bank of the Perfume River): Right after unifying the country in 1802, King Gia Long began building this grand imperial complex. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Royal tombs in Hue: These beautifully designed tombs honor the Nguyen Dynasty’s kings, including Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, and the Tomb of King Thieu Tri.
An Dinh Palace (179 Phan Dinh Phung Street): Originally a wooden residence built by King Dong Khanh for his son, this palace was transformed into a lavish castle by King Khai Dinh in 1917. It later became the residence of Prince Vinh Thuy, who would become the last king of Vietnam, Bao Dai.
Tu Hieu Pagoda (Duong Xuan Thuong 3 Hamlet): First established as An Duong Hermitage by Venerable Nhat Dinh in 1843, this pagoda is surrounded by pine trees and often visited by those paying respect to Buddhist traditions.
Thien Mu Pagoda (Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street): Built by Lord Nguyen Hoang after hearing a local legend about a heavenly woman appearing on Ha Khe Hill, this pagoda was named “Thien Mu,” meaning “Lady from Heaven.”

Learn about the region’s history on your day trip to Hue from Hoi An (Source: Collected)

1.2. Cultural sites

If you want to soak up the spirit of the city, these cultural sites are worth visiting on your day trip from Hoi An to Hue:

Dong Ba Market (2 Tran Hung Dao Street): Over 130 years old, this bustling market offers fermented fish sauce, Ao Dai fabric, and royal tea.
Trang Tien Bridge (northwestern end of Hung Vuong Street): This symbol of Hue spans the Perfume River and is the first bridge in Indochina built with construction methods and materials from the West.
Thanh Toan Bridge (Thanh Thuy Ward): This is an iconic wooden roofed bridge built in 1776. Come here to take unique photos for keepsakes.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village (Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street): With a history of over 700 years, this village once supplied incense to the royal court. Today, it is known for its rainbow displays that double as Insta-worthy backdrops.
Phu Cam Church (Phuoc Qua Hill, Thuan Hoa Ward): Now the main cathedral of the Archdiocese of Hue, this peaceful church will make for a quiet stop on your trip.
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda (Cham Village, Kim Long Ward): This hidden gem is where you can embrace Vietnam’s spiritual calmness alongside nature and traditional architecture.

Best attractions for the ultimate day trip from Hoi An to Hue

Your day trip to Hue from Hoi An should include culturally-rich stops (Source: Collected)

1.3. Natural attractions

From peaceful rivers to untouched forests, Hue offers plenty of natural beauty to explore on a day trip from Hoi An:

Lap An Lagoon (Chan May – Lang Co Commune): This scenic lagoon is perfect for bird-watching and relaxing, with views of the surrounding mountains.
Tam Giang Lagoon (Quang Dien Commune): This is the largest brackish-water lagoon in Southeast Asia. Here, you can visit Chuon Lagoon, Thai Duong Ha Fishing Village, and Ru Cha Mangrove Forest.
Lang Co Beach (Chan May – Lang Co Commune): This long stretch of white sand and blue water is a peaceful spot for swimming or snapping photos.
Bach Ma National Park (Phu Loc Commune): Part of the Northern Annamite Range, this park is home to forested mountains over 1,000 meters high. It is great for hiking, wildlife-spotting, and connecting with nature.
Perfume River: This is a symbol of Hue. You can take a boat trip down this peaceful river and enjoy traditional songs performed by local artists.
Thuan An Beach (Thuan An Ward): This quiet beach is perfect for a refreshing dip or a lazy afternoon sunbathing in the sun.
Vong Canh Hill (102, Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street): This scenic viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Perfume River winding through ancient tombs and forested hills.

There are many natural attractions for your one-day trip from Hoi An to Hue (Source: Collected)

Check out: Hue map: 13 suggested places to visit for first-time travelers

2. Highly recommended day trips to Hue from Hoi An

Here are four curated itineraries to help you make the most of your day trip from Hoi An to Hue.

2.1. Itinerary 1

Kick off your day with a deep dive into Hue’s royal past at the Imperial City. Afterward, make your way to either Thien Mu Pagoda or Tu Hieu Pagoda. Late afternoon, consider paddleboarding on the Perfume River and seeing Chuon Lagoon.

If you prefer to stay in town, spend your evening walking along the Perfume River and crossing the iconic Trang Tien Bridge. A short cyclo ride around the city is a charming way to wrap up your day.

2.2. Itinerary 2

Start the day by making your way to Thanh Toan Bridge. This centuries-old bridge is one of the most iconic attractions in Hue with its unique design.

For lunch, come to Bao Vinh Ancient Town, about 10 kilometers away from Thanh Toan Bridge. Once a bustling commercial port 200 years ago, this town still preserves its historical charm through old buildings.

In the afternoon, head to Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda. Wrap up the day by watching the sunset from Vong Canh Hill.

Plan a well-rounded itinerary for your day trip to Hue from Hoi An (Source: Collected)

2.3. Itinerary 3

The morning will be spent at Phuoc Tich Ancient Village. Here, you can try your hands at making pottery and learn about the stories behind Doi Temple.

In the afternoon, head to Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda, a tranquil site tucked away in a peaceful valley. If you still have some time before evening, take a boat ride on the Perfume River to listen to royal court music. End your day by strolling around the Western Quarter.

2.4. Itinerary 4

This day trip to Hue from Hoi An is dedicated to Bach Ma National Park. In the morning, visit the Display Center to get an overview of the park’s history, significance, and species. Next, make your way to Vong Hai Dai, an observation deck where you will be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.

Around noon, take a break and enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in the park. After lunch, visit Do Quyen Waterfall, a waterfall that got its name from the rhododendron flower which blooms in April. On your way back to the city center, make a stop at the Guanyin Statue, a striking white marble sculpture that stands tall in the park.

Fill your day trip to Hue from Hoi An with activities (Source: Collected)

Explore things to do in Hue day and night to enrich your journey!

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3. Tips for a seamless day trip from Hoi An to Hue

3.1. Best time to travel

Between January and April is the ideal time to visit Hue. In this season, the weather in Hue is dry so you can fully enjoy the beauty of its landmarks, especially the historical sites. For those who enjoy beaches, the best time to visit is summer from June to August.

3.2. Transportation

There are three viable means of transportation for the journey from Hoi An to Hue:

By coach: Several coach companies operate on this route, including Hai Van Limousine, Dung Car, and Thuan Phat Limousine. Tickets can usually be purchased online or via the company’s hotline.

By taxi: For a more comfortable journey, you can take a taxi. Xanh SM is an electric taxi service that offers a direct, eco-friendly ride from Hoi An to Hue. You can easily book your trip through the mobile app.

By motorbike: For an adventurous trip, rent a bike and cross Hai Van Pass. This option allows you to enjoy the natural beauty along the way, but the winding roads will require some driving skills.

The travel time from Hoi An to Hue is about 3 hours. Thus, it is best that you depart well early in the morning in order to have as much time to explore Hue as possible.

It is easy to travel from Hoi An to Hue (Source: Collected)

3.3. Food

Hue is famous for its flavorful dishes. Here is a list of top-rated spots to try Hue food for either breakfast, lunch, dinner, or late night on your day trip to Hue from Hoi An:

Breakfast

Banh Mi Truong Tien O Tho (14 Tran Cao Van Street): Banh mi
Thuy – Banh Canh Nam Pho (16 Pham Hong Thai Street): Noodle soup

Lunch

Banh Khoai Hong Mai (110 Dinh Tien Hoang Street): Crispy Hue cakes
Bun Bo Me Keo (20 Bach Dang Street): Hue beef noodle soup

Dinner

Huyen Anh Wet Cake – Grilled Meat Bun Dinner (50 Kim Long Street): Soft rice cakes with grilled pork
Com Hen Hoa Dong (No. 64, Alley 7, Ung Binh Street): Rice with clams

Late-night

Quan Banh O Le (No. 17/9, Alley 104, Kim Long Street): Steamed rice cakes
Banh Ep Hue (118 Le Ngo Cat Street): Crispy pressed rice cakes
Che Ong Lac (36 Thanh Tinh Street): Sweet soup
Ca Phe Muoi (10 Nguyen Luong Bang Street): Salted coffee

Enjoy a wide range of delicacies on your day trip from Hoi An to Hue (Source: Collected)

A day trip from Hoi An to Hue offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor. Whether you are exploring the ancient Imperial City, savoring iconic dishes, or taking in scenic views, this journey promises unforgettable experiences. With convenient transportation options and a rich selection of attractions, Hue is an ideal destination for a day of exploration from Hoi An.

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