Set on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is a primarily a historical city which famously houses the Imperial City (declared a World Heritage Site in 1993) within the Citadel, which acted as the seat of power of the royal family. In today’s times, Hue has evolved into a budget-friendly destination with many hotels, bars and restaurants located in the areas of Pham Ngu Lao, Vo Thi Sau street and Chu Van An which together are known as the Backpacker district.

Tu Hieu Pagoda

Settled in dense pine forests, Tu Hieu Pagoda is Vietnam’s largest and most sacred religious settlement dating from 1896. The pagoda’s triple gate consists of a double-roofed storey and the Ho Phap statue. Inside the pagoda is a Great Hall with statues of Buddha and a crescent-shaped lotus lake. Eminent monks such as Nhat Dinh, Dieu Giac, and Cuong Ky, and royal eunuchs and concubines lie buried in the tomb tower area.

Thien Mu Pagoda

On a hill overlooking the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda is among Vietnam’s most sacred and well-preserved temples. Constructed in 1601, its iconic seven-story structure is regarded as Hue’s unofficial symbol and is divided into a main hall and a sanctuary by folding wooden doors. Once a significant organising point for Buddhist movement protests, today, the site is flanked by ornamental plants and flowers. A giant bronze bell pavilion lies to the tower’s west.

Hope Centre

Perfect for souvenir shopping, the Hope Centre is a project set up to help Hue’s disabled and disadvantaged residents find employment and vocational training. The centre produces varieties of colourful ethnic garments and local handicraft items. Pieces to look out for include a special fabric handwoven by Luoi women, bags, purses, scarves, woodwork, home decor items, and beaded jewellery and footwear.

Thuy Tien Lake

Ringed by lush jungles, Thuy Tien Lake is a scenic abandoned water park and aquarium. Inside this eerie, dreamlike dystopia that was suddenly closed, all that is left now is broken attractions with overgrown vines, rust and graffiti surrounding the lake. An intimidating three-storey dragon sits above a spaceship-type aquarium. The dragon’s scaly body forms a staircase that visitors can climb for stunning views of Thuy Tien Lake from behind its teeth.

According to holidify.com