Bắc Trung Bộ

Huế

A centrally governed city since 1 January 2025. Capital of the Nguyễn dynasty, with both its monument complex and its court music recognised by UNESCO — and one of the most exacting cuisines in Vietnam.

TypeCentrally governed city
Administrative centreHương Thủy
Merger Unchanged
4,947 km² 1.2 million people

Places to visit

9 places worth your time.

Coast and islands Biển Lăng Cô – đầm Lập An

Mountains, highlands and caves Vườn quốc gia Bạch Mã

Heritage and culture Đại Nội – Kinh thành Huế · Lăng Khải Định · Lăng Tự Đức · Lăng Minh Mạng · Chùa Thiên Mụ

Towns, markets and craft villages Sông Hương – cầu Trường Tiền · Chợ Đông Ba

Descriptions of each place are on the Vietnamese page for now. Vietnamese page →

Local dishes

Bún bò Huế · Cơm hến · Bánh bèo – nậm – lọc – ram ít · Bánh khoái · Tôm chua Huế · Nem lụi · Chè Huế · Cơm âm phủ · Bánh canh cá lóc · Hến xào xúc bánh tráng

Specialties to take home

What people usually buy to take home.

Mè xửng Huế · Tôm chua Huế · Trà cung đình · Nón lá bài thơ · Kẹo cau · Nem chả Huế · Dầu tràm · Bánh đậu xanh Huế · Hạt sen hồ Tịnh Tâm · Mứt gừng Kim Long · Trà sen Huế

Where to buy

Chợ Đông Ba has nearly everything: mè xửng sesame candy, tôm chua fermented shrimp, the various mắm, royal tea, conical hats. Go early morning or just after noon to avoid the crush. Candied ginger is made and sold in Kim Long ward itself.