Hué, Vietnam, has some beautiful, historical sites, which has helped the city earn a place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, all of which can be seen in one day. It was once the capital of Vietnam (1802-1945). And it was once heavily bombed during the Vietnam War so is a nice a spot for history buffs. While there are some great sites to see in Hué, the city would sit lower on a top 10 list of Vietnam destinations (based on things to do and see). In my opinion, the only reason to visit Hué, Vietnam, is to bookend your motorbike journey on the infamous Hai Van Pass located between Hué and Da Nang / Hoi An.
See my write up on my Hai Van Pass adventure
RENT A MOTORCYCLE AND FOLLOW THIS CLOCKWISE LOOP
If you find yourself with an extra day or two in Hué, here is the loop that I would recommend to do on a motorbike.
1. IMPERIAL CITY AND FORBIDDEN CITY
Buy a ticket at the entrance that allows you to see the Imperial City and two tombs outside of Hué.
2. ABANDONED WATER PARK
There are many blogs about the waterpark that was abandoned before it was finished – just google “abandoned water park Hué” – many people have written about it. Some eerie but super cool photos exist of people on abandoned waterslides. Many blogs say you can find a way to get into the park, however I didn’t have good luck when I went to search for this abandoned spot. The hotel staff said that they recently closed it off to tourists (May 1, 2018).
I showed up at the main entrance where I found a large gathering of 20 tourists on motorbikes trying to get in (they all had the same idea as me). But the entrance was roped off with a security guard not letting people past (I wonder what would have happened if we all just went in together?).
I saw a younger, local guy on a motorbike on my way to the main entrance who was holding up a sign that said “I can get you into the park” (I am sure for a nice fee). But he was parked next to an obscure dirt path off the side of the road that looked like a possibility. So I drove back to where he was parked and decided to take my motorbike off road through the forest.
I made it to another path that was blocked off by many branches laid down. That had to be the local way in. But (randomly) a local guy was nearby cutting down brush and I was reluctant to break any rules in a foreign country (I had visions of being in a jail in a foreign country for trespassing). He motioned me down another path (that, by looking on google maps, was going away from the park).
I should have just went around the branches and I would have found the way. It was like I was on a treasure hunt in the forest. But I never found my treasure. I was so close! But the trick is to not go to the main entrance (unless they change the policy). Ask some locals for the secret entrance but don’t ask people who work in hotels since they will tell you the park has been closed off to tourists.
3. TOMB OF KHAI DINH
The main tomb is stunning as it is intricately designed with glass and porcelain decorations on the walls.
4. MINH MANG TOMB
While the actual tomb isn’t much to see, the grounds of this tomb are very peaceful and worth visiting if you are in Hué.
5. THIEN MU PAGODA
Largest pagoda in Hué and worth a stop for some photos.
Overall, Hué was a nice Vietnam destination with some interesting history for sure. And you can do all the major sites in one day. But with so many other amazing places to see in Vietnam, Hué would be lower on my list.
