Hue

Hue was the capital of Vietnam's last royal dynasty, and its walled Imperial Citadel is the reason to come. It suits travellers who like history and slow river towns more than beaches. Best months are February to April; late-year rains here are heavy.

• Walk the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City — allow 2–3 hours; entry is around ₫200,000 ($8)
• Visit the hillside tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, the most ornate one, or the lakeside tomb of Minh Mang — combo tickets with the Citadel cost less than paying separately
• Take a dragon-boat ride on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda
• Try Hue's own dishes — bun bo Hue noodle soup has veg versions at some cafes

Most visitors reach Hue by road from Da Nang, about 2.5 hours over the Hai Van Pass — one of Vietnam's most scenic drives — or 2 hours via the tunnel. A private car for the day trip is the easiest option; the train from Da Nang takes a similar time and hugs the coast. Hue also has a small airport with domestic flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

In a central Vietnam itinerary, Hue is the history leg of the Da Nang–Hoi An circuit: beach in Da Nang, lanterns in Hoi An, the Citadel here. If your trip is a week or less, do it as a long day trip and keep your hotel on the coast.