3 Days Itinerary in Huế, Vietnam - Travel Guide

Days	Description
1	Day 1 – Stepping into the Imperial Era
2	Day 2 - Riverside Ramblings and Reverent Tombs
3	Day 3 – Idyllic Countryside and Open Tastes

Introduction

Relish the abundant heritage and ride the waves of history in the land of the Nguyen emperors. In three days you will navigate the imperial city of Hue, cruising on the Perfume River, savoring the charming countryside and indulging in delicious Vietnamese food. This comprehensive itinerary will take you from majestic palaces to ancient pagodas and tranquil gardens to sacred tombs, all wrapped up in the unique culture of this historic city.

Day 1 – Stepping into the Imperial Era

Start your journey by stepping back in time at the Imperial City, an Unesco-listed World Heritage Site. This vast complex will let you explore remnants of the Nguyen Dynasty with its serene gardens, ornate temples and impressive gateways. From here, take a leisure stroll onwards to the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum – home to a variety of historical artifacts. Post this, unwind at a local teahouse, while soaking in the ambiance of Vietnam's historic elite. If you're feeling peckish, how about digging into some bun bo Hue? It's a classic beef noodle soup, speciality of Hue. Now, isn't that a fantastic sensory overload for the first day?

Day 2 - Riverside Ramblings and Reverent Tombs

Begin your day with a serene boat trip on the Perfume River. Marvel at the verdant beauty along the riverbanks, and forget your troubles in the rhythm of the river's flow. Jump off at the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's oldest and arguably most beautiful temple. Post lunch, it's time to hop on a cyclo to the Tomb of Tu Duc, an elaborate mausoleum set amidst frangipani trees and a lotus filled lake reflecting the grandeur of the imperial times. Wrap up your day at the Dong Ba market, a local's hotspot for everything from food, clothes and souvenirs. What a ride, right?

Day 3 – Idyllic Countryside and Open Tastes

On the final day, step out of the city and feel the charm of Hue's countryside. Start with the Thanh Toan Bridge, a stunning wooden structure amidst a serene rural setting. Nearby, visit the Thanh Toan Museum to get a taste of authentic Vietnamese countryside life. After refreshing at a local café, head back to the city to munch on some banh Khoai, a savoury pancake that is a Hue special. Spend your evening wandering around the bustling streets of Pham Ngu Lao, indulging in local delicacies and shopping for unique souvenirs. Exhausted but fulfilled? That's how we wrap up in Hue!