Hue was Vietnam’s former capital under the Nguyen dynasty. Now it’s a cultural, tourism hub that houses some of Vietnam’s most impressive relics of the past. Thanks to that, Hue has consistently topped numerous lists of the country’s most visited city. This has pushed Hue to quickly become entertainment heaven as well, with a plethora of exciting recreations ranging from more cultural activities to pure enjoyment.
You’ve probably read what to do in Hue during the day, but what about nighttime? See our picks of top things to do in Hue at night to add to your plan right now!
Top Things to Do in Hue at Night
Chill out with Hue Royal Refined Music
Enjoying Hue Royal Refined Music is one of the most unique things to do in Hue at night that nowhere else can offer
Hue Royal Refined Music was once Vietnamese national music, often performed during important royal ceremonies and rituals. In 2003, it was listed as the “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO and was praised as “elegant and refined”.
Nowadays, you don’t have to come from the royal family to enjoy this music. Performances of the Hue Royal Refined Music are held nightly on dragon boat rides on the Perfume River. While chilling out with the elegant sound, you’ll get to admire Hue at night, as well as releasing lanterns on the Perfume River to make good wishes.
Visit Toa Kham Boat Station
Address: 49 Le Loi Street, Phu Hoi, Hue City
Ticket: VND 100,000
Showtime: 7 PM and 8 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Get Stuffed on a Hue Night Food Tour
You’re missing out big time if you don’t try Hue’s collection of “Banh” (picture: Banh Bot Loc and Banh Ep)
If there’s anything else to remember Hue by, instead of the Imperial City, then it must be its dynamic cuisine. Along with Da Nang and Hoi An, Hue represents the flavourful Central Vietnam food, contributing many staples to Vietnamese meals. Some of Hue’s best dishes are Banh Beo, Bun Bo Hue, Banh Nam, Banh Canh Nam Pho…
You can try these plates at specialty restaurants throughout the city or at Dong Ba Market. Though the most ideal time to visit the market is 3 PM, it’s open until 6 PM so you can have an early dinner here. Dong Ba Market is also perfect to shop for souvenirs that your friends and family will love thanks to its diverse range of goods.
Tips for Shopping at Dong Ba Market:
- Always remember to bargain, at least a third of the given price
- Beware of pickpockets, keep your belongings where you can see them
Google Maps location: Dong Ba Market
Join the Locals at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street
Truong Tien Bridge is a wonderful photo spot at night
Strolling through Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is one of the things to do in Hue at night that not many foreign visitors know about. Therefore, the place is still mostly filled by locals performing street arts or street music. The street is quite short so just walk slowly to enjoy the breeze coming from Perfume River on the left, then stop to buy some souvenirs or street food sold in wooden kiosks. At one end of the road is the foot of Truong Tien Bridge (or Trang Tien Bridge) – a historic structure that’s now beautifully decked out in colorful lights
Tip: along Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street, you’ll notice the Diem Phung Thi Sculpture Garden – a white French villa that houses artworks of the famed sculptor Diem Phung Thi. The exhibition isn’t open at night, but some of her works are displayed in the garden.
Google Maps location: Truong Tien Bridge (Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street starts at the foot of Truong Tien Bridge).
See an Ao Dai Show
Admire the many forms of Ao Dai – Vietnamese traditional dress
Ao Dai is an iconic garment of Vietnam, a symbol of elegance, nobility, and beauty. So it’d be a waste not to watch how this item of clothing’s evolved through time and varied through different classes (the royals and the commoners), with the performance of graceful Hue girls. We recommend this show for those who love fashion and culture in general.
Ao Dai Show
Showtime: 5.30 PM and 8 PM
Website (book tickets)
Let Loose at Bars and Clubs
Both young locals and travelers frequent DMZ, which makes it a great place for mingling
If you’ve run out of things to do in Hue at night, how about letting your hair down at the city’s most entertaining pubs and bars? The two most recommendable bars are Brown Eyes Bar and DMZ Bar. Both have value-for-money drinks, decent music that’ll make you want to move your body, and an open atmosphere. Nevertheless, you can find other fun party hubs on Chu Van An Street, Pham Ngu Lao Street, and Vo Thi Sau Street. All three streets connect with each other so you can easily move from one to the next.
Brown Eyes Bar
Address: 56 Chu Van An Street, Phu Hoi, Hue City
Opening hours: 5 PM – 3 AM
Price: VND 100,000 – VND 300,000
DMZ Bar
Address: 60 Le Loi Street, Phu Hoi, Hue City
Opening hours: 7 AM – 2.30 AM
Price: VND 100,000 – VND 200,000
Look for the best hotels to stay in Hue:
Conclusion on Top Things to Do in Hue at Night
We hope that you’ve enjoyed reading our blog on top things to do in Hue at night and that you’ve found something intriguing to fill your nighttime schedule. The activities listed above can be done all-year-round, but if you’re in Hue when the Hue Festival occurs, don’t forget to join in many other fun performances available only during the festival.
For more information on Hue travel, see our Vietnam Travel Guide.
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