Exploring the nightlife of Hue City is a must-do during your visit. As dusk falls, this historic city comes alive with excitement and charm.
You can immerse yourself in traditional art performances, indulge in delicious local cuisine under the night sky, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re passionate about culture, a foodie, or just looking for some nighttime fun, Hue has something to offer for everyone after dark.
Check our curated list of 9 best things to do at night in Hue.
1. Explore Hue city by cyclo
Exploring Hue City on a cyclo during the day is fantastic, but if you’re wondering what to do in Hue at night, consider taking a cyclo ride! The streets and attractions take on a whole new charm under the night lights, making it a memorable experience. Don’t miss out on this option when planning your Hue nightlife adventures!
2. Visit Hue Citadel
The Hue Citadel is a must-visit attraction in Hue City, and it’s especially enchanting at night when the lights illuminate its grandeur. While you can explore some parts during the day, the nighttime ambiance adds an extra layer of charm. Although only a few areas are open at night, including Hoa Binh Door, Dien Tho Palace, the Mieu Temple, and Truong Sanh Palace, it’s still worth experiencing. Keep in mind that certain cultural activities take place at the Hue Citadel during nighttime hours, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your Hue nightlife experience.
3. Chill out at the Western Area in Hue
The Western area in Hue is a vibrant nightlife hub. Situated along three main roads—Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An, and Vo Thi Sau Street—it opened in the evening on September 29th, 2018, changing the perception that Hue sleeps early.
Spanning about 1 km, the Western area offers a blend of cultural experiences, delicious food, and lively entertainment. You can explore stalls selling interesting items, pick up souvenirs, hang out with friends, or enjoy some music with a drink. It’s a bustling spot to visit in the evenings.
4. Listen to Hue folk songs along the Perfume River
Among the many choices for nightlife in Hue, heading to the Perfume River to listen to Hue folk songs stands out as one of the best experiences. This tradition of locals performing folk songs by the river has been going on for centuries, making it a must-see during your visit to Vietnam.
5. Release lanterns on Perfume River
Releasing lanterns is a beloved tradition in Hue. People float colorful paper lanterns on the Perfume River, making it a beautiful sight. It used to be about honoring ancestors and wishing for peace, but now it’s more about personal hopes and dreams.
When you join in, you can make your own wishes for good health and happiness. Each lantern represents a wish, lighting up the river with hope. That’s why everyone, young and old, feels excited to take part in this magical tradition when visiting Hue.
6. Stroll around Pham Ngu Lao Street
Pham Ngu Lao Street may not be big, but it’s packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. While it’s nice during the day, it really comes alive at night when the crowds gather. It’s a great spot to enjoy a drink, grab a bite to eat, and pick up some souvenirs.
7. Grab some street food on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street
This street is the go-to spot for street food at night, and the best part is you can enjoy your food while strolling along the Perfume River. While you’re munching on delicious street eats, you can also check out some souvenirs and take in the sights along the way. It’s the perfect place to satisfy your cravings and soak in the atmosphere.
8. Watch the Ao Dai Show
The Hue Ao Dai Show is a special event tailored for tourists visiting Hue. Its main purpose is to showcase the beauty of Vietnamese traditional clothing, known as Ao Dai, and highlight its cultural significance.
During the show, guests can witness captivating Ao Dai displays along with vibrant imperial dramas, folk dances, and traditional martial arts performances. It promises to be an unforgettable experience for newcomers, evoking a range of emotions from start to finish.
9. Enjoy Hue illuminating on rooftop bar or cafe
If you’ve walked around Hue City before, you’ll know it’s full of cafes. And at night, one of the best things to do is find a comfy spot in a rooftop cafe. From there, you can see the whole city. Sit near the window and look out at Hue City and the shiny Perfume River below. With the smell of coffee, nice music, and a great view, it’s a perfect place to relax.
