How to get from Ha Long to Hue

The former capital of the Nguyen emperors (1802-1945). The purple forbidden city, at the heart of the fortress, encompasses palaces, temples and dynastic pavilions across 520 hectares. Though partly damaged by war, the site remains one of Vietnam's most impressive. UNESCO site, entry €10.

The seven tombs of the Nguyen emperors are scattered across the countryside around Hue. The most beautiful, Tu Duc's Tomb (1864), is a complex of pavilions beside a lotus lake. Rent a scooter (~€5/day) or take a dragon boat on the Perfume River.

The Perfume River cuts straight through Hue, lined with pagodas and gardens. A dragon boat cruise links Thien Mu Pagoda to the imperial tombs. Around €10-15 for a half-day with guide — one of the city's most beautiful journeys.

Hue is considered Vietnam's gastronomic capital. Bun bo Hue (spicy beef soup) is the signature dish, but the city also excels in banh khoai (crispy pancakes) and che (sweet desserts). Dong Ba Market is the best place to eat locally for under €2.

Vietnam's most famous pagoda, founded in 1601, overlooking the Perfume River from a hill. The 21m Phuoc Duyen octagonal tower has become Hue's symbol. The temple also houses the Austin Westminster motorbike of the monk who self-immolated in Saigon in 1963.

10 km from Hue, this fishing village on Tam Giang lagoon offers an authentic glimpse of rural Vietnamese life. Sunrise boat ride on the lagoon, fishing net visits and lunch with a local family. Possible as a cycling excursion from Hue.

Phu Cam village has been perpetuating the art of the Vietnamese conical hat (non la) for centuries. Artisans weave latania palm leaves in 15-20 layers over a bamboo frame. Free to visit, hats available to buy directly for under €3.

Hue's court music (nha nhac) has been on UNESCO's intangible heritage list since 2003. Performances are held several evenings a week in Duyet Thi Duong, the royal theatre inside the citadel. A rare and moving cultural experience, entry included with the citadel ticket.