Hue offers a surprisingly rich selection of vegan and vegetarian tours that go beyond just tasting good. Known for its imperial history and scenic beauty, Hue also boasts a vibrant plant-based culinary scene and peaceful spiritual traditions. Whether you’re eager to learn how to cook authentic Hue vegetarian dishes or prefer exploring local markets and serene temples, Hue has something for every plant-based traveler. Our favorite? The Hue’s Vegetarian Cooking Class at Ancient Garden—a beautifully curated experience combining history, art, and hands-on cooking that leaves you with new skills and a deeper appreciation of Hue’s culinary roots. For a more energetic adventure, the Hue Vegetarian Food Scooter Tour delivers a lively taste of Hue’s hidden veggie delights, all while riding through the city’s bustling streets. And if you’re after a tranquil moment of reflection, the Hue Retreat: Tea and Meditation Tour offers a peaceful escape with monks and mindful breathing. Each of these tours provides a genuine, local experience that makes Hue a standout destination for plant-based travelers.
Quick Overview
This list includes cooking classes, food tours, and spiritual retreats, each offering a different way to experience Hue’s vegetarian and vegan scene. From immersive culinary lessons (Hue’s Vegetarian Cooking Class at Ancient Garden) to lively scooter tours (Hue Vegetarian Food Tour By Scooter), and peaceful meditation sessions (Hue Retreat: Tea and Meditation), there’s an option to fit every interest and schedule. Read on to discover which experience suits your travel style best.
1. Hue’s Vegetarian Cooking Class in Ancient Garden
At number 1, the Hue’s Vegetarian Cooking Class at Ancient Garden stands out for its blend of history, art, and hands-on learning. Priced at $49.38 per person, this 3.5-hour experience takes you beyond simple cooking. You’ll visit the Nguyen Mau family’s property, one of Hue’s oldest families since 1558, providing a fascinating glimpse into local history. The property is home to over 50 outdoor artworks, transforming the experience into an artistic stroll as you learn about Hue’s culinary traditions. The class itself teaches you how to master iconic Hue vegetarian dishes, with a focus on flavor and presentation, following the style that Buddhist vegetarians cherish.
Guests praise the passionate host, Nhien, whose storytelling about Hue’s past makes the experience memorable. She shares recipes, local tips, and cultural insights, making this more than just a cooking lesson. The combination of historical context, artistic surroundings, and authentic recipes earns this tour high marks. It suits travelers interested in immersive learning and wanting to bring a taste of Hue home. The only downside? The class length might feel a bit long for quick travelers, but the depth of experience compensates.
Bottom Line: This is a rich, cultural cooking experience perfect for those who want to combine history, art, and cuisine in one outing.
2. Hue Vegetarian Food Tour By Scooter
Number 2 on our list is the Hue Vegetarian Food Tour By Scooter, priced at $45.13 per person. This lively tour takes you on a private scooter ride through Hue’s streets, combining sightseeing with tasting. Over 3-4 hours, you’ll visit several renowned vegetarian restaurants, sampling everything from vegan cakes at Lien Hoa, to vegan hotpot and crispy noodles at Dieu Lac, and fresh spring rolls at Bo De. The tour culminates with a sweet treat—Hue’s famous sweet soup—on Tran Hung Dao street, all while enjoying the city’s evening glow.
The tour is celebrated for its personalized approach, with private transfers and a female driver ensuring comfort and safety. An added bonus is the chance to explore Hue’s lively night atmosphere, which makes the experience vibrant and authentic. Reviewers mention the variety of food, especially the unique flavors and local ingredients. The fact that it’s a private tour means you can customize your pace and focus on dishes that intrigue you.
Who is it for? Food lovers eager to try a diverse range of vegetarian dishes, and those who enjoy a bit of adventure on two wheels. The only caveat: it’s a longer tour, so be prepared for some riding and walking.
Bottom Line: A fun, tasty, and flexible way to dive into Hue’s veggie street food scene with personalized attention.
3. Hue Retreat: Tea and Meditation Tour with Vegetarian Meal
Number 3 offers a peaceful retreat into Hue’s spiritual traditions. The Tea and Meditation Tour costs $42.00 and lasts about 2-3 hours. It begins with a visit to Duc Son Pagoda, where you meet monks and learn about Vietnamese Buddhism. The highlight is the meditation session, where you sit quietly with a pot of hot tea, practicing breathing techniques and mindfulness. To finish, you share a vegetarian meal at a local restaurant, cooked by nuns and full of simple, wholesome flavors.
Guests find this experience deeply relaxing and enlightening. One review mentions how meeting the nuns and practicing meditation was “very interesting and relaxed,” giving a gentle insight into Buddhist mindfulness practices. It’s ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and spiritual connection, or those interested in a mindful break from sightseeing. The tour’s limited size and focus on peace and reflection make it profoundly personal.
Bottom Line: Perfect for the contemplative traveler or those curious about spiritual practices, this tour offers calm, connection, and a delicious vegetarian meal.
4. Experience Vegan Cooking Class in Hue City
At number 4, the Vegan Cooking Class in Hue City is an excellent choice for those who want to learn how to cook traditional Hue vegan dishes. For around $39, the 3.5-hour class covers Vietnamese vegan cuisine, which closely follows Buddhist dietary principles. The class is designed to be hands-on, teaching you how to prepare flavorful, authentic dishes that fit within a vegan lifestyle.
This experience is particularly appealing for travelers looking to take culinary skills home or deepen their understanding of Hue’s vegan culinary culture. The guide emphasizes not just cooking techniques but also the significance of the ingredients and their role in local traditions. The class received positive reviews for its value and friendly atmosphere, making it suitable for beginner and intermediate cooks alike. The small group size ensures personalized attention.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in vegan cooking and want a practical skill you can use back home, this class offers good value and authentic insights.
$39.00 per person
5. Motorbike Tour and Vegetarian Lunch at Buddhist Nunnery
Number 5 offers a full-day adventure priced at $60.00, combining sightseeing with a special vegetarian meal at a Buddhist nunnery. The Motorbike Tour covers iconic Hue sights like the Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Tomb of Tu Duc, with stops at local markets, rice paddies, and scenic viewpoints. The tour is led by experienced local drivers, passing through areas other travelers rarely see, like family temples and the Thanh Toan Bridge.
The highlight is the vegetarian lunch served at the nunnery, prepared by Buddhist nuns. This meal is simple, fresh, and reflective of Hue’s Buddhist culinary style. The tour lasts about six hours, making it perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip. Reviews note the comfortable motorbiking experience and interesting sites.
Who’s it for? History and culture enthusiasts who enjoy a full-day tour with a spiritual twist. It’s a more active option, with lots of walking and riding involved.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day combining sightseeing, cultural learning, and a soulful vegetarian meal—ideal for curious travelers.
$60.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Hue Vegetarian or Vegan Tour
Picking the right experience depends on your interests and schedule. If you want to learn to cook and connect with Hue’s history and art, the Ancient Garden cooking class (see here) offers immersive depth. For those eager to sample a variety of dishes in a lively, private setting, the Scooter Food Tour (check it out) is a fantastic, flexible choice. If your focus is on relaxation and mindfulness, the Tea and Meditation Tour (details here) provides serenity and spiritual insight. Lastly, for culinary enthusiasts keen on vegan cooking, the Hue Vegan Cooking Class (see more) offers practical skills and tasty recipes. And if you’re after a comprehensive sightseeing adventure combined with a special vegetarian lunch, the Motorbike Tour and Nunnery Meal (learn more) is a full-day experience that blends culture, history, and spirituality.
When booking, consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer active exploration or peaceful reflection. To ensure a spot, especially in peak tourist seasons, booking early is always wise.
Final Thoughts
From immersive cooking classes to lively food tours and tranquil spiritual retreats, Hue offers a variety of ways to indulge your plant-based palate. If you want a deep dive into Hue’s culinary traditions, the Ancient Garden Cooking Class is unbeatable. For a fun, flavorful adventure, the Scooter Food Tour hits all the right notes. And if peace and mindfulness are your priority, the Tea and Meditation Tour provides a calm, meaningful experience. Whichever you choose, Hue’s vegan and vegetarian options promise authentic, memorable moments—so don’t wait too long to book your favorite.