Hue, the Ancient Imperial Capital, is a heritage city and one of the most famous tourist destinations in Central Vietnam. A trip to Hue promises a rewarding journey filled with fascinating experiences, rich history, and unique cultural attractions waiting to be discovered. The travel guide below will help you plan your itinerary with ease and ensure you are well prepared for an unforgettable visit.
1. Introduction to Hue City
Hue is a famous heritage city and a cultural and tourism center of Central Vietnam. Once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945), Hue preserves unique historical and cultural values, with the Hue Imperial Citadel Complex recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. In Hue, visitors can explore the majestic palaces, temples, and tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, immerse themselves in the poetic beauty of the Perfume River, and enjoy unique royal cuisine. With its harmonious blend of history, culture, and nature, Hue is always an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
2. When is the best time to visit Hue?
The peak tourist season in Hue runs from November to April, with the best time being the first three months of the year, offering cool, less rainy weather. Additionally, June, July, and August are also ideal times for travel, suitable for recreational activities, swimming, and admiring the blooming flowers.
3. Transportation options to know when traveling to Hue
Departing from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces and cities, you can travel to Hue by plane, train, or bus depending on your time, budget, and preferences. Each mode of transportation has different characteristics and costs, specifically as follows:
Airplane: Flights to Phu Bai Airport in Hue are currently operated by Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Bamboo Airways (flight time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
Train: The North-South train has many departures, allowing you to stop at Hue station. You can choose hard seats, soft seats, or sleeper berths for your journey from Hanoi.
Bus/Car: From neighboring provinces and cities, you can take a bus to Hue.
4. Where to Go in Hue? Suggested most famous destinations in Hue
4.1 Hue Imperial Citadel
The Hue Imperial Citadel is the most famous tourist destination in the ancient capital, with its vast grounds and outstanding architectural complex such as: Thai Hoa Palace, Ngo Mon Gate, Truong Sanh Palace, Dien Tho Palace, Hung Mieu Temple, The Mieu Temple, etc. This place, you will need at least 3 hours to explore the entire complex and can rent a Nhat Binh dress to take impressive photos.
4.2 Khai Dinh Mausoleum
Khai Dinh Mausoleum – one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Hue, also known as Ung Lang. It is one of the seven most beautiful mausoleums in Hue, and the tomb of the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty – Khai Dinh. Located in Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city, on Chau Chu mountain, about 10km from the city center, Khai Dinh Mausoleum is a stunning photo spot, nổi with its elaborate and sophisticated architecture, full of artistic beauty.
4.3 Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is the most famous ancient pagoda in Hue, located on Ha Khe hill, Huong Long ward (on the left bank of the Perfume River). Built in 1601, the pagoda holds deep spiritual significance, possesses ancient architecture, and is a characteristic cultural symbol of the ancient capital.
4.4 Huong River
The Huong River in Hue is like a soft silk ribbon stretching from Vi Da Garden, passing by Thien Mu Pagoda, which possesses an ancient and majestic charm, adding to the historical and romantic beauty of Hue. When visiting Hue, one cannot miss a stop on the Perfume River to enjoy Hue folk songs, take a boat trip to admire the beautiful scenery, gaze at the brightly lit Trang Tien Bridge, and witness the dreamy sunset of Hue.
4.5 Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in Hue, located on the banks of the romantic Perfume River. It’s one of the most popular places for tourists to visit and shop when traveling to Hue. The market offers a wide variety of goods, from affordable to high-end.
4.6 Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park in Hue is a famous ecotourism destination with magnificent natural landscapes. It’s also a vast stretch of primeval forest across Vietnam. Bach Ma Park boasts a diverse ecosystem with 2147 species. Visitors can explore attractions like Vong Hai Dai (Sea View Tower), Do Quyen Waterfall, and the dwarf village.
4.7 Vong Canh Hill
Vong Canh Hill in Hue is considered the best place to watch the sunset. Mountains, clouds, rivers, and trees blend together to create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere. Tourists often come here to camp, admire the scenery, and enjoy the fresh air to forget the worries of life.
4.8 Lang Co Bay
Lang Co Bay in Hue is an ideal destination for those who love romantic and peaceful beauty. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful bays on the planet, with its long stretches of fine white sand beaches and clear, cool blue waters. Here, visitors can admire the stunning sunrise over Canh Duong beach, explore Bach Ma mountain, admire the beauty of Lang Co Bay, and experience fun activities such as fishing, camping, and other enjoyable program.
5. What delicious food should you eat when traveling to Hue?
Besides diverse destinations, Hue also boasts a rich culinary culture with many delicious specialties featuring distinctive flavors such as: beef noodle soup, Nam Pho rice noodle soup, clam rice, banh beo (steamed rice cakes), banh bot loc (tapioca dumplings), sweet soups, tofu pudding, etc. For authentic Hue-style food, you can choose from many long-standing, affordable street food stalls located in corners, alleys, or in Dong Ba Market and Hue’s Western Quarter. Here are some famous Hue specialty restaurants:
Hue Beef Noodle Soup: 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, 20 Bach Dang, 17 Hung Vuong
Ba Do Hue Cakes: 8 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Hue City
Luu Ngoc Hue Cakes: 70 Kim Long, Hue City
O Le Banh Beo Nam Loc: Alley 104/17/9 Kim Long, Hue City
Huyen Anh Grilled Pork Rice Rolls: 50 Kim Long, Hue City Hue
Clam Rice at Quan Nho Restaurant: 28 Pham Hong Thai Street, Hue City
Hue Pressed Cake: 20 Nguyen Du Street, Hue City
Ong Lac Sweet Soup: 36 Thanh Tinh Street, Hue City
Hue Sweet Soup: 65 Tran Hung Dao Street, 78 Mai Thuc Loan Street, Hue City
Nam Pho Rice Noodle Soup: 16 Pham Hong Thai Street, 374 Chi Lang Street, Hue City
Boiled Pork with Sour Shrimp Paste: 95 Chi Lang Street, Hue City
6. Some tips for a perfect trip to Hue:
Choose the best time to travel to Hue.
Prepare all necessary personal items such as: sunscreen, hat, medicine, shoes, etc.
Hue weather is often cold at night, so bring a light jacket to maintain body temperature.
Hue food is usually quite cheap, so feel free to enjoy the local specialties.
Pay attention to the expiration date when buying tickets to visit the ancient capital of Hue.
Buy fresh produce at Dong Ba Market early in the morning, and dry goods in the afternoon for best results.
Dress respectfully when visiting the royal tombs.
