Hue city is a world cultural heritage city in Central Vietnam. The city is famous for its long history and tradition with unique values and identity. Historical attractions, delectable foods, breathtaking landscapes,… there will many things for tourists to discover when they come to Hue city. In this article, we will provide the beauty of this ancient city that you can not miss when you travel to Hue.
About Hue City, Vietnam
Location
Hue city is the capital of Thua Thien Hue province – located in the central coastal strip of Vietnam. Thua Thien Hue is 675 km north of Hanoi capital, 1080 km of south Ho Chi Minh City and 94 km south of Da Nang city with the natural boundary being the beautiful Bach Ma mountain range.
Thua Thien Hue has a 120 km-long provincial coastline, with Thuan An port and Chan May deep-water port with a depth of 18 to 20m. Especially, Thua Thien Hue also has the largest Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system in Southeast Asia.
The history of Hue City
Hue has a rich history that spans over two millennia. Originally, this city is part of the Champa Kingdom from the 2nd to the 15th century. Then, Hue came under the control of the Dai Viet Dynasty in the 14th and 15th centuries.
In the 17th century, the Nguyen Lords came and established Hue as their capital. After that, this city transforming it into an administrative and cultural hub during this time. Hue is the political, cultural, and religious center of Vietnam until Emperor Bao Dai’s abdication in 1945.
In the Vietnam War, the 1968 – “Battle of Hue” – was a pivotal and destructive conflict. After the Vietnam War, with the post-war efforts, aided by UNESCO and focused on restoring Hue’s historical sites, Hue Monuments Complex was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993.
Today, Hue City is always the popular destination for tourists with historical monuments, royal tombs, pagodas and cultural festivals. The city’s rich heritage and scenic beauty, including the Huong River, make it a symbol of Vietnam’s imperial past and cultural resilience.
The ideal time to visit Hue City
January – April: This is the best time for tourists to visit Hue city. The weather during these months will be mild and sunny. It will drizzle in the afternoon but usually will stop raining after 30 minutes. So you can fully admire the beauty of many historical monuments, wonderful landscapes and local cuisine.
May – August: This is the summer season of Hue Imperial City. The peak of temperatures will 38 – 40’C. During this time, you can visit beaches, lagoons or markets in Hue city. Moreover, tourists can admire the sunset and sunrise moments because this is the most beautiful sun of the year.
September – December: These months will have rain and wind because this is the wet season in Hue city. Furthermore, there will be floods or storms during this time. Therefore, if you plan to go to Hue in these months, you should consider and check the weather forecast carefully.
How to get to Hue city
Airplane: There will be many airline brach operate flights to Phu Bai Airports (Hue) such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air… The flight time from Hanoi is about 1 hour 15 minutes or Ho Chi Minh City is about 1 hour 30 minutes. The ticket price from 1,300,000 VND to 1,600,000 VND.
Train: From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or other provinces and cities, visitors can take the train to see the scenery along the way to Hue City. The train has hard seating, soft seating and lying down for you to choose from. Ticket price is about 400,000 – 950,000 VND per pax.
Bus: You can easily buy bus tickets to go to Hue route and vice versa cost 250,000 – 300,000 VND one way. The bus usually runs from 6:00 p.m today to 6:00 a.m the next morning to Hue, so you just need to book a bedroom and get some sleep to get there. This is also the budget options for tourists.
Private car: This is a always the comfortable for tourists and their family or group. With a private car, a driver will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. You just need to relax or sleep along the way before coming to Hue city. Book a Hue private car with VM Car to enjoy the best service quality.
Motorbike: If you want to have a flexibility route, motorbike can be the best choice for you to choose from. You can stop at any attraction you want along the way to Hue with a motorbike. However, you should consider this option if you stay far from Hue City such as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City,… because this will be the long route.
Places to visit in Hue City
The Imperial City of Hue
This attraction is one of the historical relics of the Hue ancient capital relic complex, built and preserved since the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue Citadel is where the living and activities of the Nguyen kings and the last feudal court of our country took place. This attraction was built from the early 19th to the early 20th century, this place preserves many unique cultural features of the feudal court. This place was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site since 1993.
Today, when visiting Hue Citadel, you will admire the magnificent beauty of the palace, the ancient and majestic features of the temples and shrines. This cluster of relics includes the Hue Citadel ( Kinh Thanh Hue), Royal City ( Dai Noi) and the Forbidden Purple City ( Tu Cam Thanh Hue). Additionally, each area also has many other famous architecture works such as Thai Hoa Palace, Ngo Mon Gate, Can Chanh Palace,…
Address: 23/8 Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening Hours: 8 a.m – 5:30 p.m
Ticket: 200.000 VND/pax
Royal Tombs in Hue City
Hue city not only has poetic and charming natural beauty but is also known for its unique ancient architectural works, of which it is impossible not to mention the system of 7 Hue mausoleums of the Nguyen dynasties.
Tu Duc Tomb
This tomb is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, Thuy Xuan Ward. Tu Duc Tomb is probably the most beautiful of the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings because of the harmony between the natural scenery and vast architectural space.
With a wonderful natural space surrounded by lush greenery and located near a large lake, Tu Duc Tomb appears with ancient features and sophisticated architecture in a strangely poetic and peaceful nature. This tomb is also partly reflects the romantic poet’s soul of King Tu Duc.
Address: 17/69 Le Ngo Cat Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m
Ticket: 150.000 VND/pax
Minh Mang Tomb
This tomb located on Cam Khe mountain, about 12km from Hue city center. Minh Mang Tomb is the resting place of Minh Mang King – the second king of the Nguyen Dynasty. This mausoleum project includes a mausoleum area next to a fragrant lotus pond and surrounded by cool green pine trees.
Minh Mang Tomb is attracts tourists with its static lines in architecture, harmonious combination in the space of painting and beauty of the lyrical natural landscape. This tomb is also partly expressing the king’s majestic, strict but equally romantic personality.
Address: La Khe Bai Village, Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra District, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m
Ticket: 150.000 VND/ Pax
Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh Tomb is the resting place of the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Although it is more modest in size than the mausoleums of previous kings, Khai Dinh Tomb was built extremely elaborately and sophisticatedly over a period of up to 10 years.
The difference of Khai Dinh Tomb compared to other Hue mausoleums is the interference between Eastern and Western architecture. That is shown through the splendid reliefs meticulously assembled from porcelain and glass, crowns and modern interior decoration items at that time.
Moreover, the road leading to this mausoleum has many shady trees and fresh, elegant air, helping people’s hearts feel calm and peaceful. When you come approaching this attraction, Khai Dinh Tomb appears quiet and majestic. All of that blend together to create a beautiful natural picture.
Address: Chau Chu Village, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m
Ticket: 150.000 VND/ Pax
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda Hue is a symbol associated with the ancient capital for many generations. With more than 400 years old, this pagoda is also one of the most mentioned landmarks in the journey to explore this city. This is not only a quiet place but also a sacred destination for Buddhists from all over the world.
When you come to Thien Mu Pagoda, you will be surprised by the poetic and lyrical natural scenery. Additionally, you can also admire the beauty of Perfume River from this pagoda.
Address: Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Huong Long Village, Hue City
Opening hours: All day
An Dinh Palace
This attraction was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage and becoming a destination not to be missed when visiting Hue. An Dinh Palace is a unique construction associated with many kings of the late Nguyen Dynasty such as King Khai Dinh, King Bao Dai… built in 1917.
An Dinh Palace can be considered an architectural work that opened the fine arts period in Hue. This place is the intersection between Asian and European cultures in the early 20th century. Statues and columns are designed in Roman style… all create elegance and sophistication for this palace.
Address: 179B Phan Dinh Phung Street, Phu Nhuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m – 5:30 p.m
Ticket: 50.000 VND/ Pax
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is the oldest traditional market in Hue City. This market is designed to include a 3 floors in the center and surrounded by U-shaped rows of houses. Each floor was divided into make each area easy for customers to find and discover. This market is full of all items from handicrafts, souvenirs to gifts, food or fashion items. Additionally, the market is also a famous Hue tourist destination that domestic and international tourists want to visit when they come to Hue. Because this market is located right in the center, moving to Dong Ba market is quite easy and convenient for tourists.
Address: 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening hours: 5:00 a.m – 7:00 p.m
Thanh Toan Bridge
The Thanh Toan Bridge (Thanh Toan Tiled Bridge) is situated in Thanh Thuy Chanh Village. This bridge is just 8 kilometers east of Hue’s city center. This bridge is not only has the value of architecture but also the history of Hue City.
The history of Thanh Toan Bridge is a long and interesting story. This bridge was constructed during the 18th century. In 1776, Ms. Tran Thi Dao donated her own money to build this wonderful bridge because she wanted local people to conveniently cross the river and rest every day. That is the reason to build this bridge. So, the bridge’s historical significance is also deeply intertwined with the life of Tran Thi Dao.
One of the most striking features of the Thanh Toan Bridge is its unique architectural style. The bridge is divided into two distinct sections, each with have own unique beauty. The bridge is divided into 7 compartments. The roof of this bridge is required to be designed in the style of glazed tube tiles. Both sides of the bridge have railings and row wooden seats so people can fish or rest.
Address: Thuy Thanh Commune, Huong Thuy Town, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Lang Co Beach
Lang Co Beach is the perfect destination for beach lovers. Pristine white sands and clear waters create an enchanting coastal panorama for this beach. Additionally, this beach is surrounded by a backdrop of lush forests and the iconic Hai Van Pass, making it a visual feast for nature lovers.
Lang Co Beach is not only a quiet place to relax but also a hub for water sports enthusiasts. Kayaking, windsurfing and beach volleyball are popular activities, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Furthermore, when coming to this beach, don’t forget to taste local seafood at coastal restaurants. The fresh seafood of this place will make you fall in love from the first bite.
Address: 463 Lac Long Quan Street, Lang Co Town, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province
Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon is situated in the Thua Thien-Hue Province in the central region of Vietnam. This lagoon location is approximately 30 km from Hue city center. This magnificent lagoon is the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, covering approximately 52,000 hectares. The lagoon played a pivotal role in the daily lives of the local people, providing sustenance through fishing and aquaculture.
Furthermore, Tam Giang Lagoon offers the most enchanting sunrises and sunsets in Vietnam. As the sun rises, the sky comes alive with orange and pink hues, and its reflection on the calm surface of the lagoon is magical. At sunset on Tam Giang lagoon, the sunlight falls creating a peaceful scene. These moments are perfect for admiring, taking photos or simply experiencing the beauty of nature. So don’t forget to admire the beauty of these moments.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village
This village is located just a short distance from Hue’s city center, this village has been dedicated to the art of incense making for centuries.
Stroll under through narrow lanes where artisans meticulously craft incense sticks using traditional methods. The air is filled with the aromatic scents of sandalwood, cinnamon, and other fragrant ingredients. Capture the essence of this ancient craft as skilled hands roll, shape, and dry incense sticks, showcasing the intersection of tradition and craftsmanship.
The vibrant colors of the incense sticks drying in the sun, the intricate patterns adorning the finished products, and the earnest expressions of the craftsmen make for captivating photographs. Thuy Xuan Incense Village provides not only a visual spectacle but also a cultural immersion into the artisanal heritage of Hue.
Address: Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Thua Thien Hue Province
Hue Night Walking Street
Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street
Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street is one of the extremely famous Hue tourist destinations. This walking street is right in the center of Hue city, next to the romantic Perfume River.
The ironwood-floored walking path on the Huong River has a length of more than 380m and was inaugurated in 2019. This route and Nguyen Dinh Chieu walking street have created a highlight and a new look for the south bank of the Huong River. That makes this place an extremely attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening hours: all day
Pham Ngu Lao – Chu Van An – Vo Thi Sau Walking Street
This is an exciting, fun and bustling place to play that makes tourists feel more comfortable after a discover days. Not only that, street art activities are increasingly encouraged to expand and develop strongly. Especially the unique and impressive singing and dancing performances of professional and amateur singers and artists are invited to perform here every week.
Address: Pham Ngu Lao – Chu Van An – Vo Thi Sau Street, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening Hours: 6:00 p.m – 2:00 a.m ( Friday – Saturday) and 6:00 p.m – 00:00 a.m ( Sunday)
Things to do in Hue City
Discover Imperial City and Royal Tombs of Nguyen Dynasty
Hue City is always famous for its historical attractions. Strolling around and admire the historical architecture, these attractions will provide the overview about the Nguyen Dynasty. Additionally, you can wear ancient clothes and take many pictures in these attraction to update in social media. Hue City Tour with VM Car will be the perfect choice for your one-day exploration journey. You can choose small group or private tour depending on your preferences.
Get on a Dragon Boat and admire the beauty of Hue City
One of the must-do things when you come to Hue is experience the enchanting charm of Hue by taking a leisurely cruise along the Perfume River on a traditional dragon boat. As the boat glide through the calm waters, you can immerse yourself in the melodious sounds of Hue folk songs performed live on board. You can admire many gorgeous scenery of Hue city in the evening.
Watch the colorful Truong Tien Bridge
The next experience you should try when you come to Hue is a stroll at Truong Tien Bridge. This historical bridge is an emblem of this beautiful city. This bridge will light up with many colors in the evening. It will make you feel like a colorful performance in the center of Huong River. Additionally, you can sipping a cup of Vietnamese coffee from one of the nearby cafés while appreciating the architectural beauty of the bridge.
Go Around the Hue City by Cyclo
If you want a different way to explore Hue City, a cyclo ride is a good choice for you. The cyclo is a traditional Vietnamese three-wheeled bicycle taxi stand many years ago. This vehicle allows you to explore this city at your own pace while enjoying the surroundings. Moreover, your cyclo driver is often a friendly local with a deep knowledge of the city. They will take you through the historical attractions, vibrant markets and many wonderful attractions that might be missed when you come to Hue.
Taste local cuisine in Dong Ba Market
When you stroll through the market’s vibrant stalls, you will see many fresh produce, local crafts and souvenirs. This market is also the paradise of local foods. So, don’t forget to taste many kinds of local dishes at reasonable prices at this market. Additionally, this market is the perfect place for tourists to observe the daily life of local people. Therefore, exploring Dong Ba Market is not only a shopping experience but also a trip to discover the wonderful cuisine and traditions of Hue.
Enjoy Salt Coffee
Hue salt coffee is a unique and interesting drink of Hue city. The saltiness in coffee is a surprising twist that enhances the flavor. That make it a must-try for coffee enthusiasts. Experiencing refreshing and slightly salty coffee different from the usual sweetness of Vietnamese coffee will leave you with unforgettable memories in Hue city.
Walk in the Hue Walking Street
The interesting thing you should experience when coming to Hue is exploring the vibrant walking streets. When you come to these walking streets, you can stroll slowly through bustling stalls and restaurants and enjoy this vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, you can relax with live music performances on weekends in the walking street at night. So, come and experience the walking street in Hue city right now!
What to eat in Hue City
Bun Bo Hue – the symbol dish in Hue City
Bun Bo Hue is more than just a noodle soup, it’s a culinary masterpiece that originated in the ancient city of Hue. A bowl of Hue-style beef noodle soup will include vermicelli noodles, beef, pork blood, crab rolls and broth. This dish will service with fresh vegetable, chili and fish sauce. This dish is a blend of all ingredients and tasty soup. Therefore, Bun Bo Hue is a must-eat whenever you travel to Hue City.
Banh Khoai – the unique pancake of Hue city
Banh Khoai is a crispy pancake filled with savory delights. This is a popular street food that captures the essence of Hue City. The pancake is typically made with rice flour, water, and turmeric, creating a vibrant yellow hue. This dish will have shrimp, pork and bean sprouts. You will eat Banh Khoai with vegetable and sweet fish sauce.
Com Hen – the abundance of food in Hue City
Com Hen is a local delicacy of Hue City. This dish also showcases the abundance of food in Hue. This dish has many kinds of ingredents such as rice, baby clams, herbs, peanuts,… All the ingredients are a blend making this dish more tasty and delectable. This dish is also a must-try if you are a food-lover.
Banh Beo, Nam, Loc
Banh beo, banh nam and banh loc are delicate steamed rice cakes, each with a unique presentation and filling. These dishes will have different flavors and fish sauces to try. These cakes are not only delicious local dishes but also demonstrate the meticulous artistry of Hue’s culinary traditions.
Che – Hue Sweet Soup
Are you a sweets lover? Come to Hue city now. This city will have many Che for you to choose from. This is a interesting dessert soup that comes in a variety of flavors. Especially, if you want something different, try Bot Loc Heo Quay right away. The sweetness of the soup and the saltiness of the roasted pork will surprise you when you take your first bite. This dish can make your trip to Hue more interesting and unforgettable.
What to buy in Hue City
Hue Conical Hat
Hue conical hats have a long history. It was born to serve the daily needs of farmers, providing shelter from the sun and rain. The images in the conical hat are often typical images of Hue such as Truong Tien Bridge and Thien Mu Pagoda. Therefore, Hue conical hats are bought by tourists as souvenirs.
Ao Dai Hue
In Vietnamese people mind, Ao dai is not just a clothes but also the symbol of Vietnam. Purple is often the color of Ao Dai worn by Hue women and combined with conical hats, that creating a strange appeal of this traditional costume. So, don’t forget to get one Ao Dai for your when coming to Hue City.
Keo Me Xung – Peanut and sesame candy
Hue peanut and sesame candy is one of the unique specialties of the Central region. Made from delicious, familiar ingredients, this candy is not only a delicious dish but also an indispensable symbol when mentioning the culinary culture of Hue city.
Dried Lotus Seed
Lotus seed are one of the famous specialties of Hue. Dried lotus seed is still retains its delicious flavor, is fleshy and easy to preserve, very suitable for cooking lotus sweet soup, cooling soup, cooking porridge for babies… Therefore, don’t forget to take this gift to your family.
Banh Ep Hue – an amazing street food
Dried cake made from meat, flour, shrimp, green onions, – this is one of the especially attractive delicacies in Hue. When you eat, you will clearly feel the crispy taste of the cake and flavor of ingredients. Try this dish now as Hue souvenirs for friends and relatives.
Conclusion
Hue City always attracts tourists because of its beauty from historical attractions to delicious local dishes. Let plan your trip to this enchanting city and great create memories in this city now.
