Hue Travel Guide from A to Z

Vietnam’s ancient imperial city

Located in the central Vietnam, Hue possesses a romatic Perfume River, is surrounded by hills and mountains and integrated with monument of Emperor Gia Long, the first ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty, to found his country’s new capital in 1802. From then on, Hue was the administrative and military center of a now unified Vietnam.

The proof of this history is still seen very clearly today. The Citadel, Hue’s most important historical and cultural sight, occupies a prominent place in the middle of the city. It represents an excellent example of an eastern feudal city. Apart from this, there are numerous royal tombs, pagodas and temples inside and around the city, making it one of Vietnam’s most important cultural and historical centers.

Short facts

The best time to get to Hue

Hue’s climate is generally hot and humid. But if you can plan your trip between February and April, you will most likely experience cooler and drier weather. If you don’t mind the heat, June and July are an option as well but be prepared for the temperatures to be in the low thirties with high humidity. The time to avoid Hue is from August to December as this is the rainy season. During this time, you risk losing an entire day to downpours which make it very unpleasant to visit any of the city’s sights.

Kinh nghiệm du lịch Huế từ A đến Z - hinh 02

Where to Stay

The most convenient and affordable place to get a room in Hue is in the town’s backpacker district. It is located between Le Loi and Le Qui Don streets and is only about a fifteen-minute walk from the Citadel. This area offers a seemingly endless supply of guestrooms, restaurants and convenience stores. It is undoubtedly the best place to be close to everything you might need during your stay here.

Map of Hue hotel prices

Must-see sites

Hue is full of interesting historical sights that will bring the history of Vietnam to life in a very special way. When you come to this city, be sure to take enough time to see the wonderful places we’re about to highlight here, because quite honestly, if you just rush through, you will really miss out.

The Citadel 

Since the Vietnamese emperors and their families used to live in Hue, the evidence of their lives is still very present in the city today. To get an idea of what it was like and how imperial Vietnam was run, head over to the Citadel. It’s made up of several parts and covers quite a large area in the city center, so you can’t miss it.

The Imperial City

The Imperial City is located inside the Citadel, where the emperors and their family used to live. On the map, it looks like a smaller square inside the Citadel, on its southern side. This space is also behind thick walls and was only accessible to selected guests and servants. Enter the Imperial City through the beautifully restored Noon Gate and imagine your surroundings bustling with high-ranking officials, foreign dignitaries and serving staff to get an idea of how grand this place once was.

Hue’s Royal Tombs and Pagodas

Once you’ve explored the Citadel thoroughly, it’s time head to the outskirts of Hue and into the countryside to see the city’s other historical gems. The royal tombs and pagodas are located along the Perfume River and are dedicated to members of the imperial family. Each one is different and special in its own way, so be sure to visit the main tombs we highlight below.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu is located a short distance outside of Hue and overlooks the Perfume River. Its beautiful structure and design have become a symbol of the imperial city, known by local and international visitors alike. Built in 1601, this seven-story pagoda is an important religious site but also has a reputation for being at the center of various political demonstrations.

Perfume River

The Perfume river is as much a landmark as Hue itself. Originally named after the sweet scents of tropical flora and fauna, it quickly gained importance as a trade route that connected Hue to nearby cities and villages.

As the river gently winds its way through the city and the surrounding countryside, it offers a place of stillness and quiet, quite contrary to the hustle and bustle of the city. Come out here to take a walk along the river banks and spot several historical sites on its shores.

Food

As the home to the Imperial Court, local chefs were constantly challenged to come up with dishes with valuable ingredients and exciting flavors. Some of the city’s must-try dishes are Bun Bo Hue, a fragrant noodle soup, Com Hen, rice served with local mussels, and Banh Beo, a steamed rice pancake.

Travel around Hue

Once you’ve gotten to Hue, transport options are similar to other cities. To get from A to B quickly, grab a taxi, or a motorbike. All the main sights in the Citadel are close together, you can walk. To reach the imperial tombs along the Perfume River, however, you will need to drive.

There are many day tours that take you to the tombs. Or again, you can hire a private driver to take you to the sights you most want to see. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent your own motorbike and drive yourself. Just make sure you rent your bike from a trustworthy shop and have a good map with you.

Geography

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