Things to know about Hue, Vietnam
Located in the central region of Vietnam, Huế is a city of historical and cultural significance. It is the former imperial capital of Vietnam and is home to a wealth of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Citadel, the Forbidden City, and the Royal Tombs.
Best time to visit Hue, Vietnam
Huế offers a distinct travel experience depending on the season. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide the best time for your visit:
Peak Season (November – April): This is the most popular time due to the cool and comfortable weather. Expect pleasant sunshine with occasional chills in the early months (January – March).
Summer (June – August): Hot and humid with plenty of sunshine. This is the best time for beach lovers as the waters are at their clearest.
Transition Seasons (May & September): May offers a transition from spring to summer, with warm days and comfortable evenings. September experiences the tail-end of the rainy season with occasional showers and slightly cooler temperatures.
Rainy Season (October – November): The heaviest rainfall occurs during this period, with the possibility of typhoons, particularly in October and November. Travel might be disrupted during typhoons.
How to get to Hue, Vietnam
Airplane: Vietnam Airlines, and Vietjet Air all operate flights to Phu Bai Airport. The flight time from Hanoi is about 1 hour 15 minutes, and the round-trip ticket price starts from 1,600,000 VND. The flight time from Ho Chi Minh City is about 1 hour 30 minutes, and the round-trip ticket price starts from 1,300,000 VND.
Train: From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or other provinces, visitors can take the train to admire the scenery along the way. The train has hard seats, soft seats and sleeping berths, with or without air conditioning. The ticket price is about 400,000 – 900,000 VND per person. If you are traveling far during the hot season, you should choose SE3, SE1 trains to shorten the travel time, buy a sleeping berth with air conditioning for comfort. The route from Da Nang is the most fascinating route to travel with Lang Co beach view.
Bus: From Hanoi, you can buy tickets from companies such as Hung Thanh, Camel, Queen, Duc Thinh… The route and vice versa costs 250,000 – 300,000 VND one way. The bus usually runs from 6pm the previous day to 6am the next day, so you just need to book a sleeping bed and sleep to get there.
What to do in Hue, Vietnam
Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history and culture with a visit to the captivating Kinh-Thanh-Hue (the Citadel) and the Nguyen Dynasty Tombs.
Step back in time as you explore the Citadel, the grand imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Marvel at the scale of the Forbidden City, the emperor’s private residence, and wander through numerous palaces, temples, and pavilions, each whispering tales of the dynasty’s rich past.
Your journey continues to the outskirts of Hue, where the Nguyen Dynasty Tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and legacies of the emperors. Each tomb is a unique masterpiece, reflecting the personality and preferences of the emperor it enshrines. Intricate gardens, ornate pavilions, and impressive burial chambers await your exploration. Pay your respects and learn about the emperors’ contributions to Vietnam, all while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere amidst nature’s embrace.
You might want to book a tour and learn about our history while visiting these place HERE
Trekking at Back Ma National Park: Challenge yourself on trails that weave through lush jungles, teeming with diverse flora. Ascend to the park’s summit and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Follow captivating trails that lead you to the cascading beauty of Do Quyen Waterfall and the serenity of the Five Lakes. Cool off with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, and savor a delightful picnic lunch surrounded by the park’s stunning natural splendor. Book HERE
Enjoying the local way of Tam Giang Lagoon with seafood and a fantastic view. Witness a breathtaking sunset as the sky explodes with vibrant pinks and the vastness of the lagoon shimmers gold. Savor a delicious seafood dinner in a charming floating restaurant, the perfect way to end a day of tranquility. Book HERE
Listening to a captivating performance of Hue Chamber Music on the picturesque Huong River. This traditional art form, once favored by Vietnamese nobility, offers a window into the country’s rich musical heritage. As you gently cruise along the river, immerse yourself in the melodious sounds and poetic lyrics of Hue Chamber Music. Book HERE
Exploring the Lebadang Memory Space: The main exhibition hall showcased a diverse range of Le Ba Dang’s creations. The thoughtfully curated exhibits, coupled with the serene atmosphere, made for a truly enriching experience. The museum left a lasting impression, prompting me to contemplate the beauty and complexities of memory. The Lebadang Memory Space isn’t just an art museum; it is a portal into Le Ba Dang’s creative world.
What to eat in Hue, Vietnam
Hue cuisine is renowned for its diversity and sophistication. Food should not only be delicious, but also beautiful. Here are some of the dishes you must try:
Cơm hến: It is made with rice, clams, and a variety of toppings, such as roasted peanuts, crispy shallots, and fresh herbs. The clams are cooked in a flavorful broth that is both sweet and savory.
Address: Cơm Hến Tím-Huế| 26 Alley 7 Ung Binh, Hue-City| 6:00am – 9:00pm
Banh canh Nam Pho: Made with thick rice noodles, a flavorful broth, and a variety of toppings, such as pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
Address: 16 Pham Hong Thai, Hue City| 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Bèo – Nậm – Lọc: A popular dish in Huế-Vietnam. It is made with three different types of rice cakes
Address: 11 Phó Đức Chính, Hue-City | 6:00am – 9:00pm
Bún bò-Huế is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup. It is made with a flavorful broth, thick rice noodles, and a variety of toppings, such as beef, pork, and vegetables.
Address:
Bun Me Keo| 20 Bach Dang, Group 19, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province (you should be there at 7-8am to get some, because it runs out at 8am)
Bún bò Bà Tuyết| 47 Nguyễn Công Trú Street
Where to stay in Hue, Vietnam
Hotels are affordable. You should book a room in the center, near the piers and buses for easy travel as well as sightseeing in the inner city and dining places.
Book here: BIG Hotel Hue, Pao Hotel Hue, Hachi Homestay & Spa
Huế also has no shortage of 4-5 star hotels and high-class resorts. Famous brands include Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel, Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa, aNhill Boutique Hue, Lang Huong Pilgrimage Village, Lapochine Beach Resort, Indochine Palace, Imperial Hotel, Vinpearl… Room rates are around 2,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND per night.
Book here: Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel, Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa, aNhill Boutique Hue