Hue, Vietnam: 8 Essential Questions Answered Before You Visit

Hue was once the imperial capital of the country of the Dragon in the 19th century. With a UNESCO World Heritage site designation, Hue is an exceptional city in terms of culture, history and architecture. It is surrounded by mountains, lagoons, and beaches, with the poetic Paerfume River flowing through it. Hue is considered a must-visit destination in the country. Join us as we explore the top sites not to be missed and provide you with all the practical information to fully enjoy this beautiful city in Central Vietnam.

Written by Tieu Bao (Local Expert) Updated on 31-05-2024

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1. Where is Hue located?

Hue, also known by the full name Thua Thien Hue, is a city located in central Vietnam, near Da Nang (the capital city of the region), strategically positioned between the capital Hanoi to the north and Ho Chi Minh City to the south. The Hue and Da Nang region is bordered by the famous Cloud Pass (Hai Van Pass), one of the most majestic passes in Vietnam. Hue boasts a 120 km coastline which offers magnificent landscapes, combining the sea and the majestic mountains of the pass.

Hue is one of the most developed cultural and tourism centers in the central region of Vietnam.

2. An Overview of Hue, The Former Imperial Capital of Vietnam

When we think of Hue, we immediately think of the former imperial capital of Vietnam. As the last imperial capital of Vietnam (1802-1945), Hue is home to numerous cultural-historical monuments linked to feudal dynasties: citadels, palaces, tombs, temples, and pagodas.

Hue is also known as the “conical hat capital”, due to its artisanal villages specializing in the making of this iconic accessory. Local artisans are renowned for their unique expertise, particularly in creating conical hats decorated with embroidered designs, as well as poems.
Another iconic image of Hue is that of the Trang Tien Bridge which majestically spans the poetic Perfume River, stretching gracefully as a timeless link between history and the present. This bridge imbued with subtle beauty was built by the French in 1899, and since then it has stood proudly, a silent witness to the eras that succeed one another.

3. How to Get to Hue?

• By plane :

Hue is served by flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Each flight will take approximately 1 hour. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and VietJet Air offer direct flights to Hue.

• By bus or sleeper bus:

If you are looking for the most economical option, the bus should be considered to get to Hue. However, you should be aware that this choice involves a longer journey time, generally more than 12 hours.

• By train :

The train remains a popular option for travelers wishing to travel to Hue, offering both a budget-friendly experience and the chance to admire beautiful scenery out the windows. This route crosses majestic mountains, crosses a spectacular cloud pass, and follows the sea.

4. What is the best time to visit Hue?

Spring lasts from late January to March, offering cool weather accompanied by mild sunshine. A few showers are expected, mainly during the month of January.

From April to August, the hot summer attracts beachgoers with its magnificent beaches, fine sand, blue skies, and refreshing sea water.

The rainy season lasts from September to early January of the following year. The rains are heavy, especially in October, sometimes causing flooding. In November, storms can occur. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before traveling.

5. How many days to spend in Hue?

If you have a tight schedule and also need to visit other places, planning 2 days will be enough to experience the sights of Hue. However, if your schedule is less busy, it is recommended to allow 3 days to fully appreciate this city.

For more details, you can read the following part about places and activities not to be missed in Hue, which will help you organize an itinerary suited to your needs.

6. The 10 best places to visit in Hue: What to Do and See in Hue?

• Imperial City Hue

The Imperial Citadel of Hue is an important historical site. It was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty for 140 years, from 1805 to 1945. Today, it is a treasured relic in the UNESCO-listed Hue Monument Complex.

It once housed more than 150 palaces of all sizes, richly decorated with sculptures and brightly colored reliefs, serving as residences for emperors and their concubines. The imperial city of Hue is distinguished by a harmonious fusion of varied architectural arts, mixing oriental philosophy with the influence of the works of Vauban.

Please note: Two types of tickets are available, standard tickets and tickets with presentation. If you are a culture and history lover, it is recommended to choose a ticket with presentation.

• The Tombs of the Kings

The Nguyễn dynasty lasted over 140 years with a total of 13 kings. However, due to different historical reasons, only 7 mausoleums of kings still exist today. Most mausoleums in Huế were built while the kings were still in power. Artistic themes were chosen by the kings themselves, and architecture was approved by the king himself, who often oversaw construction work.

All mausoleums were built and furnished according to the Far Eastern feng shui philosophy. These 7 mausoleums of Huế are located in a fairly distinct region to the west of the citadel. The reason for their location in the west comes from the ancient belief that when a king died, he joined the setting sun in the west for eternal sleep. In this quiet corner, the peaceful Perfume River flows gently, creating a poetic atmosphere.

7 mausoleums which bear witness to the history of feudal dynasties: Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Gia Long Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Duc Duc Tomb, Thieu Tri Tomb, Dong Khanh Tomb. Among which the most visited are Khai Dinh, Minh Mang, and Tu Duc.

Tu Duc Tomb

Among a group of monuments in Huế that are absolutely worth visiting, the Tu Duc Tomb is one of the most appreciated tombs among the seven imperial tombs of Hue, not only for its large number of buildings built, but also for its majestic architectural ensemble, meticulously designed and decorated.

Minh Mang Mausoleum

Minh Mang Mausoleum is dedicated to the second emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. The Minh Mang mausoleum is simpler than that of Tu Duc but is no less magnificent. It rivals the Tu Duc mausoleum for its harmonious beauty and its undeniable charm.

Khai Dinh Mausoleum

Built after the mausoleums of its predecessors and influenced by Western architectural trends, the Khai Dinh mausoleum stands out from the others, both in substance and in form. Although it is also built with a concern for harmony as tradition dictates, the Khai Dinh mausoleum is, on the other hand, shaped with cement on a very steep hill.

Some notes we take away:

The Gia Long Mausoleum, although it may seem less impressive than others, offers an overall view of the Nguyen dynasty, with its 13 kings.

Gia Long's son Minh Mang has his own mausoleum, built during the height of the Nguyen dynasty. In our opinion, it is the most beautiful mausoleum of the Nguyen kings in terms of architecture, with its palaces, towers, sculptures, and lake. A visit to this place is a must.

The beauty of other mausoleums is appreciated differently by tourists, depending on their tastes. For example, French tourists generally prefer Minh Mang, then Tu Duc. On the other hand, the English and the Japanese are more attracted by Khai Dinh. Everyone can find something of interest in discovering the different facets of these magnificent sites.

• The Incense Village of Thuy Xuan

Located just 7 km southwest of downtown Hue, Thuy Xuan Incense Village has its roots in a rich history dating back around 700 years to the Nguyen Dynasty. Once a supplier of incense to the royal court, mandarins, and residents of surrounding areas, this village continues to preserve and develop its traditions despite many changes over time.

Visitors have the unique opportunity to discover the artisanal process of making incense up close and even participate in certain stages of its creation. And that's not all! You can also have an unforgettable experience by donning the elegant traditional Vietnamese clothing, Ao dai, to capture magnificent photos among the shimmering colored incense of the village. 

• Dong Ba Market

To the right of Truong Tien Bridge is Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest historical market in Hue city. It is also one of the largest markets in central Vietnam, where passers-by can find everything they want: vegetables, fruits, objects, clothes and souvenirs of all kinds, offering a truly authentic experience for travelers in quest for the “real” Vietnam.

Hue is also the birthplace of the famous national symbol, the conical hat (Non la). Dong Ba Market is the perfect place to buy a beautiful Vietnamese conical hat as a souvenir.

>>> You might love: What to Buy in Vietnam: Traditional Gifts & Where to Find Them

• Perfume River

The famous Perfume River meanders gracefully through the city of Hue, originating in the Truong Son Range, a long mountain range bordering the border between Laos and Vietnam. This river flows peacefully through the historic city of Hue.

The tombs of kings, pagodas and temples that line its banks give this body of water an iconic status, making it the very symbol of the ancient imperial capital of Hue. A dragon boat ride on this poetic river is a must. You soak up the exquisite scents of nature and flowers, hence its evocative name “Perfume River”.

• Thiên Mụ Pagoda

It is the most famous pagoda in Hue. The Thiên Mụ Pagoda nestles on a hill overlooking the Perfume River with an absolutely magnificent view. It can be recognized from afar thanks to its octagonal tower made up of 7 floors. The three-way door opens into a very large space. In the middle of it, the main pagoda stands majestically and provides access on two sides to a magnificent bonsai garden. This pagoda invites you to a great moment of meditation in a sublime and zen natural setting.

• Village Thuy Bieu

Hue is famous for its collection of imperial monuments, but we often forget that its essential excursions also include exploring the surrounding villages.

Hue's traditional villages, with their garden houses, are essential to its cultural identity. Thuy Bieu, located 6 km from the city center, stands out as a magnificent rural village where time seems to have stood still, making it one of the most beautiful in Vietnam.

For a complete exploration, opt for a bike ride, which will allow you to discover the surrounding nature in a perfect way. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, this getaway to the countryside of Hue will offer you unforgettable memories.

• Tam Giang Lagoon

About 45 minutes drive from central Hue, you can reach the stunning Tam Giang Lagoon, located next to Thuan An Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Hue.
The Tam Giang lagoon is reminiscent of the Tonle Sap with its postcard-worthy landscapes, characterized by fishing villages by the sea. It offers an excellent opportunity to discover the lake life of Hue fishermen. Far from the beaten track, you will find tranquility and authenticity here.

• Lang Co Beach & Bay

Lang Co Bay is famous for its clear blue water and extensive white sand beaches. The average temperature is 25 degrees Celsius, so the air is very pleasant. Lang Co keeps its natural and peaceful look, which is great. There is a pretty fishing village along the coast, with kind and genuine fishermen. If you come to Lang Co to enjoy the sea, be sure to taste the fresh seafood.

>>> You might like: New Train Tours of Hue proffer Breathtaking Views of Lang Co Bay

• Hai Van Pass

Hai Van Pass is a famous road that runs along the coast from Hue to Hoi An, so named because its summit is often covered in clouds. It is one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in the world. On one side you will see majestic mountains, on the other, the immensity of the sea, creating a unique visual harmony.

From the top of Hai Van Pass, looking south, you can see the modern city of Da Nang. Turning north, you will discover charming fishing villages and Lang Co Bay with its emerald green water beaches.

>>> Map of places to visit in Hue:

Please click on the "[ ]" at the top right for better visibility

7. What are the culinary specialties of Hue not to be missed?

• Bun Bo Hue

Bun bo Hué is a culinary specialty originating from the imperial city of Huế. Composed of a spicy and spicy broth, rice vermicelli (bún), beef (bò) and various spices, this noodle soup is delicious and stands out from other soups with its full-bodied, spicy and very aromatic flavors. Its preparation is quite elaborate due to the complexity of the combination of perfumes and flavors.

>>> Do you know? The Hue Cuisine: Ranked 28th Among the Most Delicious Cuisines in the World!

• Banh bot loc

Bánh bột lọc, a dish originating from the city of Huế. It is a kind of small transparent and translucent glutinous rice cake, stuffed with seasoned minced pork or shrimp, all steamed. Bánh bột lọc is often served with lettuce leaves, aromatic herbs and a sauce for dipping.

• Com hen

Cơm hến, a typical rice dish from the city of Huế. It is composed of steamed rice, small freshwater mussels called "hến", different herbs and vegetables, and a sauce made from chili pepper, garlic, nuoc mam (fish sauce) and lime. Everything is mixed together to create a flavorful and spicy dish, popular with Huế locals and visitors to the city.

Our last words,

Considered the heart of the national heritage, with its fabulous royal constructions, this city with poetic charm, where life is good, is also a paradise for gastronomy and sumptuous natural landscapes! Hué will satisfy travelers in search of nature, culture and culinary discoveries. Hué has everything to seduce you. So… what are you waiting for, go there!

 Or if you wish to visit Hanoi or any other travel destination in Vietnam, you can contact us to plan ahead for your trip.

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