HUE TRAVEL GUIDE: THE IMPERIAL CITY OF VIETNAM

HUE TRAVEL GUIDE: THE IMPERIAL CITY OF VIETNAM 

Once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is a charming city rich in history, culture, and royal legacy. Located on the banks of the Perfume River in Central Vietnam, Hue is a place where ancient citadels, peaceful pagodas, and poetic landscapes come together to create a deeply serene atmosphere. Ideal for culture lovers, history buffs, and those seeking slow, soulful travel.

📍 Where is Hue?

Hue is in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Central Vietnam – about 100 km north of Da Nang. It’s a key stop on Vietnam’s heritage trail, alongside Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary.

🚗 How to Get to Hue

✈️ By plane:

• Fly into Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) – 15 km from city center

• Daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang

🚆 By train:

• Scenic route from Hanoi or Da Nang with views of mountains and sea

• Hue Railway Station is centrally located

🚗 By car/bus:

• 3–4 hours from Da Nang via the stunning Hai Van Pass

• Many open-tour buses operate along the North-South route

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

• March – August: Warm and dry, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor trips

• September – November: Cooler, sometimes rainy – good for quieter travel

• December – February: Chilly and humid, but less touristy

🏮 Don't miss: Hue Festival (held every 2 years in April or June) – a spectacular celebration of music, art, and royal traditions!

🏯 Top Things to Do in Hue

🏰 Explore the Imperial City (Hue Citadel)

• A UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Visit the Forbidden Purple City, palaces, royal tombs, and ancient gates

• Discover the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty

⛩️ Visit Royal Tombs

• Majestic resting places of emperors like Tomb of Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, and Minh Mang

• Beautiful architecture blending Vietnamese and French styles

🛶 Take a boat ride on the Perfume River

• Sunset cruises with traditional music performances

• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue’s iconic spiritual site

🏞️ Relax at Thanh Toan Bridge or Thuy Bieu Eco Village

• Enjoy countryside cycling, try local crafts and food

🎨 Visit museums & traditional craft villages

• Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, Truc Chi Art, conical hat making, and incense villages

🍲 What to Eat in Hue?

Hue is famous for its imperial cuisine – elegant, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

Must-try dishes:

• Bun Bo Hue – Spicy beef noodle soup, richer than pho

• Banh Beo, Banh Nam, Banh Loc – Steamed rice cakes with shrimp, pork

• Com Hen (baby clam rice) – A local specialty with fresh herbs, chili, and peanuts

• Nem Lui – Grilled pork skewers served with rice paper and dipping sauce

• Che Hue – Colorful sweet soup/dessert with beans, jelly, and coconut milk

📍 Recommended places:

• Dong Ba Market (street food heaven)

• Hanh Restaurant (for royal dishes)

• Madam Thu Restaurant (authentic and tourist-friendly)

🛏️ Where to Stay in Hue?

Luxury:

• Azerai La Residence Hue – colonial-style mansion by the river

• Pilgrimage Village – peaceful resort outside the city

• Melia Vinpearl Hue – modern hotel with river views

Mid-range:

• Hue Ecolodge – near Thuy Bieu Village

• Villa Hue – close to major sites

• Moonlight Hotel – great value, central location

Budget:

• Hostels & homestays starting from $10–15/night

• Popular ones: Amy 2 Hostel, Why Not Hostel, Eva Homestay

🛍️ What to Buy in Hue?

• Hand-painted conical hats

• Traditional Ao Dai

• Lotus tea, sesame candy

• Truc Chi paper art

💡 Final Thought

Hue is more than just a historic city – it’s the soul of Vietnam’s royal past. Whether you're wandering the citadel, savoring royal dishes, or drifting along the Perfume River at sunset, Hue invites you to slow down and soak in its poetic beauty.

Step into the legacy of emperors. Discover the charm of Vietnam’s imperial heart – Hue.