Best Time to Visit Hue
Hue tourist season is from November to April, the best time is the first 3-4 months of the year, the weather is cool. For tourists who love mountains, sea, sunrise and sunset, the best time to go is June-August when the sun is most beautiful of the year, the sea is bluest.
Hue does not have a dry season, but only a rainy season and a dry season. The dry season usually lasts from March to August, when the weather is hot and muggy. From September to January of the following year is the rainy season, when the weather is cold. In particular, from October to November is also the storm season, when heavy rain seems to never stop.
Spring lasts from late January to March, the weather is very nice, with light sunshine and sometimes a little chilly. From April to July, the summer is hot and sunny, Hue is also an ideal tourist destination for tourists who love the sea. The ancient capital in the summer has the yellow color of butterfly flowers, the pink color of muong peach flowers ; the purple color of bang lang... In August, the city enters autumn, the most beautiful season of the year.
How to Get to Hue
Airplane: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air all operate flights to Phu Bai Airport, Hue. Flight time from Hanoi is about 1 hour 15 minutes, round-trip ticket price from 1,600,000 VND. Flight time from Ho Chi Minh City is about 1 hour 30 minutes, round-trip ticket price from 1,300,000 VND.
Train: From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or other provinces, tourists can take the train to enjoy the scenery along the way. Trains have hard seats, soft seats and sleepers, with or without air conditioning. Ticket prices range from 400,000 - 900,000 VND per person. If you travel far in the hot season, choose train SE3, SE1 to shorten travel time, buy a sleeper ticket with air conditioning for comfort.
Bus: From Hanoi to Hue, you can buy tickets from companies such as Hung Thanh, Camel, Queen, Duc Thinh... The Hanoi - Hue route and vice versa costs 250,000 - 300,000 VND one way. The bus usually runs from 6pm the day before to 6am the next day to Hue, so you just need to book a sleeper seat and sleep to get there.
In Hue, to save money and have the freedom to stop and rest while traveling, you should rent a motorbike at your accommodation. The rental price for a manual motorbike is 80,000 VND per day, and for a scooter is 130,000 VND per day, not including gas.
An interesting means of exploring Hue that tourists should try is the cyclo. The cyclo drivers will become tour guides, taking tourists to famous places in the city such as Truong Tien Bridge, Dong Ba Market... At each location, the cyclo will stop for tourists to freely visit. The tour usually lasts an hour, with prices ranging from 50,000 - 120,000 VND depending on the location and travel time.
Hotel, resort
Hotels in Hue are affordable. You should book a room in the center, near the train and bus stations for easy travel as well as visiting the inner city tourist attractions and dining spots. Homestays and hostels located right in the center such as a-mâze house, Sunshine, To Vo, Tram... cost only 100,000 - 200,000 VND per night, suitable for people traveling alone or groups of young people. If you go with a large group, you should book in advance through online booking channels such as Booking, Agoda, Traveloka, Vntrip... to get a good price.
Hue also has no shortage of 4-5 star hotels and luxury resorts . Famous brands include Banyan Tree Lang Co, Laguna Lang Co, Pilgrimage Village, Lapochine Beach Resort, Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel, Indochine Palace, Imperial Hotel, Azerai La Residence Hue , Vinpearl... Room rates range from 2,000,000 - 8,000,000 VND per night.
A trip to Hue of about 3 days and 2 nights is enough to travel, visit, save money and ensure good health. If you have more money or more time, you can stay in Hue for a long time to explore the entire ancient capital. Below are some suggested places to visit and experiences.
Top Attractions in Hue
Dong Ba Market
Established in 1899, Dong Ba market is one of the symbols of the ancient capital, bustling with buyers and sellers all year round. The market stretches from Gia Hoi bridge to Truong Tien bridge with thousands of stalls. Entering the market, you will see the colorful atmosphere of a Hue market. Visitors come here to freely find delicious food, or stroll around the stalls of clothes, fabrics, hats, fish sauces, cakes and fruits that are only available in Hue to buy to bring home.
The market is open from 7am to late afternoon so visitors can visit whenever they like. However, after 4pm, more snack stalls open. You can bargain when buying.
Hue Imperial City
Hue Imperial City has more than 100 outstanding architectural works such as Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Palace, Truong Sanh Palace, Hung Mieu, The Mieu... This complex of ancient works is arranged according to the principle of "left male, right female", "left civil, right military", counting from the inside out. Even the temples are arranged in the order of "left front, right back, in chronological order".
Because the Hue Imperial City is very large and the weather is hot in the summer, you should come early in the morning when it opens at 7am and bring a hat to avoid the sun. You need at least 3 hours to visit the relic site. The ticket to the Imperial City costs 200,000 VND per person. When visiting the attractions in Hue, tourists can rent Nhat Binh dresses to take photos and transform into ancient queens, concubines, and princesses.
Mausoleum
The Nguyen Dynasty had 13 kings, but due to economic and political reasons, only 7 mausoleums were built, all of which remain today with their own architectural styles. The Hue mausoleums were built when the kings were still in power, so this is not a sad cemetery but has a charming landscape with unique architecture.
Gia Long Tomb (or Thien Tho Tomb) was built from 1814 to 1820, located in the middle of Thien Tho mountain range in Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district. This is the resting place of King Gia Long (1762 - 1820), the first king of the 13 Nguyen Dynasty kings.
Khai Dinh Tomb is located on the slope of Chau Chu Mountain in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town, and is the resting place of King Khai Dinh (1885 - 1925). Khai Dinh Tomb is the smallest in area but the most laborious and costly of all the Nguyen Dynasty tombs. The architecture of the tomb is a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, reflecting the king's lavish taste during his lifetime.
Tu Duc Tomb or Khiem Cung is located in a narrow valley in Thuong Ba village, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city. The tomb has elaborate architecture, charming landscape and is one of the most beautiful royal tombs of the Nguyen dynasty.
The mausoleum was built from 1864 to 1867 on an area of 475 hectares. Nearly 50 structures in the mausoleum in the two areas of the temple and the tomb all have the word Khiem in their names.
In the grounds of Tu Duc Tomb, there is also the Tomb of Kien Phuc , the 7th king of the Nguyen Dynasty. Kien Phuc was the nephew of King Tu Duc and ascended the throne in December 1883 after King Duc Duc and Hiep Hoa.
Minh Mang Tomb is also known as Hieu Lang. The main gate of the tomb is Dai Hong Mon, which is only opened once to bring the king's coffin into the tomb. After that, the entrance and exit must go through two side gates, Ta Hong Mon and Huu Hong Mon. The tomb has a poetic and charming landscape, interspersed among the ancient architectural works are clear blue lakes, with fragrant lotus flowers blooming in the summer.
Truong Tien Bridge
Crossing the Perfume River, Truong Tien Bridge is an image that everyone remembers when mentioning Hue. If during the day it is just quietly reflected on the Perfume River, then in the late afternoon and evening, the bridge is decorated with sparkling colored lights that are very prominent. In the evening, visitors to Truong Tien Bridge should combine a walk along the Perfume River, in the afternoon or evening there will be more snack shops attracting customers.
Perfume River
The Perfume River meanders through the mountains and forests, passing through villages from Kim Long, Vi Da to Dong Ba, Gia Hoi, Nam Pho... mixed with the fragrance of Hue flowers. If you have the chance, take a boat trip on the river to admire the poetic scenery of the Perfume River.
If you want to see the city sparkling with lights from the Perfume River, visitors can board a dragon boat and enjoy the "specialty" of Hue singing. Hue singing is the cultural exchange and absorption between royal court music and folk singing. A standard Hue singing group usually has only one singer and a set of 5 instruments. The more colorful the accompanying instruments are, the more the singer's voice will be enhanced. The ticket price for a 1-hour Hue singing program on the Perfume River ranges from 100,000 - 150,000 VND per person.
Phu Cam Church
Located at 1 Doan Huu Trung Street, the unique architectural work is a "virtual living" spot as beautiful as Europe. Through the ups and downs of history, Phu Cam Church, considered the most beautiful in Hue, has been rebuilt about 10 times since 1682.
The church is located on Phuoc Qua hill, the main hall and two bell towers reaching high into the sky are very majestic and solemn. Inside the church is a spacious, airy sanctuary that can accommodate up to 3,000 people at a time. Because Phu Cam church is a religious site, you need to dress politely and stay quiet when visiting and taking photos
Thien Mu Pagoda
About 5 km west of the Imperial City and the center of Hue City, Thien Mu Pagoda is located on Ha Khe Hill, Kim Long Ward, facing the peaceful Huong River. Visitors to Thien Mu Pagoda can visit the 7-storey Phuoc Duyen tower, Dai Hung Palace, the garden, pine forest and the area displaying relics of monk Thich Quang Duc.
If you have time, you should consider visiting Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda. Visiting pagodas is usually free, however, to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, visitors should dress modestly and not make noise.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
About 30 km from the city center, you will arrive at Truoi land, enter Truoi Dam, go up the gentle slope on the hillside, you will see Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery reflecting on Truoi Lake . Sitting on small boats across the lake, you will reach the Zen Monastery. To reach the main gate, you have to climb 172 steps. The Zen Monastery architecture is in harmony between mountains and water, with the main hall worshiping Buddha sitting and meditating under the Bodhi tree.
Dragonfly Lagoon
Dam Chuon is a community-based ecotourism destination. It provides accommodation and food services, and visitors can stay overnight. From the center of Hue City, follow To Huu Street to Highway 49, then follow An Truyen straight to Dam Chuon. Cars and motorbikes are the most convenient means of transportation.
Coming to Chuon village, you can go to the houses of fishermen along the lagoon to rent a boat for sightseeing, the price is 200,000 - 250,000 VND per trip, carrying 4 - 6 people. When the sun turns pink, the life of Chuon lagoon becomes lively with the sound of oars beating the water to bring fish and shrimp back.
Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma is about 40 km from the center. You can travel by car on a tour, including a local guide, a specialized off-road vehicle and an overnight hotel. The terrain in the national park is mountainous and steep, so it is very difficult to travel. Prepare your physical strength if you want to trek to the top of Bach Ma at 1,450 m high.
Bach Ma National Park is an ideal place for many tourists to stop and watch the sunset. At night, you can rest at an ancient French villa in the national park. During this journey, visitors can combine stargazing at night in Bach Ma.
Early the next morning, you continue walking along the Do Quyen trail, to Ngu Ho to admire the five most beautiful lakes of Bach Ma forest, immerse yourself in the cool stream and admire the majestic mountains. The journey continues to the precious medicinal garden, Do Quyen waterfall with a height of more than 300 m - one of the wonders of Bach Ma.
Thuan An Beach
Thuan An Beach is located next to Thuan An estuary, 15km east of Hue city, where the Huong River flows into Tam Giang lagoon and then out to sea. In the summer, you can enjoy the breeze, swim in the sea or visit Thai Duong temple.
Lang Co Bay
Lang Co beach is about 8km long, located along National Highway 1A, next to Hai Van Pass and 24km from Bach Ma National Park. This is a beach with a gentle coastline, white sand, medium and large waves. Adjacent to Lang Co beach is Hai Van mountain, behind the beach is Lap An lagoon and Bach Ma mountain range.
Lap An Lagoon
Lap An Lagoon , also known as An Cu Lagoon, is about 800 hectares wide and is located near National Highway 1A, connecting Da Nang to Hue. Located at the foot of Phu Gia Pass, the lagoon is surrounded by Bach Ma Mountain Range, with Lang Co Bay on one side.
Hai Van Pass
Hai Van Quan was built in 1826, is a military fortress guarding the top of Hai Van Pass, has a very favorable location, is known as the "throat" of Hue Capital. Hai Van Quan is like the southern gateway of Thuan Hoa - Phu Xuan - Hue. Hai Van Quan is located at the top of the pass, crossing a mountain range jutting out to the sea from Truong Son mountain range. The top of Hai Van Pass is at an altitude of 496m above sea level, 77.3km south of Hue and 28.7km north of Da Nang.
Hue’s Unique Cuisine
Eat
Hue cuisine has long been famous for its diversity and sophistication because Hue people believe that food must not only be delicious but also beautiful. The dishes you must try when traveling to Hue are beef noodle soup, mussel rice, rice noodles, various types of banh beo, nam, loc, banh ep, banh uot thit nuong, che... Each snack costs only 7,000 - 20,000 VND per serving, while full dishes such as beef noodle soup, boiled meat rolls with shrimp, vermicelli with fish sauce, claypot rice... cost from 30,000 VND per serving. Because Hue food is cheap and delicious, you only need to spend 100,000 - 300,000 VND to be able to eat your fill for the day.
For drinks, you can try tofu pudding, soy milk, and sweet soup. Tapioca dumplings with roasted pork are a sweet soup that can only be found in Hue. Prices start from 15,000 VND per cup, but can be cheaper at many sidewalk shops. The most famous place is Mo Ton Dich sweet soup right at Thuong Bac park.
To find a restaurant with authentic Hue cuisine , try to find places in corners or alleys with old, rustic signs or no signs at all, the better the food. If the restaurant name starts with "Mụ", "Mễ", "O", "Bê", most of the chefs are native Hue people, the dishes will be the most authentic. In particular, the older the restaurant owner, the more delicious the food.
Suggested places to eat in Hue:
- Bun bo Hue at 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, 20 Bach Dang, 17 Hung Vuong...
- O Le Banh Beo Nam Loc, Alley 104/17/9 Kim Long
- Luu Ngoc Hue Cake, No. 70 Kim Long
- Yogurt drinks are sold in many places around the city.
- Huyen Anh Grilled Pork Rice Noodles, 52/11, Kim Long
- Hoa Dong mussel rice, No. 64, Alley 7, Ung Binh
- Boiled meat wrapped in sour shrimp along the An Cuu river bank
- Pressed cake, number 20 Nguyen Du
- Ong Lac Tea, No. 36 Thanh Tinh
- Kinh Do Hue Tea, No. 65 Tran Hung Dao
- Dong Ba Market
- Hue Western Street (walking street)
If you want to buy gifts, choose Hue royal tea, lotus tea, spring rolls, fish sauce of all kinds, cajuput oil, dried pressed cakes, sesame candy, conical hats, souvenirs printed with Hue landscapes...
Hue lotus tea.
Play
A "not sad" experience at night in Hue is to explore the Western street on Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau streets. This place is a familiar address for young people and foreign tourists like Ta Hien street (Hanoi) and Bui Vien street (HCMC). The street is busiest from 9pm to 11pm, with a vibrant, bustling atmosphere of bars, pubs, restaurants, live music cafes, clothing shops... On weekends, this place becomes a walking street from 6pm to 2am the next morning (Friday and Saturday), and on Sunday from 6pm to 12am. Some suggested shops are Ta Vet, 912, Taboo, Gecko...
Watching the cannon firing at Ky Dai is an experience not to be missed. Ky Dai, also known as the Hue Imperial Citadel Flag Tower, was built in 1807 under the reign of King Gia Long. Previously, on the top of the tower there were two watchtowers and a cannon factory to set up the guns. Today, visitors can come here every Saturday at 8pm to watch the cannon firing performance.
To change the wind with new experiences in Hue, you can explore some entertainment areas such as Epark - Tam Giang Lagoon, Alba Thanh Tan hot spring, Parle A Luoi Eco-tourism Area, Green Life Farm, Suoi Voi Tourist Area...
