Hues of Hue

  • Hue is the ultimate imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty in 20th-century Vietnam.

  • The city preserves a rich heritage with the most intact imperial citadel remnants and artifacts in Vietnam.

  • Locals often refer to Hue as the 'Mystical Capital,' as it is intertwined with spiritual tales from the Nguyen Dynasty.

  • Hue holds five UNESCO cultural heritages: the Complex of Hue Imperial Citadel (1993), Royal Court Music (2003), Woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty (2009), Imperial Archives of the Nguyen Dynasty (2014), and Poetry on Hue Royal Architectures (2016).

  • All structures within the Hue Citadel (houses and schools) adhere to a height restriction of 17m. They were all mandated to be lower than the towering Hien Lam Pavilion in the Imperial City.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda

The best time to visit Hue

Hue experiences a hot and humid tropical climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year. In my observation, this weather pattern contributes to the timeless charm and a touch of nostalgia, lending a gentle quality to the city.

There are dry and rainy seasons in Hue:

  • Rainy season (October to March): Average temperature of 20 - 22℃, occasionally dropping below 10℃.

  • Dry season (April to September): Average temperature ranging from 27 to 40℃. The hottest months are around July and August.

A great time to explore Hue is from December to May. However, I believe you can visit Hue at any time of the year. However, barring the extended rains that lead to street flooding around October and November. The city has a distinctive, timeless charm that remains poetic regardless of the season. Make sure to check the weather to plan your journey accordingly.

Hue festival performance at Imperial Citadel

Hue festival performance at Imperial Citadel

Hue hosts festivals scattered throughout the year. There are interesting performances and traditional events to expect such as traditional costume catwalks, flying kites, music festivals, etc. The peak of these festivities occurs in April. If you visit around this time, you can immerse yourself in the overall atmosphere of the festival.

How to get to Hue from Hanoi

Hue is located in Central Vietnam. It is 700km away from the capital city Hanoi. To answer “how to get to Hue Vietnam”, you can refer to the table below for various transportation options:

How to get to Hue from Hanoi

How to get to Hue Vietnam

Mode of Transport

Describe

Price

Sleeper Bus

  • The commonly favored option

  • 12 - 14 hours of travel

250,000 - 400,000 VND (10 - 17 USD)

Train

  • You can choose between seats or sleeper cabins.

  • 13 hours of travel from Hanoi to Hue train station

500,000 - 1,200,000 VND (21 - 50 USD)

Plane

  • About 45 mins - 1 hour to fly from Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) to Phu Bai Airport (Hue).

800,000 - 1,500,000 VND (33 - 62 USD)

Motorbike

  • Travel duration of around 12 - 16 hours.

  • This option is suitable for those with a driver's license, good health, and a flexible schedule.

  • Motorbike rental fee: 100,000 - 200,000 VND/day. (4 - 8 USD)

  • In Vietnam, the cost of petrol is around 25,000 - 35,000 VND/liter (1 - 1,2 USD)
 

Must-go Attractions 

hue travel guide

Tomb of Minh Mang King

The reason I assert that Hue is a city worth visiting and writing this Hue Travel Guide is because I love the vibe of this city. Hue boasts charming streets seamlessly intertwined with historical relics from ancient times. The city places great emphasis on urban planning and Feng Shui. Almost everywhere you go, you encounter decorations steeped in imperial traditions and a gentle, somewhat intricate Eastern style that evokes mystical historical tales.

Here is a list of things to do and places to visit in Hue:

  • Hue Imperial Citadel: This is the most renowned site in Hue and a prominent UNESCO heritage of Vietnam. The Imperial City served as the seat of power for the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam and also housed the residences and structures for the royal court.

Ticket: 200,000 VND/person (8 USD)

Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM daily

  • Tombs of the Emperors: The Nguyen Kings personally selected and constructed their tombs before passing away. Thus, each tomb possesses unique features, marks, and narratives associated with different reigns.

I recommend notable Nguyen King tombs to visit including those of Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh, and Gia Long.

Entrance ticket: 150,000 VND (6 USD)

Opening time: 7: 30 AM - 5:30 PM daily

  • Thien Mu Pagoda: This sacred temple stands on the banks of the city symbol Perfume River. It is intimately tied to the story of the dream that inspired the first king's choice of the location for constructing the imperial city of Hue in this land. 

The pagoda has an open entrance, you can drop by at any time.

kayak in hue vietnam

Kayaking in Tam Giang Lagoon

  • Tam Giang Lagoon: This brackish water lagoon exhibits a surreal beauty, especially during sunset or sunrise. Visitors can also witness residents engaging in traditional fishing and boat-rowing activities.

  • Dong Ba Market: This is the most famous trading point in Hue, ideal for exploring local markets and shopping for souvenirs. 

  • Thuy Bieu Village: A preserved ancient village maintaining the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Hue people in a peaceful setting. Here you can experience a day of farming activities, fishing, buffalo herding, and cooking. 

  • Lang Co Beach: The beautiful and picturesque Lang Co Bay is located 70km from the city. You can consider spending a few days for a relaxing getaway here.

The food of Hue you can't ignore

The next aspect I would like to cover in this Hue Travel Guide is the cuisine. Hue boasts two distinct culinary styles: local cuisine and imperial dishes. 

food in hue vietnam

Hue royal meals

There are numerous restaurants in Hue specializing in imperial cuisine. This experience is like a transport to ancient royal Hue. While dining, you can enjoy traditional Hue court music and delve into the cultural heritage of Hue. You can sample and explore the flavors, aromas, presentation, and significance of imperial Hue cuisine at one of those recommended restaurants:

  • Y Thao garden: 3 Thach Han, Thuan Hoa

  • Royal Restaurant: 3 Nguyen Sinh Sac, Vi Da

  • Ancient Hue: 104/47 Kim Long

The second culinary point, more down-to-earth, is traditional Hue cuisine that you can explore at local eateries in Hue. Here are the top 4 dishes you should try:

  • Bun Bo Hue: A source of great pride for the locals in Hue. This dish stands out amidst the various types of bun (rice vermicelli) found across Vietnam. Bun Bo Hue is characterized by its concentrated broth and robust, hearty meat.

Price: 35,000 - 70,000 VND/bowl (1,4 - 3 USD)

Recommend restaurant: Me Keo Eatery (20 Bach Dang)

hue noodle soup

Fully enjoy a bowl of Bun Bo Hue

  • Clam Rice: A distinct flavor unique dish where rice is accompanied by clams. This is also a must-try.

Price: 20,000 - 50,000 VND/bowl (0,8 - 2 USD)

Recommend restaurant: Com Hen Lanh (38 Ngo Gia Tu)

  • Banh Nam: A local type of cake crafted from rice flour, encased in leaves, and adorned with a filling of finely minced shrimp. Enjoyed alongside the tangy-sweet fish sauce, it offers a delightful and fragrant taste. 

Price: 15,000 - 70,000 VND/dish (0,6 - 3 USD)

Recommend restaurant: Banh Nam Ba Toan (9 Ung Binh)

  • Hue Sweet Soup: My favorite dessert in Hue that I will never forget. There are numerous variations of sweet soups with different ingredients, colors, and styles. 

The cost is usually around 10,000 to 30,000 VND per bowl (0.4 to 1.2 USD).

Recommend restaurant: Che Cam (10 Nguyen Sinh Cung)

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Hue travel tips

Hue travel tips

Enjoy the vibe and nature of Hue

Wrapping up this Hue Travel Guide, here are a few tips to enhance your exploration of the city:

  • Getting around the city: Intra-city transportation options include taxis, motorbikes, bicycles, and cyclos, all at reasonably affordable rates. Bargaining for the fare is a common practice, so you can negotiate before using any mode of transportation.

  • Dress code alert: With many temples, shrines, and ancient imperial tombs, Hue calls for modest attire.

  • Stylish Outfits for Check-in: Hue exudes a traditional vibe that perfectly complements the elegant dresses. You can also rent traditional Vietnamese costumes at a cost of around 100,000 to 150,000 VND per set (approximately 4 to 6 USD).

  • Hue doesn't boast a bustling or chaotic city atmosphere: This destination is well-suited for sightseeing, delving into cultural history, and enjoying restful moments and wellness. 

  • Nighttime activities: During the evening, you can wander through the streets or explore dining and bar venues such as Brown Eyes Bar, Lan Que Phuong, and F75.

things to do in hue vietnam

Travel experiences in Hue Vietnam

With this Hue Travel Guide, I trust that you have gained a deeper understanding and are more prepared to discover this city. If you need any guidance or support, don't hesitate to leave a message for New Asia Tours. We are here to offer you the best tours in Vietnam!