Hue, Vietnam

Hue is a historic city in central Vietnam and the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. It’s renowned for its ancient citadel, royal tombs, pagodas, and the Perfume River. As a cultural hub, Hue offers visitors a rich insight into Vietnam’s imperial past and a peaceful, scenic environment.

 

1. Tourist Attractions

  • Imperial City (Citadel)

    • Highlights: The centerpiece of Hue, this massive complex was once the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors. The Citadel is surrounded by walls and moats, and inside, you’ll find palaces, temples, and historical sites. Key sites include the Noon Gate, Forbidden Purple City, and Thai Hoa Palace.
    • Entrance Fee: 200,000 VND (~8.25 USD).
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
    • Getting There: Located on the north bank of the Perfume River in central Hue, it is easily accessible by taxi, motorbike, or bicycle.

  • Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh

    • Highlights: This hillside mausoleum blends Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Its intricate mosaic designs and elaborate decorations make it one of the most unique and well-preserved tombs in Hue.
    • Entrance Fee: 150,000 VND (~6.20 USD).
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
    • Getting There: Located about 10 km southwest of the city center, you can reach it by taxi or motorbike.

  • Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang

    • Highlights: Surrounded by lakes, gardens, and forests, this tomb is a peaceful and beautiful example of Vietnamese royal architecture. It reflects the emperor’s Confucian beliefs.
    • Entrance Fee: 150,000 VND (~6.20 USD).
    • Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
    • Getting There: About 12 km from Hue, accessible by taxi or motorbike.

  • Thien Mu Pagoda

    • Highlights: Standing on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, this 7-story pagoda is one of the oldest and most iconic religious structures in Hue. The pagoda’s beautiful gardens and historic significance make it a must-visit.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Located 5 km from the city center, you can get here by bike, taxi, or boat along the Perfume River.

  • Perfume River (Song Huong)

    • Highlights: A boat ride on the Perfume River offers a scenic way to experience Hue, with many tours stopping at famous pagodas and royal tombs. The river is especially beautiful at sunset.
    • Entrance Fee: Free to view, but boat rides range from 50,000 – 100,000 VND (~2.10 – 4.20 USD) per person.
    • Opening Hours: Always open, though boat tours typically run from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
    • Getting There: The river runs through Hue’s center and is accessible by foot or bike from most hotels.

  • Dong Ba Market

    • Highlights: The largest and oldest market in Hue, Dong Ba is a great place to experience local culture. You can find everything from fresh produce to traditional crafts and souvenirs.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
    • Getting There: Located in central Hue, on the north bank of the Perfume River, a short walk or taxi ride from the Citadel.

2. How to Get Around

  • Cyclo (Cyclist Rickshaws): One of the best ways to explore Hue’s historic center, a cyclo ride is slow-paced and scenic. Fares are usually negotiated, starting from 50,000 VND (~2 USD) for short rides.
  • Bicycles: Many hotels and guesthouses offer bicycles for rent (around 30,000 VND per day). It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the Citadel and along the Perfume River.
  • Motorbike Rentals: Renting a motorbike (100,000 – 150,000 VND per day) is a great option to explore the royal tombs and countryside.
  • Taxis & Grab: Taxis are widely available, or you can use the Grab app for convenient transportation.
  • Boat Tours: Taking a boat on the Perfume River is a relaxing way to visit nearby attractions like Thien Mu Pagoda and the royal tombs.

3. Popular Local Food

  • Bun Bo Hue: A famous Hue dish, this spicy beef noodle soup is flavored with lemongrass and served with slices of beef, pork, and crab meatballs. Try it at popular spots like Bun Bo Hue O Cuu or Bun Bo Hue Dong Ba.
  • Banh Khoai: This crispy rice pancake is filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and served with a peanut dipping sauce. Head to Banh Khoai Lac Thien for the best.
  • Com Hen (Mussel Rice): A unique dish of Hue, featuring rice topped with sautéed mussels, peanuts, and herbs. Com Hen Hoa Dong is a well-known spot to try this dish.
  • Nem Lui: Grilled pork skewers wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and served with a dipping sauce. Check out Quan Hanh for authentic nem lui.
  • Che Hue: A sweet dessert soup made with various ingredients like beans, lotus seeds, and fruit. Try it at local street stalls for a refreshing end to your meal.

4. Top Nightlife Spots in Hue

  • Brown Eyes Bar

    • Highlights: One of the most popular nightlife spots in Hue, Brown Eyes offers a laid-back atmosphere with affordable drinks, pool tables, and dancing. A mix of locals and tourists frequent this spot.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Happy Hour: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with discounted beer and cocktails.
    • Getting There: Located on Chu Van An Street, a central location close to many hotels.

  • DMZ Bar

    • Highlights: A well-known bar among backpackers, DMZ Bar offers live music, pool, and a rooftop terrace. It’s a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Happy Hour: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM with 2-for-1 drinks.
    • Getting There: Located on Le Loi Street, near the Perfume River.

  • Le’s Garden Bar

    • Highlights: A popular venue with a large outdoor terrace, great music, and a wide selection of cocktails. It’s a chill spot for enjoying Hue’s nightlife scene.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Happy Hour: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM with cocktail discounts.
    • Getting There: Located in the backpacker area on Pham Ngu Lao Street.

  • Why Not? Bar

    • Highlights: A casual bar offering great drink specials and fun games like beer pong. It’s one of the few spots open late into the night.
    • Entrance Fee: Free.
    • Happy Hour: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM with beer and cocktail discounts.
    • Getting There: Located on Pham Ngu Lao Street, in the tourist area.

5. How to Get to Hue

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), located 15 km from the city center. Taxis to the city cost around 250,000 VND (~10.50 USD).
  • By Train: Hue Railway Station is centrally located, with trains from Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. The train ride from Da Nang to Hue is particularly scenic.
  • By Bus: Long-distance buses from major cities stop at Hue’s bus station, and you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi from there.

Hue offers a peaceful yet culturally rich experience, with its historic sites, serene river views, and relaxing atmosphere. From exploring the ancient tombs to enjoying the local cuisine and nightlife, Hue is a must-visit destination for those seeking a glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past.