Hue City, Vietnam: Things to know about Hue is an article about information about Hue such as its location, history, weather of Hue, outstanding destinations, and things to experience in Hue.
1. Where is Hue?
Hue City, located in Central Vietnam, is the capital of Thua Thien Hue Province, bordering Quang Tri Province to the north and Da Nang and Quang Nam Province to the south. Hue is blessed with a beautiful 80 km long Perfume River, a 128 km long coastline, and more than 200,000 hectares of lush forests.
As a prominent province in Central Vietnam, Thua Thien Hue has excellent connectivity, including Phu Bai International Airport, Thuan An Port, National Highway 1A, and railway lines throughout the country.
2. History of Hue City
Originally part of the Kingdom of Champa, Hue’s history as the feudal capital of Vietnam began in 1687 under the rule of nine Nguyen lords of the Inner World (Central and Southern Vietnam). Nam), lasting until 1775. The Tay Son brothers then took control, keeping Hue as the administrative capital until 1801. After the fall of the Tay Son, Emperor Gia Long, a descendant of The Nguyen lords reclaimed Hue, unified Vietnam and established the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945.
In the 1880s, under French control, Hue served as the Royal Palace within the protectorate of Annam, which introduced strong French architectural influences into the city. The Nguyen Dynasty ended with the abdication of Emperor Bao Dai in 1945.
During the 1968 Tet offensive, the city suffered heavy damage in the Battle of Hue due to its proximity to the North-South dividing line. Considerable efforts were made subsequently to restore Hue’s historical monuments. Over the centuries, Hue has been a center of imperial and revolutionary activity, reflecting Vietnam’s royal and turbulent past. Today, Hue continues to be an important cultural, educational, and religious center in Central Vietnam.
How to learn about Hue’s History
The best way to learn more about Hue’s history and feudal architecture is to join an English-guided tour to historical sites in Hue such as Hue Imperial City, Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda, etc.
You can join: Hue City Private Tour
3. The best time to visit Hue
Although Hue is a year-round destination, the ideal time to visit depends on your personal preferences and travel goals. If exploring Hue’s historical treasures in a pleasant climate appeals to you, consider visiting between February and April. This period in the dry season has sunny days. Warm, low humidity, ideal for sightseeing.
For those wanting to experience Hue’s vibrant cultural festivals and celebrations, April and August are great months. During this time, the city comes alive with the Hue Festival, celebrating local arts, vibrant street parades, and culinary specialties.
However, if you prefer a quieter visit then September and October are recommended. Although part of the rainy season, these months have lighter rainfall compared to the heavy rains of November and December, still provide exciting opportunities for cultural experiences and outdoor activities.
4. How to get to Hue City?
Hue’s central location in Vietnam provides easy access to major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (1100 km south), Hanoi (700 km north), and Da Nang City ( 100 km away). Here are the best ways to travel to Hue:
4.1. Air: Regular flights connect Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with Hue’s Phu Bai Airport (HUI). From there, a 15km taxi ride will take you to Hue city center.
4.2. Train: The city is a major stop on Vietnam’s main North-South railway line, offering a memorable journey with stunning scenery. Night trains have air-conditioned compartments, soft seats, and comfortable beds at reasonable prices. The stop of the train to Hue is Hue Station, located in the city center, only about 2km from Truong Tien Bridge.
4.3. Bus: The most economical but longer, buses run from Da Nang (2.5 hours), Hanoi (13 hours), and Ho Chi Minh City (25 hours), to North or South Hue Bus Station. Tickets can be booked online through private agents.
4.4. Motorbike or car: From Da Nang/Hoi An, take a scenic drive for about 3 hours along Highway 1 through Hai Van Pass to go straight to Hue.
If you choose a motorbike, there will be two forms: self-driving or with a driver.
If your choice is a car, consider booking a Private Car from Da Nang/Hoi An to Hue with sightseeing stop such as Hai Van Pass, Lap An Lagoon, Lang Co Beach, and other stops if you need.
5. What to explore in Hue?
5.1. Hue Imperial City
The Hue Imperial City in Hue is the most notable landmark in the city. Founded in 1804 by Emperor Gia Long, this ancient capital is famous for its architectural grandeur and historical depth. Inside Hue Imperial City, there are currently many famous architectures such as Noon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Kien Trung Palace, etc.
Hue Imperial City included within the Hue Monuments Complex, gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, underscoring its status as a monumental achievement in design and architecture.
You can explore the Imperial City of Hue with an English-speaking guide on the Hue Imperial City Walking Tour.
Address: 23/8 Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City.
Entrance ticket: 200,000 VND
Opening hours: 7 A.M – 5 P.M
5.2. Tu Duc Tomb
Tu Duc Tomb, also known as Khiem Lang, marks the burial site of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled from 1848 to 1883. Nestled in a narrow valley roughly 8 km away from Hue City and encircled by lush pine forests, the construction of Tu Duc Tomb took place between 1864 and 1867.
Address: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City.
Entrance ticket: 150,000 VND
Opening hours: 7 A.M – 5:30 P.M
5.3. Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh Tomb, also known as Ung Lang, serves as the final resting place of Khai Dinh, who was the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1916 to 1925. Situated on Chau Chu Mountain and approximately 10 km from Hue City, it is recognized as the most compact yet also the most ornate and costly of all the royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors.
Address: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Hue City.
Entrance ticket: 150,000 VND
Opening hours: 7 A.M – 5:30 P.M
5.4. Minh Mang Tomb
Minh Mang Tomb, also known as Hieu Lang, is the tomb of the second king of the Nguyen Dynasty, who ruled the country from 1820 – 1840. Minh Mang Tomb has a symmetrical, balanced architectural layout, and contains many elements feng shui elements.
Address: Huong Tra Commune, Hue City.
Entrance ticket: 150,000 VND
Opening hours: 7 A.M – 5:30 P.M
5.5. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Heavenly Lady, stands as one of Hue’s oldest and most picturesque pagodas. Situated atop Ha Khe Hill along the north shore of the Perfume River, it lies approximately 5 kilometers from the city center.
Address: 140 – 142 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, Huong Hoa Ward, Hue City.
Entrance ticket: Free
Opening hours: Free
5.6. Incense Village
Incense Village Thuy Xuan, Hue has the origin of incense making about 700 years ago. The village is famous for producing incense used in rituals and religious ceremonies. During the Nguyen Dynasty, this was the place that provided incense for both the royal court and residents of the Thuan Hoa – Phu Xuan area.
Address: Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Xuan, Hue City
Entrance ticket: Free
Opening hours: Free
5.7. Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon system in Thua Thien Hue province spans approximately 52 square kilometers and is recognized as the largest brackish water lagoon in Southeast Asia. It offers a stunning location for sunset viewing, as the sky adopts a pink color and the waters mirror the golden light.
You can experience it at Tam Giang Lagoon.
Address: Phong Dien and Quang Dien Districts, Thua Thien Hue Province
Entrance ticket: Free (You will have to pay a fee if you use the experience service)
Opening hours: Free
5.8. Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market, positioned on the northern banks of the Perfume River near Trang Tien Bridge and the Citadel, holds the title of Hue’s oldest and largest traditional market, with roots stretching back to the 19th century. It serves as an ideal destination for shoppers, gourmets, photographers, and explorers alike. Visitors to the market have the opportunity to indulge in local culinary delights such as Hue beef noodle soup, bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes), bánh khoái (crispy pancakes), and cơm hến (rice with baby clams).
Address: 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City
Entrance ticket: Free
Opening hours: Free
5.9. Truong Tien Bridge
Truong Tien Bridge, a structure spanning the Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam, is one of the city’s most historic and iconic landmarks. It serves as an important bridge between the two banks of the river and encapsulates both historical and modern events and changes.
Built in 1897 under the reign of King Thanh Thai, the bridge was completed in 1899. Today, Trang Tien Bridge is not only a main attraction but also a beloved symbol of Hue. Visitors can explore the bridge’s design and rich history as well as enjoy panoramic views of the Perfume River and the surrounding cityscape. At night, the bridge transforms with bright, colorful lights, increasing its beauty and appeal.
6. Top things to do in Hue
6.1. Ride a dragon boat
Dragon Boat on the Perfume River is an interesting experience for tourists who want to learn about the poetic beauty of Hue. There are two times when visitors can best experience the Dragon Boat.
Take the Dragon boat in the morning or afternoon
You can experience dragon boats during this time with a combination of going to one or more historical attractions in Hue.
The journey can start from Ben Toa Kham to Thien Mu Pagoda, Minh Mang Tomb, Hon Chen Palace, etc.
Or you can also book a Private Tour: Hue Boat Tour On Perfume River
Take the Dragon boat ride in the evening
You can experience the Dragon Boat in the evening and see the lights of Hue at night, especially Truong Tien Bridge. Besides, you will enjoy traditional Hue songs performed by artists wearing Hue Áo dài.
6.2. Experience Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon is a great place for you to transform into a fisherman. Coming here, you can visit by boat, learn, and try fishing using the traditional methods of the people here. In addition, if you go at the right time you will be able to watch the sunset. At the same time, if you join the Tam Giang Lagoon Experience Tour, you will enjoy a local dinner under the sunset.
6.3. Experience Hue Craft Villages
Hue is home to many ancient craft villages, some up to 700 years old. Maybe you already know the craft of making conical hats, making incense, making paper flowers, making kites…
You can also learn about these craft villages in many different locations or participate in the Hue Traditional Craft Village experience program. This is also the best way for you to understand more about Hue’s traditional craft village culture.
6.4. Take a cyclo around Hue
Cyclo is one of the popular means of tourist transportation in Hue city, it seems you can find them anywhere in the city. Taking a cyclo around Hue is also an interesting experience, you can slowly admire the streets and life of Hue. You can also combine traveling to Hue by cyclo and enjoying street food in Hue.
7. What to eat in Hue?
7.1. Bún Bò Huế: Iconic Beef Noodle Soup
Bún Bò Huế is known as Hue’s quintessential dish and vermicelli noodles are loved throughout Vietnam. Its name means “Hue beef noodles”, originating from the royal kitchen of the Nguyen Dynasty. The soup is made from beef bones, lemongrass, chili oil, and a mixture of spices, creating a broth with a characteristic delicious flavor. Served with vermicelli noodles, beef slices, pork trotters, blood clots, and fresh herbs, this dish offers a rich and fulfilling experience.
7. 2. Cơm Hến: Clam Rice
Cơm Hến is a Hue specialty combining rice with soft young clams, cooked with ginger, garlic, onions, fish sauce, and chili; and then mixed with rice, roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, fried pork skin, and fresh herbs. Serve with delicious clam broth to add flavor to the rice. This simple yet flavorful dish highlights the natural sweetness and freshness of clams.
7.3. Bánh Bèo: Steamed Rice Flour
Bánh Bèo consists of steamed rice flour with minced shrimp, pork rinds, green onions, and fried shallots, served in a small ceramic bowl. The steamed buns are soft and translucent, providing a crunchy and aromatic flavor from the toppings. They are enjoyed with a spicy and aromatic dipping sauce, making them a light and refreshing choice for a snack or meal.
7.4. Bánh Khoái: Hue’s Crispy Pancake
Bánh Khoái similar to Bánh Xèo which is thinner but smaller and thicker. Made from rice flour, turmeric, water and eggs, fried until golden and crispy, then add shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, green onions and fold like an omelet. It is often served with a special dipping sauce made from peanut butter, hoisin sauce, sugar, vinegar and chili, which gives the dish a sweet and tangy flavor.
7.5. Bánh Nậm: Steamed Flat Rice Dumplings
Bánh Nậm features steamed flat rice dumplings wrapped in banana leaves, filled with a savory mix of shrimp and pork seasoned with onion, garlic, fish sauce, and pepper. These chewy dumplings are enjoyed with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce, providing a simple yet flavorful snack or meal.
7.6. Bánh Lọc: Tapioca Dumplings
Bánh Lọc is a type of steamed dumpling made from tapioca starch, resulting in a translucent and slightly sticky texture. Filled with shrimp and pork or green beans, these dumplings are served with a fish sauce-based dipping sauce that enhances the dish’s fragrant and spicy flavor.
7.7. Chè Huế: Assorted Sweet Soup
Chè Huế is a dessert consisting of sweet soups made from beans, tapioca, jelly, fruit, coconut milk, and sugar. Can be eaten hot or cold, this dessert has many varieties such as chè trôi nước (rice ball with green bean powder), and chè bột lọc heo quay (filtered flour outside and roasted pork inside).
How to learn Hue Food culture
You may need a local companion to convey the soul of Hue cuisine. Or the best way is to join the Hue Food Tour with a local English-speaking guide, who has many years of experience living in Hue and deeply understands Hue cuisine.
