hue vietnam travel guide Hue is a city in central Vietnam that was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Hue is famous for its rich history and culture, as well as its beautiful natural scenery. Hue is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many historical monuments and buildings that reflect the glory and tragedy of Vietnam’s past.
If you are planning to visit Hue, here are some tips and suggestions on what to see, do, and eat in this charming city.
How to get to Hue hue vietnam travel guide
Hue is located about 700 km south of Hanoi and 1100 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. There are several ways to get to Hue, depending on your budget and preference.
- By plane: Hue has an international airport called Phu Bai, which is about 15 km from the city center. There are daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and some other domestic and international destinations. The flight time is about an hour from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and 30 minutes from Da Nang. You can take a taxi or a shuttle bus from the airport to the city center, which costs around 200,000 VND ($8.6) or 50,000 VND ($2.2) respectively. hue vietnam travel guide
- By train: Hue is on the North-South railway line that connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. There are several trains that stop at Hue every day, with different classes and prices. The train journey takes about 13 hours from Hanoi or 20 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. You can book your tickets online or at the train station. The train station in Hue is about 2 km from the city center, and you can take a taxi or a cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi) to your hotel. hue vietnam travel guide
- By bus: There are many bus companies that offer services to Hue from various cities in Vietnam. The bus journey takes about 14 hours from Hanoi or 24 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. The bus tickets range from 250,000 VND ($10.8) to 500,000 VND ($21.6), depending on the quality and comfort of the bus. The bus station in Hue is about 3 km from the city center, and you can take a taxi or a motorbike taxi to your hotel. hue vietnam travel guide
Where to stay in Hue hue vietnam travel guide
Hue has a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and tastes. You can find hotels, hostels, guesthouses, homestays, and resorts in various areas of the city.
- If you want to stay close to the historical attractions and the nightlife, you can choose to stay in the city center, near the Perfume River and the Citadel. There are many hotels and hostels in this area, with prices ranging from 100,000 VND ($4.3) to over 1 million VND ($43) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet, you can stay in the outskirts of the city, near the countryside or the mountains. There are some homestays and resorts in this area, where you can experience the local culture and nature. The prices vary from 200,000 VND ($8.6) to over 2 million VND ($86) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- If you want to have some beach time, you can stay in Thuan An beach, which is about 15 km east of Hue. There are some hotels and resorts along the coast, with prices ranging from 300,000 VND ($13) to over 3 million VND ($129) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
What to see in Hue
Hue has many historical and cultural attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- The Citadel: This is the former imperial palace of the Nguyen dynasty, where the emperors lived and ruled for over a century. The Citadel is a complex of buildings, walls, gates, temples, palaces, gardens, and museums that showcase the architecture and art of Vietnam’s feudal era. You can spend hours exploring the Citadel and learning about its history and significance. The entrance fee is 150,000 VND ($6.5) per person. hue vietnam travel guide
- The Tombs: These are the mausoleums of the Nguyen emperors, who were buried in different locations along the Perfume River. Each tomb has its own style and design, reflecting the personality and preferences of the emperor. Some of the most famous tombs are Minh Mang Tomb (the largest and most majestic), Tu Duc Tomb (the most romantic), Khai Dinh Tomb (the most elaborate), and Gia Long Tomb (the most remote). You can visit the tombs by boat or by car/motorbike/bicycle. The entrance fee for each tomb is 100,000 VND ($4.3) per person. hue vietnam travel guide
- The Pagodas: These are the Buddhist temples that dot the cityscape of Hue. They are not only places of worship but also cultural landmarks that display the art and architecture of Vietnam’s religious heritage. Some of the most famous pagodas are Thien Mu Pagoda (the oldest and most iconic), Tu Hieu Pagoda (the most serene), Dieu De Pagoda (the most colorful), Bao Quoc Pagoda (the most historic), and Thien Lam Pagoda (the most scenic). You can visit the pagodas by car/motorbike/bicycle or by walking. There is no entrance fee for most pagodas. hue vietnam travel guide
- The Museums: These are the places where you can learn more about Hue’s history, culture, art, and society. Some of the interesting museums are Hue Royal Antiquities Museum (where you can see artifacts from the Nguyen dynasty), Ho Chi Minh Museum (where you can learn about Vietnam’s national hero), Dong Ba Market Museum (where you can see how people lived and traded in the past), Le Ba Dang Art Museum (where you can admire paintings by a famous local artist), and War Remnants Museum (where you can see relics from the Vietnam War). You can visit the museums by car/motorbike/bicycle or by walking. The entrance fee for each museum varies from 10,000 VND ($0.4) to 50,000 VND ($2.2) per person. hue vietnam travel guide
What to do in Hue
Hue has many activities that you can enjoy during your stay. Here are some of the most fun ones:
- Take a boat trip on the Perfume River: This is a relaxing way to see some of the sights along the riverbanks such as tombs, pagodas, bridges, and villages. You can also enjoy the sunset and the night view of the city from the water. You can book a boat trip at any travel agency or hotel in the city center, or Hue is one of the most historic and cultural destinations in Vietnam. It was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty, the last imperial family of Vietnam, from 1802 to 1945. Hue is famous for its magnificent palaces, temples, tombs, and pagodas that reflect the glory and splendor of the past. Hue is also known for its rich cuisine, art, and festivals that showcase the unique identity and heritage of the region. hue vietnam travel guide
If you are planning to visit Hue, this travel guide will help you make the most of your trip. Here are some of the best things to do, see, and eat in Hue.
How to Get to Hue
Hue is located in central Vietnam, about 700 km south of Hanoi and 1100 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. There are several ways to get to Hue from other major cities in Vietnam. hue vietnam travel guide
By Plane
The easiest and fastest way to get to Hue is by plane. Hue has an international airport called Phu Bai Airport, which is about 15 km from the city center. There are daily flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and some other domestic destinations. You can also find some international flights from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. hue vietnam travel guide
The flight time from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Hue is about an hour. The airport has a shuttle bus service that runs every 30 minutes to the city center for 50,000 VND ($2) per person. You can also take a taxi or a Grab car for about 200,000 VND ($9) to 300,000 VND ($13).
By Train
Another popular way to get to Hue is by train. Hue is a stop on the North-South Railway that connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The train journey offers scenic views of the countryside and the coast along the way. hue vietnam travel guide
The train time from Hanoi to Hue is about 13 hours, while from Ho Chi Minh City it is about 20 hours. You can choose from different types of seats and cabins, ranging from hard seats to soft sleepers. The prices vary depending on the class and the season, but you can expect to pay from 300,000 VND ($13) to 1,200,000 VND ($52) for a one-way ticket.
You can book your train tickets online through the official website of Vietnam Railways or through some travel agencies or hotels. The train station in Hue is located in the city center, within walking distance or a short taxi ride from most hotels and attractions. hue vietnam travel guide
By Bus
The cheapest but least comfortable way to get to Hue is by bus. There are many bus companies that operate between Hue and other cities in Vietnam. The buses are usually sleeper buses with reclining seats and air conditioning.
The bus time from Hanoi to Hue is about 14 hours, while from Ho Chi Minh City it is about 24 hours. The prices range from 200,000 VND ($9) to 400,000 VND ($17) for a one-way ticket. hue vietnam travel guide
You can book your bus tickets online through some websites like Baolau or Vexere or through some travel agencies or hotels. The bus station in Hue is located about 5 km from the city center. You can take a taxi or a Grab car for about 100,000 VND ($4) to get there. hue vietnam travel guide
How to Get Around Hue
Hue is a relatively small and compact city that can be easily explored by various means of transportation. hue vietnam travel guide
By Bicycle
One of the best ways to get around Hue is by bicycle. You can rent a bicycle from many hotels or shops for about 50,000 VND ($2) per day. Bicycling allows you to enjoy the fresh air and the charm of the city at your own pace. You can cycle along the Perfume River, visit the Citadel and the tombs, or explore the countryside and the villages around Hue. hue vietnam travel guide
By Motorbike
Another popular way to get around Hue is by motorbike. You can rent a motorbike from many hotels or shops for about 100,000 VND ($4) to 150,000 VND ($6) per day. Motorbiking gives you more freedom and flexibility to go wherever you want and whenever you want. You can also join some motorbike tours that offer guided trips to various attractions in and around Hue. hue vietnam travel guide
By Taxi or Grab
If you prefer more comfort and convenience, you can also take a taxi or a Grab car to get around Hue. Taxis are plentiful and metered in Hue. You can expect to pay about 15,000 VND ($0.6) per km. Some of the reputable taxi companies in Hue are Mai Linh Taxi (0234 3898 989), Thanh Cong Taxi (0234 3575 757), and Gili Taxi (0234 3826 826). hue vietnam travel guide
Grab is a popular ride-hailing app that operates in Hue as well as other cities in Vietnam. You can download the app on your smartphone and book a car or a motorbike with a few taps. The prices are usually cheaper than taxis and you can pay by cash or credit card.
By Cyclo
A cyclo is a traditional three-wheeled bicycle with a passenger seat in front of the driver. It is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the sights and sounds of Hue at a leisurely pace. You can find cyclos near the Citadel, the Dong Ba Market, or along the Perfume River.
A cyclo ride usually costs about 100,000 VND ($4) per hour for one person. You should negotiate the price and duration before getting on board. You should also tip your driver at least 10% if you are satisfied with their service. hue vietnam travel guide
What to See in Hue
Hue has many attractions that showcase its rich history and culture. Here are some of the must-see places in Hue.
The Citadel
The Citadel is the most iconic landmark of Hue. It was built in the early 19th century by Emperor Gia Long as the seat of power for the Nguyen dynasty. The Citadel consists of three concentric enclosures: the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), where the royal family and officials lived and worked; the Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh), where the emperor’s private quarters and concubines were located; and the Inner City (Dai Noi), where the commoners and soldiers resided. hue vietnam travel guide
The Citadel was heavily damaged during the French and American wars, but some of the buildings have been restored and opened to the public. You can visit the Citadel to admire the architecture and learn about the history and culture of the Nguyen dynasty. Some of the highlights include the Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace, the Dien Tho Residence, the Hien Lam Pavilion, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the Flag Tower.
The Citadel is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 200,000 VND ($9) per person. You can also hire a guide or an audio guide for an extra fee.
The Tombs
The tombs are another major attraction of Hue. They are the resting places of the Nguyen emperors, each with its own style and design. The tombs are located along the Perfume River, about 10 km to 15 km south of the city center. You can visit them by bicycle, motorbike, taxi, or boat.
The most famous and impressive tombs are:
- The Tomb of Minh Mang: This is the tomb of the second emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled from 1820 to 1841. The tomb is a complex of palaces, temples, pavilions, and gardens that reflect his Confucian philosophy and harmony with nature. The tomb is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND ($4) per person. hue vietnam travel guide
- The Tomb of Tu Duc: This is the tomb of the fourth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled from 1847 to 1883. The tomb is a romantic and poetic retreat that features a lake, a pavilion, a theater, and a hunting ground. The tomb is also where Tu Duc wrote many of his poems and literary works. The tomb is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND ($4) per person.
- The Tomb of Khai Dinh: This is the tomb of the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled from 1916 to 1925. The tomb is a fusion of Vietnamese and French architecture that showcases his modern and extravagant taste. The tomb is decorated with colorful mosaics, ceramics, and sculptures that create a stunning contrast with the surrounding nature. The tomb is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND ($4) per person.
The Pagodas
Hue is also home to many beautiful and serene pagodas that reflect its Buddhist heritage. Some of the most notable pagodas are:
- Thien Mu Pagoda: This is the oldest and most iconic pagoda in Hue. It was built in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the first lord of the Nguyen family. The pagoda features a seven-story octagonal tower that overlooks the Perfume River. The pagoda also houses a car that belonged to Thich Quang Duc, a monk who burned himself to death in Saigon in 1963 to protest against the South Vietnamese government’s oppression of Buddhism. The pagoda is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee. hue vietnam travel guide
- Tu Hieu Pagoda: This is a peaceful and tranquil pagoda that was founded in 1848 by a eunuch who served Emperor Tu Duc. The pagoda is surrounded by pine trees and lotus ponds that create a relaxing atmosphere. The pagoda also has a cemetery where many eunuchs who served the Nguyen dynasty are buried. The pagoda is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.
- Dieu De Pagoda: This is a majestic and elegant pagoda that was built in 1844 by Emperor Thieu Tri, the third emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. The pagoda has a three-gate entrance, a main hall, and a bell tower that are decorated with intricate carvings and paintings. The pagoda also has a large statue of Amitabha Buddha that is made of bronze and weighs 12 tons. The pagoda is open daily from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.
What to Do in Hue
Besides visiting the historical and cultural sites, there are many other things to do in Hue that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some of the best activities to do in Hue.
Enjoy a Boat Ride on the Perfume River
The Perfume River is the main river that flows through Hue and gives the city its charm and beauty. The river got its name from the fragrant flowers that fall into the water from the orchards upstream. The river is also where many of the tombs and pagodas are located.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Perfume River is by taking a boat ride. You can rent a private boat or join a group tour that will take you along the river and stop at some of the attractions. You can also enjoy some local music and food on board. hue vietnam travel guide
A boat ride on the Perfume River usually costs from 100,000 VND ($4) to 200,000 VND ($9) per person for a two-hour trip. You can book your boat ride at some hotels or travel agencies or at the pier near the Truong Tien Bridge.
Watch a Traditional Music and Dance Show
Hue is famous for its traditional music and dance that reflect its royal and artistic heritage. Hue has several venues where you can watch a performance of these art forms, such as:
- The Royal Theater: This is a theater inside the Citadel that was built in 1826 by Emperor Minh Mang. The theater hosts daily shows of nha nhac (royal court music) and mua cot (flag dance) that were performed for the Nguyen emperors and their guests. The shows are held at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. The entrance fee is included in the Citadel ticket. hue vietnam travel guide
- The Duyet Thi Duong Theater: This is another theater inside the Citadel that was built in 1826 by Emperor Minh Mang. The theater hosts daily shows of ca hue (Hue singing) and tuong (classical drama) that were popular among the commoners and scholars in Hue. The shows are held at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:30 pm, and 3:30 pm. The entrance fee is included in the Citadel ticket. hue vietnam travel guide
- The Hue Culture Museum: This is a museum that showcases the culture and history of Hue through various exhibits and artifacts. The museum also hosts nightly shows of ca hue (Hue singing) and nhac tai tu (chamber music) that are performed by local artists in traditional costumes. The shows are held from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The entrance fee is 100,000 VND ($4) per person. hue vietnam travel guide
Explore the Countryside and the Villages
Hue is not only about its urban attractions but also its rural charm and beauty. You can explore the countryside and the villages around Hue by bicycle or motorbike and discover a different side of Hue.
Some of the places you can visit are:
- Thanh Toan Bridge: This is an ancient wooden bridge that was built in 1776 by a local woman named Tran Thi Dao as a gift to her village. The bridge spans over a canal and has a tiled roof and a small temple on one side. The bridge is also where you can find a small museum that displays some farming tools and cultural items of the rural life in Hue. The bridge is located about 8 km east of the city center and can be reached by bicycle or motorbike. hue vietnam travel guide
- Thuy Bieu Village: This is a peaceful and green village that is famous for its pomelo orchards and ancient houses. The village is also where you can experience some local activities such as making incense, paper flowers, or rice wine, or joining a cooking class. The village is located about 7 km south of the city center and can be reached by bicycle or motorbike. hue vietnam travel guide
- Phuoc Tich Village: This is a historic and cultural village that was founded in 1470 by a mandarin of the Le dynasty. The village is known for its pottery making and its old houses that are decorated with wooden carvings and ceramic tiles. The village is also where you can visit some temples and pagodas that date back to the 15th century. The village is located about 40 km north of the city center and can be reached by motorbike or taxi. hue vietnam travel guide
What to Eat in Hue
Hue is also a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a variety of dishes that are unique and delicious. Hue cuisine is influenced by its royal and Buddhist traditions, as well as its geographical location and climate. Hue cuisine is characterized by its spicy, sour, and sweet flavors, as well as its use of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Some of the dishes you should not miss in Hue are:
- Bun bo Hue: This is a noodle soup that consists of rice vermicelli, beef slices, pork knuckles, blood cubes, lemongrass, chili, and lime. The soup is rich and flavorful, with a balance of spicy, sour, and sweet tastes. You can find bun bo Hue at many street stalls or restaurants in Hue for about 30,000 VND ($1) to 50,000 VND ($2) per bowl. hue vietnam travel guide
- Banh beo: These are small steamed rice cakes that are topped with minced shrimp, pork rinds, scallions, and fried shallots. The cakes are served with a fish sauce dip that adds some saltiness and tanginess to the dish. You can find banh beo at many street stalls or restaurants in Hue for about 10,000 VND ($0.4) to 20,000 VND ($0.9) per plate. hue vietnam travel guide
- Banh khoai: These are crispy rice pancakes that are filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and eggs. The pancakes are served with a peanut sauce dip that adds some creaminess and nuttiness to the dish. You can find banh khoai at many street stalls or restaurants in Hue for about 20,000 VND ($0.9) to 40,000 VND ($1.7) per pancake. hue vietnam travel guide
- Com hen: This is a rice dish that is mixed with baby clams, peanuts, sesame seeds, fried pork rinds, scallions, mint leaves, and chili. The dish is served with a clam broth that adds some moisture and flavor to the rice. You can find com hen at many street stalls or restaurants in Hue for about 20,000 VND ($0.9) to 40,000 VND ($1.7) per plate. hue vietnam travel guide
- Che: This is a dessert that consists of various ingredients such as beans, tapioca pearls, fruits, jelly, coconut milk, and sugar syrup. The dessert is served hot or cold, depending on the season and the preference. You can find che at many street stalls or shops in Hue for about 10,000 VND ($0.4) to 20,000 VND ($0.9) per glass.
Where to Stay in Hue
Hue has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, hostels, homestays, or resorts that are located in the city center or near the attractions. Here are some of the best places to stay in Hue. hue vietnam travel guide
Hotels
- Eldora Hotel: This is a four-star hotel that offers elegant and comfortable rooms with modern amenities and city views. The hotel also has a rooftop pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. The hotel is located in the city center, within walking distance from the Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The price for a double room starts from 1,200,000 VND ($52) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- Hue Serene Palace Hotel: This is a three-star hotel that offers cozy and clean rooms with free wifi and breakfast. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a tour desk. The hotel is located in the city center, near the Truong Tien Bridge and the Perfume River. The price for a double room starts from 500,000 VND ($22) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- Hue Four Seasons Hotel: This is a two-star hotel that offers simple and budget-friendly rooms with free wifi and breakfast. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, and a laundry service. The hotel is located in the city center, close to the Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The price for a double room starts from 200,000 VND ($9) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
Hostels
- Why Not Hostel: This is a friendly and fun hostel that offers dorm beds and private rooms with free wifi and breakfast. The hostel also has a common area, a kitchen, a bar, and a rooftop terrace. The hostel is located in the city center, near the Truong Tien Bridge and the Perfume River. The price for a dorm bed starts from 100,000 VND ($4) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- Amy Hostel Hue: This is a cozy and quiet hostel that offers dorm beds and private rooms with free wifi and breakfast. The hostel also has a common area, a kitchen, a garden, and a bike rental service. The hostel is located in the city center, close to the Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The price for a dorm bed starts from 80,000 VND ($3) per night.
- Freedom Hostel: This is a modern and stylish hostel that offers dorm beds and private rooms with free wifi and breakfast. The hostel also has a common area, a kitchen, a bar, and a pool table. The hostel is located in the city center, near the Truong Tien Bridge and the Perfume River. The price for a dorm bed starts from 100,000 VND ($4) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
Homestays
- Tam Family Homestay: This is a charming and authentic homestay that offers private rooms and bungalows with free wifi and breakfast. The homestay also has a garden, a terrace, and a shared kitchen. The homestay is located in Thuy Bieu Village, about 7 km south of the city center. The price for a double room starts from 300,000 VND ($13) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- Hue Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa: This is a luxurious and relaxing homestay that offers spacious and elegant rooms and villas with free wifi and breakfast. The homestay also has a pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. The homestay is located in Huong Tra Town, about 10 km north of the city center. The price for a double room starts from 1,500,000 VND ($65) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- Hue Ecolodge: This is an eco-friendly and rustic homestay that offers cozy and comfortable rooms and bungalows with free wifi and breakfast. The homestay also has a pool, a garden, a restaurant, and a bike rental service. The homestay is located in Thuy Bieu Village, about 7 km south of the city center. The price for a double room starts from 600,000 VND ($26) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
Resorts
- Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa: This is a five-star resort that offers luxurious and spacious rooms and villas with free wifi and breakfast. The resort also has a pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar. The resort is located in Thuy Bieu Village, about 5 km south of the city center. The price for a double room starts from 2,500,000 VND ($108) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
- Indochine Palace: This is a five-star resort that offers elegant and sophisticated rooms and suites with free wifi and breakfast. The resort also has a pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar. The resort is located in the city center, within walking distance from the Citadel and the Dong Ba Market. The price for a double room starts from 2,000,000 VND ($87) per night.
- Ana Mandara Hue Beach Resort: This is a four-star resort that offers cozy and modern rooms and villas with free wifi and breakfast. The resort also has a pool, a spa, a gym, a restaurant, and a bar. The resort is located in Thuan An Town, about 15 km east of the city center. The price for a double room starts from 1,500,000 VND ($65) per night. hue vietnam travel guide
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Conclusion
Hue is a fascinating and captivating destination that offers a glimpse into the past and present of Vietnam. Hue has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or food. Hue is a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories and impressions.
If you are looking for a complete guide to explore Hue, this blog post has covered everything you need to know. From how to get to Hue, how to get around Hue, what to see in Hue, what to do in Hue, what to eat in Hue, and where to stay in Hue, this blog post has provided you with all the information and tips you need to plan your trip. hue vietnam travel guide
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