The ancient city of Hue (pronounced “Whey”) in the central Vietnam was the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty at the beginning of the 19ht Century and during the Vietnam US war some of the most intense conflicts occurred in this region
One of Hue’s main tourist attractions is the spectacular riverside Hue Citadel or Royal Palace of the Imperial City, built according to the practices of “feng shui”. Such is Hue’s historical significance that it is recognized today as s World Cultural Herritage Site by UNESCO
Although Hue is not strictly a coastal city, beach lovers will not be disappointed as there are several good beaches like Thuan an, less than 15 minutes away. In short, Hue is a perfect location to explore the cultural heart and soul of the Vietnamese people while still having easy to the beach
Best time to travel to Hue
Travel to Hue from February to April is the best time to visit Hue. These months are the spring season in Hue. The average temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius, making it considerably much more comfortable to go outside and explore the city. The amount of rain in Hue is also at its least in these months.
How to get Hue?
You can travel to Hue easily by bus, train and flight from different cities in Vietnam.
Hue city is located 654km from the south of Hanoi and 1,100 km from the North of Ho Chi Minh. Travelling to Hue from Hanoi and HoChiMinh by flight is the fastest way.
To travel from other places such as Cat Ba, Ninh Binh, Phong Nha, Hoi An, Da Nang and Nha Trang to Hue, taking a direct train or bus is more convenient.
How to get from Phu Bai Airport to Hue city
For the distance of 15km from Phu Bai airport to the city center, you can find a taxi or a local bus from the airport very easily. The shuttle bus right outside the airport costs only 50,000 VND (2 USD) and it stops in 20 Ha Noi, Hue city. If it is not close to your accommodation, you will have to walk or transfer to another vehicle. Meanwhile, the taxi costs 200,000-250,000 VND (10 USD) and it will directly deliver you to your hotel
Ha Noi to Hue by train
The second option is traveling from Ha Noi to Hue by train. The train journey will take you through the cities and country sides of Vietnam. It’s quite a good experience that you should try. Vietnam Railways operates eight daily trains from Ha Noi to Hue. We recommend you to take the SE3 or SE19 train which departs from Ha Noi in the evening and arriving at Hue in the morning.
Ha Noi to Hue by bus
The last option is getting from Ha Noi to Hue by bus. This way can save you some cost if you are traveling in a budget. Besides, if you choose a night bus. It won’t take too long as you sleep all night during the trip.
Best attractions in Hue
1. Hue Imperial City
Hue Imperial City, set along the northern bank of the Perfume River, features hundreds of monuments dating back to early 19th century, including the Forbidden Purple City, royal tombs, pagodas, temples, royal quarters, a library and museum, Also called the Complex of Hue Monuments, this UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is set atop a hill just outside Hue City Centre, offering breathtaking views of Perfume River and Hue Imperial City.
Thien Mu Pagoda was also the home monastery of Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc, who had self-immolated in 1963 in protest against the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.
3. Thanh Toan Bridge
Thanh Toan Bridge is a tile-roofed footbridge that’s similar to Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge, featuring ancient Chinese and Japanese motifs as well as ornate carvings of sacred animals. Built during the reign of Emperor Le Hien Tong (1740-1786), this wooden bridge is built over the Nhu Y River, spanning 17 metres in length. There’s also an altar commemorating its founder, Tran Thi Dao who was the wife of a high-ranking Mandarin in the emperor’s court. Thanh Toan Bridge, set within Thanh Thuy village, is a pleasant 20-minute drive from Hue City Centre, where you’ll pass by several traditional villages, rice paddies and several pagodas.
4. Minh Mang tomb
Minh Mang Tomb, hailed as the most ambitious royal tomb built during the Nguyen Dynasty, is located along the west bank of Perfume River. Accessible within a 30-minute drive from Hue City Centre, construction of the expansive tomb started in 1840 under the order of Emperor Minh Mang before it was completed two years later during Emperor Thieu Tri’s reign. Surrounded by landscaped lakes and canals, Minh Mang Tomb houses 40 buildings in total, including palaces, temples, terraces, and pavilions.
5. Tu Duc Tomb
Tu Duc Tomb is one of the many royal tombs set within the outskirts of Hue Imperial City. Built between 1864 and 1867 in commemoration of the fourth emperor, the complex also served as a summer palace for Emperor Tu Duc thanks to its natural hillside and riverfront landscape. Home to a massive lake and over 50 palaces, pavilions, temples and shrines, the Tu Duc Tomb offers relaxing ambience for visitors looking to experience the remnants of ancient Nguyen Dynasty. Set within Thuong Ba Village, the royal tomb is 15-minute drive from Hue Imperial City.
6. Perfume River
Perfume River spans approximately 80 kilometres in length, flowing from Truong Son Mountain through Hue City Centre and Bang Lang Fork. Locally known as Huong River, it was so named after wilted flowers from upriver orchards are carried through its flow during autumnal months, resulting in a strong floral scent. As most of Hue’s iconic attractions, temples, and local villages are set along Perfume River, there are numerous tour operators offering paddleboat rentals, boat rides and dinner cruises at various price points
7. Bach Ma National park
Bach Ma National Park stands at 1450 meters above sea level, hosting majestic waterfalls, hiking trails, and dilapidated French villas. Situated in the Annamite Range, this verdant landscape is a popular retreat for locals and travelers from both cities as there are local buses stopping at the nearby Cau Hai Village. Home to thousands of rare plants and wildlife, visitors can enjoy a full day (or two) of hiking, camping, rappelling, swimming and even abseiling over Do Quyen Fall (Rhododendron Fall).
Source and Photo: Internet.
