Set between Quang Tri province to the northwest and Da Nang as well as Hoi An to the southwest, Hue Old Imperial capital attributes on the pretty itinerary every first time visitor to Vietnam.
Straddling the genuinely beautiful Huong River, the city had the foundation at the 18th through 19th century. It was the set of power for the Nguyen lords.
Why Hue Is Special?
Factually, it had remained the national capital until 1945, when the Emperor Bao Dai resigned as the country was chopped into two.
Throughout American War, Hue’s location approximately half way between Hanoi from the northwest (540km) and Saigon in the south (644km).
And it is about 15 kilometre west of the East Sea and north of the Demilitarised Zone in Quang Tri heavy fighting. Because it was the Old Capital of the last dynasty in Vietnam, Hue is the home of mausoleum complex of Kings.
The tombs themselves observed little harm, however, throughout Tet offensive in 1968 severely damaged the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City.
Hue history has earned it a reputation as a political, religious and cultural center. In contrast, visitors to this modern Hue city will locate a town which only reflects its own past, and only does this as a begrudging nod to its visitors today.
Much like Ha Long Bay in the north, a complex of graves, pagodas and palaces across Hue and its surrounds has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
However, passing time by hundreds of years of war and battle, these tradition architectures are mostly destroyed much compared with its origin. However, thanks to the development of tourism has lead to reservation these traditions and revive them alive.
Consequently, the tourism has developed and created much chances for travellers to discover many values from this old architectures and Royal Family.
At this moment, Hue is a traveller destination largely. In practice, it is still a work in progress. Obviously, it is a beautiful and vibrant city, with places to stay, tasty food and quite a few intriguing things to do. And also it is the well-worn tourist path of historic attractions.
In addition, set on the banks of the Perfume River, it is as a highlight to any trip to Hue city as well as in Vietnam. Beginning from the northeast and going to the southeast of the city, the river flows between and divides the city into two parts.
A combination of man made canals and natural tributaries makes it an aqueous place throughout the typhoon season. This is the special for drawing water from monsoon season by handmade.
When Is The Best To Visit Hue City?
Monsoon season is the time when the river might overflow making streets that are many practically impossible. Considering this, it’s essential for you to travel to Hue in the right season.
It’s got a tropics monsoon climate and the dry season begins from March and extends to August. The temperature remains between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius and it is so hot.
While the flood season usually falls after October until mid November and sometimes at the end of month. However, if you travel on flood time, it seems no much affect because most of mausoleums is in south of city and no affect by flood.
Only The Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda in north of city cannot visit if the water level is high.
Yes, visitor can visit Hue all year round. For autumn season from August to mid October it is cool and nice for visiting. It is hot from April to September it is idea for combine visiting complex of monuments and tombs with relax on nice sandy beach Thuan An or Lang Co.
Only flood time within 1 month from mid-Oct to mid-November can affect your trip, but this depends each year. not always have big flood to affect.
How To Get To Hue City?
Lying between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and in central Vietnam. It is easy to reach Hue by many transportations.
By plane:
It takes 1hour and 10 minutes for flight from Hanoi and more than 5 minutes from Ho Chi Minh city. There are from 6 to 10 flights each day for choice to reach Hue base on each season.
At this moment there are Vietnamairlines and Vietjetair which have flights to Phu Bai airport in Hue city
Public bus or tourist bus:
Its schedule is daily in morning, at noon time or afternoon with late afternoon for traveller to choice. for short distance it connects Da Nang and Hoi An to the south and Dong Ha and Dong Hoi to the north.
If you choose public bus, there are two different bus stations for travel to north and south. It means that if you would like to travel to north such as Dong Ha, Dong Hoi or Hanoi you move to North Bus Station.
In contrast, you travel to cities in the south of country you move to South Bus Station to get ticket.
With tourist bus, most bus company set schedule from North to South and vice verse. So it stops in Hue in morning and after noon time to the south. And it leave Hue around 5pm to the north
And of course, the cost of ticket for travel by bus is more budget than by flight
By train:
Connecting north and south country, therefore, there are many trains pass through and stop in Hue Railway Station. There’s a wide range of trains available coming with varying speeds. The prices depend upon the speed of the rail.
In general, traveller can buy train tickets with numerous tour operators and travel company. Or can go to train station and buy it. There is also online booking train ticket on website of Vietnam Railway.
Train station is right in city centre and just 5 minutes by taxi or motorbike.
Bus from Hanoi to Hue
THE SINH TOURIST
Itinerary: Hà Nội – Huế
Time: Ha Noi 18h00; Hue 17h15
Address: 64 Tran Nhat Duat street in Hanoi, 12 Hung Vuong street Hue city and 246-248 De Tham street – District 1 in HCMC
Tel: 024 39290394 – 0234 3845022 – 028 38389593
HƯNG THÀNH
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue
Time: Hanoi 19h00-19h30
Address: 287 Tran Khat Chan street – Hanoi
Tel: 024 36337575 – 024 36337614
CAMEL
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue
Time: Since 18h00
Tel: 024 36337575 – 024 36337614
TREKKING TRAVEL
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue
Time: 18h00
Tel: 024 39260572
HOÀNG LONG
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue
Time: Hanoi 23h-20h30-19h-15h-11h-7h
Tel: 0978 600558
AN PHÚ
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue
Time: 18h00
Tel: 024 3927 3967 – 024 39273584 – 0903 529877
TM BROTHER
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue
Tel: 0234 382 9456 – 024 36250739
PHƯỢNG HOÀNG
Itinerary: Hanoi – Hue
Add: #1 Hoang Hoa Tham street – Hung Yen
Tel: 024 66726080 – 0915 128106
Bus from Saigon to Hue
PHƯƠNG TRANG
Itinerary: Saigon – Hue
Time: Hue 10h15 – 14h15 Sai Gon 10h15 – 14h15 (Mien Dong bus station)
Tel: 028 38309309 – 0234 3870870
HẠNH CAFE
Itinerary: Sai Gon – Hue
Time: Sai Gon (8h-20h-20h30-21h)
Tel: 028 39205 679 – 028 38376 429
PHI LONG
Itinerary: Sai Gon – Hue
Tel: 0234 3539198 – 0914 031156
THUẬN THẢO
Itinerary: Sai Gon – Hue
Time: Sai Gon: 8h-10h-14h30 Hue 8h-10h-14h30.
Tel: (028) 35112957 – 35111442 – 0913482369
MINH PHƯƠNG
Itinerary: Sai Gon – Hue
Time: 7h30-9h-10h30-13h30-15h
Tel: 028 22170597 – 0938 208090 – 0903 638716
THANH THỦY
Itinerary: Dalat – Hue
Time: 16h-17h daily
Tel: 0263 3823151
What To Do In Hue?
The most convenient method is to employ a driver and a guide on a half- or full day bases. There is a great deal to see in this early part of the planet.
Vietnam Budget Car Rental offer Vietnam land tours in Hue. That you’ll find pagodas and tombs anyplace in Hue, making it an ideal place to visit and fulfill your appetite.
Moreover, these sites won’t only supply you with the right amusement. However, they’ll also make you think of a little about the culture and traditions of Hue.
The Citadel Or Forbidden Purple City
The Citadel is most likely probably the most famous historical places to visit in Hue. Even though it is old, you can’t call it early. Mainly since its construction began in 1805 throughout the times of the first Nguyen Dynasty ruler.
The Complex Of Kings’ Tombs
There are many tombs in Hue to make a visiting. Six of them are opening for visitor to visit and discover. They are Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Thieu Tri, Khai Dinh, Dong Khanh and has entrance fee.
Each of them has its own beauty and special architecture in building. Most of them as Oriental style, just only Khai Dinh tomb is combine of Western and Orient.
Thuan An Beach
Thuan An Beach is a superb idea if you do not mind traveling 15km from Hue to get at this beach. This beautiful patch of sand on the East Sea is fantastic for some family fun or relaxing.
Though you will not get the best service on the beach. You’ll still be capable to get an umbrella and chairs to unwind and relish the sea, sand and see.
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Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda or Linh Mu pagoda is among the oldest places of worship in Hue and is a good example of religious architecture.
Furthermore, visiting the Pagoda on a Hue City Tour which includes a boat cruise along the beautifully named Perfume River. Infact, Hue is the land of pagoda so visior can see pagoda everywhere. Just some meters you can see few pagodas.
Elephant Springs
Elephant Springs should be a stop for people who comes in this part of the entire world to see natural beauty.
About 53km from Hue, it is an amazing natural spring that’s sure to impress you in a large way.
On hot days, visitors really like to take a dip in the natural pool below a waterfall that is small. For people looking for privacy it is advisable to visit this place on weekdays.
You’ll certainly enjoy the solitude, but do remember that you will no food because the food stalls are open only on peak days.
Countryside Villages
Furthermore, make a full day surrounding Hue city with beautiful villages: Phu Mong Garden Houses, Phuoc Tich Garden House and ceramic village, Phu Cam conical hat making, Thuy Bieu eco tourism, Huong Long eco tourism, etc
Where To Eat?
Yes, Hue is the land of Royal family so it is famous for Royal dishes. Therefore, visitor can taste Royal dishes at luxury restaurant or even be a King/Queen while dining. They are Tinh Gia Vien, Y Thao Garden, Tha Om as garden house style.
Besides, local foods with hundreds of dishes will pleasure visitor to taste. It is budget cost so that you can try as much as possible. For example, Bun Bo Hue, pan caked, traditional Hue cakes by banana leaf (Nam, Loc, beo…).
Travel along Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hen islet, Pham Hong Thai streets you can taste these cuisines.
Moreover, nightlife in Hue will also supply you with many different entertainment opportunities. Although the tranquility remains unruffled throughout the late hours, you may find a few bars keen to pay host to the late sleepers.
Additionally, you can discover travelers cafes or a few garden. As a result, walking along streets visitor can taste and try local foods of Hue or on cyclo.
In conclusion, a combination of tranquility and historical places make Hue an impressive holiday destination.
Surely, it is fantastic for people who wish to devote some time enjoying pure beauty along with getting an insight of culture and traditions in this beautiful Vietnam.
