Blog Vietnam Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Hue

The best time to visit Hue, Vietnam, generally falls between January and April. During these months, the weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing, exploring the historic sites, and enjoying the local cuisine. Here’s a breakdown of Hue's seasons to help you plan:

1. Spring (January to April)

• Weather: Temperatures range from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). This period is the driest and most comfortable for outdoor activities.
• Highlights: Perfect for exploring the Imperial City, tombs, pagodas, and cruising along the Perfume River. The mild climate enhances the experience, with flowers blooming around the city.

2. Summer (May to August)

• Weather: High temperatures, often reaching 35°C (95°F) with high humidity. The rainy season starts around late August.
• Considerations: Though it can be hot, this is still a good time to visit if you can handle the heat, as the early part of the summer season has longer daylight hours and more cultural festivals.

3. Autumn (September to December)

• Weather: This is the rainy season in Huế, with heavy rains and occasional flooding, especially in October and November.
• Considerations: Travel may be impacted by frequent downpours and high humidity. However, if you visit in early September or late December, the weather may still be pleasant for sightseeing, with fewer tourists around.

Huế’s weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy season, so plan accordingly if visiting outside of peak season.

Best hotels & hostels in Hue

Hue, located in central Vietnam, is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its Imperial City, historic pagodas, and the Perfume River, Huế offers a mix of luxury hotels, budget hostels, and charming homestays. Here’s a list of some of the best places to stay in Huế.

• White Lotus Hue Hotel

• ÊMM Hotel Hue

• Alba Spa Hotel
  

• Rosaleen Boutique Hotel

• Senna Hue Hotel

• Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel

• KOBI Onsen Resort Hue

• Alba Wellness Resort by Fusion

How to get there

Huế, a historic city in central Vietnam, is known for its imperial heritage, ancient pagodas, and riverside charm. Here’s how to get to Huế from major nearby cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City:

1. By Plane

Flying is the fastest way to reach Huế from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

• Duration: About 1 hour and 15 minutes from either Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
• Airport: Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), located 15 kilometers from Huế’s city center.
• Airlines: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and Bamboo Airways offer frequent flights.
• Getting to the City: From Phu Bai Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus (around 20 minutes) to reach the city center.

2. By Train

The train is a scenic and comfortable way to travel to Huế, especially from Hanoi or Da Nang. The journey offers views of the coastline, mountains, and rural landscapes.

• Duration:
• From Hanoi: Approximately 13-14 hours.
• From Da Nang: About 2.5-3 hours along one of the most beautiful rail stretches in Vietnam.
• Types of Trains: SE trains (SE1, SE3, etc.) have sleeper and seat options, with soft and hard berths available.
• Benefits: The train offers scenic views of the Hai Van Pass and is a relaxing way to experience the countryside.

3. By Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly option to reach Huế, especially from nearby cities like Da Nang.

• Duration:
• From Hanoi: Around 12-14 hours (usually overnight).
• From Da Nang: About 2-3 hours by bus.
• Types of Buses: You can choose between standard sleeper buses and more comfortable limousine buses.
• Departure Points: Buses to Huế typically depart from Hanoi’s My Dinh or Nuoc Ngam stations and from Da Nang's central bus station.

4. By Private Car or Taxi (From Da Nang)

For a convenient, comfortable, and flexible trip, especially if you’re traveling from Da Nang, hiring a private car or taxi is an excellent choice.

• Duration: About 2-3 hours via the Hai Van Tunnel or Hai Van Pass for a scenic route.
• Benefits: You can make stops along the way at scenic spots like Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass.

5. By Motorbike

For adventurous travelers, taking a motorbike from Da Nang to Huế is a thrilling way to explore the coastal and mountain scenery along the famous Hai Van Pass.

• Duration: About 3-4 hours.
• Route: Many riders take the scenic Hai Van Pass for stunning views, but the Hai Van Tunnel offers a quicker route.
• Requirements: Make sure you’re comfortable with long-distance riding and have a valid license.

How to get around

Hue, a historic city in central Vietnam, is renowned for its ancient architecture, imperial citadel, and scenic Perfume River. Getting around Hue is relatively easy thanks to its compact size and numerous transportation options. Here’s a guide to exploring Hue efficiently:

1. Cyclo (Bicycle Rickshaw)

• Best For: Short trips around the city center and a traditional experience.
• Description: Cyclo rides are a popular way to get around Hue’s city center, especially for short distances and sightseeing. Local cyclo drivers often know the best routes for viewing the city’s historical sites, making it a leisurely and authentic way to explore the area.
• Popular Routes:
• Imperial City and Citadel: A short, scenic cyclo ride around Hue’s iconic Citadel and nearby streets.
• Perfume River Waterfront: Great for an evening ride to enjoy the riverside scenery.
• Tips:
• Negotiate the fare before starting your ride, as cyclos do not have meters.
• Cyclo rides are perfect for a relaxed pace but may be slower for reaching distant sites.

2. Bicycle Rental

• Best For: Exploring city sites and scenic routes independently.
• Description: Renting a bicycle is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore Hue. With many historic sites close to each other, biking allows you to visit the Citadel, pagodas, and museums at your own pace. Hotels and rental shops in Hue offer bikes, often at very affordable rates.
• Suggested Routes:
• Imperial City to Thien Mu Pagoda: A lovely riverside route.
• Local Villages and Thanh Toan Bridge: A short ride to a beautiful rural area and traditional covered bridge.
• Tips:
• Hue’s weather can be hot, so start early or later in the day and bring water.
• Use a map or GPS for navigation, as street signage can be limited.

3. Motorbike Rental

• Best For: Flexible travel and exploring nearby areas.
• Description: Motorbikes are a common way to explore Hue and surrounding areas like Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, and Khải Định Tomb. Renting a motorbike gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and access remote sites.
• Popular Destinations by Motorbike:
• Minh Mang and Tu Duc Tombs: Located on the outskirts of Hue, these can be easily reached by motorbike.
• Bach Ma National Park: For nature enthusiasts, this is a slightly longer motorbike ride but well worth it.
• Tips:
• Ensure you have a valid motorbike license and insurance.
• Wear a helmet and check the bike’s condition before setting out, especially the brakes.

4. Private Car with Driver

• Best For: Families, groups, or those seeking comfort and convenience.
• Description: Hiring a private car with a driver is ideal for those who want to explore Hue’s outskirts or for a comfortable city tour. This option is especially convenient for visiting multiple tombs and pagodas in one day.
• Suggested Itinerary by Car:
• Hue Imperial City ➔ Tu Duc Tomb ➔ Khai Dinh Tomb ➔ Thien Mu Pagoda: A popular route to cover key attractions efficiently.
• Tips:
• Book through your hotel or a trusted local agency to avoid overcharging.
• Discuss your preferred stops with the driver to ensure you cover everything you want to see.

5. Boat Tour on the Perfume River

• Best For: Scenic views and access to riverside attractions.
• Description: A Perfume River boat tour is a must-do in Hue, offering access to key sites such as Thien Mu Pagoda and the tombs of Minh Mang. You can book a traditional dragon boat for a half-day or full-day tour, either privately or as part of a group tour.
• Popular Stops by Boat:
• Thien Mu Pagoda: Located along the river, it’s one of Hue’s most famous landmarks.
• Minh Mang Tomb: A scenic spot accessible by boat, with beautiful landscaping and historical architecture.
• Tips:
• Confirm pricing and duration in advance, as some tours may offer add-on options.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen, as the boats are open-air and can be hot during midday.

6. Taxi or Grab

• Best For: Convenient, air-conditioned transport within the city.
• Description: Taxis and Grab (a popular ride-hailing app in Vietnam) are widely available in Hue, offering convenient door-to-door transport. Taxis are metered, and Grab cars or bikes can be booked through the app for a hassle-free experience.
• Tips:
• Grab is a more affordable and reliable option than hailing a taxi from the street, as prices are fixed and shown in advance.
• For longer trips to sites outside the city, arrange a fare in advance if taking a regular taxi.

7. Walking

• Best For: Exploring the city center and nearby sites.
• Description: Many of Hue’s main attractions, such as the Imperial City, Dong Ba Market, and the Perfume River area, are within walking distance from central hotels. Walking is a relaxing way to experience the city’s charm and discover local cafes and shops along the way.
• Popular Walking Areas:
• Imperial City and Citadel: The heart of Hue’s historic sites.
• Perfume Riverfront and Le Loi Street: Scenic walking areas with access to cafes, shops, and local markets.
• Tips:
• Hue’s weather can be very hot, especially from April to September, so bring water and consider an early start.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the Imperial City covers a large area.

Top Experiences in Hue

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is a city steeped in history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. Situated along the Perfume River, Hue is famous for its ancient citadel, tombs of Nguyen Dynasty emperors, and its vibrant, spicy cuisine. Here are the top experiences to enjoy in Hue:

1. Exploring the Imperial City (Citadel)

• Overview: The Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty and served as Vietnam’s capital from 1802 to 1945.
• What to Expect: The Citadel is a massive complex with walls, gates, palaces, temples, and courtyards. Highlights include the Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Purple City, and the Royal Theater.
• Historical Insight: The architecture reflects traditional Vietnamese design influenced by Chinese styles, with buildings intricately decorated and steeped in symbolism.
• Tip: Plan to spend at least half a day here, as there is much to explore. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon helps to avoid crowds and the heat.

2. Visiting the Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors

• Overview: The Nguyen emperors’ tombs are grand and unique, each designed to reflect the personality and legacy of the emperor it memorializes.
• Must-See Tombs:
• Tomb of Minh Mang: Known for its traditional architecture and natural setting surrounded by lakes and gardens.
• Tomb of Khai Dinh: A blend of Vietnamese and European styles, featuring elaborate mosaics and a unique architectural style.
• Tomb of Tu Duc: A beautiful complex of pavilions, ponds, and temples, showcasing the emperor’s love for poetry and tranquility.
• Cultural Insight: Each tomb combines traditional symbolism with the emperor’s personal tastes, making each one distinct.

3. Discovering Thien Mu Pagoda

• Overview: Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most iconic temples, sits on a hill overlooking the Perfume River.
• What to Expect: The pagoda’s seven-story tower is the tallest in Vietnam, and the surrounding complex includes beautiful gardens, statues, and a bonsai garden.
• Historical Insight: Built in 1601, the pagoda is associated with many local legends and is an important symbol of Hue.
• Unique Feature: Inside the complex, visitors can view the Austin car used by Thich Quang Duc, the Buddhist monk who famously self-immolated in protest of the government in 1963.

4. Sampling Hue’s Royal Cuisine

• Overview: Hue is famous for its unique, refined cuisine, originally developed to please the imperial family. The dishes are often small, delicate, and flavorful.
• Must-Try Dishes:
• Bun Bo Hue: A spicy beef noodle soup that’s rich and aromatic, considered one of Vietnam’s best-known soups.
• Banh Beo: Small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, crispy pork skin, and scallions.
• Nem Lui: Grilled pork skewers served with rice paper, vegetables, and a rich peanut sauce.
• Where to Eat: The Dong Ba Market offers street food, while traditional Hue restaurants serve full-course royal-style meals.

5. Cycling Through the Countryside and Thanh Toan Bridge

• Overview: Cycling around Hue’s countryside is a great way to experience local life, passing by rice fields, rivers, and rural villages.
• Highlights: A popular cycling destination is the Thanh Toan Bridge, a 200-year-old Japanese-style covered bridge located in a quiet village.
• Cultural Insight: The bridge is a rare example of ancient wooden architecture and is surrounded by rural charm, making it a great spot for photography and relaxation.
• Best Time: Early mornings and late afternoons provide cooler weather and a peaceful atmosphere.

6. Attending a Traditional Music Performance

• Overview: Hue is famous for Nha Nhac, a form of traditional court music that has been recognized by UNESCO as part of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritage.
• What to Expect: Performances feature instruments like the dan bau (monochord zither) and dan tranh (16-string zither) and showcase graceful singing and dancing.
• Where to Experience: Many hotels and cruise boats along the Perfume River host nightly shows, or you can attend performances at the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater within the Imperial City.
• Unique Feature: This music form was originally created to entertain emperors, so attending a performance gives a sense of Hue’s regal history.

7. Exploring the Abandoned Water Park (Ho Thuy Tien)

• Overview: Ho Thuy Tien is an abandoned water park that has become a quirky attraction for urban explorers and photographers.
• What to Expect: The eerie, overgrown park features a large dragon structure that offers views over the lake, as well as decaying slides, pools, and aquarium tanks.
• Unique Feature: The dragon-shaped aquarium in the center of the lake is the park’s most striking feature, making it a popular spot for photos.
• Important Note: While technically off-limits, it remains popular with visitors and is usually accessible. Use caution and be respectful of the area.

8. Hiking to the Vong Canh Hill for Panoramic Views

• Overview: Vong Canh Hill provides a panoramic view of the Perfume River and Hue’s countryside, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
• Experience: The hill is an easy climb and offers a peaceful escape from the city with views of rivers, mountains, and distant pagodas.
• Photography Tip: Sunrise and sunset offer the best light for photography, creating a magical atmosphere with mist and soft colors.
• Cultural Insight: The hill was once a favored spot for the Nguyen emperors, and it’s easy to see why they chose this peaceful location for contemplation.

9. Discovering the Thien An Hill and Thuy Tien Lake Area

• Overview: Thien An Hill is a pine-forested area offering a serene atmosphere perfect for leisurely hikes or picnics, located near the abandoned water park.
• Highlights: The area has a mysterious charm with winding trails through pine trees, scenic views, and quiet spots for relaxing.
• Why Go: If you’re looking for a quiet escape into nature, this area is less crowded and offers a different side of Hue.
• Local Insight: The area is popular with locals who come here to relax and enjoy picnics with family and friends, making it a more authentic experience.

Hue Tour