HUE CITY GUIDE
Welcome
Hue continued to serve as the nation's capital until 1945, when the Emperor Bao Dai announced his resignation as the kingdom was split in half. Hue is situated almost halfway between Saigon, which is in the south, and Hanoi, which is in the northwest (540 kilometers) (644km). Hue is the location of the King Mausoleum Complex since it served as the Old Capital of the final dynasty in Vietnam. The reputation of Hue as a political, ecclesiastical, and cultural hub is a result of its history.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site has been established for Hue and its surroundings. As a result, tourism has grown and given visitors several opportunities to learn valuable lessons from these historic buildings and the Royal Family.
How to Get There:One hour long flights from both Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city. Short scenic drives connects Da Nang and Hoi An to the south and Dong Ha and Dong Hoi to the north.
Tip: Take the drive and stop at Ba Na Hills for the cable car taking you to Golden Hands Bridge. Trains also connect the north and south, therefore, many trains pass through and stop in Hue Railway Station.
When to go: Visit Hue all year round: For autumn between August - mid October for cooler weather. Summer is from April - September it's ideal for combining your visit to the anceint capital with a relax beach break in Lang Co.
Welcome
Hue continued to serve as the nation's capital until 1945, when the Emperor Bao Dai announced his resignation as the kingdom was split in half. Hue is situated almost halfway between Saigon, which is in the south, and Hanoi, which is in the northwest (540 kilometers) (644km). Hue is the location of the King Mausoleum Complex since it served as the Old Capital of the final dynasty in Vietnam. The reputation of Hue as a political, ecclesiastical, and cultural hub is a result of its history.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site has been established for Hue and its surroundings. As a result, tourism has grown and given visitors several opportunities to learn valuable lessons from these historic buildings and the Royal Family.
How to Get There:One hour long flights from both Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city. Short scenic drives connects Da Nang and Hoi An to the south and Dong Ha and Dong Hoi to the north.
Tip: Take the drive and stop at Ba Na Hills for the cable car taking you to Golden Hands Bridge. Trains also connect the north and south, therefore, many trains pass through and stop in Hue Railway Station.
When to go: Visit Hue all year round: For autumn between August - mid October for cooler weather. Summer is from April - September it's ideal for combining your visit to the anceint capital with a relax beach break in Lang Co.
Our favourite neighbourhoods
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Phu Hoi
Phu Hoi is a vibrant neighborhood known for its proximity to Hue's backpacker area. It's full of lively restaurants, cafés, and budget-friendly hotels, making it popular among tourists. It's also close to the Perfume River, offering easy access to cultural landmarks and scenic views.
Thuan Hoa
Located near the Imperial City, Thuan Hoa is a peaceful residential neighborhood rich in history. It’s a great area for visitors who want to stay near key attractions like the Citadel while enjoying the calm atmosphere of a local Hue neighborhood.
Vy Da
Vy Da is famous for its poetic beauty and lush landscapes. Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River, it is known for its traditional houses and tranquil ambiance. Visitors can experience a slower pace of life and enjoy scenic riverside walks.
Phu Nhuan
Phu Nhuan is a central neighborhood offering a mix of residential and commercial areas. It's ideal for visitors who want convenient access to modern amenities like shopping centers and restaurants while still being close to Hue’s historical sites.
Kim Long
Kim Long is known for its peaceful environment and proximity to Thien Mu Pagoda. This charming neighborhood is filled with greenery, traditional gardens, and ancient homes, providing visitors with a glimpse of Hue’s rich cultural heritage.
An Cuu
An Cuu is an emerging neighborhood that balances modern living with historical charm. Close to the Dong Ba Market and the Imperial City, it’s a great location for visitors looking to explore Hue's key landmarks while enjoying urban conveniences.
Thuy Bieu
Thuy Bieu is a picturesque neighborhood located along the Perfume River, known for its fruit gardens and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore this peaceful area by bicycle or boat, enjoying its natural beauty and the hospitality of local villagers.
Phu Cat
Phu Cat is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hue, boasting a mix of traditional and colonial architecture. With its narrow streets and rich history, it offers a unique cultural experience and is home to some of Hue’s most beautiful ancient temples and houses.
Huong Long
Huong Long is a quiet and scenic neighborhood located just outside the city center. Known for its proximity to Thien Mu Pagoda, this area provides a serene escape with stunning views of the Perfume River and surrounding mountains.
An Hoa
An Hoa is a bustling local neighborhood offering a mix of traditional markets, local eateries, and residential areas. Located near the Citadel, it's an excellent area for visitors to experience the local way of life while being close to historical sites.
Our favourite neighbourhoods
Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in as a tourist depends on your interests, preferences, and what you want to experience during your visit. Here are some of the most popular and diverse neighborhoods that offer fantastic experiences for tourists:
Phu Hoi
Phu Hoi is a vibrant neighborhood known for its proximity to Hue's backpacker area. It's full of lively restaurants, cafés, and budget-friendly hotels, making it popular among tourists. It's also close to the Perfume River, offering easy access to cultural landmarks and scenic views.
Thuan Hoa
Located near the Imperial City, Thuan Hoa is a peaceful residential neighborhood rich in history. It’s a great area for visitors who want to stay near key attractions like the Citadel while enjoying the calm atmosphere of a local Hue neighborhood.
Vy Da
Vy Da is famous for its poetic beauty and lush landscapes. Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River, it is known for its traditional houses and tranquil ambiance. Visitors can experience a slower pace of life and enjoy scenic riverside walks.
Phu Nhuan
Phu Nhuan is a central neighborhood offering a mix of residential and commercial areas. It's ideal for visitors who want convenient access to modern amenities like shopping centers and restaurants while still being close to Hue’s historical sites.
Kim Long
Kim Long is known for its peaceful environment and proximity to Thien Mu Pagoda. This charming neighborhood is filled with greenery, traditional gardens, and ancient homes, providing visitors with a glimpse of Hue’s rich cultural heritage.
An Cuu
An Cuu is an emerging neighborhood that balances modern living with historical charm. Close to the Dong Ba Market and the Imperial City, it’s a great location for visitors looking to explore Hue's key landmarks while enjoying urban conveniences.
Thuy Bieu
Thuy Bieu is a picturesque neighborhood located along the Perfume River, known for its fruit gardens and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore this peaceful area by bicycle or boat, enjoying its natural beauty and the hospitality of local villagers.
Phu Cat
Phu Cat is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hue, boasting a mix of traditional and colonial architecture. With its narrow streets and rich history, it offers a unique cultural experience and is home to some of Hue’s most beautiful ancient temples and houses.
Huong Long
Huong Long is a quiet and scenic neighborhood located just outside the city center. Known for its proximity to Thien Mu Pagoda, this area provides a serene escape with stunning views of the Perfume River and surrounding mountains.
An Hoa
An Hoa is a bustling local neighborhood offering a mix of traditional markets, local eateries, and residential areas. Located near the Citadel, it's an excellent area for visitors to experience the local way of life while being close to historical sites.
EXPERIENCES THERE WILL FOLLOW YOU HOME
Imperial City (Citadel)
Explore the Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Wander through ancient palaces, temples, and the Forbidden Purple City, immersing yourself in the history and architecture of Vietnam’s royal past.
Perfume River Cruise
A cruise along the Perfume River offers a scenic and relaxing way to experience Hue. Pass by the city's historical landmarks, lush greenery, and tranquil surroundings while enjoying traditional music or a sunset view.
Co Do Gallery XQ
in Hue City is a renowned art gallery showcasing exquisite hand-embroidered silk artworks. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, the gallery highlights Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore stunning landscapes, portraits, and traditional motifs, all intricately embroidered, making it a must-visit for art lovers in Hue.
Bach Ma National Park
A must-visit for nature enthusiasts, Bach Ma National Park offers diverse wildlife, lush rainforests, and stunning waterfalls. Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, or simply marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
An Dinh Palace
An Dinh Palace is a French-influenced royal residence showcasing intricate European-style architecture and design. Visitors can explore the palace's elegant rooms and learn about the Nguyen Dynasty's final years.
Hue Traditional Craft Village
Visit one of Hue's traditional craft villages, known for making conical hats, incense, and ceramics. This immersive experience allows visitors to learn about Vietnam’s artisanal heritage and take home unique, handmade souvenirs.
RECOMMENDED SHOPPING
An Cuu Market
An Cuu Market is a bustling local market known for its authentic Hue atmosphere. It’s the place to go for fresh produce, traditional clothing, and household items. This market offers a more local experience compared to the tourist-heavy Dong Ba, giving visitors insight into everyday life in Hue.
Dong Ba Market
Immerse yourself in local life by visiting Dong Ba Market, Hue's largest and oldest market. Explore the bustling stalls offering everything from fresh produce to traditional handicrafts and taste authentic Hue cuisine.
Ben Ngu Market
Ben Ngu Market is a traditional Vietnamese market that provides an authentic shopping experience in Hue. Known for its fresh seafood, vegetables, and local delicacies, this market offers a glimpse into Hue’s daily life. Visitors can also purchase traditional souvenirs and local crafts.
TOP DINING
Bun Bo Hanh
If you were to have just one dish in Hue, then it should probably be bun bo. It’s a popular noodle soup made with rice vermicelli, thin slices of beef, and hefty chunks of beef shank. The broth is prepared by simmering pork and beef bones with lemongrass seasoned with fermented shrimp paste, annatto, sugar, and chili oil. It’s then typically garnished with chopped green onion, slivers of raw onion, and cilantro.
Hang Me Me
This family of steamed rice cakes collectively known as “banh hue”. Offering sampler platters with banh beo, banh nam, and banh loc - all steamed and served with condiments fused with fish sauce, lime, palm sugar and chilli.
Tai Phu
Nem lui is another dish associated with Hue consisting of marinated beef or pork kebabs wrapped around lemongrass stalks or bamboo skewers and then grilled over charcoal. Served with thin rice paper, rice vermicelli, lettuce, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs along with a bowl of peanut sauce made with fermented beans, sesame seeds, shrimp paste, garlic, chili, and shallots.
Lac Thien
If you’ve had banh xeo in Hoi An or Saigon and enjoyed it, then chances are you’re going to like banh khoai too. It’s basically a much crunchier version of banh xeo. Like the aforementioned, banh khoai is a rice flour and turmeric crepe typically filled with pork, shrimp, scallions, and beansprouts. Like many fried Vietnamese dishes, it’s served with a side of leafy fresh greens, herbs, and perhaps a few slices of star fruit or young banana, along with hoi sin dipping sauce.
We start in Hue
Check out 3 of our handmade itineraries that all begin in Hue, each promising a unique and thrilling journey. Discover distinct adventures that unfold beyond the city's boundaries, each one offering its own blend of experiences and memories waiting to be made. Your Hue starting point is just the beginning of these unforgettable escapades.
FAMILY TRAVEL
DISCOVERY TRAVEL
PRIVATE TRAVEL
LUXPERIA APPROVED HOTELS
We've carefully curated a diverse range of options to cater to all preferences, from luxurious 5 star city-center choices to charming 3 star boutique hotels in unique neighborhoods.
Our selection ensures top-notch quality and service, guaranteeing a memorable stay. Benefit from insider knowledge to make the most of your Hue visit. Whether you're a business traveler, a family, or a couple, Luxperia Approved hotels are the perfect choice for a comfortable and enjoyable experience, backed by trusted hoteliers.
Azerai La Residence
Azerai La Residence in Hue is a luxurious boutique hotel that epitomizes the elegance of Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Located along the scenic Perfume River, this French colonial-style property offers a blend of timeless charm and modern comfort. Guests can indulge in well-appointed rooms, an expansive pool, and fine dining with views of the historic Citadel. Its tranquil setting, surrounded by gardens and rich history, makes it the perfect retreat for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural immersion in the heart of Hue.
Alba Wellness Resort
Alba Wellness Resort Hue is a serene sanctuary nestled in the foothills near Hue, known for its natural hot springs and wellness-focused offerings. Surrounded by lush nature, the resort provides guests with an array of holistic experiences, from thermal baths and spa treatments to meditation and yoga. Offering comfortable accommodations and wellness activities, it’s an ideal escape for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. With its calming ambiance, Alba Wellness Resort offers a perfect balance of luxury, wellness, and nature, all within close reach of Hue’s cultural attractions.
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