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One of the most beautiful and famous tourist destinations in Vietnam is Hue city. Hue is a cultural heritage city with many special historical imprints in the formation and development of Vietnam. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle...
2 Compilation of Beautiful and Famous Tourist Destinations in Hue
3 Frequently Asked Questions when Traveling to Hue
Hue Travel Overview
Every city in Vietnam has its own unique characteristics. For instance, Hanoi is known as the “thousand years of civilization”, Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is the pearl of the Far East, while Hue, the ancient capital, is a land of dreams and a hundred years of history. Hue is located in the center of the Central region, belonging to Thua Thien – Hue province. Blessed by nature, Hue boasts a geographical location amidst beautiful landscapes such as the sea, rivers, mountains, and passes.
Traveling Experience in Hue (Source: Internet)
Introduction to Hue City
When visiting Hue, you will experience a land famous for its ancient cultural heritage. The ancient capital is rich in historical value and has many beauties in terms of culture and art, such as Hue royal court music, unique architecture, and diverse cuisine. Perhaps, due to its special geographical location, in the past, Hue was the center of the country, the royal capital. Hue City borders many prominent provinces and cities such as Quang Tri and Da Nang. Therefore, transportation is convenient, and whether you are traveling from the North or the South, you can easily visit Hue.
Hue's Romantic Charm at Dusk (Source: Internet)
Ideal Time to Visit Hue
Hue does not have a clearly defined dry season, only a less rainy season and a rainy season. The less rainy season usually lasts for 6 months from March to August, during which the weather will be hot and humid. However, from September to January of the following year, the rainy season will make the weather somewhat chilly. Especially in October and November, heavy rains and storms will occur frequently, so it is advisable to avoid traveling to Hue during this time.
Therefore, it's best to visit Hue from November to April of the following year, with the ideal time being the first three months of the year (January, February, March). During this time, the weather in Hue will be very pleasant. If you love mountains, the sea, and enjoy the tranquility of sunrise and sunset, then go in June, July, August, when the sun is at its best and the color of the sea is the deepest blue.
Visiting Hue in the first three months of the year is ideal (Source: Internet)
Guide to Getting to Hue
Hue is one of Vietnam's key cities, so it has Phu Bai Airport to facilitate transportation. Flying to Hue saves you a lot of time. If you're coming from Ho Chi Minh City, it only takes 30 minutes to fly, with ticket prices ranging from 400,000 to 500,000 dong. If you're traveling from the capital, Hanoi, it will take about 1 hour by air, with ticket prices ranging from 700,000 to 800,000 dong.
After arriving at Phu Bai Airport, you can take a taxi for about 250,000 dong as the airport is 15km away from the city center. Alternatively, you can also take an airport shuttle to save costs, priced at 40,000 to 50,000 dong per person per way.
Traveling to Hue by plane takes only 1 hour (Source: Internet)
Train travel is quite an interesting means of transportation for tourism, as you can easily enjoy the majestic beauty of nature along the way. The ticket price for a train from Hanoi to Hue ranges from 300,000 to 950,000 dong per person per way, with a travel time of about 14 hours. If you're traveling from Saigon to Hue, the price will be higher, around 400,000 to 1,050,000 dong per person per way, and the travel time will be about 18 to 20 hours.
If you combine your trip to Hue with Da Nang, you can save time and money by taking the train from Da Nang to Hue, which only takes 3 hours and costs from 50,000 to 120,000 dong per person per way.
Taking the train to Hue to admire the picturesque scenery (Source: Internet)
Traveling to Hue by sleeper bus is extremely convenient and safe. There are many reputable bus companies offering affordable prices. By taking a sleeper bus, you can enjoy the scenery of Hue city. You can choose from companies like Hoàng Long, Camel Travel, The Sinh Tourist. The ticket prices range from 250,000 to 350,000 dong per trip, with a travel time of about 12 to 16 hours. From Saigon, companies like Tâm Minh Phương, Minh Đức, Hoàng Long, Hương Ty offer tickets ranging from 400,000 to 650,000 dong per trip, lasting about 1 day. From Da Nang, you can take a sitting bus with prices ranging from 80,000 to 180,000 dong per trip and a travel time of about 2 to 3 hours.
Traveling to Hue by sleeper bus is both economical and convenient (Source: Internet)
Compilation of beautiful and famous tourist destinations in Hue today
Hue is a world cultural heritage city, located in the central region of Vietnam. The ancient capital of Hue has both a long history and tradition, and unique values and identity that you must explore at least once. Let's explore the beautiful and famous destinations of Hue together!
1. Thien Mu Pagoda – Hue travel guide
Located on Ha Khe Hill, Thien Mu Pagoda hides itself beside the romantic Perfume River, in Kim Long Ward of Hue city. This is a cultural and historical value pagoda over a hundred years old, founded in the reign of Nguyen Hoang – the first Nguyen lord in the year of Tân Sửu (1601). Thien Mu Pagoda is about 5km west of the city center of Hue. As the oldest pagoda in Hue, visitors can come here to admire and feel the tranquility.
Explore Thien Mu Pagoda when traveling to Hue (Source: Internet)
2. Khai Dinh Tomb
When mentioning Hue, you cannot overlook the tombs of the 7 Nguyen kings, including:
Each royal tomb is situated in a location with unique architectural features. For example, the tomb of King Tu Duc exudes romantic beauty, King Minh Mang's tomb appears majestic, King Khai Dinh's tomb boasts intricate architecture. Especially, Gia Long's tomb offers a serene atmosphere, Dục Đức's tomb is simple, Thiệu Trị's tomb evokes peace, and Đồng Khánh's tomb embodies harmonious beauty.
Ung Lang is the tomb of King Khai Dinh, the last king of the Nguyen dynasty. This tomb is a grand construction with complex and meticulously crafted architecture. Despite its smaller size compared to the tombs of previous kings and its less strategic location, thanks to its unique architecture, Ung Lang is the most visited site.
Ung Lang Address: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Khai Dinh's tomb features incredibly sophisticated architecture (Source: Internet)
3. Tu Duc Tomb – a must-visit attraction when traveling to Hue
One of the places resembling a picturesque landscape painting is the tomb of King Tu Duc, also known as Khiem Lang. Khiem Lang exudes romantic and melancholic vibes as it was built according to the late king's wishes. The tomb's melancholic atmosphere reflects both the king's somber personality and his life filled with sorrow.
Khiem Lang Address: Thuong 3 Hamlet, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Tu Duc's tomb is romantic yet melancholic (Source: Internet)
4. Minh Mang Tomb
Minh Mang's tomb, known as Hieu Lang, is where the king, who made significant contributions to the country's development and its integration into the larger Southeast Asian community, is buried. It may surprise you to know that the king spent 14 years searching for the perfect Feng Shui location for his tomb. Eventually, he chose the picturesque Cam Khe Mountain, where the Huu Trach and Ta Trach rivers converge to form the poetic Perfume River.
Hieu Lang Address: Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra District, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Minh Mang's tomb, the one with the greatest contribution to Vietnam's development (Source: Internet)
5. Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery – Hue travel destination
Located in Loc Hoa Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is situated a bit far from the center of Hue city. To visit Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, you need to go to the area near Truoi Lake, so this place is also known colloquially as Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery – Truoi Lake.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is not only a place for meditation and worship of the Truc Lam Zen sect, but also one of the tourist attractions that many people seek out. Because the monastery is located in a stunningly beautiful location with scenery like paradise, imbued with spiritual essence. You will admire the peaceful beauty of Truoi Lake, Bach Ma Mountains, as well as the East Sea from above, thereby experiencing many special emotions.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is serene and tranquil (Source: Internet)
6. Dong Ba Market
Similar to Saigon's Ben Thanh Market, Dong Ba Market has a rich history dating back 120 years. If you're visiting Hue, take some time to explore Dong Ba Market and buy some local specialties! It's the largest market in Hue with everything you need to purchase local products as souvenirs or enjoy them right on the spot. Dong Ba Market is located at 2 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Hoa Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
Dong Ba Market is ancient and historic (Source: Internet)
7. Hue High School
Hue High School, also known as Quoc Hoc High School, is one of the oldest and most prestigious high schools in Vietnam. It has produced many famous politicians, artists, professors, and doctors of Vietnam. When visiting Hue, you can visit Hue High School for unique photo opportunities. The school features French colonial architecture with striking pink-red walls, surrounded by stone benches and lush greenery. On gloomy rainy days, the scenery here resembles winter in European countries.
Hue High School maintains its solemnity with old French architecture (Source: Internet)
8. Perfume River
If the Red River is synonymous with Hanoi and the Saigon River is synonymous with Ho Chi Minh City, then the Perfume River is the soul of Hue city. This river has become part of history, poetry, and the essence of the people of Hue. With its romantic and majestic beauty, stretching over approximately 80km and flowing through many central areas of Hue city, the Perfume River gracefully surrounds the historic complex of the ancient capital, adding to its solemn and ancient beauty.
Perfume River: Dreamy and Romantic (Source: Internet)
9. Thai Hoa Palace
If you're passionate about exploring the history and cultural essence of the Nguyen Dynasty's royal court, then Thai Hoa Palace is an ideal destination for you. Thai Hoa Palace is where major ceremonies and important meetings, such as royal court sessions, royal banquets, and meetings of high-ranking officials under the Nguyen Dynasty, took place. Thai Hoa Palace is a place of solemnity, grandeur, and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site.
Thai Hoa Palace exudes solemnity and antiquity (Source: Internet)
10. Imperial City of Hue
Another fascinating tourist destination in Hue is the Imperial City of Hue. This is the complex of monuments of the ancient capital of Hue and a unique cultural and historical imprint. The Imperial City includes the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City with over 100 ancient architectural structures built during the Nguyen Dynasty. It can be said that the Imperial City of Hue witnessed the rise and fall of the Vietnamese feudal dynasty. 30 years ago, this place was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site.
Unique and exciting check-in spots at the Imperial City of Hue (Source: Internet)
11. Vong Canh Hill – a destination to fully admire the beauty of Hue
From Thi An Hill, it takes about 10 minutes by car to reach Vong Canh Hill. This place has a romantic beauty as its name suggests. Because, from this location, you can completely overlook the picturesque landscape of Hue, including the tombs of the Nguyen dynasty emperors. Although still quite pristine, it is precisely because of this that Vong Canh Hill becomes attractive to tourists coming to Hue to admire the sunrise or sunset.
Address of Vong Canh Hill: Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Bieu Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Vong Canh Hill, though rugged, attracts tourists with its poetic beauty (Source: Internet)
12. Mount Ngu Binh
If you've visited the Perfume River and Truong Tien Bridge, you can't miss Mount Ngu Binh. This trio is inseparable when exploring Hue. Mount Ngu Binh is situated on the right bank of the Perfume River, holding significant Feng Shui importance for the ancient capital of Hue. The best time to visit Mount Ngu Binh is from May to September. During this period, the weather here is pleasantly cool, with less rain, allowing you to easily appreciate the romantic scenery of this charming landscape.
Address of Mount Ngu Binh: An Cuu Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Mount Ngu Binh is located on the right bank of the Perfume River (Source: Internet)
13. Truong Tien Bridge – Icon of the Ancient Land
Truong Tien Bridge, with its six spans, has been casting its reflection on the Perfume River for centuries. According to historical records, Truong Tien Bridge has endured numerous wars, constructions, and renovations. Therefore, it stands as a timeless symbol of Hue, unyielding to the passage of time. Since the Hue Festival in 2002, Truong Tien Bridge has been equipped with a modern color-changing lighting system, illuminating the river even more brightly. Formerly known as Trang Tien Bridge after a renaming, it has since reverted to its original name, Truong Tien.
Address of Truong Tien Bridge: Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Truong Tien Bridge sparkles with lights at night (Source: Internet)
14. Thien An Hill – Thuy Tien Lake
Thien An Hill is dubbed the second Dalat for its cool atmosphere and romantic landscape, with endless pine forests lining the winding roads. Here, you can create beautiful memories of youth with your loved ones and friends.
Address of Thien An Hill – Thuy Tien Lake: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province
Thien An Hill exudes romantic vibes (Source: Internet)
15. Bach Ma Mountain
Bach Ma Mountain, located in Phu Loc district and 60km south of Hue city, stands at an altitude of 1,444m above sea level, making it a renowned cool retreat in Vietnam. At the majestic summit of Bach Ma Mountain, tourists can experience four vibrant seasons with waterfalls, forest streams, and more.
Bach Ma Mountain is also famous for its spectacular streams and waterfalls. The Do Quyen Waterfall is 400m high and 20m wide. It's an exciting tourist destination where you can admire the panoramic views of Hai Van Pass, Tuy Van Mountain, Cau Hai Lagoon, and the sparkling lights of Hue city at night.
Bach Ma Mountain stands tall and majestic (Source: Internet)
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Hue
- Fun Places to Visit in Hue for Young People?
There are plenty of fun places to visit in Hue for young people, such as: Imperial tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, Perfume River, Bach Ma Mountain, Truong Tien Bridge, Vong Canh Hill, Hue Imperial City, etc.
- Free Tourist Attractions in Hue?
Hue is a city steeped in historical events, so it has a dreamy and ancient vibe. Therefore, you can come here to visit and admire the scenery. Some free tourist attractions include: Thien Mu Pagoda, Vong Canh Hill, Quoc Hoc Hue High School, Thuy Tien Lake Park, Thanh Toan Tile Bridge, Truong Tien Bridge, etc.
- What to Eat When Traveling to Hue?
Hue offers a variety of traditional specialties with a strong Vietnamese flavor, such as: Hue beef noodle soup (Bun Bo Hue), water fern cake (banh beo), tapioca dumplings (banh bot loc), wet cakes (banh uot), snakehead fish noodle soup (bun canh ca loc), mussel rice (com hen), pancakes (banh khoai), sweet soups (che), etc.
Above is a complete travel guide to Hue that you can refer to. In general, Hue is a romantic, peaceful, and ancient tourist destination. You can fully experience the gentle life of the people of Hue. Experience the solemnity of a long-standing historical and cultural heritage with beautiful monuments. To find out more about other interesting tourist destinations, don't forget to follow our page!
Posted by: Luyen Thi Lan Anh
Comprehensive Hue Travel Guide 2023: Everything You Need to Know from A to Z - Food, Transportation, Accommodation
