Buzz
Experiencing life as a true Hue local.
As a city in the Central region of the country, Hue is a peaceful, romantic ancient land that everyone wants to visit once, and remember for a lifetime the harsh sun and rain of that land, yet still filled with romantic colors.Hue, once the imperial capital throughout its long history due to its 'dragon-throne' position, yet today exudes a solemn, ancient charm reflected in its tombs, temples, and citadels. Hue resonates with folk songs that embrace the soul of its people. It's the intersection of spirituality and reality, with a gentle and endearing voice that captivates the heart... We were fortunate to have some very interesting experiences during our 3 days in Hue, experiences that not everyone knows about!1. Embrace the morning breeze on Trang Tien Bridge
If Hanoi has the Long Bien Bridge spanning the Red River, then Hue has Trang Tien Bridge - the first bridge built across the Perfume River. Trang Tien Bridge - a symbol of Hue - has been known by many names from its inception to the present, such as Thanh Thai Bridge, Clelesmenceau Bridge, Nguyen Hoang Bridge, Trang Tien Bridge... but many locals still fondly call it Trang Tien Bridge.
Witness the sunrise on the bridge.
Not just a transportation hub between streets, Trang Tien Bridge is also an attractive spot for tourists visiting the Ancient Capital of Hue. Early in the morning, we strolled along the bridge. If you're used to seeing the red flamboyant flowers shining down on the river, then the morning on Trang Tien Bridge presents a different scene.
Tranquil bridge rhythm.
It's 6 in the morning, locals around the area gather for group exercises on the bridge, chatting lively while walking. At 6:30 a.m., the bridge witnesses the first sunlight of the day as the sun rises behind tall buildings, the bridge's arch curves gracefully over the emerald waters of the Perfume River, seeming even more radiant under the dawn. It's a bustling scene with cyclos, bicycles, carts... of early morning workers, husbands riding cyclos with goods piled up for sale.
Main means of transportation for the workers.
The bike that carries a lifetime.
Those cafes under Trang Tien Bridge where ladies and gentlemen sit down to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee after their morning exercise. We chose a café and sat there savoring coffee amidst the scenery of the Perfume River, the picturesque Trang Tien Bridge; at that moment, I felt like I was blending into the rhythm of Hue's people.
What a lovely setting!
Coffee with a river view.
The stone table.
When in Hue, give 'breathing' with Trang Tien Bridge in the early morning a try, my friend:
2. Find peace at Thanh Toan Tile Bridge
A scenery like a painting.
Ancient bridge.
Built in the style of 'house above, bridge below'.
We parked our bikes outside the market and walked a stretch to reach the bridge. Stepping inside the 7-span wooden bridge, with two rows of wooden benches on either side, we sat and rested against the railing. The ancient tiled bridge, adorned with moss, bears the marks of time witnessing the ups and downs of the village. As you cross the bridge, you'll come across a concrete pillar erected to measure the flood levels of previous years.
A corner of the tile bridge.
Whose boat docks at the pier?
When in Huế, take a moment to revisit Thanh Toàn Tile Bridge and feel your heart at peace like never before:
3. Embark on a pilgrimage to the venerable Thiên Mụ Pagoda, the most sacred in Huế:
Thiên Mụ Pagoda, the most renowned in Huế.
Overlooking the Perfume River from the temple.
The sacred temple is a must-visit destination, whether you are familiar with Huế or not.
Within the temple is the Phước Duyên Tower, standing at 21 meters tall with an octagonal shape and seven floors, each dedicated to a different Buddha. The temple grounds are adorned with various types of flowers, and behind the temple, adjacent to the tomb tower of the late Venerable Thích Đôn Hậu, is a straight-line pine forest against the backdrop of the blue sky. We embarked on a pilgrimage, both to pay homage to the Buddha and to reconnect with the depth of our souls. This journey also provides a glimpse into Thiên Mụ Pagoda.
The Phước Duyên Tower.
The tomb tower of the late Venerable Thích Đôn Hậu.
Refreshing shades of green.
When in Huế, embark on a pilgrimage to the oldest and most revered temple in this city:
Indulge in traditional Hue cuisine
Hue Pancake
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One of the must-have experiences in Huế is indulging in the simple and authentic street food. My friend took me to try Hue Pancakes - a tantalizing dish of this land of Imperial City. There are many Hue Pancake stalls scattered throughout the streets of Huế, with the highest concentration near schools.
Plate of tempting Hue Pancakes.
Pre-made dough.
The cake is made from tapioca flour, mixed with water and shaped, filled with meat, shrimp in the middle. Wait for the hot cake mold on the charcoal stove, grease the mold with a little fat or oil, then put the flour in. Each hot cake is fragrant, eaten with raw and sweet and sour vegetables, dipped in spicy fish sauce. All flavors blend together, I can feel the richness of the egg, the chewiness of the flour, the freshness and aroma of the vegetables, the sweet and sour taste of papaya and shredded carrots.
In addition to the soft cake eaten on the spot, the shop also has dried cakes packaged for takeout or as gifts.
Pork sticky rice
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Hue boasts a delightful delicacy that remains undiscovered by many outside its borders: xoi thit hon. Venture into Hue now, and seeking out this dish amidst the hustle and bustle proves quite the challenge as few vendors offer it. Luckily, a friend residing in Hue granted us the privilege of savoring this specialty dish along Pham Hong Thai Street.
Xoi thit hon.
Xoi thit hon, a dish typically savored during Tet, sees fewer takers on regular days, hence the scarcity of vendors. A bowl of thit hon is a culinary fusion, borrowing from the Indian curry spices. Enjoying thit hon with sticky white rice on a chilly or rainy day adds an extra layer of delight. Tender, flavorful meat blends seamlessly with fragrant, sticky rice, offering a delightful surprise in every bite.
5. Nightlife in the 'City that Sleeps Early'
On our final night in Hue, a friend led us to sip tea at the Hue train station, revealing an unexpected evening activity in the 'City that Sleeps Early.' We learned that visiting the train station at night for tea, humorously referred to as 'tea at the station,' provides an opportunity for heart-to-heart conversations and camaraderie.
Hue train station by night.
At some point, the Hue train station adopted the charming tradition of 'tea at the station,' beloved by young locals. Once you step into the station, settling at a plastic table under the flickering oil lamps, enjoying a cup of hot tea with peanuts and sunflower seeds, all generational gaps seem to vanish. Everyone gathers at the station, shedding the burdens of daily life to embrace moments of tranquility.
The sound of a pipe being smoked, the whispers of conversations in the night, the chatter of tea drinkers, and the whistle of a returning train have become the distinctive symphony of the Hue train station. The price for a complete 'tea table' with tea, snacks, sunflower seeds, and traditional tobacco is only a few tens of thousands of dong, yet it secures a delightful spot for engaging conversations.
A unique cultural aspect of the people of Hue.
Banh mi vendors beneath Trang Tien Bridge.
Sitting until around 2 in the morning, you suggested going to O Buom noodle soup - a renowned spot in the city. However, upon our arrival, the place was closing up shop, likely due to the influx of customers earlier. So, we headed to Trang Tien Bridge, grabbed some grilled meat banh mi, and found a spot to chat until the wee hours. Staying up all night with Hue reveals its allure not only during the day, in the monsoon season, or during the autumn mornings but also offers unique experiences after dark.
When in Hue, spend a night to immerse yourself in the rhythm of life not only of diligent workers at dawn but also of the youth!
Hue, where emotions and poetry saturate every landmark, every corner, beckoning melodies and verses:Hue remains timeless, through the ages The Perfume River flows, enduring for a thousand years /The Trang Tien Bridge, not too distant?My love, will you return to Hue?” If you're wondering “Where to go in Hue,” then try living like a true Hue local through these delightful experiences.
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