Exploring the Essence of Hue with 4 Unique Hideaways

Few friends know that I am originally from Hue. Although born elsewhere and not raised in the ancient capital, there seems to be a mysterious connection between me and Hue. I am an introvert who often daydreams, not seeking attention but holding onto unchanging values. Hue, in my heart, is similar – serene, colorful, yet maintaining an inherent elegance. Every return to Hue feels like coming back to a 'safe haven,' a place to be silent and free to be myself. However, each visit is also a journey where I see myself as a guest in a strange land, where everything can surprise me and make me smile unexpectedly. I discover the unique shapes and stories of the places I have passed through or stayed. I am dedicated to finding interesting 'hideaways' in Hue, from locations and architecture to the stories behind them. Sometimes extravagant, sometimes humble, each discovery brings a mix of excitement and familiarity.

Here are 4 places I revisited last year, hoping to help you fully 'sense Hue.'

1. Ancient Hue - a mansion preserving ancient memories with grace

Ancient Hue reveals itself with the distinctive classical architecture of the Hue Imperial City. Situated within a mansion, only 3.7km from the center of Hue City, it belongs to the Dương Xuân Hạ village. The beautiful 'mansion' has left its unique marks in the poetic masterpiece of the ancient capital of Hue. Ancient Hue gives me the feeling of being separated from the hustle and bustle outside to immerse in the tranquility with a hint of the grandeur of a bygone era.

Standing before these ancient materials, do you resonate as I do?

Ancient Hue uses wood materials to create a prominent feature with a design reminiscent of the Hue Imperial Court: the impressive tiled roof with exquisite carvings, old brick walls, and brick flower-patterned floor. All evoke a sense of nobility, combined with the elevated garden space, echoing scenery that brings a relaxed yet somewhat elegant and mysterious feeling. If you've seen 'Gai Gia Lam Chieu 3,' you'll surely be impressed by the luxurious and still dignified 'Le Family Mansion.'

The modest extravagance of the 'Le Family Mansion'

Ancient Hue is the elegant hideaway of 5 traditional Hue-style garden houses. Each space is built with concepts associated with historic landmarks such as Vong Canh House, Truong Tien House, Kim Phung House, Bach Ma House, and Ngu Binh House. Ancient also features Kim Long restaurant, a bar at the restaurant, a swimming pool, a gym, and a spa for you to fully enjoy every relaxing moment during your stay.

A comfortable corner of Ngự Bình House

Savoring moments of relaxation by the lush green poolside

An aerial view of a corner of Ancient Hue

Elevated garden

Alongside its distinctive design, the customer care at Ancient Hue is a huge plus in my book. During my visit, there was a construction zone generating some noise, but luckily, I wasn't at the resort during that time. Despite this, Ancient offered me a well-prepared lunch set as a way to apologize for any inconvenience caused by the imperfect experience, which was genuinely appreciated.

Attentive and refined services embodying the true 'Hue essence'

At Ancient Hue, they also offer guests complimentary bicycles to explore the surroundings of the resort. Give it a try; it gave me a sense of returning to childhood, reminiscent of those days when I loved borrowing my mom's bike to go everywhere! A simple experience but not always easy to rediscover, right!?

Cruising around Ancient on a bicycle made me feel so at ease. Riding while humming along to some classic tunes from the past.

2. aNhill Boutique - a serene hillside retreat away from the hustle and bustle

aNhill Boutique is a hotel located on the outskirts of Hue, surrounded by the lush greenery of Thien An Hill. aNhill possesses a modern and elegant beauty combined with traditional imperial architecture. The highlight is the meticulously landscaped surroundings, diverse, visually appealing, with interesting details. Therefore, aNhill Boutique deserves to be a tranquil resort, ideal for souls tired of the noise of the outside urban life.

An exquisite, luxurious space at aNhill Boutique

Overall, aNhill Boutique is designed with a luxurious modern style, a hint of Japanese architecture's simplicity harmonizing with Vietnamese aesthetics. Familiar yet carefully selected decor items, such as warm-toned oil paintings or branches laden with blossoms, a simple wooden leaf fan strategically placed, evoke a profound sense of touch.

aNhill Boutique creates focal points with simple imperial-style decor that still maintain the necessary elegance.

Warm and intimate spaces in common areas like the welcoming lobby or restaurant.

Scenic corners are meticulously crafted with exquisite precision.

aNhill highly values relaxation and healing spaces through diverse activities: poolside relaxation, Yoga in the ancient communal house, meditation by the Koi fish pond, or simply strolling in the Meditation Garden. Everything at aNhill is gentle and easy-going, reflecting the Hue people's demeanor. aNhill is undoubtedly one of the most comfortable and tranquil places I've encountered in my hotel travels.

Some extremely chill spaces for a vacation at aNhill. On the left is a reading corner under an ancient tree, on the right is a corner of the garden restaurant with a super chill vibe.

The Koi fish pond and the garden complex designed in the Japanese style.

Additionally, aNhill Boutique has a 'treasure' that you're unlikely to find in any other hotel, a collection of stunning peacocks. As the manager recounted, these peacocks have been raised by the hotel owner since before he opened this establishment. Relaxing with an evening tea, observing these peacocks strolling in the garden gives you a sense of the noble courtiers of the past, truly elegant.

Few small hotels are as 'stylish' as aNhill.

The rooms at aNhill are incredibly spacious with simple, comfortable decor details. Using shades of golden brown wood as the dominant color creates a sense of luxury yet remains incredibly cozy, soothing the senses.

Every detail in the decoration is meticulously arranged, intricate but not overwhelming. Especially noteworthy is the spacious balcony, providing an extra chill spot for wandering souls seeking relaxation.

3. A-Mâze House - a peaceful abode in the old town.

A-Mâze House evokes images of our grandparents' homes from the past, with awnings, a garden, and familiar red paper flowers. A-Mâze is also close to the Imperial City, perhaps why the values of Hue are preserved more than ever.

In my mind, the melody of 'Ong Ba Anh' keeps playing on repeat!!!

A-Mâze House is designed in a homestay format offering both private rooms and dorms, suitable for groups of friends or solo travelers seeking a nostalgic and peaceful retreat. The rustic decor at A-Mâze, echoing the ancient Hue style, creates a simple living space that is balanced and close to nature.

Simple decor items that still manage to create a special accent.

I believe A-Mâze House has succeeded in telling a story of simple, rustic, and familiar Vietnam. While at A-Mâze, I forget that I'm temporarily staying at a homestay; A-Mâze feels more like a home with a refrigerator, a kettle, and a kitchenette.

A familiar atmosphere at A-Mâze.

The people at A-Mâze are very friendly, sitting together for an evening tea, sharing stories about Hue. Occasionally, they often invite each other to cook together, trying their hand at preparing some Hue dishes as a small souvenir after their journey to this ancient capital. Another thing I love here is the host's strong emphasis on environmental protection, always striving to reduce plastic usage, providing water in glass bottles for guests. Interesting, isn't it!

4. Sahi Homestay Retreat - where refuge is also a place of healing.

Sahi Homestay Retreat

Sahi, a day bathed in sunlight

On my first visit to Sahi, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the primary material shaping the architecture of the homestay is recycled bamboo, combined with plastic roofing to create open spaces that make the homestay brighter and more airy. All together, it creates a space that is rustic, simple, and comfortable.

Take the time to rediscover yourself.

Besides, the cool and tranquil atmosphere at Sahi is perfect for you to sit back, relax, meditate, or read a book—enjoying every moment of peace and serenity in your soul.

No more rushing with office deadlines, I allow myself to drift away in this place.

Sahi Homestay Retreat offers two types of bedrooms: double rooms with a private garden inside and studio rooms with a small private garden and a charming flower pond. Both room types are designed with open spaces, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Additionally, a noteworthy aspect of Sahi is that the food here is purely vegetarian. It enhances your experience here to the fullest.

Reconnect with primitive materials.

Another reason why I think you should choose Sahi Retreat as a haven for your soul is that they often organize retreat activities to find inner peace, such as mountain climbing, meditation, and yoga. When you come here, you will be completely relieved of all the fatigue that life presses on you.

Visiting Sahi, I feel more healed.

In general, all the homestays, hotels, and resorts in Hue where I have stayed create a feeling of being separated from the chaotic world outside, reserving space and time to return to oneself, caring for the neglected soul in the midst of the urban hustle. Whether it's a hotel, resort, or homestay, in Hue, they all prioritize respecting local materials and architectural values. Customer care services here are also meticulously cared for, prioritizing the customer's experience absolutely. So, for those who want to return to simplicity, nurturing themselves, or simply taking time to relax, you must set foot in the dreamy land of Hue.

Author: Vo Linh Chi
*This article participates in the Mytour Golocal program

Mytour Golocal is a blog writing program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a Contributor with Mytour. Details about the program can be found at: https://trv.lk/golocal