Mentioning the ancient capital of Hue conjures up the graceful yet tragic beauty of its golden palaces and historical landmarks. Join ICAGO in exploring travel tips for traveling to Hue in the article below!
Ideal time to travel to Hue
Located in the coastal central region, Hue experiences the direct effects of the rainy and stormy season each year. Therefore, before planning your trip to Hue, it is essential to thoroughly research the weather conditions there.
The ideal time to visit Hue is from November of the previous year to April of the following year. The best weather in Hue is in the first three to four months of the year, with a rather cool climate. From June to August, the sun is at its most beautiful, and the sea water is at its bluest.
If you enjoy the hustle and bustle and want vibrant experiences in Hue, ICAGO recommends visiting in April. During this time, numerous unique art and entertainment activities are held by both domestic and international art troupes, making Hue more charming and vibrant than at any other time of the year.
A small tip for international visitors: when visiting Hue, if you plan to explore historical sites in the ancient capital, prepare yourself a formal outfit.
If you love beach trips, bring swimwear. For other tourist spots in Hue, just choose comfortable and active attire.
Additionally, essential items to prepare before traveling to Hue include hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, personal towels, toothpaste and toothbrush, motion sickness medicine, etc. If possible, bring a camera to capture beautiful moments.
Transportation to Hue
Experience traveling to Hue by plane
Flying is considered the safest and fastest way to travel to Hue. Recognizing Hue’s significant tourism potential, major airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air operate routes to Phu Bai Airport in Hue.
For international travelers, consider flights landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) or Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi). The flight time to Phu Bai Airport from Hanoi is about 1 hour 15 minutes and from Ho Chi Minh City is about 1 hour 30 minutes. Ticket prices vary depending on the departure location and booking time. Therefore, when choosing to travel by plane, find a reputable ticket booking service to ensure cost optimization and convenience during your flight.
Experience traveling to Hue by bus
Buses are a popular and affordable option for transportation within Hue. Especially, the two bus routes from Phu Bai Airport to the city center are Route 02 and Route 11, with ticket prices from only 5,000 VND/ticket for regular tickets, around 80,000 VND/ticket for special cases, and frequencies of 30 – 60 minutes/trip. These factors make it more convenient for tourists traveling to Hue by bus.
Experience traveling to Hue by coach
Traveling by coach is favored for its convenience and safety. Most long-distance coaches to Hue are equipped with sleeping berths and other amenities to ensure comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
From Ho Chi Minh City, coach ticket prices range from around 400,000 VND/ticket. From Hanoi, tickets start from approximately 350,000 VND/ticket. From Da Nang, ticket prices start from about 150,000 VND/ticket. These prices vary depending on the bus company and the time of day.
Experience traveling to Hue by train
Trains are a cost-effective option for traveling to Hue, though they cannot match the speed of flying. You can book train tickets to Hue online or buy them directly at the ticket counters in train stations.
From Ho Chi Minh City, train ticket prices range from around 400,000 VND/ticket. From Hanoi, tickets start from approximately 300,000 VND/ticket. These prices depend on the booking time and seat location.
Transportation in Hue
During your trip in Hue, ICAGO recommends renting a motorbike for convenience and cost savings. This will allow you to be more flexible with your schedule.
Alternatively, taxis are a great choice if you want to save costs (fares start from 12,000 VND/km) and time, especially when traveling in large groups with children or elderly people.
If you wish to explore the beauty of the Perfume River and enjoy Hue’s sweet melodies, a dragon boat ride is a must-try experience that will be unforgettable.
Accommodation Tips
Choosing a place to stay is crucial for ensuring a smooth and comfortable trip to Hue. Currently, Hue offers various accommodation services ranging from budget guesthouses to standard hotels and luxurious resorts by the beach. Hotels in central areas are ideal for visiting main tourist attractions within the city.
For the best accommodation options, ICAGO suggests checking and booking online through reputable websites.
In addition to traditional hotels, homestays are quite popular in Hue. This can be an interesting option if you want to experience local life and connect with the residents.
You can find information and pricing for homestays on reliable sites like Airbnb.
Exploring Tourist Attractions in Hue
The Imperial City of Hue
The Imperial City of Hue, built in the 19th century and located in the center of Hue, was the seat of the Nguyen emperors, comprising many palaces and temples.
Recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage, it attracts many visitors annually.
Some prominent monuments within the Imperial City include Ky Dai, Quoc Tu Giam School, Long An Palace, the Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts, Tinh Tam Lake, Tang Thu Lau, and Xa Tac Altar.
For historical sites outside the Hue Citadel, you definitely should not miss the royal tombs. Each of these tombs features unique architectural designs created specifically for the seven emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty: Tu Duc Tomb, Gia Long Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, and others.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Located by the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda (or Linh Mu) is one of the cultural, historical, and religious symbols of the ancient capital, loved by international tourists.
Trang Tien bridge
Spanning the Huong river, Trang Tien bridge is not only a significant transportation structure but also a historical and cultural symbol of Hue. Its spacious and beautiful natural scenery attracts many locals and tourists to enjoy the fresh air and view.
Huong river – Ngu Binh mountain
The Huong river flows through the center of Hue, surrounded by significant historical sites such as the Imperial City and Thien Mu pagoda. It witnesses numerous historical events and the rise and fall of the Nguyen dynasty.
Ngu Binh mountain, located southwest of Hue, is part of the Bach Ma range. Here, the Thuong temple is where the Nguyen emperors used to offer sacrifices and practice.
Both the Huong river and Ngu Binh mountain hold important historical and cultural significance, making them attractive spots for tourists seeking natural beauty and religious heritage.
Other famous scenic spots in Hue include Lang Co bay, Thuan An beach, Tam Giang lagoon, Ham Rong beach, Bach Ma mountain, and Nhi Ho waterfall. These are must-visit locations when traveling to Hue.
Culinary delights of Hue
Hue is renowned for its culinary excellence, with dishes that reflect the distinctive flavors of the sunny and windy central region. Here are some delicious dishes and specialties of Hue that ICAGO recommends:
Bun bo Hue (bún bò Huế)
This is one of the most famous traditional dishes in Hue. Bun Bo Hue is made from lean beef, pork knuckle, and various other meats, served with soft, chewy noodles and flavorful broth.
Baby basket clams rice (cơm hến)
Baby basket clams rice is a distinctive specialty with a unique flavor that you won’t find elsewhere. The dish includes cold rice, clams, pork cracklings, raw vegetables, and a special fermented shrimp paste.
Vietnamese pork lemongrass skewer (nem lụi)
Nem lui Hue is a favorite dish among food lovers for its delicious and rich flavor.
Flat steamed rice dumplings (bánh nậm)
Flat steamed rice dumplings is a simple, rustic dish of Hue with a modest, familiar flavor. It is made from a mixture of rice flour and shrimp, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed.
Che Hue (chè Huế)
Che Hue is a renowned dessert, considered a culinary gem of the ancient capital. There are hundreds of types of sweet soup in Hue, each with a different flavor, meticulously prepared, such as lotus seed sweet soup, mung bean sweet soup, and sweet soup with grilled pork.
Souvenirs from Hue
After your trip, don’t forget to buy souvenirs that capture Hue’s cultural and culinary essence. Popular choices include conical hats, Hue-style Ao Dai, lacquer paintings, and silk.
Specialty foods to bring home include royal tea, chewy sesame peanut candy, betel candy, and dried rice cakes.
When buying souvenirs, ensure you choose reputable stores to avoid low-quality products and inflated prices. ICAGO suggests shopping at famous markets like Dong Ba Market or An Cuu Market.
International visitors should choose compact, lightweight souvenirs that comply with airport baggage regulations.
Conclusion
ICAGO has shared comprehensive travel tips for Hue. We hope these insights will help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip filled with memorable experiences.
