Located in central Vietnam, Hue is renowned for its scenic beauty, historical landmarks, ancient palaces, and temples that reflect the grandeur of a bygone royal era. A visit to Hue offers a chance to explore vivid remnants of the last feudal dynasty, experience the warmth of its people, and immerse yourself in the charm of their gentle accents. Planning a trip? Let this Hue travel guide help you make the most of your first journey to this historic land.

Introduction to Hue

Hue is a city in Thua Thien Hue Province, located in central Vietnam. Once the imperial capital during the Tay Son and Nguyen dynasties, Hue is renowned for its rich cultural and historical architecture.

Today, Hue is not only advancing in fields such as healthcare, education, and science and technology but is also focused on developing its tourism industry. It has become one of the most famous destinations in the country.

When is the best season to travel to Hue?

The climate in Hue belongs to the tropical monsoon region but is transitional from the subtropical to the tropical monsoon. Therefore, there is no clear winter and dry season like the North and the South.

The weather in Hue is quite harsh, with two trends: hot and dry and wet and cold. The hot season usually starts from May to September and the cold season usually lasts from October to March of the following year. At this time, due to the influence of the northeast monsoon, Hue weather is rainy and quite cold.

If comparing the two types of weather, it is obvious that the dry season is a favorable season to travel to Hue . In particular, during the period from January to the end of February, Hue is still spring, at this time the weather in Hue is quite beautiful, the climate is cool, sometimes a bit chilly, very suitable for walking and sightseeing. historical monuments, temples and citadels.

Meanwhile, in the rainy season, Hue often has more rain than neighboring localities. Some times from about September to October is the season of purple mausoleum flowers, sometimes the sky is clear, the clouds clear, the climate is mild.

According to Hue tourism experience of tourists, it is not necessary to travel to Hue in the dry season to be beautiful because the rainy season also has its own interesting things.

The weather is cool, not too hot, but there can also be sudden rain. In addition, Hue rain is likened to a specialty that attracts visitors here. Many tourists choose to travel to Hue in the rainy season to see the quiet and ancient beauty of the famous mausoleum and ancient capital.

Therefore, if you still wonder which season is the best to travel to Hue   , you can consider the climate and weather characteristics of Hue above to choose for yourself and your loved ones the right time to visit Hue . best.

Transportation in Hue

If you’re new to independent travel, you might feel unsure about transportation options in Hue. Don’t worry—let DanangMotorbikeAdventure.com guide you:

• From the airport to the city center, you can choose between taxis or buses. Each option has its pros and cons, so decide based on your personal preferences and budget.
• Getting around Hue, you can use buses, taxis, motorbikes, or electric cars to travel between attractions. While buses and electric cars are affordable, BestPrice recommends using a motorbike for its convenience and ease of travel. It also gives you more flexibility in planning your itinerary.

For the best exploration of Hue, consider booking a Hue motorbike tour with DanangMotorbikeAdventure.com. With years of experience, they’ll help you enjoy a unique and memorable trip, discovering Hue in an unparalleled way.

What to Prepare When Traveling to Hue

So, what should you prepare for a trip to Hue?

Essential Documents

Make sure to carry personal identification documents, including:

• ID card or passport
• Driver’s license
  These documents are crucial for check-in at airports, hotels, and other services.

Packing Essentials

• Clothing: Bring outfits, dresses, shoes, and accessories suitable for the weather and destinations you plan to visit.
• Money and ATM Cards: These are must-haves for your trip. Avoid carrying too much cash to minimize the risk of theft.
• Personal Items: Items such as toothbrushes, face towels, and skincare products should ideally be brought from home for convenience. However, if packing light, you can use the amenities provided by your hotel.
• Other Essentials: Include medical supplies, power banks, mosquito repellent, hats, and umbrellas to ensure a safe and comfortable trip.

Transportation

• Flight Tickets: If traveling from a distant location, booking a flight to Hue is the quickest and most convenient option. While flight tickets may cost more than other means, they save time and help you stay energized for the journey.
• Alternative Route: You can also fly to Da Nang International Airport and plan a day trip Danang to Hue.

Accommodation

Before your trip, make sure to book your hotel in advance to avoid difficulties. Finding accommodation on arrival can be challenging, especially during peak travel seasons, when hotels may be fully booked.

Where to go when traveling to Hue?

Hue Citadel

Speaking of Hue, one of the tourist attractions in Hue that we have to mention first is Hue Citadel. Hue Citadel is located right on the banks of the Perfume River – the poetic Hue river.

Hue Citadel is one of the world cultural relics recognized by UNESCO. This is a complex of cultural relics symbolizing a feudal period of Vietnam, including the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City…

The Tombs

Not only Hue Citadel, the mausoleums of the Nguyen Dynasty are still preserved to this day. These mausoleums are selected by their owners with the right terrain and architectural drawings to build, so each mausoleum brings very unique and very unique architectural features with carved details. exquisite in every detail. In particular, the Tomb of Khai Dinh, Tomb of Gia Long, Tomb of Minh Mang, Tomb of Tu Duc, … are the mausoleums that you must definitely visit once when traveling to Hue.

Khai Dinh mausoleum

Referring to Hue, one cannot fail to mention the mausoleum of the Nguyen Dynasty. Your Hue tour will be more interesting, if you do not visit the destination of Khai Dinh Tomb. You will admire the pinnacle of fine art of creating porcelain and glass by the artisans of the past. It can be said that Khai Dinh Tomb is a unique combination of East-West architecture.

Minh Mang tomb

Another popular tourist destination in Hue is Minh Mang Tomb. Only 12km from Hue city, Minh Mang Tomb is considered the most massive and magnificent mausoleum in Hue, because from the desolate mountainous area, through the hands and ingenious creativity of a team of builders up to 10,000. This majestic mausoleum, unique architecture has become the pride of the people of the ancient capital.

Gia Long Tomb

Tomb of King Gia Long is the founding king of the dynasty. This king’s mausoleum is one of the most famous works of the Nguyen Dynasty. Located in the vast pine forest and dozens of large and small hills, Gia Long’s mausoleum has an ancient, wild, rustic and peaceful beauty. Tomb of King Gia Long is one of the places that attracts many tourists to visit, admire the beauty and hear the story of the immortal love associated with this mausoleum.

Tomb of Tu Duc

Located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, Cu Chanh canton, Tu Duc Tomb (also known as Khiem Lang) is probably the most beautiful of the mausoleums of the Nguyen kings because of the harmony between the natural scenery “charming water” and immense architectural space.

Khiem Lang is surrounded by a basin of green trees and is located near a large lake, Tu Duc Tomb appears with ancient features and sophisticated architecture immersed in poetic nature and strangely peaceful space. period.

Huong river

As a symbol and also the pride of the people of Hue, the Perfume River is as gentle as a long, soft silk strip in the middle of the dreamy land of Kinh Ky. Perfume River is jade green, clear as if reflecting the poetic city scene under the calm water and sparkling in the sunlight.

Many artisans, while cruising to admire the peaceful Huong Giang River and listen to traditional Hue folk songs, have found abundant inspiration to compose immortal poems.

Thien Mu Pagoda

This pagoda is a famous Hue attraction and indispensable in every journey to discover Hue.

About 5km west of Hue city center, with another name is Linh Mu Pagoda, the pagoda is located on Ha Khe hill, overlooking the romantic Perfume River.

The pagoda has a long-standing beauty with spacious grounds, a tranquil setting and especially the 7-storey Phuoc Duyen tower in the front yard of the temple, which is considered a typical symbol for Hue city.

Appearing in the middle of a poetic and lyrical natural space, Thien Mu Pagoda is the source of inspiration for many works of poetry and music.

Coming to Thien Mu Pagoda, listening to the pagoda’s echoes in your ears and in the poetic natural scenery, you will find your heart lighter and more relaxed in front of the chaos of life.

Vong Canh Hill

To admire the panoramic view of the city from above, go to Vong Canh Hill. From the high point of view of Vong Canh Lau, you will be able to see the “charming river” landscape of the poetic Perfume River and ancient tombs and temples, looking far away is the majestic mountains. great.

If you have the opportunity, visit Vong Canh Hill at dawn or at sunset, you will see a whole corner of Hue’s sky as glowing in the shimmering sunlight.

Hue Specialties with Explanations for International Visitors

1. Com Hen (Clam Rice)

A traditional dish made with rice, small clams, and a mixture of herbs, peanuts, pork cracklings, and crispy noodles. It’s typically served with a flavorful broth.

2. Va Hue (Hue Fig Dishes)

Va, a type of fig unique to Hue, is used in dishes like fig salad mixed with clams or shrimp, often enjoyed with crispy rice crackers.

3. Bun Bo Hue (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)

This iconic noodle soup features thick rice noodles, tender beef slices, pork, and a rich, spicy broth flavored with lemongrass. It’s Hue’s most famous dish.

4. Bun Thit Nuong & Banh Uot Thit Nuong (Grilled Meat Noodles & Steamed Rice Sheets with Grilled Meat)

Both dishes feature marinated grilled meat but are served differently: Bun Thit Nuong comes with vermicelli noodles, while Banh Uot Thit Nuong features thin steamed rice sheets.

5. Banh Beo, Banh Bot Loc, Banh Ram It (Hue Cakes)

• Banh Beo: Small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp and crispy shallots.
• Banh Bot Loc: Chewy tapioca dumplings filled with shrimp and pork, served with fish sauce.
• Banh Ram It: Sticky rice cakes on a crispy base, often with savory fillings.

6. Che Hue (Hue Sweet Soups)

Hue offers a wide variety of sweet soups, such as:

• Che Dau Xanh (mung bean soup)
• Che Dau Do (red bean soup)
• Che Khoai Mon (taro soup)

Hotels, resorts in Hue

Vinpearl Hotel Hue, Banyan Tree Lang Co Hotels & Resorts, Ana Mandara Hue Resort & Spa, Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, Imperial Hue Hotel, Eldora Hue Hotel, Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa Hue, Indochine Palace,… are the guests. Top Top hotels for you to choose when coming to dreamy Hue.

If you have a tighter budget, there are still many mid-range hotels and motels with full facilities for you and your loved ones.

Shopping Tips When Traveling to Hue

DanangMotorbikeAdventure.com suggests some meaningful Hue specialties as gifts, such as Hue Royal Tea, mè xửng (sesame peanut candy), Thanh Tra pomelo, Hue conical hats, and Hue ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress). You can find these specialties at markets like Dong Ba Market, An Cuu Market, or some tourist attractions.

However, regardless of where you shop, it’s important to check prices beforehand and negotiate to get the best deals. When purchasing, carefully check the product details, including expiration dates, manufacturing dates, and anti-counterfeit labels, to ensure you choose high-quality products.

Some Useful Tips for Traveling to Hue

To have the most fulfilling trip to Hue, don’t miss out on the valuable tips compiled by DanangMotorbikeAdventure.com below:

• If you’re traveling independently and planning your own itinerary, make sure to research thoroughly about your destinations, including their addresses, opening hours, ticket prices, etc. This will help you avoid selecting locations that are too far apart, saving you travel time.
• The ideal duration for a Hue trip, based on my travel experience, is 3 days and 2 nights. This amount of time is sufficient to explore everything Hue has to offer, from its landscapes to its cuisine.
• Travel costs in Hue largely depend on expenses for flights, hotels, and restaurants. Therefore, to optimize your budget, BestPrice recommends avoiding peak travel seasons when prices are higher.
  Additionally, it’s advisable to book services like flights and hotels about a month in advance. This gives you flexibility to adjust in case of unexpected changes.

Conclusion

We hope the article “Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Hue” provides helpful information for you. For first-time travelers to Hue, especially those with little experience traveling independently, preparing and planning can be overwhelming. Hopefully, the tips above will make your Hue travel experience easier and more enjoyable!