Of all the places to immerse yourself in the rich and fascinating country of Vietnam, Hue offers an incredible insight into the country’s history and lifestyle. Hue is reachable via a 2.5 hour train from Da Nang, and offers a fantastic opportunity for travellers to see Vietnam in a different light to many of the other popular destinations this wonderful country has to offer.
What to see in Hue
The most popular sights visited by tourists in Hue are the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Citadel and the Imperial City. These sites consist of a walled fortress and palace, surrounded by a moat within the Citadel. They were formed under the Nguyen Dynasty and include some of the country’s most fascinating history and architecture.
For a relaxing day taking in the sights, many enjoy strolling along the Perfume River that runs through Hue, with boat rides also available for reasonable prices. Furthermore, some of the best ways to get around Hue include bicycles, taxis and motorcycles. The tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors are also a highlight – make sure you see the tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Ta Ducs while you’re there.
What to eat
Vietnamese is one of the most delicious and popular cuisines in the world, and Hue is home to some unique and specific specialities and delicacies.
One specific dish from this region is Bun Bo Hue, a delicious hot soup filled with rice vermicelli and beef. Banh Beo is a delectable steamed rice cake that comes with various toppings, and you can find these small treats in many of the bustling street markets of Hue. Head to Quan Hanh to taste many more local delicacies – it’s a great place to try a wide range of dishes. During your travels, don’t miss out on Nem Lui (beef or pork skewers make with lemongrass), and Banh Khoai (a pancake filled with cassava).
There are plenty of unique places to drink coffee in Hue, with many unique and delicious coffee varieties available. Root coffee and Lens café are known amongst locals to offer fantastic coffee along with a relaxing and inspiring environment to enjoy it in. To enjoy your coffee-to-go with a sweet treat, head to La Boulangerie Francaise for a Vietnamese take on traditional pastries.
How long to stay
Hue is a rich and vibrant destination that is popular amongst travellers for shorter city-hopping style trips, as well as longer stays (that enable you to get lost in the history and culture of this Vietnamese gem). Most would recommend giving Hue longer than just a day trip, as there is so much to see and experience in this spectacular location. To fully immerse yourself in Hue’s culture, or use it as a base for day trips further afield, we’d recommend five to seven days here. All you need to do now is to decide when you want to go!