Hue is the former imperial capital of Vietnam and has a rich history with the Imperial Citadel with the ancient palaces as main attraction. Hue is divided by the Perfume River, on the north side the old city with the Citadel and the south side which was designed by the French with more modern and colonial architecture. Both sides give Hue the mix of history and culture, but also a bustling market, a vibrant coffee culture but I had almost my best meal here in Hue as well. I hope you like to read my blog to find out my tips and inspirations of Hue.
How to Travel to Hue?
I traveled in 4.5 hours from Phong Nha to Nguyen Hoang Bus Station in Hue by VIP bus. Please check here the link to book the bus, via 12GoAsia. I booked the early departure 6:45 AM to have more time in Hue. This VIP bus was a real experience; with real beds, where you could totally lay down! Every passenger had their own sort of cabin. Shoes off and chill or watch some tv on our own screen. Very comfortable for only 9$!
My transport from Hue to Hoi An was a very special one, via Motorvina. I wrote a whole blog post on this travel experience at the back of a motorbike for 175 km over the Hai Van Pass.
Where to Stay in Hue?
In total I have spent two days and two nights in Hue. I recommend to stay at the Senna Hotel. It’s a very modern, luxurious hotel with a great location and the price. The breakfast is so extended with western and local dishes. I received two nice presents from the hotel, a key chain and a bag. Loved the gestures of the hotel, where the service was high! Unfortunately in January it was too cold to jump into the magnificent pool, because that looked so tempting!
Six things to Do in Hue?
Two full days was enough for me to see a part of the city. Luckily, it was TET New Year during my stay in Hue, so I could experience that celebrative vibe in the city. See more in my blog on TET New Year. I already done so much that Hue was more about the Imperial City and relax a bid. The weather was rainy during my stay, so I was lucky I had a nice hotel room where I could chill a bit as well.
1. Visiting the Imperial City
The Imperial City, also known as the Citadel, is the highlight of Hue’s historical treasures and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 19th century by Emperor Gia Long, the Citadel served as the political, cultural, and religious center of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Citadel consists of multiple palaces, temples, walls, rooms, museums, lovely gardens and huge gates. The Citadel is surrounded by a thick stone wall to protect the former capital of Vietnam.
I walked from my Senna Hotel to the Market first (see below) and then to the entrance of the Imperial City to buy a ticket from the ticket office for 200 VND. You will see the Flag Tower first when crossing the bridge over the first water.
First you walk under the Ngo Mon Gate. This is the grand entrance to the Imperial City, featuring a five-phoenix watchtower. Walking over the Trung Dạo Bridge which was very nice decorated with colorful plants and flowers. From to bridge you walk to the Thai Hoa Palace. This is known as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where emperors held important ceremonies. Inside all red wood pillars with gold dragon paintings with the gold throne, really give it an emperor feeling indeed! Behind the Thai-Hoa Palace begins the Forbidden Purple City, here were the private quarters of the imperial family.
I walked a bit to the right-hand side of the Citadel where I found the amazing gardens. I loved the bonsai shaped trees and small bridges with the tinier temples. There is too much to see here! Then to the walking through the Thieu Phuong Garden to the Kien Trung Palace.
Loved this Kien Trung palace the best; it colors pop out in the landscape with the fresh flower in front of the palace. And not forget to mention the stone artwork, stunning carvings on the windows and colorful carved dragons in front of the entrances. You can enter the former residence of the imperial family and see the stunning wallpapers and opulence of luxury. What a work and beauty! These palaces are influenced by the Chinese and of course Vietnamese design. The architecture reminded me of Beijing Summer Palace.
Did you know?! That the Citadel was meticulously designed according to the principles of feng shui? The main axis of the complex aligns with the Perfume River, ensuring harmonious balance and positive energy flow!
2. Time for Coffee!!
Vietnam is renowned for its coffee culture, and Hue is no exception. The city boasts numerous charming cafes where you can get a cup of aromatic Vietnamese coffee, known for its rich flavor and unique preparation methods. I recommend you two coffee shops which I liked a lot: Phin Holic and Cong Caphe at both at the Bến Nghé street in Hue. I had a delicious Salted Coffee for 59 VND at Cong.
Vietnamese coffee is traditionally made using a “phin,” a small metal drip filter. The coffee is often served with sweetened condensed milk, creating the famous “cà phê sữa đá” (iced milk coffee)
3. Visit the local Dong Ba Market
For the locals I visited the Dong Ba market on the day before the most important festive celebration of the year; TET New Year. Like our day before Christmas! Imagine the buzz and activity at the market.
Visit the market in the morning for the liveliest experience!
The Dong Ba Market is the city’s largest and oldest market. Established in 1899 during the reign of Emperor Thanh Thai. Dong Ba Market is a bustling hub of activity, where locals and tourists alike come to shop, eat, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
I love local markets; you can’t get closer to the locals than at the markets in my opinion.
As I wandered through the market’s aisles, I admired all the goods on display; fresh noodles, aromatic spices, handmade crafts, colorful flowers, fresh meat and fish, tasty vegetables and fruits, fabrics and households. And the lively chatter of vendors and motorbikes making the experience complete!
Are you buying your conical hat, the traditional Vietnamese hat called nón lá, here or at another location? I bought mine at the last stop in Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Take a Relaxing Massage
After the excitement of the Dong Ba Market and Imperial City, I treated myself to a hot stone massage at the Five Senses Spa. This spa is located close to my Senna hotel in the city, with great service and I love the styling of the interior. The cost for 1 hour of Hot Stone was 414 VND excluding tip.
In a hot stone massage heated stones are placed on the body to relieve tension and promote relaxation. The therapist uses these stones in a combination of deep tissue massage to improve blood circulation. I felt the stress melt away and because I was a bit cold due to the rainy weather the stones were making me warm and very happy! The perfect way to unwind and recharge after my Phong Nha hiking and caving adventures and motorbike ride to Hoi An ahead; I went back the next day for another massage!
Five Senses Spa was even open on TET Holiday!
5. Have Dinner at NhàHàng Chan Restaurant
For dinner, I headed to NhàHàng Chan, a renowned restaurant that offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant’s charming ambiance and service, with its traditional decor in a beautiful, restored colonial building made it a great experience. It was packed with local people which is a sign for good food.
I had no idea what to choose from the menu, but the waiters that helped me convinced me to order the fish, and I did not regret it at all. This dish was one of the best dishes on my entire Vietnam trip. I had to make my own rolls and the sauce was so delicious. The fish was cut for me so very helpful of the kitchen and for desert you get fresh fruits for free. Like I said a great experience. Unfortunately due to the TET the Chan Restaurant was closed the next day.
Did you know Chan has a popular coffee shop in the same street Nguyễn Thái Học as well!
6. Stroll along the Perfume River
The 80 km long Perfume River divides Hue into two parts. The Huong River is called Perfume River because of the orchards that grow in the waterway in autumn, giving a wonderful smell; like perfume! The Perfume River has been a vital waterway for centuries, providing transportation, irrigation, and a source of livelihood for the people of Hue. The river has inspired countless poems, songs, and paintings, capturing its serene beauty.
The Perfume River is said to change color depending on the season! In spring, it’s a gentle blue; in summer, it’s a vibrant green; in autumn, it’s a lovely yellow; and in winter, it turns a cool shade of gray. Gray it was for me, the same as the weather, rainy.
Book an afternoon candlelight lantern boat cruise over the river to see the sunset and enjoy traditional music.
My Takeaways on Hue
Hue is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and welcoming hospitality. Whether you’re exploring the Imperial City, buy souvenirs at the Dong Ba Market, take a relaxing massage, or sipping on a flavorful cup of Vietnamese coffee, Hue is a city not to miss in Vietnam. I heard many people did a day tour from Hoi An and visited other locations during this trip as well. I liked my decision to stay here two nights at the Senna Hotel as a luxurious home base to explore and relax a bit.
Where are you heading next, to Hoi An with an Easy Rider or to Ninh Binh?
