14 best things to do in Hue
Hue is an amazing city, shining with undeniable history, culture and charm. If you are planning to travel here, let’s discover 12 interesting activities you should try in Hue
I. Hue – Cultural and Historical Heritage of Vietnam
1. Vietnam’s ancient capital city
Hue is an ancient city located in central Vietnam. It is a famous cultural and historical destination. With its beautiful location on the banks of the Perfume River and being the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last dynasty of Vietnam, it has been the political, cultural, and religious center of the country for many centuries.
2. Vietnam’s World Heritage Site
With unique architecture and a rich history, Hue was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993. When mentioning this city, one cannot forget to mention the architecture of temples and royal palaces. Among them is the Hue Citadel – an architectural complex with ancient walls, royal palaces, temples, and other cultural works. The Hue Citadel is a symbol of the grandeur and essence of the culture of the Vietnamese empire.
3. A place that blends Eastern and Western cultures
The architecture in Hue is ancient and massive, reflecting the dominance of the Nguyen court and Eastern culture. Symbolizing this blend is the Imperial Citadel of Hue – a world cultural heritage. The buildings and structures in Dai Noi are designed in Chinese and French styles, creating a unique and idiosyncratic combination.
4. Vietnam’s culinary kingdom
Hue is also known for its distinctive cuisine. Hue specialties such as Bun Bo Hue (Hue-style beef noodle soup), Nem Lui (grilled pork skewers), Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes), Banh Khoai (fried rice pancake), and many other dishes have become icons of Central Vietnamese cuisine and are beloved by visitors from all over.
5. The city of cultural festivals
Hue is not only a tourist destination but also a major center for education and research with numerous universities, research institutes, and important libraries. The city organizes many cultural events, such as the Hue Festival – an international event that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.
II. Ideal Time to Visit Hue
Hue is a great destination for those who want to discover the historical and natural beauty of Vietnam. The best time to visit Hue is during the vibrant autumn season, to participate in the Hue Festival or explore cultural heritage sites in the early morning or late afternoon. Plan your trip and experience memorable moments in this city.
1. Vibrant autumn season
Autumn is the best time to visit Hue. When the leaves in parks, gardens, and palaces turn yellow, orange, and red, they create a beautiful natural painting. The sunlight and fresh air combine to create an ideal space for sightseeing and enjoying the natural landscapes in Hue.
2. Hue Festival
Hue is a famous city for hosting many festivals. At this time, the city is beautifully decorated with thousands of lanterns and flowers throughout the streets. Traditional cultural activities are also rich and unique. This is a great opportunity to explore the culture of Hue and participate in exciting games and events.
3. Sunrise and sunset on the Perfume River
The Perfume River is considered the soul of Hue. Joining a boat tour on the Perfume River at sunrise or sunset will provide you with memorable experiences. On the boat, you can admire the shimmering pink and golden lights on the surface of the Perfume River, along with the cultural and architectural scenery along the riverbank.
4. Exploring the World Heritage Sites
Hue is the location of many important cultural and architectural landmarks that contribute to Vietnam’s reputation on the world heritage map. Among them, the Hue Imperial City carries a part of the royal history. You can explore the palaces, temples, and beautiful gardens inside. In addition, the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s kings are also special places that cannot be missed. The tombs were built with unique architecture, showing respect and honoring the kings.
Read more: Find your hotel in Vietnam
III. Top 14 Must-Do Activities in Hue
1. Visit the Imperial City of Hue
Visiting the Imperial City allows travelers to experience an ancient paradise with numerous astonishing historical architectural structures. This is where the emperors and queens resided during the Nguyen Dynasty. Stepping into the Imperial City, visitors witness the convergence of culture, art, and ancient architecture. Long-standing structures such as Phung Tien Palace, Nine Dynastic Urns, Truong Sanh Residence, and Moc Tra Palace are all imbued with mystery and history.
2. Wander around Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous landmarks in Hue and considered a symbol of Buddhist culture and belief. Built in the 17th century on Ha Khe Hill, it offers a panoramic view like a beautiful painting. Inside the pagoda, visitors can admire valuable artistic works, including some spiritually significant pieces of Buddhist religious art.
3. Explore the mausoleum system
The mausoleum system is an essential part of the journey to explore Hue. The elaborate tombs with unique architecture, colors, and patterns serve as the final resting places of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. The mausoleum system is an integral part of the exploration of Hue, showcasing meticulously constructed tombs with distinct architecture, colors and patterns.
4. Appreciate the natural beauty at Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park is a must-visit destination in Hue. It is considered the first biodiversity conservation area in Vietnam relatively unaffected by human influence. Additionally, visitors can experience the life of ethnic minorities in the surrounding villages. It is also a place that holds stories about the cultural and historical development of Vietnam.
5. Visit Dong Ba Market
At Dong Ba Market, you can immerse yourself in the local culture with a diverse range of products. From agricultural products to Feng Shui gemstone jewelry, handicrafts, clothing, and footwear. The market also features traditional craft villages such as pottery, handicrafts, and lacquerware, contributing to the vibrancy and tourist appeal of Dong Ba Market.
6. Cruise along the Perfume River
Perfume River Cruise is a great experience to explore the beauty of Hue city and feel the breath of Perfume River, which is considered the soul of the city. When you board the cruise, you will be immersed in the peaceful space and immersed in the charming landscape of the Perfume River. With calm waters, the cruise will cruise around the harbors and along the waterfront, carrying you through the rich cultural heritage and unique architecture of the city.
7. Walk across Thanh Toan Bridge
Thanh Toan Bridge is located in a beautiful area, located not far from Hue city center. With green rural landscape and peaceful space, Thanh Toan Bridge brings a feeling of refreshment and relaxation when you step on the bridge. The bridge is designed in the traditional style of the ancients, simple but elegant. The green trees next to the bridge create a poetic and unique scene. You will have the opportunity to explore the natural beauty surrounding the bridge and immerse yourself in the traditional space and rural culture.
8. Motorbike adventure on Hai Van Pass
With majestic natural scenery, this place is an experience not to be missed for those who love challenges and want to explore the unspoiled beauty of Vietnam. When you climb Hai Van Pass by motorbike, you will experience the beautiful scenery of the East Sea and the surrounding green land of forests and mountains. In addition, Hai Van Pass also has some interesting stops, including the ancient Co Co bridge, a historic lighthouse and famous cafes. You can stop, rest and enjoy the peaceful space along with the special scenery from the top of the pass.
9. Sunbathing on Lang Co Beach
Lang Co Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam, which is why it attracts many tourists. When coming to this beach, you will enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the peaceful feeling of the sea. If you love adventurous activities on the sea, Lang Co Beach also provides many interesting activities for you to explore.
10. Visiting Thuy Tien Lake
Thuy Tien Lake was once famous for its fish farming, but recently it has become one of the attractive tourist destinations in Central Vietnam. When entering the area of Thuy Tien Lake, you will immediately feel the mystery and excitement of this place. Abandoned buildings such as Indian temples or deserted houses have become a separate world. It is a place where you can explore and learn about the story behind it.
11. Take a boat tour of Tam Giang Lagoon
With its vast space and stunning natural beauty, you will have the opportunity to admire meandering rivers, lush green fields, and endless forests. On the boat ride, you can discover diverse bird species and their activities. Additionally, there are also the presence of various fish, shrimp, crabs, creating an exciting experience for animal lovers to explore the natural beauty of this lagoon system.
12. Indulge in Hue Cuisine
With its long-standing culture and the influence of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue cuisine has become a famous specialty of Vietnam. The most distinctive dish of Hue is surely “bun bo” (beef noodle soup). “Banh khoai” (savoury pancake) is also a not-to-be-missed specialty. Additionally, there are many other royal dishes. These dishes showcase the sophistication and uniqueness of Hue cuisine, combining traditional flavors with unique preparation methods. Hue cuisine is not only about enjoying the food but also an immersive cultural experience.
13. Listen to Hue Songs
Hue court music was part of the original court culture during the Nguyen Dynasty. It consists of tracks and songs written in Old Vietnamese. Expressing the combination of Vietnamese musical art. Hue court music is gentle, elegant, romantic and highly imaginative. It shows the unique features of Hue court culture. And is considered one of the typical cultural products of Hue. If you come to Hue to visit, you cannot miss the opportunity to listen and experience Hue court music.
14. Walk around bustling West Street
West Hue Street is famous for its many restaurants, bars, cafés and gift shops. Walking around West Street will help you discover unique European culture and architecture combined with a typical Vietnamese atmosphere. Walking around West Hue Street in the evening is also very interesting. You will admire the sparkling streets of the street lights and enjoy a bustling and epic atmosphere.
IV. Things to know before coming to this culturally historic city
1. Currency
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). When you visit the country, exchange your currency for VND. You can do this at banks, exchange counters, or some hotels.
2. Language
Vietnamese is the official language of the country, but many people in Hue use English, especially in tourist areas.
3. Transportation
When coming to Hue, you will have many options for transportation to move around and explore this city. Popular modes of transportation here include taxis, motorbikes, and bicycles. Each mode of transportation has its own advantages, allowing you to freely explore the city as you wish.
4. Dress Code
Hue is a conservative city, so when visiting religious sites or government buildings, dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and wear skirts or long pants, while men should avoid wearing shorts.
5. Safety
Hue is generally a safe city, but you should still take precautions such as keeping your valuables safe and being aware of your surroundings. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing flashy jewelry.
6. Health
Drink bottled water and be cautious when eating street food to avoid stomach issues. Make sure to carry any necessary medications and consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip
Hue not only offers adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences but also the warmth and hospitality of the local people. When you step foot in this city, you will be welcomed and greeted by friendly locals. The people of Hue will share their culture and way of life with travelers from around the world
If you are looking for a memorable travel experience, come to Hue and discover all the wonderful things that this city has to offer. Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this place, so that you become a part of the fascinating stories and heritage. When coming to Hue, you will find a destination that not only brings you unforgettable experiences but also is a friendly and sincere environment. It will be a source of inspiration for you to explore and create unforgettable memories for a lifetime.
