Hue imperial city is one of the most well-known destinations in the center of Vietnam. This destination attracts tourists by the historical and cultural values, as well as the charming natural landscapes. Let’s travel to Hue with Handspan Travel Indochina!

Hue City

In this article, you can find some useful pieces of information below.

• General information about Hue imperial city
• How to get to Hue imperial city
• The best time to visit Hue
• Attractions to visit in Hue imperial city
• Specialties in Hue imperial city
• Accommodations in Hue imperial city

General information about Hue imperial city 

Regarding historical aspects, Hue was a capital city of the Nguyen Dynasty dating back from 1805 till 1945. The ancient capital is a home of many temples, pagodas, tombs, and palaces with impressive architectural styles. There’s a mistake if you don’t mention the Imperial City that is the walled citadel and royal palaces when traveling to Hue. The Imperial City served as a venue for significant court ceremonies, forebear worship, and the royal family’s residence. With a profound value of history, culture, and architecture, the Imperial City is officially recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Additionally, the tombs in which the Emperors’ mummy under the Nguyen Dynasty stored now are opened for sightseeing. Therefore, these tombs have magnificent architectural designs that make a deep impression on tourists’ minds. Amongst seven royal tombs, Minh Mang, Tu Duc, and Khai Dinh tombs are famous tombs.  Moreover, another destination recommended for tourists is Thien Mu pagoda - the oldest and the most magnificent religious monument in Hue. 

Khai Dinh Tomb

The ancient capital is also well-known for its sophisticated cuisine, which helps enrich Vietnamese culinary art. Several Hue specialties are mussel rice, Hue beef noodle soup, etc. which are worth tasting. Besides, Hue imperial city is considered as a festival city. As being first organized since 2000, festivals have been particular cultural affairs for residents. With local and foreign artists’ participation, festive activities have resuscitated many Vietnamese antique capital values. Visiting the main attractions in Hue and savoring many specialties here will bring you lots of memorable experiences. 

How to get to Hue imperial city 

By plane  

As a large city in the central part of Vietnam, Hue has Phu Bai airport helping communes become more convenient. For those who want to save time, the fastest way to travel is by plane. You will take a flight from 2 big cities, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh to travel to Hue imperial city. 

• From Hanoi: Two airlines, including VietjetAir and Vietnam Airlines, have flight routes to Hue. It takes around 1 hour to get to Hue. 
• From Ho Chi Minh: VietjetAir, Vietnam Airlines, and Jetstar have flight routes to Hue, with about 30 minutes for you to get to Hue. 

Phu Bai Airport is 15km far from the city, and there are two ways to get to the center. Firstly, you can take a taxi, about VND 250.000 if you want to save time. If your luggage isn’t too heavy and you want to save money, choosing a shuttle bus is a smart choice. The price is about VND 50.000/one way/person. 

By train 

Taking a train is an exciting way for those spending more time contemplating natural beauty along the road. You can take a train to Hue imperial city from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city. Each day from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh stations, there are five trains to get to Hue. You can choose a suitable train depending on your schedule as below information. It takes around 14 hours from Hanoi - Hue; 18 hours and 22 hours from HCM - Hue. 

Besides the Thong Nhat train, there is SE18 to arrive at Danang from Hanoi and reach Hue at 10h00. If you visit Hue from Danang by train, it saves a lot of time and money within 3 hours, and the ticket fee ranges from VND 50.000 - 120.000/one way/person. 

• SE1 & SE2 [Hanoi 19h30 - Hue 8h50] & [HCM 19h30 - Hue 15h25]
• SE3 & SE4 [Hanoi 22h00 - Hue 10h30] & [HCM 22h00 - Hue 16h40
• SE5 & SE6 [Hanoi 9h00 – Hue 22h42] & [HCM 22h00 – Hue 5h31]
• SE7 & SE8 [Hanoi 6h00 - Hue 19h47]  & [HCM 6h00 - Hue 1h30]
• TN1 & TN2 [Hanoi 13h10 - Hue 3h40] & [HCM 13h10 - Hue 12h06]

By road 

From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, there are many high-quality coaches taking you to go to Hue every day. The time is about 12 - 16 hours (from Hanoi) and 20 - 24 hours (from Ho Chi Minh).

• From Hanoi, there are some coach-providers like Hoang Long, Camel Travel, and The Sinh Tourist. Price ranges from VND 250.000 – 350.000/one way/person.  
• From Ho Chi Minh, some coach-providers are Tam Minh Phuong, Minh Duc, Hoang Long, and Huong Ty. Price range from VND 400.000 - 600.000/one way/person. 
• If you go to Hue from Danang, there are many choices like The Sinh Tourist, HAV Limousine, Huetourist, etc. Prices are about VND 80.000 - 180.000/one way/person. 

You can read on How to get to Hue from Hanoi, How to get to Hue from Ho Chi Minh. 

Different transportations at Hue imperial city 

• Cyclo 

Cyclo in Hue is quite convenient; it can carry goods or people, especially tourists. It is now the most common and suitable means of transportation for tourists to go around Hue imperial city.  Taking a cyclo helps you have more time to discover and contemplate the ancient capital’s romantic beauty. Check out the best cycling routes in Hue that you might know for your trip. 

• Bicycle/Motorbike 

Travelers can easily find a bicycle or a motorbike for transporting around Hue imperial city at a reasonable price. Places for renting bikes lie in Hung Vuong, Le Loi, near Truong Tien bridge, Pham Ngu Lao, Western street, etc. With a map and a bike, the journey becomes more exciting and economical for travelers, especially adventure-seekers and youngsters. 

• Taxi 

If you aren’t good at reading maps or sometimes the weather isn’t favorable, taking a taxi is smart. There are some common taxi brands in Hue, such as Dong Ba (Tel: 0234.3.84.84.84), Mai Linh (Tel: 0234.3.89.89.89), Phu Xuan (Tel: 0234.3.87.87.87), etc. 

• Private car 

If you are traveling with a large group of people or your family with kids, renting a private car is perfect. You can choose anywhere to go or to stop at any time you want during your trip. The renting fee is about VND 500.000 - 900.000/per day. 

The best time to visit Hue 

There are two main seasons in Hue weather, including dry season and rainy season. 

The dry season is usually from March to August, the temperature up to 35 Celcius to 40 Celcius degrees, so it’s pretty scorching and hot. However, from August to January, the temperature reduces sharply, from 18 Celcius to 20 Celcius degrees, sometimes lower than 10 Celcius degrees. The blood season is from October. Spring in Hue lasts from the end of January until the end of February. The weather in spring is cool, sometimes a bit cold, and beautiful with rays of sunlight through leaf canopies. 

Tourists travel to Hue imperial city in different periods during the year. Domestic guests typically go to Hue from May to the end of September, while from October to the end of April, many foreigners choose to visit Hue. The best time for you to visit Hue imperial city is from September to November. 

Besides, you can visit Hue in other periods. In March, the weather in Hue is quite cool, and precious little rain. Moreover, at the end of April, especially the 30th April occasion, Hue holds many festivals with impressive cultural activities. There is also an international firework festival organized in Danang during this time. 

Attractions to visit in Hue imperial city

The Imperial City 

• Time for sightseeing:  From 6:30 - 17:30 (In the summer) and From 7:00 - 17:00 (In the winter)
• Price: VND 150.000/person 

The Imperial City is a historical place that tourists must visit when traveling to Hue. Being the Nguyen Dynasty’s ancient capital for 143 years, Hue imperial city is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With an area of 520 ha, Hue imperial city is divided into two regions. They are places for residents and mandarins living and the Imperial Citadel for the Emperors and nobles living. The Imperial Citadel is the second citadel in which the Kings and mandarins worked under the Nguyen Dynasty. The last defense is Forbidden City, including many palaces where the Kings and royal families live. It took a long period to complete complex and sophisticated architectures inside the Imperial Citadel.

Hue Imperial Citadel

There are some critical architectural landmarks here: 

• The Meridian Gate 

As the main gate of the Imperial Citadel, Meridian Gate is for the Emperors to welcome the ambassadors. Built under Minh Mang King, Meridian Gate is a place to organize many events and significant ceremonies. Indeed, in 1945 Bao Dai King read the Abdication Declaration here. 

• Hue Flag Tower 

Hue Flag Tower, located in the northern citadel, is where the dynasty hangs the flag. 

• Thai Hoa Palace 

Considered as the power symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Thai Hoa palace is organizing many essential rituals. Many significant events are the coronation ceremony, welcoming the ambassadors, and imperial courts two times a month. 

• Temple of Literature - Thua Thien Hue Historical Museum

It plays as a university during feudal times. Under the Nguyen Dynasty, the Temple of Literature in Hue became the only university of Vietnam where many talented people studied. Nowadays, it has become Thua Thien Hue Historical Museum storing historic items through many stages, especially the revolution in Hue. 

• Time for sightseeing: Morning: 7:30 - 11:00 & Afternoon: 13:30 - 17:00 
• Ticket fee: VND 30.000/person 

• Long An Palace - Hue Royal Antiquities Museum 

Built as a place for relaxing and reading by Thien Tri King, Long An Palace becomes Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. This place stores items of palaces, which brings a close look into kings and royal families’ lives. 

• Time for sightseeing: 7:00 - 17:00 every day (Closed on Monday) 
• Ticket fee for visiting Imperial City and museums: VND 150.000/person. 

Thien Mu Pagoda 

Thien Mu Pagoda

With its natural beauty lying on Ha Khe Hill, Thien Mu Pagoda becomes an iconic Hue imperial city’s iconic image. Built-in 1601 by the first King under the Nguyen Dynasty - Nguyen Hoang, it was the most large-scale pagoda. Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, you will see the magnificent Phuoc Duyen tower and listen to the unique sound of two-time ringtones every day (13:00 and 19:30). Each time hits continuously 108 chimes, making it very special. 

Time for sightseeing: 7:00 - 17:00 every day. 

Huong River 

Stretching along Hue imperial city is a peaceful and twisty Huong River. As being an iconic symbol of the city, you can contemplate its marvelous beauty from many places. That can be an exceptional view from Thien Mu Pagoda, taking a dragon boat, etc. Each experience brings a specific image of the river. 

Trang Tien Bridge 

Being a symbol of Hue imperial city, the Trang Tien Bridge crossing over the Huong River is the pride of local people. If you have a chance to visit Hue, please don’t miss to explore the most beautiful moment of the bridge. The flamboyant red trees blossoming along the road bring a tranquil and romantic scene for the passer-by. 

Huong River and Trang Tien Bridge

Dong Ba Market 

Dong Ba is the most famous larger-scale market in Hue imperial city but in central Vietnam. You can find everything at Dong Ba market like food, daily supplies, especially Hue specialties, etc. 

Tombs 

Tombs of the Kings under the Nguyen Dynasty is a place you can’t miss during your trip. There are seven tombs in total amongst the 13 Kings of this dynasty. Each of them has a unique architectural style, along with Eastern feng shui, and carries the King’s specific characteristics. That contributes to the unusual excellence of the tombs. 

Tu Duc Tomb

• Time for sightseeing: 7:00 - 17:00 everyday 

• Ticket fee:  VND 100.000/ticket (Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Khai Dinh) -  VND 40.000/ticket (Gia Long, Thieu Tri, Dong Khanh)

Thuan An Beach 

As a small beach near Hue, Thuan An beach is ideal for beach-lovers yet not want to go far. Thuan An beach, which stretches over one kilometer, makes a great impression on stunning sunsets and sunrise landscapes. Just standing on the seashore, you can feel the fresh air and clear crystal water running through your feet. 

Lang Co Gulf 

Lang Co is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a serene space amongst high mountains and pristine beaches. You can immerse yourself in clear water and curving white-sandy beaches covered by Hai Van pass when coming here. Lang Co is renowned as one of the most beautiful gulfs in the world. You will have an excellent chance to relax after many days of working hard and stay away from bustling city life. 

Tam Giang Lagoon 

As being the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia, Tam Giang Lagoon, along with the Thai Duong Ha fishing village, becomes an isolated oasis in marvelous nature landscapes. Besides magnificent nature, you can explore the daily life of local people in the fishing village. The life here is pretty lively in the morning, yet sometimes peaceful. Tam Giang Lagoon is also one of the best places in Hue imperial city for tourists to enjoy the sunset. 

Tam Giang Lagoon

Specialties in Hue imperial city 

Hue beef noodles 

The first specialty that you have to try is Hue beef noodles, Hue imperial city's icon. The authentic beef noodles in Hue must be different from the remixable beef noodles of somewhere along Vietnam. The ingredients include vermicelli, spacy broth as the favor of Hue people with pork-pie, and some fresh herbs. It makes delicious and authentic Hue beef noodles. 

Hue beef noodles

Addresses suggested:

• No. 17 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hue. 
• Tuyet Madam Eatery: No. 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue 
• Me Keo Eatery: No. 20 Bach Dang, Hue. 

Mussel Rice 

The next dish you must try to eat in Hue is mussel rice. It’s a typical dish here that you can see in many eateries in the street. You can enjoy a piece of tough and good mussel meat fried with fancy spices with white rice and pork rind. Besides, it is served with Hue shrimp paste, making it a perfect dish that satisfies any taste. 

Addresses suggested: 

• Nho Eatery: No. 28 Pham Hong Thai, Hue. 
• Eateries at Con Hen, Vi Da Ward, Hue. 

Various Hue cakes 

Cakes in Hue are very famous such as “Banh beo” (bloating fern-shaped cakes), “Banh bot loc” (dumplings), “Banh it” (“naked” small stuffed glutinous rice flour balls, and “banh nam” (flat rice flour dumpling from Hue). Those kinds of cakes are made from simple ingredients but have a great attraction to tourists. They become a favorite dish for both local people and tourists at any time. 

Addresses suggested: 

• Ba Do Eatery: No. 08 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Hue 
• No. 109 Le Huan 
• Food stalls at Tay Loc Market, Dong Ba Market

Sweet soups 

Sweet soups seem to be nosh dishes of cuisines of different parts of Vietnam. You can easily see many sweet soup stalls in any street of Hue. A glass of delicious sweet soup with various flavors satisfies your bud of taste. There are many well-known sweet soups such as corn, grilled pork wrapped in cassava flour, taro paste, etc. 

Address suggested: 

• Che Ngoc Hien at No. 65 Tran Hung Dao, Hue
• Che Thanh at No. 78 Mai Thuc Loan, Phu Hau Ward, Hue 
• Che Mo Ton Dich in front of Thuong Bac Park, Hue

Hue sour shrimp paste

Hue people always have an everlasting passion for “mắm,” a macerated fish or shrimp sauce. Amongst them, one of the most favorite spices by many tourists is sour shrimp paste. The unique thing here is that fresh shrimp merged into white wine, which gradually turns dark red. The sour shrimp paste tastes best when served with boiled-pork, rice paper, and fresh herbs. 

Address suggested: Tom chua To Viet at No. 95 Chi Lang, Hue. 

Nam Pho Bread Soup 

The bread soup is not strange to local people, but it has a unique Nam Pho village flavor. A bowl of flavored dressing, served full of crabs and shrimps, satisfies every food lover. 

Addresses suggested: 

• Quan Thuy at No. 16 Pham Hong Thai 
• Quan O Thu at No. 374 Chi Lang 

 Accommodations in Hue Imperial City 

Recently, accommodations in Hue have grown rapidly from homestays, hotels to luxurious resorts. Read on the lists of accommodations below for your memorable journey in Hue. 

Homestay Mosaic Garden

• Address: Van Duong Village, Thuy Van Ward, Huong Thuy Town, Hue 
• Price from VND 200.000 - 500.000/person/night 

Homestay Mosaic Garden is an accommodation designed as modern and simple architectures, bringing tranquility and close-nature for living spaces. The contemporary architectural styles bring the harmony of colors for the house. You can enjoy authentic Hue dishes made by the owner. 

EMT Homestay

• Address: No. 33 Nguyen Truong To, Phuoc Vinh, Hue. 
• Price from VND 350.000/person/night 

EMT homestay satisfies guests with its peace and the harmony with the living space of local people. The bonus point is that EMT homestay is very close to many famous attractions such as Bao Quoc Pagoda, Hue Imperial City, etc. With the reasonable price, the homestay is ideal for groups of friends and families to relax. You can feel like your home is full of furniture, comfortable, and excellent service compared to Hue’s luxurious hotels. 

EMM Hotel Hue 

Lying in Hue imperial city center, EMM Hotel is worth staying in for its modern design and fully-furnished rooms. All rooms are well-equipped with air-conditioners, bath-tub, TV, and a private balcony, along with 24/24 services. Especially, Spice Viet is one of the best restaurants for you to enjoy authentic Hue specialties. 

• Address: No. 15 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hue
• Price from VND 900.000 - 3.400.000/room/night 

Alba Spa Hotel Hue 

Nestled in the heart of Hue, Alba Spa Hotel is a peaceful accommodation for your mind, body, and soul. With its modern facilities and excellent services, Alba offers a distinctive spa hotel concept and health-care benefits for guests. Staying at Alba Spa Hotel brings you comfort and relaxation during the time in Hue, the imperial city. Furthermore, it’s home to the most significant hot and cold jacuzzi in Vietnam, promising to bring wonderful experiences. If you’re looking for an authentic cuisine experience, Madame Chau Restaurant, here is a perfect choice for you to discover local and foreign gastronomies. 

• Address: No. 29 Tran Quang Khai, Phu Hoi, Hue. 
• Price from VND 800.000 - 1.700.000/room/night 

Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa Hue

• Address: No. 130 Minh Mang, Thuy Xuan, Hue. 
• Price from VND 1.500.000/room/night. 

With the harmonious combination of traditional and conventional design, Pilgrimage Village has become a perfect resort for you to stay. Pilgrimage Village resort features 99 rooms, three restaurants, 4 bars, one spa, and other sports services. Besides, you can see specific Hue traditional cultures through exciting activities here. So Pilgrimage Village is considered one of the best resorts offering fully-furnished rooms, good cuisines, and excellent services. 

Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa Hue

• Address: Zone 1 Phu Loc, Hue 
• Price from VND 1.000.000 - 3.300.000/room/night 

Vedana Lagoon Resort carries modern architectural design, accompanied with traditional decorations. Staying at Vedana Resort, you can enjoy various therapy treatments and beauty spa. Besides, some healthcare classes are organized daily for tourists to join, such as Tai Chi and Yoga. You can find everything in one place, from luxurious rooms to various health-care services and water sports. So Vedana Lagoon is one of the best resorts in Hue that is highly recommended by tourists. 

The other experience to discover Hue imperial city 

• In peak seasons of tourism in Hue, like festivals, the number of tourists visiting this city increases. That leads to hotel rooms in Hue fall into overloading. Do not forget to book hotels in advance to make sure you have a suitable place to stay. 
• There are some specialties in Hue that you can buy as a souvenir, such as a poem conical hats, fermented pork roll, sesame candy, etc. 
• The complex of Hue Imperial City has a large area, so you’d determine which destinations you want to go to first. It can help you to save time and energy. 
• If your taste isn’t too spicy, you should talk to the cook before eating something. 
• Before using tourism services, shopping, and eating, you have to make sure you get the price first.