For generations, Hue has been synonymous with the dreamy, ancient charm of a royal capital, even though it is now one of Vietnam’s major cities. If you suddenly feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, keep these self-guided Hue travel tips in mind to immerse yourself in the unique pace of this historical city.
Photo: baochinhphu.vn
When is the Best Time to Visit Hue?
Located between the North and South of Vietnam, Hue’s weather is a blend of both regions, making it less harsh and fairly mild. The rainy season in Hue starts in May and lasts until November, coinciding with the peak of storms and floods, so it’s crucial to check the weather before planning your trip. Although Hue doesn’t experience a distinct winter like northern provinces, temperatures can still drop below 10 degrees Celsius.
According to many self-guided travel experiences, the best time to visit Hue is during the transition periods between spring-summer and autumn-winter. April to May offers pleasant, mild weather, ideal for all kinds of activities. Not to mention, every two years, the Hue Festival is held at the end of April, celebrating cultural heritage and promoting tourism. Visiting Hue during this time will guarantee a memorable trip.
Although Hue doesn’t have a specific flower season like Hanoi (where each month has its own bloom), it still boasts a variety of stunning flowers year-round. March to April is the season for the parasol tree flowers; summer is when the flamboyant trees bloom bright red next to Trang Tien Bridge. From May to August, the lotus flowers in the Imperial City are in full bloom, adding to the poetic beauty of this ancient capital.
Photo: vietnamtourism.gov.vn
How to Get to Hue?
Option 1: By Airplane
As a major city in central Vietnam, Hue is served by Phu Bai international Airport, making it convenient for travelers. If you prefer not to spend too much time on transportation, the quickest way is to book a flight to Hue, and in about an hour, you’ll arrive at your destination.
Phu Bai Airport is 15 km from the city center, so after landing, you have two options to reach the city: taking a taxi (around 250,000 VND per trip) or the airport shuttle bus.
Phu Bai international Airport. Photo: dangcongsan.vn
Option 2: By Train
Traveling by train is an interesting option for those who want to enjoy the scenic beauty along the way. A one-way ticket from Hanoi to Hue ranges from 700,000 VND to 1,200,000 VND. Tickets from Saigon to Hue are slightly more expensive.
If you’re combining a trip to both Hue and Da Nang, you can save time and money since the train ride from Da Nang to Hue only takes about 3 hours, with ticket prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 150,000 VND per passenger.
Option 3: By Bus
The most affordable option is to travel to Hue by bus. There are many high-quality sleeper bus services from various provinces across the country to Hue.
From Hanoi, companies like Hoang Long, Camel Travel, and The Sinh Tourist offer tickets ranging from 250,000 VND to 350,000 VND per trip, with travel times between 12 and 16 hours.
From Saigon, you can choose companies like Tam Minh Phuong, Minh Duc, Hoang Long, or Huong Ty, with ticket prices ranging from 400,000 VND to 650,000 VND per trip. The journey takes about 20 to 24 hours.
From Da Nang, there are numerous options, with popular ones being The Sinh Tourist, HAV Limousine, and Huetourist. Comfortable bus seats cost between 80,000 VND and 180,000 VND per trip, taking around 2 hours to reach Hue.
Getting Around in Hue
Transportation is probably one of the last things you need to worry about when planning your Hue trip. The city offers various convenient and readily available options for exploration.
Motorbike: At the top of the list, especially for backpackers, is renting a motorbike. As a tourist city, Hue has numerous motorbike rental services with affordable prices ranging from 100,000 VND to 120,000 VND per day (excluding fuel costs). The easiest way is to contact your hotel in Hue, as most offer this service.
Taxi: If you prefer not to drive, taxis are readily available to take you wherever you need to go. Some popular taxi companies in Hue include Dong Ba (Tel: 0234.3.84.84.84), Mai Linh (Tel: 0234.3.89.89.89), Phu Xuan (Tel: 0234.3.87.87.87), and Thanh Cong (Tel: 0234.3.57.57.57).
Car Rental: If you have a driver’s license, renting a car for a family or group trip can be a fun experience. Car rental prices in Hue range from 500,000 VND to 900,000 VND per day.
Bicycle: Hue’s dreamy atmosphere and slow pace of life make it the perfect place to rent a bicycle and explore the city. Bicycle rentals are very affordable, at just 50,000 VND per day.
Cyclo: Although cyclos are becoming rare, they are still a vibrant part of tourism in major cities. Cyclo rides are also budget-friendly, costing around 20,000 VND per person per hour for a leisurely tour, with the bonus of a local guide sharing interesting stories. Keep in mind that cyclos in Hue are operated independently, so it’s best to agree on the price before starting your journey.
Must-Visit Attractions in Hue
- Hue Imperial City:
No self-guided Hue travel experience would be complete without visiting the Hue Imperial City. As the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty for 143 years, Hue’s Imperial City has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. The Imperial City covers 520 hectares and is separated into two sections: one for commoners and officials, and the other, the Forbidden Purple City, for the royal family.
- Quoc Tu Giam:
Initially established in Thang Long during the Ly Dynasty, Quoc Tu Giam served as a Confucian academy. At that time, Hue’s Quoc Tu Giam was the country’s only university, gathering and educating hundreds of talents during the Nguyen era. Today, it has been transformed into the Thua Thien Hue Historical Museum, preserving historical artifacts from various periods, especially the revolutionary and resistance eras.
Photo: Department of Culture and Sports of Thua Thien Hue province
- Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities:
Built by King Thieu Tri as a place for relaxation and reading, Long An Palace has been repurposed as the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. The museum houses royal artifacts, offering an intimate look at the golden days of yore.
- Thien Mu Pagoda:
Perched on Ha Khe Hill on the left bank of the Perfume River, Thien Mu Pagoda has long been a symbol of Hue’s poetic beauty. Built in 1601 by the first Nguyen lord, Nguyen Hoang, it remains the largest pagoda of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The pagoda is famous for Phuoc Duyen Tower and the sound of its bell, which resonates far and wide. What makes Thien Mu Pagoda’s bell unique is that it’s rung twice daily, at 3:30 AM and 7:30 PM, each time for 108 chimes over the course of an hour. Only those with dedication and practice can master this task.
- The Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors:
If you visit Hue without exploring the royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors, you haven’t truly experienced the city. These unique architectural marvels are a highlight of any tour, revealing much about the lives of the kings of that era.
The tombs of Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, and Gia Long each showcase distinct architectural styles. Through these monuments, visitors can gain insight into the lives of these historical figures.
Tombo of Gia Long. Photo: thuathienhue.gov.vn
Besides these famous landmarks, Hue has many other attractions, such as Vong Canh Hill, Ngu Binh Mountain, and the Perfume River. To fully explore these sites, you’ll need at least 4-5 days in Hue. Each monument and relic offers its own unique, memorable experience./.
Text: Q.Lien
