Hue’s antique charm, historical value, artistic and architectural significance, combined with affordable travel costs, an array of must-see sites, and impressive culture and cuisine, have made it a popular destination for international travelers.
The prestigious travel magazine, Lonely Planet, has listed Hue as one of the top 10 must-visit destinations in Vietnam. Similarly, the UK’s Vogue magazine recommended dishes to try in Vietnam, highlighting the famous Bun Bo Hue.
Impressed by Hue’s Culture and Cuisine
Indeed, Hue has left a lasting impression on international tourists. To them, Hue offers many fascinating experiences. In one article, Troy Nankervis, an Australian writer, shared his journey of discovering Hue during an extended trip to Vietnam.
“The food in Hue is deeply connected to the history of Vietnam’s royal family, and now, as a foreign visitor, I have the opportunity to taste dishes that have been passed down through generations. It’s incredible,” Troy Nankervis wrote.
“The aroma of lemongrass and mint surprised me as I stepped into a small kitchen in central Vietnam, and my taste buds immediately told me I was in for something delicious,” he described his culinary adventure in Hue.
Troy Nankervis in the Imperial City. Photo: Troy Nankervis
Previously, Hue was the cultural and political center of Vietnam from the early 1800s to 1945. The city of Hue was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. If you have the chance to visit the Perfume River, you’ll find it’s an ideal destination that has stood the test of time.
“Hue is characterized by a blend of history, mythology, and cuisine, making it a destination in Vietnam that I truly love,” Nankervis added.
Affordable travel costs
According to statistics from Intrepid Travel, the number of visitors to Vietnam in 2023 increased by 166% compared to 2022. Most travelers booking trips to Vietnam were from Australia (43%), followed by the UK (24%), the US, and New Zealand (11% each). Among the cities in Vietnam, Hue offers many attractions. Along with its affordable prices, the peaceful and gentle atmosphere of this destination, not as bustling as Ho Chi Minh City, makes it a worthwhile stop for travelers, especially those also planning to visit nearby Da Nang or Hoi An.
“Due to its affordability, our journey through Vietnam started in the capital, Hanoi, then moved to Hoi An (home to renowned silk tailors), the Mekong Delta, and ended in Ho Chi Minh City. Finally, we arrived in Hue, where our night train ride from Hanoi added a unique charm to our trip,” the author wrote.
“Like Bali and Thailand, getting around by motorbike is one of the best ways to see Vietnam, and this is how we spent our second day in Hue,” Nankervis shared.
Unique historical architecture
Tranquility is what anyone will notice upon arriving in Hue. Although it is a famous tourist city in Vietnam, Hue doesn’t have the same hustle and bustle as other places. Old houses, tree-lined streets, the still waters of the Perfume River, and the steady rhythm of bicycles on the road create a serene atmosphere in this ancient capital.
The Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Gia Long Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and many other architectural works are the most famous tourist attractions in Hue. According to Troy Nankervis, don’t forget to visit the Phu Hoi Night Market.
“Hue, a hidden gem of Vietnam, offers visitors a journey through palaces and historical imperial architecture. It was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The best time to visit Hue is from February to April. Hue is also just a short drive from Da Nang, the central commercial hub of Vietnam, and the UNESCO heritage city of Hoi An,” the author wrote.
Nankervis expressed a desire to return to Hue if given the opportunity for a longer stay.
Troy Nankervis is not the first international tourist to praise Hue on personal blogs or in foreign publications. In fact, through social media, many visitors to Hue have fallen in love with the city and are not shy about reviewing the development of Hue’s tourism.
Rain and floods make an impression too
In mid-November 2023, a post by Jack, a foreign tourist who visited Hue during flood season, attracted attention on social media. Jack humorously compared traveling in Vietnam to being in Venice.
Instead of worrying about the less-than-ideal travel conditions, he enjoyed a banh mi while watching boats pass by in the floodwaters. Despite the rain and flooding, Hue remained beautiful in the eyes of visitors, and exploring the city during the rainy season became a unique experience.
Also visiting Hue in November last year, Francois from France stayed a few days before the floods interrupted his trip. “This is my first time in Hue, and it’s also my first time encountering a flood during my travels. It’s definitely a memorable experience”, Francois shared while waiting for his flight out of Hue on November 15.
A group of tourists had to wade through water as they left the hotel. Photo: Francois
Initially, he and his companion planned to stay in Hue for three days before moving on to Hoi An. However, they had to book a flight out quickly before the floodwaters rose too high. Despite the inconveniences, the French tourist felt that the trip was overall satisfactory.
What left the deepest impression on him was seeing how the locals took care of each other during the floods and treated foreign visitors with kindness despite the challenges.
“The hotel owner was very kind, helping us arrange for a boat to come directly to the hotel and take us to catch a taxi to the airport. She even cooked us breakfast despite the hotel being flooded,” he said.
Nico Tempesta, an Italian tourist, was surprised by how calmly the locals dealt with the natural disaster. “What impressed me the most was the locals’ composure, they continued eating and drinking as if nothing was happening. They’ve clearly gotten used to it,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, Tammie, a Canadian tourist, arrived in Hue on November 16, right as the floodwaters were rising. She and her companions had to wade through the water to reach their hotel, accepting that they would have to cancel all their planned tours due to the bad weather.
However, good news soon arrived for Tammie and her group when the floodwaters began to recede on November 17. They could walk around the Imperial City and take cyclo rides through the streets. “The locals in Vietnam are incredibly resilient. Many places were back in operation. Everything turned out much better than expected”, Tammie shared.
Having experience in hosting guests during the rainy season, most hotels, resorts, and homestays in Hue are well-prepared to support tourists. This gives visitors peace of mind when traveling to Hue during the rainy season./.
Text: Q.Lien
