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With the hosting of the National Tourism Year 2025, Hue has a great opportunity to showcase its profound cultural and historical values, attracting a large number of visitors both from within and outside the country. Hue, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty, is not only an ideal destination to explore Vietnam's heritage but also a fantastic place to experience the unique culture of Central Vietnam. This article will bring you closer to the beauty and charm of Hue city.
Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, is home to the cultural and historical essence of the Nguyen Dynasty. With its intangible cultural heritage and unique architectural structures, Hue stands out for its ancient, tranquil beauty, offering visitors a sense of returning to the past. The city also boasts stunning natural landscapes with the Perfume River and the Ngự Bình mountain range, creating a poetic and romantic atmosphere.
By Air: Flying to Hue is the quickest and most convenient option, especially suitable for those with a busy schedule or those looking to save time. Phu Bai Airport is located about 15 km from Hue's city center, serving many daily flights from major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. From Phu Bai Airport, visitors can easily reach the center of Hue by taxi, bus, or hotel shuttle services. To save on costs, travelers can look for discounted flights to Hue during airline promotions.
By Train: The train is an ideal choice for those who want a slower travel experience and to enjoy the natural scenery along the way. The North-South Railway connects Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with Hue station being one of the major stops. One of the highlights of the train journey is the stretch through the Hai Van Pass, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful coastal and mountainous scenery of Central Vietnam. Additionally, trains offer a variety of ticket classes, from hard seats to air-conditioned sleeper beds, catering to different passenger needs. For a higher-quality experience, travelers can choose the SE1 or SE3 trains.
By Bus: The bus is an affordable means of transportation, ideal for those who want to travel to Hue on a lower budget. Sleeper buses are a popular choice for long trips as they are comfortable and reasonably priced. Particularly, for those traveling from Da Nang to Hue, buses passing through the Hai Van Pass or Hai Van Tunnel offer a chance to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty along the Central Coast.
Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest traditional market in Hue, with a history dating back to the reign of King Gia Long in the 19th century. It is not only a shopping hub but also a place to explore and experience local culture through stalls selling items like conical hats, sesame candy, shrimp paste, and other local specialties. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rhythm of life in Hue and discover unique souvenirs to take home as mementos.
Quoc Hoc Hue is a famous cultural and educational symbol, established in 1896. The school, with its classical French architecture and distinctive red color, has educated many notable figures in Vietnam’s history, such as President Ho Chi Minh and General Võ Nguyên Giáp. Strolling through the campus, visitors can feel the solemn atmosphere and appreciate the ancient beauty, making it an ideal destination for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Truong Tien Bridge, a symbol of Hue, was designed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower. The bridge, about 400 meters long, features a graceful arched design that spans the Perfume River. At night, the bridge is illuminated with colorful lights, creating a stunning visual effect. It is a perfect spot for visitors to take a leisurely walk, enjoy the cool breeze, and capture beautiful photographs.
The Perfume River is not only a river known for its poetic beauty in Hue but also for its deep cultural and historical significance. On the river, visitors can experience a dragon boat tour while listening to Hue's royal court music – an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. Immersing yourself in the picturesque riverscape, admiring the city from the river, and enjoying traditional melodies is an experience you cannot miss.
The Imperial City of Hue, or the Forbidden Purple City, was once the political and cultural center of the Nguyen Dynasty – the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam. With its grand architecture blending Asian and European styles, the Imperial City includes iconic structures such as the Ngo Mon Gate, the Thai Hoa Palace, and the Dien Tho Palace. The intricate carvings on the roofs, pillars, and walls create a sense of grandeur and uniqueness, offering visitors deeper insight into Hue's royal arts and culture. It is also part of the Complex of Hue Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phu Cam Cathedral, located on Phuoc Qua Hill, is a prominent architectural landmark in Hue, designed in a unique blend of Gothic and Indochinese styles. This historic structure was first built during the French colonial period and completed in the 1960s under the direction of architect Ngo Viet Thu. The cathedral's architectural highlights include two tall bell towers, a spacious interior, and an abundance of natural light. Phu Cam Cathedral hosts many significant Catholic events throughout the year, such as Easter and Christmas celebrations, attracting large crowds of both locals and visitors.
Each tomb of the Nguyen Dynasty kings showcases unique architecture that reflects the personality and philosophy of the monarch it was built for. Here are some of the famous tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty:
Gia Long Tomb: Located on a hill in the Thiên Thọ mountain range, Gia Long Tomb is designed harmoniously with nature, utilizing the surrounding hills to create a peaceful atmosphere. It is the final resting place of the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, and it bears a strong impression of his vision and ideas for the empire.
Minh Mang Tomb: Set in a beautiful location surrounded by lakes, bridges, and trees, the Minh Mang Tomb blends architecture and landscape, exuding grandeur and solemnity. It reflects the Confucian philosophy and life principles of Emperor Minh Mang.
Tu Duc Tomb: The Tu Duc Tomb is often described as a "resort villa" for King Tu Duc during his lifetime, featuring elegant architecture amidst trees and lakes. It serves both as a tomb and a place of relaxation, evoking a poetic and tranquil atmosphere.
Duc Duc Tomb: The Duc Duc Tomb is the resting place of King Duc Duc, along with two other Nguyen kings, Thanh Thai and Duy Tan. The tomb features simple architecture, not ornate but still retaining dignity and solemnity. Its design integrates closely with nature, providing a harmonious and peaceful ambiance, offering visitors a sense of calm and modesty, in contrast to the other royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Dong Khanh Tomb: Located to the southwest of the Imperial City of Hue, the Dong Khanh Tomb was built at the end of the 19th century. It stands out with a unique architectural style that blends traditional Vietnamese elements with Western influences, evident in its special decorations and motifs. The tomb complex is divided into several areas, including the front hall, rear hall, and temples, reflecting the cultural and political transitions of the time.
Khai Dinh Tomb: Known for its remarkable architecture, Khai Dinh Tomb combines Eastern and Western cultural elements, especially with intricate carvings made from porcelain, ceramics, and glass. The tomb's luxurious design and attention to detail reflect the opulent lifestyle and unique character of King Khai Dinh.
Thiên Mụ Pagoda, located on Ha Khe Hill beside the Perfume River, is the oldest and most famous pagoda in Hue. The most notable feature of the pagoda is the Phước Duyên Tower, a seven-story structure built in 1844 during the reign of Emperor Thiệu Trị. Both the Phước Duyên Tower and Thiên Mụ Pagoda are not only significant tourist attractions but also spiritual symbols of Hue. Visitors can enjoy the stunning natural surroundings and hear the sound of the temple bells ringing, which evokes a sense of peace and tranquility.
Located about 13 kilometers from the center of Hue, Thuận An Beach is one of the ideal resorts with a long stretch of white sand and clear blue waters. The beach offers a perfect spot for relaxation, connecting with nature, and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. Thuận An is also where the Perfume River meets the East Sea, creating a unique and captivating landscape. Visitors can immerse themselves in the cool water, take part in outdoor activities, or enjoy fresh seafood right on the beach.
Hue cuisine has long captivated visitors with its intricacy, variety, and deep central Vietnamese flavor. Each dish is not just about taste, but also a delicate combination of color and decoration artistry. Here are some must-try dishes when visiting Hue:
Bún Bò Huế: Bún Bò Huế is the soul of Hue's cuisine with its spicy, rich broth made from bones and lemongrass, paired with shrimp paste for a unique flavor. The dish features tender pork knuckle and beef, along with fresh herbs. For an authentic experience, visit one of the famous eateries along the Perfume River or near the Truong Tien Bridge.
Cơm Hến: A simple yet refined dish, Cơm Hến is made from leftover rice mixed with stir-fried clams, roasted peanuts, fried pork skin, and aromatic herbs like Vietnamese coriander and pennywort, all blended with shrimp paste. This dish is often sold near Dong Ba Market, where visitors can enjoy it while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Bánh Bèo, Bánh Nậm, Bánh Bột Lọc: These traditional Hue cakes symbolize the region's culinary craftsmanship. Bánh Bèo features soft rice flour with a crispy shrimp topping, Bánh Nậm is thin and delicate, wrapped in banana leaves with shrimp and pork filling, and Bánh Bột Lọc is chewy with fresh shrimp and pork. These cakes are often served with sweet-sour fish sauce and can be found at street-side stalls throughout the city.
Chè Huế: Hue’s diverse desserts, like Chè Bột Lọc, Chè Đậu Xanh, Chè Hạt Sen, and Chè Thập Cẩm, offer distinct flavors and are made with care and vibrant colors. These sweets are not only a popular dessert but also a part of Hue's cultural fabric, often found at street vendors or traditional dessert shops.
Nem Lụi and Bánh Khoái: These dishes are often served together, offering the rich flavors of Hue street food. Nem Lụi is minced pork wrapped around a bamboo skewer and grilled, served with fresh herbs and rice paper. Bánh Khoái is the crispy, flavorful version of bánh xèo, served with a special dipping sauce made from pork liver and peanuts. These can easily be found at night markets or street-side eateries.
Hue, the National Tourism Destination of 2025, is home to ancient landmarks from the Nguyen Dynasty, the poetic Perfume River, and a rich culinary tradition. Not only a keeper of Vietnam’s history, Hue is the perfect destination for those wishing to explore central Vietnam's culture. Plan your visit and book your tickets now to fully experience the beauty and heritage of this former imperial city!
