Hue is a city with a world cultural heritage and is situated on the country of Vietnam’s central plateau. The ancient capital has a long history and tradition with unique values and identity.
Visitors should grasp the most attractive eras of the historic capital of Hue in order to get the best possible tourist experience. The perfect time to visit Hue is during the first 3 to 4 months of the year when the temperature is cool. The tourist season runs from November of one year to April of the following. The greatest time to visit is from June to August when the sun is at its most gorgeous of the year and the sea is at its bluest, making it ideal for travelers who adore the mountains, the sea, and viewing the dawn and sunset.
A trip to Hue of approximately 3 days and 2 nights is both inexpensive and safe for visitor’s health. If you spend a lot of time and money in Hue, you can completely explore this imperial city. Here are some highly recommendations for activities and attractions.
Dong Ba Market
Here, visitors can freely find delicious cuisine, or browse around the shops for clothes, fabrics, hats, fish sauces, and cakes that are only available in Hue to buy and take home. Visitors are welcome to stop by the market whenever they wish because it is open from 7:00 a.m. to late in the day. However, more snack bars open beyond 4 o’clock. When buying, you can bargain.
Hue National School
Since King Thanh Thai’s rule ended in 1896, this is Hue’s first high school to be constructed. The school is located at 12 Le Loi Street, right in the center. Due to the size of the Hue National University campus, you can take a leisurely stroll through the corridors, classrooms, and schoolyard to view the historic French architecture and take photos for mementos. You can visit the school at noon like 11:30 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. to visit and take photos when there are no students. The parking fee to enter the school is 5,000 VND.
Huong River
If you have the opportunity, take a boat trip on the river to admire the poetic Huong River scenery. Visitors can board a dragon boat and enjoy the “specialties” of Hue music. Ca Hue is the interference and cultural absorption between royal court music and folk singing. Ticket prices for the Hue folk music program for about 1 hour on the Perfume River range from 100,000 – 150,000 VND per person.
Hue Citadel
Hue Citadel has more than 100 outstanding architectural works such as Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Palace, Truong Sanh Palace, Hung Mieu, The Mieu, etc. Because the campus of Hue Citadel is very large and the hot weather in the summer, you should come early in the morning as soon as it opens at 7 a.m. and bring a hat to protect yourself from the sun. You need at least 3 hours to visit the ruins. Tickets to the Citadel cost 200,000 VND per person.
An Dinh Palace
Referred to as the “summer palace” of the Hue court, An Dinh Palace has the appearance of a magnificent ancient European castle, but bears traditional Hue royal patterns. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, An Dinh Palace is considered a unique architectural work of art, representing the neoclassical school of architecture in Vietnam in the early 20th century.
Thien Mu Pagoda
About 5 km west of the Citadel and the center of Hue City, Thien Mu Pagoda is located on Ha Khe Hill, Kim Long Ward, facing the peaceful Perfume River. Visitors to Thien Mu Pagoda can visit the 7-storey Phuoc Duyen Tower, Dai Hung palace, gardens, pine forests, and relics display area of monk Thich Quang Duc.
