Hue is just the provincial city of Thua Thien Hue Province, but people often use it to refer to the whole province. It had been the imperial capital of Vietnam for over 100 years and the cultural beating heart of the country. This laid-back city is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Vietnam.
Hue Citadel is the only citadel in Vietnam that still preserves most of its architecture. Photo: Bamboo Airways
But the province is not only ancient ruins. It packs a serious punch with unique cuisine and beautiful scenery. If you ever come here, you might feel the pace of life flowing slowly and gently along Huong River. Let’s go deeper into the article when we learn about Hue with Asia King Travel.
History
Hue became a part of Vietnam in the 14th century when Champa King offered the land to Dai Viet as a wedding tribute. In 1558, Lord Nguyen Hoang went south to avoid Trinh Lords’ influence. Perfume River snaking through and protective mountains made it an ideal imperial capital.
High-ranking officials of the Nguyen Dynasty. Photo: Thua Thien Hue Library
Although it seemed like the dynasty would collapse after being defeated by the Tay Son Dynasty, Nguyen Anh brought it back to rule the country in 1802. Nguyen Dynasty ruled from Hue until 1945, leaving behind the sprawling Imperial City and royal tombs as their legacy.
King Bao Dai abdicated, marking the end of the feudal period. Hue reverted to being a province. Sadly, it did not find peace during the Vietnam War. The fierce war caused severe damage to the province, and the imperial citadel was also heavily bombed. After reunification in 1975, the province slowly rebuilt its historic core.
South Vietnamese Liberation Army entered the Imperial Citadel in Tet Offensive of 1968. Photo: Vietnam Ministry of National Defence
Today, the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas have been painstakingly restored as proud reminders of the city's regal past. Despite the wars, it maintained its intellectual and cultural traditions. Walking on streets lined with ancient houses, temples and citadels is like strolling through a living museum.
Location
Hue is right in the middle of Vietnam, about halfway between the northern and southern regions. The city is fairly compact, but the province stretches out quite a bit. You will see the coastal lowlands to the east, Truong Son and Bach Ma Moutain Range to the west and south. With its diverse landscapes from sandy beaches to misty mountains, here makes for a scenic home base to experience the best of Central Vietnam.
Hue is located in the center of Vietnam. Photo: Google Maps
How to get there
By Plane
The nearest airport in Hue is Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) about 20 kilometers from the city center. It has flights from major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Flying is the quickest way to get there if you're coming from far away. Flights from Hanoi take around 1 hour, while from Ho Chi Minh City is about 1 hour 20 minutes. There are also international connections from Singapore, Seoul, and Taipei.
By Road
Driving to Hue is very doable if you have some extra time. The roads are decent and scenic routes hug the coastline. From Hanoi, it's around a 12-hour drive covering 760 kilometers. From Ho Chi Minh City, it's over 950 kilometers which takes at least 16 hours of drive time. Self-driving gives you flexibility, but buses are also an affordable option. Popular tourist buses run daily routes between Hue and other major cities.
Truong Tien Bridge - Another symbol of Hue. Photo: Visit Hue
By Train
One of the most convenient and memorable ways to reach is by train. The Reunification Express runs the entire length of Vietnam, with Hue being a major stop. It takes about 15 hours in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The routes are incredibly scenic, passing over mountains, along the coast, through rice paddies. Hue Station is also a romantic place to check in.
Hue has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it's hot and humid most of the year. The temperatures are pretty consistent, ranging from 24 to 32 Celcius year-round. There are two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season runs from March through August, with the hottest months being June through August. This is a great time to visit as little rain and humidity isn't too oppressive.
Hue is not a bustling, noisy city. Photo: VOV
The rainy season is from September through February. Downpours can make sightseeing unpleasant during this time of year. The best times to visit are typically the shoulder months of September-November when temperatures are cool and rainfall is moderate.
Hue's Specialties
Bun bo Hue
This iconic noodle soup is Hue's claim to culinary fame. A flavor-packed broth made from beef bones and lemongrass forms the base, with thick noodles, tender slices of beef, and lots of fresh herbs and veggies added in. The complex broth packs a spicy punch that'll wake up your tastebuds. Bun bo Hue is a must-try when visiting the city that gave it its name.
An exceptional dish as populas as beff pho. Photo: MIA
Mussel rice
Mussel rice or com hen is a beloved Hue specialty of cold rice smothered in tiny mussels. When enjoying this dish, you will feel the cool and fresh flavor in each spoonful of stir-fried mussel, along with the spicy and numbing taste of the seasoned spices. This dish gives the eater a feeling of both lightness and richness in a strange way.
Mussel rice has simple ingredients and preparation, but its flavor is irresistible. Photo: Crystal Bay
Sour fermented shrimp
Fermented shrimp is a folk dish of Hue people. They marinate shrimp with various spices to create a sour dish that can be eaten year-round. The shirmp has a salty, sweet, sour, and spicy taste. The dish is often eaten with rice or as a dipping sauce for boiled meat, spring rolls, and chung cake.
The dish has the characteristic sour and spicy flavor of central Vietnamese cuisine. Photo: VinWonders
Minh Mang tea
Minh Mang was the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. He had an extraordinary work ethic. Every decision, from national policy to local affairs, had to go through him. It's rumored that a special court tea recipe contributed to his robust health. This tea was brewed from a unique blend of 18 rare herbs, offering numerous health benefits, especially for men.
A precious souvernir gift for gentlemen. Photo: Tra Cung Dinh Hue
Conclusion
A dreamy and ancient Hue is always welcoming you. A peaceful city for you to slow down in the flow of time. Come here to enjoy delicious food and experience the royal culture. Contact Asia King Travel for a trip that will surely not disappoint you!
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Hue is just the provincial city of Thua Thien Hue Province, but people often use it to refer to the whole province. It had been the imperial capital of Vietnam for over 100 years and the cultural beating heart of the country. This laid-back city is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Vietnam.
Hue Citadel is the only citadel in Vietnam that still preserves most of its architecture. Photo: Bamboo Airways
But the province is not only ancient ruins. It packs a serious punch with unique cuisine and beautiful scenery. If you ever come here, you might feel the pace of life flowing slowly and gently along Huong River. Let’s go deeper into the article when we learn about Hue with Asia King Travel.
History
Hue became a part of Vietnam in the 14th century when Champa King offered the land to Dai Viet as a wedding tribute. In 1558, Lord Nguyen Hoang went south to avoid Trinh Lords’ influence. Perfume River snaking through and protective mountains made it an ideal imperial capital.
High-ranking officials of the Nguyen Dynasty. Photo: Thua Thien Hue Library
Although it seemed like the dynasty would collapse after being defeated by the Tay Son Dynasty, Nguyen Anh brought it back to rule the country in 1802. Nguyen Dynasty ruled from Hue until 1945, leaving behind the sprawling Imperial City and royal tombs as their legacy.
King Bao Dai abdicated, marking the end of the feudal period. Hue reverted to being a province. Sadly, it did not find peace during the Vietnam War. The fierce war caused severe damage to the province, and the imperial citadel was also heavily bombed. After reunification in 1975, the province slowly rebuilt its historic core.
South Vietnamese Liberation Army entered the Imperial Citadel in Tet Offensive of 1968. Photo: Vietnam Ministry of National Defence
Today, the Imperial Citadel, royal tombs, and pagodas have been painstakingly restored as proud reminders of the city's regal past. Despite the wars, it maintained its intellectual and cultural traditions. Walking on streets lined with ancient houses, temples and citadels is like strolling through a living museum.
Location
Hue is right in the middle of Vietnam, about halfway between the northern and southern regions. The city is fairly compact, but the province stretches out quite a bit. You will see the coastal lowlands to the east, Truong Son and Bach Ma Moutain Range to the west and south. With its diverse landscapes from sandy beaches to misty mountains, here makes for a scenic home base to experience the best of Central Vietnam.
Hue is located in the center of Vietnam. Photo: Google Maps
How to get there
By Plane
The nearest airport in Hue is Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) about 20 kilometers from the city center. It has flights from major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Flying is the quickest way to get there if you're coming from far away. Flights from Hanoi take around 1 hour, while from Ho Chi Minh City is about 1 hour 20 minutes. There are also international connections from Singapore, Seoul, and Taipei.
By Road
Driving to Hue is very doable if you have some extra time. The roads are decent and scenic routes hug the coastline. From Hanoi, it's around a 12-hour drive covering 760 kilometers. From Ho Chi Minh City, it's over 950 kilometers which takes at least 16 hours of drive time. Self-driving gives you flexibility, but buses are also an affordable option. Popular tourist buses run daily routes between Hue and other major cities.
Truong Tien Bridge - Another symbol of Hue. Photo: Visit Hue
By Train
One of the most convenient and memorable ways to reach is by train. The Reunification Express runs the entire length of Vietnam, with Hue being a major stop. It takes about 15 hours in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The routes are incredibly scenic, passing over mountains, along the coast, through rice paddies. Hue Station is also a romantic place to check in.
Weather
Hue has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it's hot and humid most of the year. The temperatures are pretty consistent, ranging from 24 to 32 Celcius year-round. There are two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season runs from March through August, with the hottest months being June through August. This is a great time to visit as little rain and humidity isn't too oppressive.
Hue is not a bustling, noisy city. Photo: VOV
The rainy season is from September through February. Downpours can make sightseeing unpleasant during this time of year. The best times to visit are typically the shoulder months of September-November when temperatures are cool and rainfall is moderate.
Hue's Specialties
Bun bo Hue
This iconic noodle soup is Hue's claim to culinary fame. A flavor-packed broth made from beef bones and lemongrass forms the base, with thick noodles, tender slices of beef, and lots of fresh herbs and veggies added in. The complex broth packs a spicy punch that'll wake up your tastebuds. Bun bo Hue is a must-try when visiting the city that gave it its name.
An exceptional dish as populas as beff pho. Photo: MIA
Mussel rice
Mussel rice or com hen is a beloved Hue specialty of cold rice smothered in tiny mussels. When enjoying this dish, you will feel the cool and fresh flavor in each spoonful of stir-fried mussel, along with the spicy and numbing taste of the seasoned spices. This dish gives the eater a feeling of both lightness and richness in a strange way.
Mussel rice has simple ingredients and preparation, but its flavor is irresistible. Photo: Crystal Bay
Sour fermented shrimp
Fermented shrimp is a folk dish of Hue people. They marinate shrimp with various spices to create a sour dish that can be eaten year-round. The shirmp has a salty, sweet, sour, and spicy taste. The dish is often eaten with rice or as a dipping sauce for boiled meat, spring rolls, and chung cake.
The dish has the characteristic sour and spicy flavor of central Vietnamese cuisine. Photo: VinWonders
Minh Mang tea
Minh Mang was the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. He had an extraordinary work ethic. Every decision, from national policy to local affairs, had to go through him. It's rumored that a special court tea recipe contributed to his robust health. This tea was brewed from a unique blend of 18 rare herbs, offering numerous health benefits, especially for men.
A precious souvernir gift for gentlemen. Photo: Tra Cung Dinh Hue
Conclusion
A dreamy and ancient Hue is always welcoming you. A peaceful city for you to slow down in the flow of time. Come here to enjoy delicious food and experience the royal culture. Contact Asia King Travel for a trip that will surely not disappoint you!