Hue: A Cultural Gem in Central Vietnam for Indian Travelers
Hue, nestled in Vietnam’s central region, is a city rich in cultural and historical heritage that promises to captivate the hearts of Indian travelers. Once the feudal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue’s imperial legacy is evident in its streets, monuments, and architecture. Moreover, Hue’s cuisine is a gastronomic delight, featuring aromatic and flavorful dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
As you wander through Hue, you’ll be charmed by its moss-covered pagodas, art deco mansions, and vibrant markets, all set against a backdrop of lush greenery. The serene Huong River, flowing through the heart of Hue, adds a tranquil and soothing vibe to the city. Hue is truly a feast for the senses and a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit Hue
The best time to visit Hue is from November to April, with the peak tourist season in the first three to four months of the year when the weather is cool. For those who love mountains, beaches, sunrises, and sunsets, June to August is ideal as the sun is at its brightest, and the sea is the bluest.
Hue has a rainy season and a less rainy season. The less rainy season lasts from March to August, with hot and oppressive weather. From September to January, Hue experiences the rainy season with cooler weather, particularly stormy from October to November. Spring (late January to March) brings beautiful weather with light sunshine and occasional chilly spells. Summer (April to July) is hot, perfect for beach lovers, and the city is adorned with the colors of orchids, peach blossoms, and Bang Lang flowers. August marks the beginning of autumn, the most beautiful season in Hue.
How to Get to Hue from India
To reach Hue from India, the most convenient option is to fly to Da Nang International Airport, the closest airport to Hue. Direct flights are available from major Indian cities such as Delhi and Mumbai to Da Nang via connecting flights. From Da Nang Airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Hue, approximately 100 kilometers away.
Alternatively, you can travel by train or bus from major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Hue. The journey by train or bus can take anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, depending on the route and mode of transport. Once in Hue, you can hire a motorbike or take a taxi to explore the city and its surroundings.
Getting Around Hue
Renting a motorbike from your accommodation is a cost-effective way to explore Hue, giving you the freedom to stop and explore along the way. Standard motorbikes rent for around 80,000 VND per day, while automatic scooters cost about 130,000 VND per day, excluding fuel.
Another fun way to explore Hue is by taking a cyclo ride. Cyclo drivers often double as tour guides, taking visitors to popular destinations like Truong Tien Bridge and Dong Ba Market. Tours usually last an hour, with prices ranging from 50,000 to 120,000 VND depending on the destination and travel time.
Accommodation in Hue
Hue offers a range of reasonably priced accommodations. It’s recommended to book a place in the city center, close to the train and bus stations for easy access to local attractions and food spots.
Homestays and hostels in the city center, such as A-Maze House, Sunshine, To Vo, and Tram, offer rates between 100,000 and 200,000 VND per night, ideal for solo travelers or groups of friends. For groups, booking in advance through online platforms like Booking, Agoda, Traveloka, or Vntrip can secure better prices.
For those seeking luxury, Hue has a variety of 4-5 star hotels and resorts, including Banyan Tree Lang Co, Laguna Lang Co, Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, La Poet Hotel, Lapochine Beach Resort, Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa, Indochine Palace, Imperial Hotel Hue, Azerai La Residence Hue, and Vinpearl. Room rates range from approximately 2,000,000 to 8,000,000 VND per night.
Top Things to Do in Hue
- Explore Imperial Vietnam: Discover the palaces, pavilions, and theaters of the Hue Citadel and visit the tombs of emperors Tu Duc, Minh Mang, and Khai Dinh.
- Taste Hue’s Cuisine: Visit Dong Ba Market and sample local snacks like Banh Khoai and Banh Beo.
- Discover Buddhist Heritage: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda with its iconic seven-tiered tower and Tu Hieu Monastery, where Thich Nhat Hanh spent his novice monk days.
- Cycle in the Rice Paddies: Enjoy a bike ride to Thanh Toan Bridge, passing vegetable farms, footbridges, and flocks of ducks.
- Revisit Colonial History: Stroll down Le Loi to see French-influenced architecture, including the art deco La Residence Hotel and the stately Quoc Hoc High School.
A Foodie Guide to Hue
Hue cuisine is famous for its delicious and aesthetically pleasing dishes. Must-try dishes include bun bo, com hen, banh canh, banh beo, nam, loc, banh ep, banh uot thit nuong, and che. Prices range from 7,000 to 20,000 VND for smaller dishes, while more filling options like bun bo and com niu cost around 30,000 VND. With 100,000 to 300,000 VND, you can enjoy a satisfying meal.
For drinks, try Tao Pho, soy milk, che, and banh loc with roasted pork. These start at 15,000 VND and are available at many street vendors. Che Mo Ton Dich near Thuong Bac Park is a popular spot for Hue-style che.
To find authentic Hue cuisine, look for places in small alleys or with simple signs. Names starting with “Mụ,” “Mệ,” “O,” or “Bé” are usually run by Hue natives and offer authentic dishes. Additionally, the older the owner, the better the food.
Suggested Food Addresses in Hue:
- Bun bo Hue at 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, 20 Bach Đang, 17 Hung Vuong
- Banh beo nam loc at O Le, alley 104/17/9 Kim Long
- Banh Hue at Luu Ngoc, 70 Kim Long
- Sua chua (yogurt) at various locations
- Grilled meat wrapped in rice paper at Huyen Anh, 52/11 Kim Long
- Com hen at Hoa Đong, 64 alley 7 Ung Binh
- Boiled meat rolled in sour shrimp sauce at the An Cuu riverbank
- Banh ep at 20 Nguyen Du
- Che Ong Lac, 36 Thanh Tinh
- Che Hue Kinh Do, 65 Tran Hung Dao
- Dong Ba Market
- Pho Tay Hue (walking street)
What to Buy as a Gift
When shopping for souvenirs in Hue, consider buying Hue royal tea, lotus tea, nem cha (grilled pork roll), various fish sauces, dau tram (essential oil), dried banh ep, sesame candy, conical hats, or items featuring images of Hue’s landscapes.
Your Journey with AVS
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