Hue Ancient Capital

It seems that every city in Vietnam has its own unique nickname: Hanoi, the thousand-year-old cultural capital; Saigon, the precious gem of the Far East; and Hue, the dreamy land, the ancient capital that, despite the passage of a hundred years, still retains its ancient, gentle, and enchanting charm, as if time slows down in this place.

However, Hue doesn't only possess ancient relics. As the central hub of the Central region, Thua Thien - Hue Province in particular, and the city of Hue in general, are favored by nature, nestled amidst a myriad of beautiful landscapes encompassing the sea, rivers, mountains, and mountain passes. What are you waiting for? Why not take along the following travel experiences for Hue and begin to envision a serene journey, unhurried and leisurely, savoring the beauty of this extraordinary land?

The ideal time to travel to Huế, a city located in the transitional region between Northern and Southern Vietnam, is during the transitional periods between two seasons: spring to summer and autumn to winter.

• April to May: This time offers a mild and pleasant climate, suitable for various activities. Additionally, every two years, the Huế Festival takes place at the end of April, aiming to honor cultural heritage and promote tourism. If you visit Huế during this time, your trip is guaranteed to be exceptionally rewarding.
• Hue's Flower Seasons: Comparable to Hanoi's 12 flower seasons, Huế boasts numerous captivating flower species that bloom year-round. March and April showcase fields of wildflowers; summer sees the vibrant red phoenix flowers blossoming near Tràng Tiền Bridge; and from May to August, lotus flowers bloom gracefully within the Imperial Citadel. All of these contribute to the dreamy beauty of this ancient capital.

Getting to Huế:

By plane: As a major city in Central Vietnam, Huế is equipped with Phú Bài Airport, making travel convenient. For those who want to save time, the quickest option is to purchase a flight ticket to Huế, allowing you to relax in the sky for around 1 hour to reach your destination.

• A flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Huế takes just about 30 minutes.
• A flight from Hanoi to Huế also takes approximately 1 hour.

By train: Traveling by train offers an intriguing way to soak in the beauty of the landscape along the route.

• The train journey from Hanoi to Huế takes approximately 14 hours.
• The train journey from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Huế spans from around 18 to 22 hours. If you're considering combining your travel between Huế and Đà Nẵng, opting for the train can save time and budget, as the train journey from Đà Nẵng to Huế only takes 3 hours.

By bus: Opting for bus travel is the most economical choice. Numerous high-quality sleeper bus companies operate routes to Huế from various provinces and cities across the country.

Transportation in Huế:

Transportation is perhaps one of the last things you need to worry about when exploring travel experiences in Huế. This city offers countless ways for you to discover its charms, all of which are readily available and convenient.

• Motorbike: As a tourist city, Huế offers a diverse range of motorbike rental services at affordable prices. The simplest way is to contact hotels in Huế, as most of them provide this service for travelers.
• Taxi: If you prefer not to drive long distances yourself, taxis are readily available to accompany you on every road.
• Bicycle: With its dreamy ambiance and slow-paced lifestyle, Huế is an ideal place to rent a bicycle and leisurely explore the city.
• Cyclo (Rickshaw): Though rare in many places now, cyclos are still lively and active in famous tourist cities. Cyclo fares are also quite budget-friendly for an exploratory journey, and you'll have a local person to share interesting stories with you.

Inside the Imperial City (Citadel of Huế):

The Citadel of Huế is a must-visit destination in any Huế travel experience. As the capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty for 143 years, the Citadel of Huế has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. Covering an area of 520 hectares, the Citadel is divided into two main parts: the living area for commoners and officials, and the Imperial City – the residence and workplace of the kings and royal family.

In simple terms, the Imperial City is the second layer of fortifications within the Huế Citadel complex and served as the workplace of the Nguyen dynasty's rulers. The final layer of fortifications within the Huế Citadel is the Forbidden Purple City, containing palaces where the kings and the royal family carried out their daily activities.

The construction of the impressive structures within the Imperial City spanned multiple reigns of kings and took place over an extended period. However, all were built according to strict architectural principles of the feudal era, using the most luxurious materials such as enamel, Bat Trang glazed ceramics, and intricate decorative patterns.

Some important landmarks within the Imperial City of Huế:

• Ngọ Môn (Noon Gate): As the main gate of the Imperial City, Ngọ Môn witnessed numerous significant historical events. It was constructed during the reign of Emperor Minh Mạng and served as a venue for important ceremonies and events, including Emperor Bảo Đại's abdication declaration in 1945.

• Kỳ đài (Flag Tower): Positioned at the southern part of the Imperial City, Kỳ đài is a flagpole used for displaying flags of the dynasty. It stands as a symbol of the king's authority and faces south, symbolizing the king's rule over the entire country.

• Điện Thái Hòa (Hall of Supreme Harmony): This hall is where the kings of the Nguyen dynasty were crowned. It's a symbol of royal power and the site where important court ceremonies such as coronations, receptions for foreign dignitaries, and royal birthdays took place.
• Quốc Tử Giám – Bảo tàng Lịch sử Thừa Thiên Huế (Quốc Tử Giám - Thừa Thiên Huế History Museum): Originally established in Thăng Long during the Lý dynasty, Quốc Tử Giám was relocated to Huế during the Nguyen dynasty. Today, it serves as the Thừa Thiên Huế History Museum, preserving historical artifacts from different periods, including the intense struggle during the resistance wars.

• Điện Long An – Bảo tàng Cổ vật Cung đình Huế (Điện Long An - Imperial City Relics Museum): Initially constructed by Emperor Thiệu Trị as a resting place and study area, Điện Long An is now transformed into the Imperial City Relics Museum. It houses imperial artifacts, providing a closer look at the opulent lifestyle of the past.
• Outside the Imperial City of Huế:
• Chùa Thiên Mụ (Thiên Mụ Pagoda): Perched beautifully on Hà Khê Hill, overlooking the Perfume River, Thiên Mụ Pagoda is a symbol of dreamlike Huế. Built in 1601 by the first Nguyen king, Nguyễn Hoàng, it is a significant landmark in the region.

• Perfume River: Flowing through the ancient capital, Perfume River graces Huế with its serene presence. There are various ways to enjoy the river's beauty, such as admiring it from Thiên Mụ Pagoda, taking a dragon boat ride, or listening to traditional Huế songs on the river at night.
• Tràng Tiền Bridge: As an iconic symbol of Huế, Tràng Tiền Bridge spans the Perfume River and is a source of local pride. Originally built over 200 years ago with bamboo, it was later reconstructed with iron by the French. The bridge is particularly beautiful during the summer when the red phoenix flowers bloom, adding a touch of color to the tranquil scene.

• Đông Ba Market: Đông Ba Market is the most famous market not only in Huế but also across the central region. This bustling market offers a wide range of goods from daily necessities to Huế specialties such as dried lotus seeds from Hồ Tịnh Tâm (inside the Imperial City), Phú Cam palm-leaf conical hats, and gemstones from Kế Môn village.
• Vọng Cảnh Hill: Located in the southwestern part of the city, Vọng Cảnh Hill provides panoramic views of Huế's famous landmarks, such as Ngọc Trản Mountain (home to Hòn Chén Temple), royal tombs, and ancient temples. The hill's lush greenery complements the city's natural beauty.

• Ngự Bình Mountain: Ngự Bình Mountain is a constant companion to the Perfume River. With its serene position overlooking the river, it appears like a protective screen for the ancient capital. The mountain's plateau-like peak, surrounded by lush landscapes, provides a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Outside the City of Huế:

• Lăng tẩm (Royal Tombs): After visiting the Imperial City, the royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors are a must-see. There are a total of 7 tombs among the 13 emperors of this dynasty. Each tomb features distinct architectural styles and Eastern Feng Shui principles, reflecting the personality of the respective emperor.

• Thuận An Beach: This small beach near Huế is an ideal spot for a quick seaside escape. The beach stretches over 1 km and is known for its mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views.
• Cảnh Dương Beach: Positioned between Huế and Đà Nẵng, Cảnh Dương Beach offers a tranquil escape. With its spacious coastline, it's perfect for setting up a tent and camping by the sea.
• Lăng Cô Bay: Nestled between the Hai Van Pass and the sea, Lăng Cô Bay is renowned for its pristine beauty and is often referred to as one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

• Bạch Mã National Park: Situated on the boundary between Huế and Đà Nẵng, Bạch Mã National Park offers a unique natural experience. Vọng Hải Đài provides panoramic views of Lăng Cô Bay and the Truồi Lake.

• Truồi Lake: Located at the foot of the Hai Van Pass, Truồi Lake is a perfect place to relax during the hot summer months.
• Tam Giang Lagoon: This vast lagoon complex is the largest in Southeast Asia. The tranquil scenery and the vibrant fishing village of Thái Dương Hạ make this place special.
• Lập An Lagoon: Situated at the foot of the Hai Van Pass, Lập An Lagoon boasts its own unique charm. The area is characterized by its wide lagoon waters and the traditional fishing village.

• Phá Tam Giang Lagoon: A vast and beautiful lagoon, Phá Tam Giang is the largest in the Tam Giang - Cầu Hai lagoon system. The picturesque setting and the traditional fishing village of Thái Dương Hạ are captivating.

Exploring the Culinary Delights of the Ancient Capital

Xứ Huế (the Land of Huế) is a treasure trove of unique culinary delights, blending sophistication and the flavors of everyday life, leaving an unforgettable memory for those who have experienced it. Let's delve into the special dishes of Huế that are often said, "If you haven't tried them, you haven't truly visited the ancient capital."

Bún Bò Huế (Huế Beef Noodle Soup): When in Huế, the first dish you must try is Bún Bò Huế. This dish has become a culinary brand that rivals its "siblings," Hà Nội's phở and Sài Gòn's cơm tấm. The authentic Bún Bò Huế in Huế might seem quite different from its variations. The small-sized vermicelli, the spicy and flavorful broth, along with the addition of giò (Vietnamese sausage) and mọc (coagulated pig blood) make a genuine Bún Bò Huế experience.

Recommended addresses:

• 17 Lý Thường Kiệt street, Huế city
• Quán Bà Tuyết: 47 Nguyễn Công Trứ street, Huế city
• Quán Mệ Kéo: 20 Bạch Đằng street, Huế city

Cơm Hến (Baby Clam Rice): Cơm Hến, a popular street food, can be found on every corner of the city. The chewy and sweet baby clams are stir-fried with rich and flavorful spices. When served, they are accompanied by white rice, topped with fried pork fat, and seasoned with Huế-style fermented shrimp paste. This dish is enough to create a memorable experience.

Recommended addresses:

• Quán Nhỏ: 28 Phạm Hồng Thái street, Huế city
• Various stalls in Cồn Hến, P. Vĩ Dạ, Huế city

Various Types of Huế-Style Dumplings (Bánh Huế): For those who love dishes like bánh bèo, nậm, lọc, and ít trần, you might not know that these simple yet irresistibly delicious dumplings originate from Huế. These modest dumplings have an unexpected charm that can be enjoyed at any time, whether it's a casual meal or a satisfying feast, and they can be combined according to your preference.

Recommended addresses:

• Quán Bà Đỏ: 08 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm street, Huế city
• Culinary areas in markets like Chợ Tây Lộc, Chợ Đông Ba.
• 109 Lê Huân

Chè (Sweet Soups and Puddings): Chè, sweet soups and puddings, have become an essential part of cuisine throughout the regions. These simple chè dishes can be easily found on various streets and alleys, yet they never fail to entice those with a sweet tooth due to their refined and diverse flavors, much like the local people.

Some famous chè dishes in Huế are chè bắp (corn pudding), chè bột lọc heo quay (sticky rice cake with roasted pork), chè nhãn bọc hạt sen (longan and lotus seed pudding), chè trôi nước (glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup), chè khoai (sweet potato pudding), and chè sen (lotus seed pudding).

Recommended addresses:

• Chè Ngọc Hiền: 65 Trần Hưng Đạo street, Huế city
• Chè Thanh: 78 Mai Thúc Loan street, P. Phú Hậu, Huế city
• Chè Mợ Tôn Đích: In front of Thương Bạc Park, Huế city

Mắm Tôm Chua (Sour Shrimp Paste): People in Huế have an endless love for various mắm (fermented fish or shrimp paste) dishes, and one of the most beloved items, often bought as gifts, is mắm tôm chua. What makes this dish special is that the fresh shrimp are marinated in white wine, gradually turning deep red. The best way to enjoy mắm tôm chua is to wrap it with boiled meat, rice paper, and fresh vegetables.

Recommended address: Tôm chua Tô Việt, 95 Chi Lăng, Huế

Bánh Canh Nam Phổ (Nam Phổ Thick Noodle Soup): Bánh canh might not be an unfamiliar dish, but the people of Nam Phổ village in Phú Vang district have their unique way of making this familiar dish stand out. The thick, starchy broth, colored with cashew nuts, is filled with enticing ingredients like crab and steamed shrimp.

Recommended addresses:

• Quán Thúy: 16 Phạm Hồng Thái street
• Quán O Thu: 374 Chi Lăng street