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Centrally-governed city of Vietnam
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Jpatokal at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Contains photos and information on Ho Chi Minh, and the history of Hue in photographs.
A must-see if you are interested in the earlier conflicts, back when the airport was a dirt strip. During the Vietnam War, an American garrison was assigned there and built up the airport with concrete bunkers, a paved airstrip and a few other luxuries. The airport was vital in keeping Hue supplied during the Easter Offensive of 1972 when "Charlie jumped the line". The airport retains the original buildings built by the Americans; however, they have been retrofitted for use by the Vietnamese.
Perched on a bluff over the river and housing some very fine gold and silver Buddha images. The Thien Mu Pagoda overlooks the Perfume River and is the official symbol of the city of Hue. Thien Mu means "elderly celestial woman", and refers to an old legend about the founding of the pagoda. Brimming with opportunities for great photos. And don't forget the historical Austin (car) of Thích Quảng Đức!
Đại Nội
The former imperial seat of government and Hue's prime attraction, this is a great sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, walls, gates, shops, museums and galleries, featuring art and costumes from various periods of Vietnamese history. Thanks to its size, it is also delightfully peaceful, a rare commodity in Vietnam. The citadel was badly knocked about during fighting between the French and the Viet Minh in 1947, and again in 1968 during the Tet Offensive, when it was shelled by the Viet Cong and then bombed by the Americans. As a result, some areas are now only empty fields, bits of walls and an explanatory plaque. Other buildings are intact and a few are in sparkling condition. For the rest, while restoration has been going on for 20 years, there is still quite a long way to go. Allow several hours to see it properly. Inside you can pay US$1.50 (30,000 dong) to dress up in the king or queen's clothing and sit on the throne for a fun photo opportunity.
Museum of Royal Antiquities
The most remote of the tombs, quiet and fallen into disrepair as Gia Long, the first Nguyen emperor, was notoriously despotic.
In this opulent complex, the main buildings are arranged on an east-west axis, including a courtyard surrounded by warrior statues and several temples and pavilions. Several bridges cross two lakes before the axis ends before the vast burial mound (which is circled by a fence). The mausoleum features large gardens and lakes: a pleasant place to sit and relax. If you're dropped off by boat note that there is a stretch of souvenir sellers to navigate during the short walk to the mausoleum entrance.
Built in 1848. This emperor and his wife were the most revered and loved throughout the country. Although he only ruled for 7 years, he was the most sorely missed. In a time of strife and economic problems, he was careful with the country's treasury and improved his people's living standard. His last wish was to be placed in a tomb that was not extravagant, parting ways with the tradition of creating lavish final resting places for emperors.
Built between 1864–1867, the complex served as a second Imperial City where the emperor went for "working vacations". Tu Duc's contemplative nature and poetic spirit is reflected in the landscape and arrangement of the 50 buildings that at one time stood here. A vast, sprawling complex set around a lake, with wooden pavilions and tombs and temples dedicated to wives and favoured courtesans (Tu Duc had 104 to choose from). The courtesans' quarters are in ruins, with only outlines and crumbling walls left amid waves of overgrown grass and silence, but other areas are stunningly well-preserved. The emperor's tomb itself, tucked away in the back, is surprisingly modest. The final courtyard is nearly empty with just a stone coffin in the middle. (The tombs of Empress Le Thien Anh and Emperor Kien Phuc, who briefly ruled in 1884, are also here.) Try to dodge the crowds for this one. The emperor himself was not buried here, and was instead buried in a secret location somewhere else in Hue that has yet to be re-discovered, as the 200 workers who buried him were all beheaded after their work was done.
Built in 1917. Beautiful interior murals. The tomb area is a colorful construction of marble and ceramics. The 100 or so stairs may be an issue for people with mobility difficulties.
Dating from 1925, this is the best preserved of the lot and, while comparatively compact, quite grand at first sight. While it follows the classic formula of forecourts leading up to the tomb of the emperor, complete with statues in attendance, architecture buffs will spot some European influences. The tomb itself is completely over the top with incredibly detailed and opulent mosaics of cavorting dragons. Try to get to this one early, as it is a favourite stop for Asian tour-bus groups. Also, you may want to leave the tourist path and head up the hill on the right side of the tomb, where a small temple stands. You will have a great view of the tomb and the valley it faces.
At the institute for the blind. All of the staff work and live in this facility and speak a little English. Popular with the locals.
The water here has a high sulphur content, purported to have health benefits.
Similar to My An, but without the odour of sulphur. This site is surrounded by woods, which are pleasant to explore. Has graduated sections. Start with the cool section and work your way up. The hottest section is closed off, as it is too hot to bathe in. There are also private pools for 2 or 4 people and a swimming pool. There is a tiny restaurant on site. This is also where the local bottled Thanh Tan mineral water comes from.
A street vendor who sells wonderful Banh Bao.
Totally vegan. You eat with the locals. Great food. The hot pot is fantastic and can be had for 50,000 dong (June 2017). The portions are huge. Great atmosphere. The staff is lovely.
Traveler restaurant, with many simple, delicious dishes. There is even white and red wine. Very pleasant family business. The landlady runs the restaurant by heart.
It is small and looks like grandma's living room. It's cute. The Hue dishes are just tasty, spicy and great. It is not Westernized food. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
Restaurant tucked away in a back alley that apparently caters to foreigners. English menus and the friendly staff speaks English. A nice little simple restaurant. Good music and atmosphere.
Monks and nuns frequent this vegetarian restaurant during lunch.
Vegetarian Rice
Simple and good vegetarian meals.
Pancakes, nem lui (minced pork grilled with lemon grass on coal) and banh beo recommended.
Popular vegetarian restaurant. You only need to let the owner know if you want a rice or noodles dish and she would do the magic for you. The soy milk and lotus seed milk are also very refreshing. Delicious grilled vermicelli.
The food is good, sold until late at night so everyone can eat comfortably. 15,000-20,000 dong for a bowl (April 2022). Sitting on the roadside is cool.
Honestly one of the best places to eat in all of Vietnam. It's great street sea food, you choose the type of snail that will be served to you with noodles and vegetables, and a side dish of roasted shrimps / shells / langostinos depending on your choice (30.000 - 60.000 dong depending on which one you choose). Chosen by locals and no English spoken, so you'll probably have to use a translation app, but strongly recommended. Try to go early because they can run out of food (happened at 20.15).
Quán Bánh Khoái Hạnh
This is a family restaurant where locals come to eat Hue specialities. About half of the guests are Western tourists these days, and a set sampler menu is available.
Serves French food, Vietnamese food and pizza. Quite touristy.
Recommend the chicken breast with mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes well worth it. Duck also quite nice.
Excellent food.
Excellent traditional Hue food, try the meat rolls (wrapped in mint leaves) or the fried spring rolls. Incredibly crunchy. Not too crowded. On the first floor. All dishes available as small and big portions, so you can order a few.
One of the biggest restaurants in the city. Prices are good, food is excellent, extremely clean. It is also a complex of ancient houses among a huge garden area. Nice food carvings.
A charming Belgian-Vietnamese owned bar, with a welcoming interior and free pool.
Live DJ, free pool table and a good vibe. Not far from Pham Ngu Lao, but they offer to pay for taxis from hotels for parties of four persons or more. Stays open till the last one passes out.
It's a little bar owned by the charming lady Thu.
Shop for drinking ice tea, coffee, smoothies and juices. Local prices (they are published on a board). Try rau má juice: reputed to be very good for your health.
Enjoy a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee, or any beverage, in this beautiful setting. The traditional beam house is surrounded by a garden and small stream where you can hear birds and restful music.
Bar coffee in the center of hue You can enjoy your drink and listen music near to the river inside the amazing garden. A Vietnamese and French team will be here to helping you.
Lovely cafe on a quiet side street and therefore still unspotted by the LP crowd. Atmosphere with soft music and green bamboo around and half the prices than in the tourist area 200 m around the block. Lots of different coffees and cakes, where especially the very recommendable coffee with cacao flavour is not easy to find in Hue.
Go local and try some delicious early morning coffee with chocolaty overtones, hot or iced, while watching river life on the canal. The woman who brews it up also offers banh mi, French bread with your choice of fillings. Another woman shares the same area of pavement and sells very reasonably priced banh canh, a popular local breakfast soup. Very clean. After your coffee, you walk along Bach Dang to two nearby pagodas.
Tucked away in the heart of the guesthouse/cheaper district. Friendly staff, good rooms and rates are negotiable. Free Wi-Fi and PCs available for guest use. Air-con. Satellite TV. Laundry service at 20,000 dong per kilo. Restaurant downstairs serves good food and very reasonably priced.
Nice and helpful staff, free wifi, free breakfast, 24 hr front desk.
Good hotel. The staff are friendly, the rooms are clean and neat. Free Internet.
Air-con, hot water & satellite TV included. Popular with Japanese tourists. Friendly and helpful staff. Some rooms have bathtubs and/or private balcony.
All rooms are air conditioned, all equipped with 32-inch LCD cable TV, shower with bath and minibar. Bar and restaurant, Internet room, boutique and souvenir shop and laundry service.
Spotless rooms, spacious, with large bathrooms and TV. There is a balcony to sit on at night, and it's close to all the nightlife in Hue.
Same owners as the popular Hanoi Backpacker's Hostel. Hue Backpacker's is the newest addition to Chu Van An (as of May, 2018. Cheap accommodation, very clean, spacious balconies. Free Internet, Free Wi-Fi and friendly & helpful staff. The downstairs area is also a bar and restaurant serving burgers and other Western food. Bike rentals, tours, cooking classes.
Has 15 non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, bathrobes, daily newspaper, desk, hair dryer.
Friendly, quiet location in a backpacker hotel alley off Le Loi.
Family-run hotel named after the wild urchin who'll make his displeasure known if you spend too long on the Internet-ready computer downstairs, thereby keeping him from online puzzle games. The rooms are spotlessly clean, with satellite TV, hot water and mini-fridges; each floor has a balcony, and it's not too loud outside. Breakfast costs US$1.
Very nice, clean hotel on a small, calm side street near Pham Ngu Lao. All rooms have balcony, air-con, private bath. Rooms for 2 to 4 persons. Free Wi-Fi, bicycle and motorbike rental available. Staff are friendly and speaks good English.
Nice cheap hotel located on the main tourist hangout. Clean and big spacious rooms and not far from the river.
Boutique hotel near Perfume River. All rooms have wooden floors and are equipped with IDD telephone, air conditioning, cable TV, refrigerator, bath, (bath and shower), hair dryer, coffee and tea making facilities, private computer with ADSL.
Replaced Tigon Hostel, has wifi, a/c, breakfast buffet, restaurant/bar, and spa.
The rooms are well equipped and the rooftop restaurant and pool have nice views. Rooms from a slightly overpriced US$30, including a decent buffet breakfast.
Exceptionally good value. The spotless, air conditioned rooms are well-furnished with modern amenities and include lockable wardrobes. The included breakfast is substantial. The staff are very attentive, and will learn your name. They will warmly welcome you back after each foray outside, and provide you with free drinks (lemon juice, corn water) every time you enter and whenever you sit in the lobby.
Has the same owner as Holiday Hotel, but simpler rooms. Pickup from train station included, if booked in advance.
Rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and 32-inch LCD TV with satellite/ cable channels. Restaurant, business centre, fax and photocopying services.
Hotel offering 56 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have a cable television, an Internet connection and a minibar. Amenities include massage and sauna, an outdoor swimming pool and a souvenir shop.
Professional and personable staff. Clean, spacious and beautifully designed rooms. Free pickup from train.
In the center of the city, near the Perfume River. It's a 10-min walk to Hue Citadel.
Renovated, it tries to bring to life the French colonial era of the 1920s. It has the largest swimming pool and spa in Hue.
Hue's grand old hotel which has been open for over a hundred years. Excellent riverside location, whitewashed colonial charm and a pleasant inner courtyard, although the rooms could use a little fine-tuning.
A humanitarian project of the Spiral Foundation. This shop sells eco-friendly handicrafts made by disabled artisans in Hue. Many of the products are made from recycled items, including recycled drinks cans and recycled telephone wire baskets. All profits fund heart surgeries for poor children in the Hue area.
The Hope Center offers disabled and disadvantaged people a place to learn and work. Garment manufacturing is the mainstay. However, a range of handicrafts are also made. In particular the beautiful handwoven cloth by A Luoi women is unique in its design and manufacture. Scarves, hand bags, purses and hand crafted jewellery are for sale. Well-worth a visit.
By train
There are several trains a day to and from Hanoi (14 hours), Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang (4 hours), et al.
By bus
Public buses from all the bigger cities (including frequent services to Hanoi and Saigon) connect to the main bus station (Bến Xe Phía Nam and Bến Xe Phía Bắc).
By motorbike
Hire a motorbike and join the locals as they careen across the bridges and along the main roads at a leisurely pace. They're available for around US$5/day from hotels and shops.
By bicycle
Cycling is also a good option, with plenty of bikes available from 25,000-30,000 dong/day.
By cyclo
A cyclo is the local version of the trishaw, with the passenger seated in front of the cyclist.
On foot
Hue is quite compact, so you can reach most of the hotels, restaurants and the citadel easily on foot. Mr. Cu at Mandarin Cafe has prepared a free walking tour brochure and map.
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