Hue Travel

Hue Weather Overview

Hue is among the largest cities along the central coast of Vietnam. The map of Hue shows a city covered by an arc of lush green mountains, with a beautiful river flowing through it. Hue is heavily affected by the monsoon climate and thus has two distinctive periods: wet and dry season. The Truong Son Mountains run around the city and keep in the moisture during the rainy season, but block the heat from escaping during the dry months. Within a day, there can be a blazing morning till noon, and an unending rainfall until midnight – I have experienced that. Therefore, the weather in this city is infamous for being unpleasant and unpredictable, so it is best to always have a raincoat with you.

Check the below table to have the general idea of Hue weather throughout the year.

Best time to go to Hue

The best time to go to Hue is from January to April. The rains are not aggressive anymore and the weather is calm, with temperatures that stay between 20 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius. The temperature can go down to eight degrees Celsius during the winter nights from January to March. It is neither too hot and humid nor too cold and wet during the day, which is wonderful for pleasantly exploring the city.

Most annual festivities are held during this time of the year, such as Tet (Lunar New Year – between January and February), traditional villages’ festivals, and the Hue Festival in April. There you can enjoy cultural shows, spring markets, traditional music performances, royal ceremonies, and seasonal local dishes. You will be accompanied by a flock of tourists and locals also.

Hue Seasonal Weather Guide

Wet Season in Hue

Rain falls more frequently from September to March. During this time, the weather cools down a bit, chill yet humid. Keep in mind that after the rain comes the sun, nothing is worse than being in a steaming giant pot.

You should avoid the typhoon season from September to December. There will be a lot of rainfall and floods lasting for hours or even days, so you should check the weather forecast carefully before making your move during these months. Despite the bad weather, every accommodation option and tourist service will be at their lowest rates during this time. A handful of sites will be open for visiting but there is a high chance that many places close down for preservation and maintenance during this flooding season. Only travel to Hue during this time if you do not have any other options.

What to Wear During the Wet Season

Overall, jackets are useful all the time when visiting Hue during this season, but winter coats might come in handy especially during the nights. Eight degrees Celsius with high humidity feels like being in a freezer, trust me, -25 degrees Celsius is better than this. Cold paired with humidity is a lethal combination. A raincoat should always be within reach, but you can also buy disposable ones for less than 20,000 VND (almost 1 USD). The weather can sometimes be a bit annoying and unpredictable, so bringing both short sleeves and long sleeves will keep you from getting frustrated!

Travel Tips & Tricks for the Wet Season

To recap for traveling to Hue during the wet season:

• Have with you a raincoat or travel-size umbrella all the time: These will be your saviors when hanging around Hue in the rain season. Downpours are sudden and aggressive.
• Always check the weather forecast: To plan and modify your day (and your stay) accordingly. The weather forecasting apps on iOS and Android are pretty reliable. In case, you can still always google “Weather in Hue”.
• Have a plan B: Hue weather is sometimes unpredictable, despite the weather forecast. So having a plan B is necessary in case a sudden flood rushes in during your stay.  

Dry Season in Hue

The dry season of Hue occurs from March to August, and it is hot with fluctuating humidity. The highest temperature can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius between May and August, with an average around 30 degrees Celsius. This is also the time when the most tourists visit Hue.

Yet, do not be fooled by the tourist flow. The months from May to August are the high season just because that time of the year is the most convenient for travelers, it’s summer holiday. Every common site and service is open, but it is not the best time to experience Hue to the fullest, since most of the cultural activities take place during springtime, from January to April mentioned above.

What to Wear During the Dry Season

Wear anything that fits your style. The culture of Hue is not that conservative anymore, but please note that when you are going to religious sites and tombs, be respectful and wear pants and cover your shoulders. Sweaters and raincoats should be by your side in case the weather turns bad unexpectedly. It is also necessary if you take night-long sleeper buses to Hue, because it can be freezing during late nights in these wheeled boxes.

Travel Tips & Tricks for the Dry Season

If you can only make it to Hue during the dry season, almost every tourist attraction is available except the festivals and local activities. Yet, the sun is shining and the sky is clear, providing a perfect environment to see and experience this wonderful city. There are a handful of tips that you should know before getting carried away by adventure:

• Mind your hydration: Buy a big bottle of water and bring it with you, especially if you are exploring outdoors. The extreme heat will suck away your body’s hydration real quick. Make sure to stay well nourished too, stacking up vitamins and micro minerals to compensate for the loss.
• Wear sunscreen: The blazing atmosphere of Hue is not ideal for getting tanned. High level of UV and varied humidity will mess with your skin really bad.
• Bring protective clothes: If you do not want to get a sun-burnt skin or curled-up, dried hair and sore eyes, bring with you long sleeves or a jacket, a cap, and sunglasses.
• Have a raincoat: Be prepared for a sudden downpour anytime, as the water in the area is constantly vaporizing and precipitating.
• Book accommodation in advance: Summer is the peak season in Hue even it is not the best time to visit. It will be difficult to find a place if you do not have the accommodation ready beforehand, and the prices are going to rocket as you arrive.

Hue Current Weather & 7-day Forecast

HUẾ WEATHER

By Flight

Hue’s Phu Bai airport (HUI) is about 15 kilometres from Hue city centre and presently only serves domestic flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat and Hanoi.

Taxi fares from the airport to Hue City are approximately 250,000 VND and a motorbike taxi should be around 120,000 VND. The airport also offers a bus service to cover the route and you can book this at the airport for 50,000 VND although it’s not always running.

By Train

Hue is an express stop on the main north-south train line between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The train station is located at the eastern end of Le Loi Road, on the south bank of the Ben Ngu River. Express trains are numbered with an SE prefix, and local trains, which cost less but take a lot longer, are prefixed TN. The latter may be your only choice if your destination is not an express stop—connecting to a local train from a nearby express stop will usually take longer than just taking the local all the way there.

A dizzying array of rates are available, depending on the speed of the train, whether you’re sitting or sleeping, and whether you choose a hard or soft surface to do it on. Always check availability one day in advance when possible, and arrive an half hour early for your departure.

By Bus

Although catching the local bus is a cheap way of getting around the province, it’s by far the slowest and most complicated way to travel—conductors rarely speak English, the buses can be crowded, there is rarely any air-con and stops are frequent, so you’ll need to stay on the ball and have some kind of idea of where you need to disembark as it’s unlikely the conductor will let you know when you get to your destination. Prices also vary depending on the mood of your driver and buses frequently breakdown.

For these reason, many opt for tour buses (arranged through travel agents and hotels in town) or, for longer haul trips, go for the train or a flight.

Hue has two hub bus stations, the Northern Bus Station: Phia Bac around 5km to the northwest of town and the Southern Bus Station: Phia Nam Station a couple of kilometres to the south. Both serve long and short haul services, but it is far more convenient (and often more comfortable) to use a private bus service organised through an agent in town. Tickets can be arranges through agents or booked online in advance.

Sample fares to popular destinations include:

• Da Lat: Takes 16 hours and fares start at 345,000 dong Check bus tickets
• Da Nang: Takes 2.5 hours and fares start at 130,000 dong Check bus tickets
• Dong Hoi: Takes 4 hours and fares start at 150,000 dong Check bus tickets
• Hanoi: Takes 13 hours and fares start at 300,000 dong Check bus tickets
• Ho Chi Minh City: Takes 25 hours and fares start at 380,000 dong Check bus tickets
• Hoi An: Takes 3.5 hours and fares start at 130,000 dong Check bus tickets
• Phong Nha: Takes 4 hours and fares start at 150,000 dong Check bus tickets

Tourist bus services

Tourist buses can be booked at every guesthouse, cafe and tour booking service in town. Sample fares include:

• Da Nang: Departs 08:00 and 13:15. Fares start at 119,000 dong
• Hoi An: Departs 08:00, 13:15 and 17:30. Fares start at 119,000 dong
• Phong Nha: Departs 06:30 and 16:30. Fares start at 179,000 dong
• Savannakhet: Departs 07:00. Fares start at 449,000 dong
• Vientiane: Departs 08:00. Fares start at 589,000 dong

Restaurants in Hue are renowned for the high quality of authentic regional dishes, many of which were served exclusively to royalties of Nguyen Dynasty. In the old days, it was said that the emperors were always looking to find the finest chefs in the country and to move them to Hue. This movement of chefs from the different regions of Vietnam allowed for the fusing of many new and different regional flavors with the more traditional Hue dishes.

#1 - Bún Bò Huế (Hue Signature Beef Noodle Soup)

Bun Bo Hue is the first dish you should try when you visit Hue Ancient City. Why? Because it is the soul of Hue City!

This is absolutely a must-try dish when visiting Hue. A bowl of Hue Beef Rice Noodles with full topping will have thin slices of short loin or pork, pork cartilages, pork knuckles, congealed pork blood, Vietnamese crab balls, and scallions on top of the silky noodles in a thick broth.

In addition, this dish is also served with a wide range of Vietnamese herbs such as bean sprouts, mints, cilantro, shallots, lemongrass, and banana blossom. Depending on your taste, you can also add fresh chilies, chili sauce, fermented shrimp paste or lemon juice into your bowl.

Although you can find this at literally everywhere in Hue, our recommendations for you are:

+ Me Keo Hue Beef Rice Noodles:

No 20, Bach Dang Street, Hue City (about 20.000 VND/dish).
This is a must-visit destination if you want to experience a burst of flavors in your mouth. The crab balls here are the stars of the dish. They are flavorful, soft, and tasty. Instead of slicing the pork, visitors are served with a whole piece of pork belly which is tender and delicious.

+ Di Phuong Beef Rice Noodles:

No 24, Nguyen Khuyen Street, Hue City
(about 30,000 VND – 35,000 VND/dish)

+ Di Hoa Beef Rice Noodles:

No 162, Mai Thuc Loan Street, Hue City
(about 15,000 VND – 25,000 VND/dish).

#2 - Bánh Khoái 

Have you tried Banh Xeo Specialty in the South of Vietnam yet? Banh Khoai is said to be the petite version of Banh Xeo with a royal touch. It has its original name “Banh Khoi” (khói means smoke) since it is being cooked on a wood stove. However, people miss-spell “khoi” into “khoai”, therefore it is currently called  “khoai” which means happy cake in English.

The base of Bánh Khoái is made of egg rice flour. Once it turns into golden color, the chef place some slices of pork, shrimp, egg, bean sprouts on top then fried until crispy. It will be then served of green and fresh herbs like mint leaves, basil, and finished with a tasty peanut sesame sauce. Wonder where to get it?

In Hue City, there are 3 famous places to try this delicacy:

+ Banh Khoai Hanh:

No 11, Pho Duc Chinh Street, Hue City
(about 20,000 VND – 50,000 VND/ dish).

+ Lac Thien Restaurant:

No 6, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hue City
(about 50,000 VND – 70,000 VND/ dish).

+ Banh Khoai Hong Mai:

No 110, Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hue City
(about 10,000 VND – 25,000 VND/ dish).

#3 - Bún Thịt Nướng (Grilled pork noodle)

Our third Hue street food highly rates by locals is Bún Thịt Nướng. This is a cold rice noodle dish with well-marinated grilled pork chops topped with fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, fresh salad and crispy peanut. You might have tried this dish in Saigon or Hanoi but in Hue’s version in our opinion is super special.

The distinguished sauce is made from pork liver, peanut and sesame that will make you speechless once you try it. Hue Grilled Pork Noodle is one of the royal cuisines from ancient times. Come and try yourself to know why it is so special! You will notice that Vietnamese like to eat Bún Thịt Nướng in the afternoon thus, it should be easy for you to find it in every corners in Hue City.

Our suggested place to eat:

+ Ba Ty Nem Lui:

No 81, Dao Duy Tu Street, Hue City
(about 6,000 VND – 20,000 VND/dish).

+ Nem Lui Tai Phu :

No 2, Dien Bien Phu Street, Hue City
(about 20,000 VND – 60,000 VND/dish).

+ Nguyen Truong To Nem Lui:

Opposite No 35, Nguyen Truong To Street, Hue City
(about 8,000 VND – 10,000 VND/dish).

#4 - Nem lui (Grilled Pork Skewer with Lemon Grass)

You love spring rolls and want to do your own roll? This is a dish for you! Nem lui is made from well-seasoned finely-ground pork and minced pork skin. This mixture will be then attached on a lemongrass stick and grilled over a coal stove.

When eating, Nem lui will be wrapped in a thin rice paper and fresh herbs added. Rolling it up and then dip in peanut sesame sauce will make a perfect flavor. If you have the opportunity to visit Hue, do not forget to enjoy this unique dish.

Where to eat

+ Ba Ty Nem Lui:

No 81, Dao Duy Tu Street, Hue City
(about 6,000 VND – 20,000 VND/dish).

+ Nem Lui Tai Phu :

No 2, Dien Bien Phu Street, Hue City
(about 20,000 VND – 60,000 VND/dish).

+ Nguyen Truong To Nem Lui:

Opposite No 35, Nguyen Truong To Street, Hue City
(about 8,000 VND – 10,000 VND/dish).

#5 - The Traditional Hue Banhs (Steam Cakes)

There is a fact that Hue is the region of steam cakes. There are a lot of dishes that related to this category, but we will only point out two most famous ones:

Banh Beo (water-fern cake)

It is a famous signature dish in Hue. Smooth, elegant and simple are exactly three adjectives to describe Banh Beo. You could find them everywhere in Hue, from the streets to the restaurants.

Banh Beo has the shape of a bloating fern with a smooth white base-which is made of rice flour. On top of it, there is the yellow color of fried sliced onions and cubes of fried pork skin, the orange color of shrimp, and the green color of scallion oil. Souse a little spicy fish sauce on top of the cake and you can taste the quintessence of Hue Cuisine.

Our highly rated street food restaurant to try this dish:

+ Banh Beo Di Thu:

374 Chi Lang Street, Hue City
(about 10,000 VND – 20,000 VND/dish).

+ Banh Beo Ba Cu:
47 Nguyen Hue Street, Hue City
(about 25,000 VND – 50,000 VND/ dish).

+ Tay Loc Market:

209 Nguyen Trai Street, Hue City
(about 5,000 VND – 30,000 VND/dish).

Banh Bot Loc

While Banh Beo is having a round shape, Banh Nam is flat with minced pork added and Banh loc is cute sushi-shaped with a tasty filling. It is a combination of a small shrimp and lightly seasoned ground pork belly. The same as other Hue specialties, they also serve spicy fish sauce with this cake.

Furthermore, Banh loc are wrapped in la dong, also known as elephant ears leaves which adds a very enjoyable fragrance to the dish.

There are some famous local restaurants in Hue we would like to recommend as below

Where to eat

+ The 109 Restaurant:

109 Le Huan Street, Hue City
(about 10,000 VND – 15,000 VND/dish).

+ Tay Loc Market:

209 Nguyen Trai Street, Hue City
(about 5,000 VND – 30,000 VND/dish).

+ Ba Do Beo-Nam-Loc:

No 8, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street
(about 10,000 VND – 50,000 VND/dish).

#6 - Bánh Mì

A dish that everyone knows what it is! Don’t get me wrong! Hue Banh My is a treat for those who are short in cash but looking for super good dinner with vibrant ambiance with local people.

Go find yourself wander in front of Truong Tien Bridge, also known as Nguyen Dinh Chieu Night Market after 7 PM, you will notice there are some small stools with young people sitting around.

There are super cheap Banh My with a great variety of choices for you. Or simply walk over Truong Tien Bridge towards Dong Ba Market, look around to find Thao Bakery Mobile Cart. Try a mixed Banh My with Iced Peach Tea! We only show you the best places to have the best local food in Hue.

The best attractions in Hue comprise well-preserved remnants of Nguyen Dynasty, royal tombs, and ornate pagodas, most of which are easily accessible on foot or bicycle. Once the capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945, Hue was ruled by 10 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty before its last ruler abdicated the throne in 1945 in favor of the Ho Chi Minh’s communist government in Hanoi. For anyone interested in the cultural history of Vietnam, Hue is a goldmine of tombs, pagodas, castles and ruins.

1. UNESCO World Cultural Heritage: Complex Hue Monuments

Hue Imperial Citadel is the main draw of Hue and a major attraction in Vietnam, has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 1993 for its irreplaceable values in history, culture and architecture.

Built from 1804 and finished in 1833 by King Minh Mang, the Imperial Citadel is consisted of 147 structures inside Imperial City. The innermost enclosure belonged to the imperial family, called ‘Purple Forbidden City’, built based on Forbidden City in Beijing.

When step inside this city, you’ll feel that you’ve entered an entire different world. Not only refine architecture you’ll admire as you walk around but also the green moat, carved gates, solemn royal pavilions and few museums on the grounds.

Remember to get a guide to show you around and not miss the interesting pieces of history and culture at this heritage.

2. Thien Mu Pagoda Visit and Perfume River Boat Ride

Sited on Ha Khe Hill, Thien Mu Pagoda is about 5km west of Hue City Center. When looked from afar, the seven-tier chedi overlooking the poetic Huong River (Perfume River) creates such a solemn and beautiful sight of a spiritual construction adorned by a peaceful backdrop of nature.

Thien Mu Pagoda has long been agreed to be the symbol of the city and to tourists, a must-have things to do in Hue. Other than the iconic 7-tier chedi on the pagoda’s backyard, things to look inside the pagoda is the huge bell casted in 1710 and a stone turtle carried a marble stele on its back, dated from 17th century.

You can visit the pagoda by taking a half-hour boat trip on Perfume River. The reason for the river to have this name due to the flowers dropped on the rivers from the upriver orchards, carrying a fragrant floral scent. Even though the fragrance has disappeared, Perfume River is still worth a trip for its peaceful scenery along the riverside, the daily life of people and gorgeous view of sunset.

You can book a short boat trip or a dinner cruise departing from Huong Pier. The boat will stop at landmarks like Thien Mu, Hon Chen Temple and Tomb of Minh Mang.

3. Trang Tien Bridge

If Huong River divides Hue into two parts then Trang Tien Bridge links these two together with grace. Inaugurated in year 1899 in total length of 402.60 meters and width of 5.40 meters, Trang Tien was designed in a Gothic architecture by the French at that time. Like Thien Mu Pagoda, Imperial City and Ngu Binh Mountain, Trang Tien Bridge on Huong River is also a symbol of Hue.

At night, the bridge sparkles with colorful lights, making such a wonderful walk between the riverbanks.

4. Visit the tombs of Nguyen Emperors

If Imperial City is the place kings lived and worked throughout their lifetime then the tombs are the places each king chose to be his resting place after death.

Visit the tombs, you’ll have chance to know more about the kings, the history and admire the architecture that reflect the king’s personality and belief.

- Tomb of Khai Dinh

Also recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, Tomb Khai Dinh boasts an impressive architecture fusion of modern Western style and Vietnamese traditional features. Khai Dinh Tomb is the last imperial tomb in Vietnam, taking 11 years of constructing and completed in 1931. The tomb reflected well the influence of French culture in Emperor Khai Dinh, as seen in the French architecture elements used in many parts.

After climbing 127 stone steps, visitors will come to the king’s temple where a statue of King Khai Dinh siting on a throne considered as a masterpiece of royal architecture, lavishly adorned with colorful pieces of inlaid glass and porcelain.

- Tomb of Minh Mang

Unlike Tomb of Khai Dinh, Tomb of Minh Mang took only 3 years to complete yet having a total different style compared to Khai Dinh’s tomb. The temple is rather simple with Chinese typical architecture, blending so harmoniously with the nature layout composed of lakes, canals and gardens.

The gate to the king’s tomb is only opened once a year on the anniversary of Minh Mang’s death.

- Tomb of Tu Duc

Located in the narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village (now in Thuong Ba village, Thuy Xuan commune, Hue city), Tu Duc Tomb has the traditional Vietnamese architecture style designed in a very elegant fashion.

The tomb is hailed as the most beautiful of all Nguyen emperor tombs for its poetic sceneries. The construction is harmonized in balance with the surrounding nature, enhance the beauties of each other. Especially, the walking road here is paved by Bat Trang bricks which are considered as the best type of bricks in the country.

5. Enjoy Hue Cuisine in Dong Ba Market

As the place that had left worldwide famous Anthony Bourdain fascinated, all food enthusiasts should come to Dong Ba market, you can find all the delicacies of Hue cuisine here.

Built in 1899, Dong Ba is one of the oldest markets in Hue, also serves as a trading centre, historical landmark and now tourist site of the city. There’re thousands of booths selling all kinds of things from clothes, housewares to foodstuff. Dong Ba Market’s food court offers a bustling food scene featuring all the best dishes of Hue like ‘banh beo’, Phu Hoa fried spring rolls, Banh Canh Nam Pho and the ones that Anthony Bourdain tried – Com Hen and Bun Bo Hue.

One thing you will love Dong Ba market for sure: the place is not as noisy, busy and boisterous as many other markets in Vietnam. It’s also the one special of Hue people – calm, lovely and slow-paced.

All in all, Dong Market is a great place to shop, eat and enjoy the personality of Hue people.

6.Experience Hue Royal Banquet Dinner

Come to Hue – the old capital of Vietnam – it’s such a pity if you don’t try dining like an emperor of Nguyen Dynasty.
For this special kind of dinner, you’ll get dressed as Vietnamese royalty, eat what kings and queens ate while enjoying the traditional royal music played only for royal family. The royal dishes are a real feast not only for your stomach but also for your eyes. Each dish is decorated lavishly with bird-shaped fruits and all kinds of rare and precious food which were served for the king family in the past.

This banquet is extremely fun and joyful if you’re enjoying with a large group of friends and family. The cost for one person isn’t too expensive and it offers a real cultural experience in Hue that you can’t forget.

*Where to enjoy Royal Banquet:

•    Royal Park Restaurant
Add: 03 Nguyen Sinh Sac, Vy Da, Hue City

•    Hoang Phu Restaurnat
Add: Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Phu Hoi, Hue

7. Relax at Hue beaches

Hue, like many other cities on the central coastline, is blessed with gorgeous beaches. Hue has 5 beaches located in a proximity from few kilometers to about 30 kilometers from Hue city center.

Here are three must-see beaches for you:

- Lang Co Beach

Often mentioned in the list of best beaches in Vietnam, the beauty of Lang Co can’t be described by few simple words. With white beach dune stretching along the azure, Lang Co pleases your eyes with the gentlest colors.

After a winding ride on Hai Van Pass, Lang Co appears like a gift from mother nature, especially gorgeous in sunny days. The beach is calm and suitable for swimming and other beachside activities. But don’t just relax at the beach only, get to see the Lang Co village for its peaceful atmosphere as well as its local delicacies.

- Thuan An Beach

Located near Thuan An Mouth which is about 16 kilometers away from city center, Thuan An beach stretches about 12 kilometers along the coastline with white sand and blue water. The surrounding is just as beautiful and there are abundant services there to enjoy your time. You can camp overnight here and enjoy a small BBQ seafood party on the beach. It’ll be a sweet memory to have in Hue.

- Canh Duong Beach

Canh Duong Beach lies about 20 kilometer southeast of Hue city center, remains a pristine scenery with white, desert beach and beautiful blue sea. Canh Duong beach is a wonderful place for young travelers to visit with romantic setting of lantern decoration on beach, large camping zone and even tables and benches. Canh Duong offers a lovely night scene and a lot of corners to take picture. Don’t miss this beach in your trip to Hue.

8. Visit Hue Royal Threatre

Built in year 1826 under King Minh Mang, solely to entertain the royalty, Royal Theatre now serves as the National Conservatory of Music. You can visit the theatre freely to admire the refinedness in architecture and decoration of the stage, examine the actor’s masks and musical instruments. A cultural art performance here lasts for about 45 minutes, bring back the cultural atmosphere and the art performances which were dedicated only to the kings.

9. Visit beautiful garden houses in Hue, dine at Tha Om

Located on way to Thien Mu Pagoda at Kim Long village, Tha Om garden house is the perfect place to explore Vietnamese traditional architecture but also to taste the finest dishes of Hue cuisine.

With the typical feature seen in Nguyen Dynasty’s architectures, Tha Om boasts a beautiful complex of pavilions, gardens and lotus ponds. The garden house, like many other Hue’s homes, is built on a high ground with low, dipping roods to adapt with the flooding problem of the area.

The garden in Tha Om garden house can ease any soul who is seeking for a little comfort and serenity in nature.

House’s menus are set with most famous and sophisticated dishes of Hue cuisine, totally match its exquisite ambience.

*Address: 12/12, Kim Long Street, Hue City

Another garden house you should visit is Ben Xuan garden house for its elegant, vintage Hue architecture you can't find in anywhere else.

10. Walk on Thanh Toan Bridge

Thanh Toan bridge is another excellent example of Hue architecture during Nguyen dynasties, so valuable in terms of history and culture. Located 8 kilometers east from Hue city centre, Thanh Toan roofed bridge reflects itself on the green water of a small channel. Often compared with Hoi An’s Japanese Covered Bridge, Thanh Toan has a much more humble, rustic appearance.

The bridge is divided into 7 departments, almost the size of a big house. An ancestral altar is placed on the bridge to worship its constructor. On both sides of the bridge, there are platforms made for pedestrians to rest and hide from the sun.

- Location: Thanh Thuy Chan village, Phu Vang, Hue

11. Short visit to Hue conical hat making village

To Hue and Vietnamese people, a conical hat isn’t just a hat, it’s also attached to the image of Ao Dai young Hue girls wear as a school uniform. Conical hat must be the oldest Vietnamese fashion wear that is still being used widely in everyday life of middle class and in rural areas. In Hue, don’t miss the chance to visit one of the villages that still practice the craft of conical hat making.

In Tay Ho village, making conical hat has been taken as a practice of making art. The village is famous for producing the famous ‘poem conical hat’ – an endearing name given by Vietnamese people. The hat made in Tay Ho village looks like an ordinary conical hat, but when you hold the hat under sunlight, you can see a poem or painting on the hat body. ‘Poem Conical Hat’ is considered as a precious Hue gift to bring back home.

You won’t have a problem staying in Hue either. Accommodation here is relatively affordable across the board, so you could opt for something truly budget-friendly, or splash out a little and grab yourself a chic room at a cool hotel. With free or cheap bicycle hire on offer, pedaling around the city is a great way to see the sights, too.

Budget options

Amona Hotel 

Add: 11 Nguyen Cong Tru, Phu Hoi, Hue, Vietnam

Situated within 800 m of Dong Ba Market, Amona Hotel in Hue features a shared lounge, as well as free WiFi. This 2-stars hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Trang Tien Bridge is 1 km away.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy an Asian breakfast.

Dieu De National Pagoda is 1.2 km from Amona Hotel. Phu Bai Airport is 14 km away.

This is our guests' favourite part of Hue, according to independent reviews.

Sunny B Hotel 

Add: 4/34 Nguyen Tri Phuong Street, Hue, Vietnam

Located in the heart of Hue City, Sunny B Hotel offers rooms with a personal computer and free internet. It features a tour desk and free parking.

Rooms at the Sunny B Hotel come with a balcony, private bathroom and cable TV. A safe, minibar and slippers are provided.

Guests can rent cars, motorbikes or bicycles at the hotel. Luggage storage, concierge and currency exchange services are available.

The hotel provides laundry, dry cleaning services and airport pick-ups.

Sunny B Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Phu Bai Airport. The hotel is within walking distance of the Huong River and the Trang Tien Bridge.

This is our guests' favourite part of Hue, according to independent reviews.

Jade Hotel 

Add: 43 Hung Vuong, Hue, Vietnam

Located just 1 km from Dong Ba Market Jade Hotel offers accommodation in Thua Thien, Hue. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, or simply lounge at the sun terrace.

All rooms are fitted with a TV for entertainment, and are fitted with a private bathroom with a bath or shower, with slippers and free toiletries provided. This accommodation features free WiFi and private parking.

There is a 24-hour front desk at the property.

The hotel also offers bike hire and car hire. Trang Tien Bridge is 1 km from Jade Hotel, while Chieu Ung Pagoda is 1.8 km from the property. Phu Bai Airport is 14 km away.

Sapphire Hotel Hue 

Add: 65 Võ Thị Sáu, Hue, Vietnam

Situated in Hue, 2.5 km from Trang Tien Bridge, Sapphire Hotel Hue features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre and a bar. 2.9 km from Dong Ba Market and 3 km from Museum of Royal Antiquities, the property offers a shared lounge and a garden. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi.

The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a kettle, a bidet, a hairdryer and a wardrobe. Rooms come with a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.

The hotel offers a buffet or American breakfast.

Sapphire Hotel Hue offers a terrace.

Mid-range options

Hue Serene Palace Hotel 

Add: 21 Lane 42 Nguyen Cong Tru, Hue, Vietnam

Hue Serene Palace Hotel is strategically located within 200 m from the famous Huong River and Trang Tien Bridge. It features modern rooms equipped with a personal computer and offers free Wi-Fi access throughout the property.

The hotel is just 600 m to Hue Citadel and about 1 km to Hue Train Station. Hue Airport is 10 km away, while Da Nang International Airport is approximately 70 km away.

Fitted with parquet flooring, air-conditioned rooms are well-furnished with a wardrobe, personal safe, a flat-screen cable TV and seating area. Complimentary fruit, tea and coffee making facilities are also included. The en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer, bathrobes and free toiletries.

Hue Serene Palace Hotel has a tour desk that can assist with sightseeing and travel arrangements. Luggage storage, laundry and babysitting services can be requested from the 24-hour front desk. Other conveniences include a business centre, currency exchange and bicycle/car rental services.

Guests can enjoy daily breakfast at the in-house restaurant, or request for it to be delivered to the rooms. Alternatively, tasty local food is served at the nearby food stalls within a few minutes’ walk away.

The Scarlett Boutique Hotel 

Add: 17/1 Ben Nghe Street, Hue, Hue, Vietnam

Featuring 3-star accommodation, The Scarlett Boutique Hotel is situated in Hue, 2.3 km from Museum of Royal Antiquities and 2.3 km from Dong Ba Market. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi. The property is allergy-free and is located 2 km from Trang Tien Bridge.

All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel every room is fitted with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Guests can make use of the business centre to work or head for a sightseeing trip organized by the tour desk.

Rosaleen Boutique Hotel 

Add: 36 Chu Van An Street, Hue, Vietnam

Rosaleen Boutique Hotel is situated in the heart of Hue City, less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Perfume River. The Hue Ferry Terminal is a 10-minute walk away.

Rooms at Rosaleen Boutique Hotel are spacious and modern. They enjoy fresh, light décor and offer satellite TV and tea and coffee makers. Many rooms feature a balcony with a city view.

The outdoor pool, surrounded by sun loungers, offers an ideal spot for sunbathing and relaxing. Rosaleen Boutique Hotel also provides professional massage services and a sauna.

For convenience, the Rosaleen Boutique Hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, free on-site parking and free WiFi throughout the hotel. An airport transfer can also be organised upon request.

Beaulieu Boutique Hotel 

Add: 15 Pham Ngu Lao, Hue, Vietnam

Located within 700 m from Dong Ba Market and Trang Tien Bridge, Beaulieu Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Hue. Guests can enjoy free WiFi access in entire property and on-site parking.

Elegantly furnished, all rooms are air-conditioned and feature wooden flooring and large window. A flat-screen TV and kettle are included. En suite bathroom comes with shower facility and a hairdryer.

A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the property.

Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide assistance with information about the area.

Deluxe options

Alba Spa Hotel 

Add: 29 Tran Quang Khai, Hue, Vietnam

Located just 500 m away from Huong River in Hue, Alba Spa Hotel offers comfortable accommodation in a relaxing atmosphere. Featuring neutral colours, this property offers the Alba hot and cool mineral spa pool where guests can improve their well-being by enjoying a bath - an age-old practice to maintain health and vigor.

This property is 810 m away from the Notre Dame Cathedral and 1 km from An Dinh Palace and Trang Tien Bridge. Phu Bai Airport is 12 km away, while Da Nang International Airport is 80 km from Alba Spa Hotel.

Rooms at Alba Spa Hotel feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and tea/coffee maker.

Room slippers and a hairdryer are provided for guest’s convenience.

Century Riverside Hue 

Add: 49 Le Loi Street, Hue, Vietnam

Located in the heart of Hue City, Century Riverside Hue features rooms with LCD cable TV and free WiFi. The luxurious hotel offers a spa and swimming pool. 5 dining options are available in Century Hotel.

Centrally located on the banks of Huong River, Century Riverside Hue is 2 km from Hue Railway Station. It is a 20-minute drive from Phu Bai International Airport.

The elegant rooms have a Vietnamese theme and come with a balcony, air-conditioning and fan. A minibar and tea/coffee maker are provided.

Guests can work out at the fitness centre or with a game of tennis. Massage services are available at the spa featuring a hot tub and sauna. The hotel offers car and bicycle rental services.

Asian, Vietnamese and Western cuisine are served at The Terrace Restaurant and The Riverside Restaurant. There is also a variety of restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the hotel.

Saigon Morin Hotel 

Add: 30 Le Loi Street, Hue, Vietnam

Centrally located in Hue, Saigon Morin Hotel overlooks the Perfume River and Truong Tien Bridge. Featuring French colonial architecture, the hotel boasts an outdoor swimming pool and 3 dining options. The property has a garden and provides free public parking at a site nearby.

Dong Ba Market and Dieu De National Pagoda are within 5-minute drive from Saigon Morin Hotel. The nearest airport is Phu Bai International Airport, a 30-minute drive from Saigon Morin Hotel.

Featuring WiFi access, all rooms are furnished with air conditioning, a desk and personal safe. Views of the city, river and/or swimming pool can be seen from certain rooms. A satellite TV, tea/coffee maker and minibar are provided for your convenience. Attached bathroom in each is fitted with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. A spa bath is equipped in some rooms. Slippers and bathrobes are included for your comfort.

Speaking three languages, staff at the 24-hour front desk are willing to assist with express check-in or check-out, currency exchange and luggage storage. Day trips and shuttle services can be arranged at the tour desk. A spa and wellness equipped with a steam room and hot tub is available at the hotel.

In-house restaurants feature an array of European, Asian and Hue dishes, while the bars serves up to many choices of cocktails, wines, fruit juices and snacks.

Vinpearl Hotel Hue 

Boasting a bar, Vinpearl Hotel Hue is set in Hue in the Thua Thien - Hue region, 2 km from Trang Tien Bridge and 2.3 km from Museum of Royal Antiquities. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel offers an indoor pool, fitness centre and a concierge service.

At the hotel, all rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

A continental breakfast is available every morning at Vinpearl Hotel Hue.

Senna Hue Hotel 

Add: 7 Nguyễn Tri Phương, phường Phú Hội, Tp Huế 7 Nguyễn Tri Phương, Hue, Vietnam

Located in Hue, 1.4 km from Dong Ba Market, Senna Hue Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel has a garden and a terrace. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.

The hotel offers a buffet or American breakfast.