Located on the bank of Song Huong- Perfume River; Hue, the capital of Thua Thien Hue province in Central Vietnam. Not until 1945 was Hue the national capital, the political, cultural and religious center of Vietnam under the control of Nguyen Dynasty. Most well-known for its historic values; Hue had been recognized as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
GEOGRAPHY
Thua Thien-Hue Province is located in Central Viet Nam. It is next to Quang Tri Province to the north, Danang to the south, and Quang Nam Province to the south-west. This province leans up against the Truong Son mountain range and is washed by the East Sea, along its 120km seashore. It is 700 km southern Hanoi, 1100km northern Ho Chi Minh City, and only a few miles from the sea.
CLIMATE
The weather is submitted to tropical monsoon climate divided into four distinct seasons: fresh spring, very hot summer, mild autumn and windy, cold winter. The dry season lasts from March to August. It is hot with temperate rarely reaches to 39.50C. The rainy season lasts from September to February. It is quite cold with average temperature is 19.70C, but sometime down to 8.80C. In this time, it rains a lost, sometime lasts all day. If tourist would to avoid rainy, they come to Danang City, 108km from south of Hue. In the mountain area, the weather is cool with the annual temperature is between 90C and 290C. The most convenient time to visit the area is from November to April.
TRANSPORTATION
Air
Phu Bai Aiport is 14 Km south of the city centre. Viet Nam Airlines has daily flight connections with Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, and it run its own minibus from its office to the airport. It takes 15 minutes.
Bus
Hue has 3 main bus station: An Cuu bus station (at the end of Hung Vuong Rd), An Hoa bus station (north-west of the Citadel on National Highway 1) and Dong Ba bus station (next to Dong Ba Market),connection with other cities in Viet Nam.
Minibus
Tourist minibus runs from Hue to Hoi An, stopping in Da Nang. Ticket are sold at some hotels or at the Sinh cafe. There is a 10 minutes stopat Lang Co Beach and Hai Van Pass. There are daily departures. – Motorbike: Can be rented from some hotels
Boat
Boat rides down the Perfume River. Tours visit the Tomb of Minh Mang and Thien Mu Pagoda. Many restaurants and hotels arrange these boat tours. The journey takes about six hours. Boat can also be found at the dock near Dong Ba Market or Dap Da Bridge.
NIGHTLIFE
When the night comes, the surface of the river glistens under the moonlight, and the songs of the boat rowers can be heard breaking the silence. Just come here and you will feel the pure atmosphere of romance and beauty!
RESTAURANTS/DINING
rice with mussel
Com Hen (rice with mussel) is a very unique cuisine of Hue. Com Hen contains rice, boiled mussel, star fruit, fish sauce, cabbage, onion, pepper, peanut, chili, and a variety of herbs. The specialty is all of these elements are cold. When people eat Com Hen, they add all the above ingredients to a bowl, and slowly add boiled mussel broth with chili sauce into the bowl (the broth is the only hot thing in Com Hen). Com Hen has an extremely spicy flavor as such, so gastronomes remember it just after one time enjoying.
Hue style beef vermicelli
Bun bo Hue (Hue style beef vermicelli) or more detail, Bun bo gio heo (beef and pig’s knuckle vermicelli) is a popular Vietnamese soup vermicelli dish, and one of the most typical foods of Hue, Vietnam. Fine combination of ingredients make the food famous; the broth is prepared by simmering beef and bones for a long period of time, after that a large range of different spices containing lemon grass and chili are added in. Shrimp paste holds no less importance. Hue people usually add thin slices of beef shank, chunks of boiled oxtail, and pig’s knuckles or pork into the bowl. It can also contain cubes of maroon brown congealed pig blood, which are good for those suffering from high blood pressure. The specialty is commonly served with a plenty of herbs like sprouts, lime wedges, cilantro sprigs, onions, and sliced banana blossom. Thinly sliced purple cabbage or iceberg lettuces are used in case of lacking in banana blossom. It is highly recommended for tourists to add a few of shrimp paste directly into the soup.
water fern cake
Banh beo (water fern cake) is a kind of small steamed rice pancake. The name is to refer from the shape of the cake (like a water fern-Beo in Vietnamese). It is white in color, sometimes nearly transparent and usually has a dimple in the center, which is covered with savory recipes including chopped dried or fresh shrimp, scallions, mung bean paste, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and oil.
delicious pancake
Banh khoai (delicious pancake) is so much like Banh xeo (sizzling pancake) since they both are made from rice flour, water, turmeric powder, added slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, bean sprouts and then pan fried. Banh khoai and Banh xeo also are wrapped in mustard leaf, lettuce leaves or rice paper, and stuffed with variety of herb, like mint leaves, basil and served with a sweet and sour mixed sauce. In Hue, Banh khoai is placed open-face instead of being folded in half like Banh xeo. Moreover, Banh khoai always goes with a fermented soy bean sauce, and people consider it a winter food owing to its greasiness and spicy taste of the sauce. Therefore, most Hue citizens only make them when winter coming.
HUE CITADEL
Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River. With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). This construction stared in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang. Under Nguyen Dynasty, the Kings had ordered to build ramparts, palaces and constructional works for royal. Over 200 years to now, it is still original with nearly 140 small and large constructions.
HUE MUSEUM OF ROYAL ANTIQUITIES
Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities covers on area of more than 6,000m². The main showroom of the museum was Long An Palace reconstructed in 1909 as the library of Quoc Tu Giam (National Academy). The museum displays the antiquities related to Nguyen Dynasty.
TRUONG TIEN BRIDGE
Truong Tien Bridge crosses Huong River,It is one of the first bridges built in Indochina according to Western design and construction technique.
Although there are many other bridges crossing Huong River, such as Bach Ho, Phu Xuan, Bai Dau… Truong Tien Bridge is still the most typical and a symbol of the romantic city of Hue.
From Hue Festival 2002, Truong Tien Bridge was installed the modern lighting system to appear brightly and fanciful every evening.
DONG BA MARKET
Situated along the northern bank of Perfume River, Tran Hung Dao Street, Hue City, Thua Thien – Hue Province, about 100m to the north from Truong Tien Bridge.
Dong Ba Market is the biggest market in Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Along with Truong Tien Bridge and Perfume River, Dong Ba Market is one of symbols of the poetic city of Hue.
TOMB OF MINH MANG
Tomb of Minh Mang is located 12km form Hue, on Cam Ke mount, near Bang Lang fork, on the west bank of the Perfume River. Minh Mang’s tomb is a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 constructions (palaces, temples, pavilions, etc.) designed on an symmetric axis running from Dai Hong gate to the foot of La Thanh (Surrounding Wall) behind the Emperor’s tomb. Visiting Minh Mang’s tomb, one is impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions.
TOMB OF TU DUC
Tomb of Tu Duc is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong Village (currently Thuong Ba Village, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City).
It is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. The tomb lies in a boundless pine forest, 8km from Hue city-centre. Its construction started in December 1864 and finished in 1867.
On an area of about 12ha wide, nearly 50 constructions were built on terraces of various levels (about 10m difference). All constructions include the word Khiem (Modesty) in their names.
TOMB OF KHAI DINH
Tomb of Khai Dinh is located on the slope of Chau Chu Mountain (also called Chau E), 10km from Hue City.
In comparison with those of the preceding emperors, Khai Dinh’s tomb is much smaller in surface but it is very elaborate. It is the result of the interminglement of many architectural trends: European and Asian, as well as ancient and modern.
HON CHEN TEMPLE
Opposite to Vong Canh hill, Hon Chen temple is located on Ngoc Tran’s mountain slope, reflecting itself in the deep green river below. Ngoc Tran is in a shape of a downward-facing cup, so therefore is called Hon Chen (Jade Cup).
Hon Chen temple is a place for worshipping Goddess Thien Y A Na, which is solely known as a religion of Champa people. Its architectural style was not defined until 1832, when Emperor Minh Mang had the temple restored and enlarged for worshipping the above mentioned Goddess. The Temple was once again largely restored in 1882 by Emperor Dong Khanh, who then renamed it Hue Nam temple. Currently, in Hon Chen, items of worship still remain is once again under restoration.
It is wonderful for tourists to go to Hon Chen by boat.
THIEN MU PAGODA
Thien Mu Pagoda is situated on Ha Khe Hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, in Huong Long Village, 5km from center of Hue City. It was built in 1601. Nowadays the pagoda is very well-maintained and very welcoming to all visitors.
VONG CANH HILL
Some kilometers away from Ngu Binh Mount is Vong Canh Hill. it is far about 7 kilometers from Hue center. Standing on the Vong Canh hill, you can enjoy the poetic scenery of Hue city, especially the tombs of the reign Nguyen. Vong Canh hill has 43 meters height, on the foot of hill, it is bordering the bank of Huong River and oppose to Hon Chen temple. Tourists can come here in the sunrise or sunset; they will feel the poetic beauty of the hill, the river. Many years ago, lords and kings often enjoyed the pristine scenery of mountain and river.
NGU BINH MOUNTAIN
Ngu Binh Mountain is located in Hue City. Ngu Binh Mountain was called Bang Son (Even Mount) and renamed Ngu Binh by Emperor Gia Long. It was chosen as a screen in front of the Hue Capital City. from the top of Ngu Binh Mount, people can view all the sights of Hue City with magnificent palaces, ancient pagoda roofs and the blue limpid Perfume River winding in and out… Right in front of people’s eyesight stretch boundless pine forests on the hills and large plains of Huong Thuy, Phu Vang, Huong Tra Districts with green plants and trees. In the distance is the endless dark purple Truong Son range hidden behind silver clouds… Towards the east is a dim white sand strip and Thuan An Estuary in the distance with the deep blue Eastern Sea.
BACH MA NATIONAL PARK
Bach Ma National Park is approximately 50km south of Hue Bach Ma National Park is endowed with fascinating natural scenery, fresh and cool climate, and diversified flora and fauna. Bach Ma National Park has the temperate climate much like that of Da Lat, Sa Pa and Tam Dao. However, since it is located so close to the sea, the temperature in winter never goes below 40C and the highest temperature in summer never exceeds 260C. The best time to visit Bach Ma is from February to September.
THUAN AN BEACH, LANG CO BEACH, CANH DUONG BEACH
Far from Hue 15 km, only 15 minutes by car, you head to Thuan An Beach, situated near by Thuan An mouth, where Huong River flows into Tam Giang lagoon and then to the sea. Plenty small boats, junks drift up and down the river, while the wayside is dotted with cottages, temples, pagodas, lush rice fields and gardens.
Thuan An Beach is an enjoyable escape after a full day visit to the Imperial Citadel, mausoleums, pagodas, and so on. Locals head here to enjoy fresh air and sea-bathing in summer time. Beach activities last from April to September, while the temperature in Hue is fairly hot. Sometimes, the beach is packed with tourists, so it is not enough space for camping. Bordering a section of the 1A National Highway, nearly Hai Van pass, and 24 km from Bach Ma area, Lang Co Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hue. It is covered with powdery fine white sands, have clear warm water with gradually sloping ocean floors. The average depth of under 1m and the average temperature during the bathing season of 25°C.
Lang Co Sea is home to various kinds of shrimps, lobsters, crabs, butterfishes, mackerel fishes, oysters, etc. Not far from the beach is Lang Co fishing village, making it a popular hotspot for fresh and tasty seafood.
Situated between Chan May and Eastern Chan May, just about 60 km from Hue city, Canh Duong Beach is about 4000 meters long and 200 meters wide and arc-shaped with silky white sand beach and crystal clear blue water, making this place so romantic. The beach promises to be an interesting dining spot with fresh and delicious seafood.
LAP AN LAGOON
Thua Thien – Hue Province is not only famous for many unique historical – cultural relics, but also owns charming and poetic landscapes, including Lap An Lagoon (Lang Co Town, Phu Loc District). Lap An is a brackish water area with surface of over 800ha in the west of Lang Co Bay, stretching from the foot of Phu Gia Pass to Hai Van Estuary. Surrounding the lagoon is the winding small road and in the distance, there is the majestic mountain of Bach Ma. Besides the romantic natural scenery, Lap An Lagoon is also the habitat for many animals and aquatic plants, mostly oysters. Oysters have high nutritional value and many uses, so they are greatly favored by visitors. Thus the local people consider oysters as “jewel of heaven” and live mainly by feeding oysters. The best time to admire Lap An Lagoon is sunset, when the sun begins to go down after Bach Ma Mountain. The scenery at this time is extremely fanciful. The smooth water surface appearing red, yellow, dark blue colors… looks like a colorful silk. Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy delicious dishes made of oysters, such as oysters steamed with ginger, sweet and sour oysters, tofu stuffed oysters, oyster noodles…
CAU HAI LAGOON
Forty kilometers southeast of Hue, Cau Hai Lagoon is among the largest freshwater lagoons in Southeast Asia. Tucked between the East Sea and the mountains of central Vietnam, its placid waters are home to a small fishing community, while local farmers tend to the verdant rice paddies that stretch out to meet the water’s edge. Despite its close proximity to Hue – and the tourist masses that flock to the former imperial capital – Cau Hai and its more famous neighbor, Tam Giang Lagoon, have managed to stay off many travel itineraries. The fortunate few who make it out to Cau Hai, however, are rewarded with the breathtaking pastoral scenery of a sleepy hamlet framed by rugged mountains. As morning light floods the lagoon and its tiny fishing village comes to life, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stumbled into the pages of a storybook.
VOI (ELEPHANT) STREAM
This tourist site lies in Phu Loc District, 40km south of Hue City. Nestling amidst other well-known tourist sites like Bach Ma, Lang Co, and Chan May, Voi Stream allures visitors by its eco-environment and wild beauty.
Various rocks, small or big alike, scatter in the pure water of Voi Stream, which conjure up a herd of baby elephants playing with each other. By the waterfall, fascinating extra is a crouching stone elephant from whose trunk spouts out a fountain of water.
The 500m Voi Stream includes Voi Pool and Du Pool. Heading there, visitors can wallow in the cool water or sit on different flat stones to enjoy the pure airy atmosphere. They can also immerse themselves in the pouring of the waterfall, the rustling of leaves, the melody of wind and the chirping of birds. All adds up to the endless concert with different nuances of nature. Du Pool offers thrilling experience for those who want to hold the hanging tree roots to swing back and forth.
TRUOI LAKE
Truoi is a famous name in the central city of Hue with Truoi Mountain, Truoi River, Truoi Village, Truoi people and also Truoi Lake in Loc Hoa Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien-Hue Province. A hydroelectric work built in 1996, Truoi Lake makes a strong impression with its crystal blue water and poetic surroundings. From Hue City on National Highway 1A for about 30 kilometers and then onto a shade covered village road, Truoi Lake lies amidst magnificent mountains starting from the Bach Ma Range. The lake has a 50-meter embankment and a capacity of 60 million cubic meters of water. Reaching the wharf, which is about 100 meters from the embankment, tourists can board a 15-20 seat boat to start the excursion. After sailing around for 30 minutes, tourists may get lost in the fascinating wilderness with the murmur of streams ahead and the hundreds of rocks emerging out of them. Here, tourists can take a bath or sit on the rocks for fishing. All daily worries and stresses will surely drift away with the flowing water. After that, tourists can explore the forest at the foot of Thanh Long Mountain to enjoy the wildlife. The forest is home to many species of seasoned trees and wild animals. On the way back to the wharf, tourists should not miss Truc Lam Bach Ma Pagoda nestled on the peak of a hill to contemplate its elegant architecture as well as to find tranquility for the soul. Tourists must first conquer 172 stones step to reach the pagoda but the panoramic view of Truoi Lake is worth the sweat.
THINGS TO DO IN HUE- ABSOLUTE MUST- TRY ACTIVITIES
SOAK IN HOT STREAM
The Thanh Tan Hot Springs is situated 13 kilometers north of the city center of Hue. It provides scenic surroundings of mass of trees and hilly regions, and fresh mountainous air amidst flowing hot mineral water springs. Built around a natural spring, where the bottled mineral water “Thanh Tan” came from, the waterpark is an ideal place to go to if you want to get away from all the pressures of life and just relax and let go. With a tranquil atmosphere on top of its soothing waters, it is perfect for both body and mind rejuvenations. The hot spring was actually discovered in 1926 by local and foreign scientists. It was graded as a “very hot spring” with a 66 degree Celsius of water temperature, and was said to be rich in calcium and sulfur, which are believed to have medicinal and curative effects on people. Curiously, the water does not have a strong sulfur smell and you can soak in it for as long as you like.
HUE FOLK SONGS PERFORMANCES ON THE PERFUME RIVER
Hue is known as one of cradles of the nation traditional music. For that reason, the best way to relax in Hue in the evening is to attend a folk song performance on the Perfume River. Originally from the Ly,Tran and early Le dynasties, Hue folk singing has become a unique combination of the folk songs and classical music which strongly developed during the reign of Tu Duc ( 1848 – 1883 ). The genre now becomes popular because it expresses deep feelings and aspiration of the people living by Perfume river and Mount Ngu Binh.
The Hue area has many fascinating monuments and historical sights, and a Dragon Boat journey up river through lush countryside is a splendid way of visiting some of the best. There are many options to choose from, but a typical tour will include the Linh Mu (Thien Mu) Pagoda, Hon Chen Temple, Tu Due Tomb, Emperor Minh Mang’s Tomb amidst tranquil gardens and lakes and Khai Dinh Tomb. However, the Dragon Boat trip is an experience in its own right, and it’s always possible to return on another day and spend more time at particular sights.
On this 2 hour long boat ride, passengers can enjoy performances by local artists who sing folk songs to the tune of traditional woodwind, stringed instruments and the teacups.
At the end of the performance, colored lanterns are released onto the river.
