Thua Thien Hue

Discover Thua Thien Hue: Vietnam’s Imperial Heart – A Journey Through History & Culture

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating culture of Thua Thien Hue, central Vietnam’s former imperial capital. Nestled along the poetic Perfume River, Hue (the provincial capital) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting ancient citadels, majestic royal tombs, serene pagodas, and a culinary heritage unlike any other. Prepare for a truly enchanting experience where every corner tells a story of Vietnam’s glorious past.

Destination Highlights: What to See & Do

Thua Thien Hue is a treasure trove of historical and cultural gems, perfect for exploration and contemplation.

• The Imperial City (The Citadel): The centerpiece of Hue, this sprawling complex was the fortified capital of the Nguyen Dynasty for 143 years. Wander through its magnificent gates, explore the Forbidden Purple City (once exclusive to emperors), visit the Thai Hoa Palace, and discover various temples, pavilions, and courtyards. Despite war damage, its grandeur remains deeply impressive.
• Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: Scattered around the city in beautiful natural settings, these elaborate tombs are masterpieces of Vietnamese architecture and landscaping, reflecting the personalities and philosophies of the emperors they house.
  • Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang: Known for its harmonious blend of architecture and nature, set amidst lakes and gardens.
  • Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc: A poetic and serene complex, designed as a living retreat before becoming a burial site.
  • Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh: A striking blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles, intricately decorated with mosaic and porcelain.
• Thien Mu Pagoda (Pagoda of the Celestial Lady): An iconic seven-story pagoda, beautifully situated on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. It’s one of Vietnam’s oldest and most important Buddhist sites, offering stunning views, tranquil gardens, and significant historical artifacts. A dragon boat trip along the Perfume River to reach it is a highly recommended experience.
• Perfume River (Sông Hương): The lifeblood of Hue, offering picturesque boat cruises, especially at sunset. Enjoy traditional “Ca Hue” folk music performances on dragon boats, or simply stroll along its banks to soak in the romantic atmosphere.
• Bach Ma National Park: For nature lovers, this national park offers lush forests, diverse wildlife, and beautiful waterfalls (like Do Quyen waterfall). It’s a great spot for trekking and enjoying cooler mountain air.
• Vong Canh Hill: Offers panoramic views of the Perfume River, Ngu Binh Mountain, and the surrounding countryside, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
• Lang Co Beach: Just an hour’s drive from Hue, this crescent-shaped beach is hailed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It’s perfect for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying fresh seafood.

Culinary Delights: Dining in Thua Thien Hue

Hue is celebrated as the culinary heart of Vietnam, particularly famous for its refined royal cuisine and diverse street food. Prepare for a gastronomic journey!

• Bún Bò Huế: The undisputed champion of Hue cuisine! This spicy and flavorful beef noodle soup, characterized by its robust lemongrass broth, thick rice vermicelli, and various cuts of beef and pork, is a must-try.
  • Recommended spots: Bún Bò Huế Bà Gái (20 Lê Lợi), Bún Bò Huế Quán Cẩm (38 Trần Cao Vân).
• Bánh Khoái: A crispy, savory pancake similar to Banh Xeo but thicker, filled with shrimp, pork, egg, and bean sprouts, served with a rich peanut dipping sauce.
• Nem Lụi: Grilled pork skewers wrapped around lemongrass stalks, served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and a special dipping sauce.
• Bánh Bèo, Nậm, Lọc: A trio of delicate, steamed or clear tapioca dumplings, often served on small plates with a savory shrimp topping and a sweet chili fish sauce. Perfect for a snack or light meal.
• Cơm Hến (Clam Rice): A humble yet incredibly flavorful dish of cold rice mixed with tiny stir-fried clams, fresh herbs, crispy pork rind, peanuts, and a spicy chili sauce.
• Chè Hẻm (Sweet Soups): Hue offers a vast array of sweet soups, from refreshing fruit concoctions to creamy bean and glutinous rice desserts. Don’t miss Chè Bắp (corn sweet soup) or Chè Hạt Sen (lotus seed sweet soup).
• Royal Cuisine Experience: For a unique cultural and culinary immersion, consider booking a “royal banquet” experience where you can dress in traditional imperial attire and enjoy multi-course meals served with elaborate presentation, often accompanied by traditional music.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Thua Thien Hue, particularly Hue city, offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and preference, from luxurious riverside hotels to charming boutique guesthouses and affordable hostels.

• Luxury & Boutique Hotels:
  • Azerai La Residence, Hue: A stunning French colonial mansion overlooking the Perfume River, offering elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and impeccable service.
  • Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa: A tranquil resort nestled in a lush, natural setting outside the city center, known for its spa services and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
  • Meliá Vinpearl Hue / Pullman Vung Tau: Modern high-rise hotels offering luxurious amenities, city views, and international standards.
  • Imperial Hotel Hue / Saigon Morin Hotel: Classic, centrally located hotels with French colonial charm, offering views of the Perfume River and Trang Tien Bridge.
• Mid-Range Hotels:
  • Numerous comfortable and well-appointed hotels can be found throughout the city, especially in the tourist district near Le Loi Street, offering good value and convenient access to attractions.
• Homestays & Guesthouses:
  • For a more local and intimate experience, consider staying in one of the many charming homestays or guesthouses. These often offer personalized service and insights into local life.

Shopping: Take a Piece of Hue Home

Shopping in Hue is an opportunity to find unique local handicrafts, traditional clothing, and delicious regional specialties.

• Dong Ba Market: Hue’s largest and oldest market, a bustling hub where you can find everything from fresh produce, seafood, and spices to clothing, souvenirs, and local handicrafts like conical hats (nón lá), silk, and lacquerware. Be prepared to bargain!
• Hue Walking Street: Located in the city center, this area (especially on weekends) comes alive with street vendors, local shops, and eateries, offering a mix of souvenirs, clothing, and street food.
• Conical Hat Villages (Làng Nón Bài Thơ): Visit traditional villages like Tay Ho or Phu Cam to see how the iconic Vietnamese conical hats are made. You can purchase these beautiful and practical souvenirs directly from the artisans.
• Phu Cam Conical Hat Village: Known for its intricately embroidered conical hats that often feature poetic verses.
• Local Handicraft Shops: Look for stores specializing in traditional Vietnamese silk, embroidery, ceramics, and wooden crafts. Shops like “Healing the Wounded Heart Hue” offer handicrafts made by disabled artisans.
• Specialty Foods: Don’t leave without trying or buying mè xửng (sesame candy), tôm chua (sour shrimp paste), and various dried seafood products.

Transportation: Getting to & Around Thua Thien Hue

Thua Thien Hue is well-connected, making travel to and within the region quite convenient.

• Arrival in Thua Thien Hue:
  • By Air: Phu Bai International Airport (HUI) is the main airport, located about 15 km south of Hue city center. It has domestic flights from major Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Transfers to the city can be arranged via taxi, shared shuttle, or local bus.
  • By Train: Hue Railway Station is a major stop on Vietnam’s North-South railway line. Overnight sleeper trains from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or shorter journeys from Da Nang or Quang Binh, offer a scenic and comfortable way to arrive.
  • By Bus: Numerous comfortable sleeper buses connect Hue with other major cities across Vietnam, including Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Private Car: Booking a private car transfer from nearby cities like Da Nang or Hoi An is a popular and convenient option, often including scenic stops along the Hai Van Pass.
• Getting Around Hue City:
  • Cyclos (Xích Lô): For a charming and traditional way to explore the Imperial City and downtown areas. Negotiate the price beforehand.
  • Motorbike/Scooter Rental: A flexible way to visit attractions within and outside the city center at your own pace. Many hotels offer rentals.
  • Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Readily available and convenient for longer distances or when you prefer not to drive.
  • Bicycle Rental: Hue’s relatively flat terrain makes cycling a pleasant way to explore the city, especially along the Perfume River.
  • Dragon Boat Tours: Essential for experiencing the Perfume River, often including stops at Thien Mu Pagoda and the royal tombs.
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus: Offers a convenient way to visit major attractions with a flexible schedule.

Embrace the timeless beauty and profound history of Thua Thien Hue. Your journey to Vietnam’s imperial heart promises to be an enriching and unforgettable adventure!