A Trip to Hue City: Vietnam’s Unsung Cultural Capital
Adventure
Hue is a laid-back destination with a rich cultural heritage
Book Top Experiences and Tours in Vietnam:
If youʻre booking your trip to Vietnam last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!- Hanoi/Ninh Binh: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Mua Caves Full-Day Trip
- Phu Quoc: Cable Car Ride and 3 Islands Boat Tour with Lunch
- Ho Chi Minh: Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Full-Day Tour
- From Hanoi: 2-Day & 1 Night Halong Bay Tour
- Imperial City, Hue: Day Tour from Hoi An and Da Nang
Hueâs Story, in Brief
Between the years of 1802 and 1945, Hue was the reigning hub for the Nguyen Dynasty. At the heart of the ruling family (and the city itself) was the Imperial Citadel: a fortified compound with a âforbidden cityâ at its epicenter. Built in the likeness of Beijingâs Forbidden City, this inner enclosure was open only to members of the royal family. Trespassing into the citadel itself (without permission) was a crime punishable by death. Outside the citadel, the reaches of royalty infiltrated the city. Affecting the culture, food, religion and everyday lives of the citizens, itâs traces of these royal roots that still define and mold modern day Hue.
The Uniqueness of Hue
From the origins of the Ao Dai (Vietnamâs national dress for women) and one of the countryâs oldest (and most prestigious) high schools to the plethora of fully functioning Buddhist temples, Hue is Vietnamâs unspoken cultural capital. Locals carry a sense of pride with their home city, the atmosphere is tranquil and sophisticated and the city lacks that chaotic buzz that so often defines Vietnam. Walk along the banks of the river during the day, through the dimly lit streets at night or amongst the ruins of former royalty and youâre bound to pick up on this special ambiance.
What to See in Hue
Visitors coming to Hue for the first time are undoubtedly going to want to visit the Imperial Citadel. Situated in the heart of the city, itâs the perfect place to get acquainted with Hueâs rich past. Unfortunately, a great amount of the compound was destroyed during the American/Vietnam war, but great efforts are underway to preserve (and rebuild) this incredible piece of history. Breathtaking gates with vibrant mosaics, expansive squares and ancient temples, courts & pavilions- theyâre all located inside the remains of the citadel and make for a fascinating day.
Tip: You can explore the citadel on your own, but taking a guided tour may prove to be a bit more informative⦠particularly in places where ruins canât tell the story
Hue is also famous for its royal tombs. Tucked along the banks of the Perfume River, visitors can find a range of grandiose burial sights dedicated to Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, Gia Long and other past royalty. Elaborate architectural styles, giant stone guardians, sprawling terraces and tranquil locales define each individual tomb, which, combined with a tour down the Perfume River, make for another memorable day.
Other unique visits in the city include the seven-story Thien Mu Pagoda (the tallest religious building in Vietnam and the icon of Hue city), Quoc Hoc High School (one of Vietnamâs most prestigious high schools, also where Ho Chi Minh graduated from), the Hue Provincial Museum (military exhibits) and the stunning An Dinh Palace (private residence of the Royal Family).
Alternative Explorations
As Hue was a major site during the infamous Tet Offensive of the American/Vietnam War, trips to the DMZ (demilitarized zone) are a popular day excursion for many visitors. About 43 miles north of the city, visitors can explore the former boundary between North and South and the sites that accompanied it. While there arenât many wartime items left over, some foundations and monuments still exist, as do the poignant stories that accompany them.
For those looking for something a bit more light hearted, Hue is surprisingly close to the coastline! A short drive brings you to Thuan An Beach, arguably one of the most beautiful beaches along the coast of Central Vietnam. A bit further down the road (back to Da Nang) brings you to Lang Co, which boasts empty stretches of golden sand beaches and pristine salt waters. If youâre looking to get a bit off the beaten path, just north of Lang Co is Suoi Voi, or Elephant Springs, where visitors can cool down in natural spring waters bubbling through the mountain terrain.
A Taste of Hue
With its royal roots comes a royal palette! Hue is famous for its delicious cuisine⦠a must try for anyone spending some time in the city. Bun Bo Hue (vermicelli beef soup), Com Hen (rice with mussels), Banh Khoai (crispy rice cakes with savory fillings) and Banh Beo (steamed rice cakes) are some great local selections, as is the cityâs vegetarian cuisine. Com Chay (vegetarian food) is exceedingly popular in Hue, due to the high amount of Buddhist practitioners in the city. Anywhere you can find a high concentration of vegetarians, youâre bound to find some of the best vegetarian food in the world. Even if youâre not particularly interested in eating vegetarian, give it a try⦠you may be surprised!
Conclusion
Hue is unique in Vietnam not only for its attractions, but also for its charming atmosphere. While there are some amazing things to see in Hue, itâs not always about checking everything off the list. Many visitors prefer to sit riverside, enjoy the quaint cafes and local restaurants, exploring the art scene and getting to know the locals. Hue is a laid-back destination with a rich cultural heritage; relax, explore and take your time getting to know this truly distinct destination - Vietnamâs unsung cultural capital.
Author: Daniel Robbins
Photo: Alan Doyle, Lisa Marie Sykes, Tony Wasserman, Nguyen Minh Son
