Hue is an ancient capital city located in central Vietnam on the banks of Huong River (also known as Hue River and Perfume River).

What makes Hue stand out from the rest of the cities in Vietnam? Because the city had been the imperial capital (from1802 to1945), there are significant historical remnants to be appreciated. Today, the reflections of the past are still evident in the food and culture of Hue.

What to See:

-The Citadel & Imperial City

Hue Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of a massive complex with monuments and ruins from Vietnam War. Long before that, it had been a residence of the royal dynasty for 143 years. Most of the temples, buildings, walls and gates were destroyed (and later restored) during the French occupation and Tet Offensive during Vietnam War.

In the early 19th Century, Emperor Gia Long, the first king of Nguyen Dynasty, ordered construction of a new royal palace in Hue.

Surrounded by six-meters-high walls and moat encompassing the perimeter, it’s said that the Imperial City is a replica of Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Set in a beautiful landscape, the compound is rich with historical architecture and remnants of the past.

-Perfume River

Locally known as Huong River, this 80 km-long river flows from Truong Son Mountain through Hue City. Its name perfume river derives from the scent of flowers (detected only in autumn) carried through the river flow from the mountain.

There are boat tours that take you to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hon Chen Temple and other must-see sites. Dinner cruises are romantic watching the sunset while enjoying drinks and royal dinner.

-Royal Tombs

There are seven known royal tombs in Hue.

Out of these, there are three must-sees if you are in the area: Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb

Read my blog, “3 Must See Imperial Tombs in Hue, Vietnam” for details about these tombs.

-Dong Ba Market

There are hundreds of stalls selling food, drinks, fresh produce, meat, fish, household items, clothing and just about everything at this oldest market in Hue. This is where you get a glimpse of how the locals live and experience the culture and food first hand.

What to Eat & Drink:

-Bun Bo Hue

This iconic noodle soup of Hue is savory/spicy with rice vermicelli noodles (bun) and beef (bo) in robust beef broth. In comparison with pho, it’s richer and more satisfying.

-Banh Xeo

Banh xeo are known as Vietnamese pancakes. They often contain mung bean sprouts, shrimp and pork. The pancake batter is made with rice flour and panfried crispy. In the central regions such as in Hue, the pancakes are smaller in size compare to the ones in the southern regions. They are served with fresh vegetables and herbs.

-Banh Loc Goi

A local tapioca dough snack stuffed with shrimp and pork. It’s often wrapped in banana leaves.

-Banh Beo

Ban beo are steamed rice cakes in small saucers topped with dried shrimp, pork rinds and shallots. They are typically served with fish sauce, fresh vegetables and herbs.

-Huda Beer

It’s a local lager beer which won a silver medal at the World Beer Championships in 2013. Slightly hoppy, it pairs well with a variety of dishes. The name Huda derives from “Hu” (Hue) and “Da” (Denmark).

Best Destinations 2020 Pt. 1 - Hue Vietnam

What to See:

What to Eat & Drink:

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