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Travel Guides

Hue Travel Guide

Travel to Hue - Cultural Capital on the Perfume River

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Cliché though it is Hue is undoubtedly Vietnam’s cultural capital, a crown well deserved. Once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty this walled city’s attractions are many, from its imperial Citadel to the tombs of its emperors, best visited by bike. Relax on the evocatively-named Perfume River with a boat trip and enjoy some of the best food in the country.

Also known as Thua Thien Hue, Hue was founded on the northern bank of Perfume River in the 17th century by Nguyen Dynasty. Nowadays the city which lies some 660km from Hanoi, is more a massive open-air museum with hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs.

At first Champa territory the Hue area fell under Nguyen rule from 1558. In 1744 the original Citadel of Phu Xuan was built 5km northeast of today’s city and in 1802 Hue became the nation’s capital under Gia Long who moved the seat of government from Hanoi.

Attractions in Hue

The famous Citadel’s walls stretch for 10km and encompass the also fortified Imperial Enclosure inside which is the Forbidden Purple City; comparisons with Beijing’s Forbidden City are inevitable, though Hue’s is far less splendid, ruined in the war. Also inside the Citadel are the homes of ordinary residents, temples and pagodas – it really is a walled city.

The Perfume River runs by the Citadel and a boat trip in the evening after a hard day exploring is a great way to relax.

Thien Mu Pagoda lies 4km southwest of the Citadel and along with the Nguyen Tombs makes for a pleasant bike ride.

Activities in Hue

Allow two days to see the city and its surrounding attractions. No transport other than a good bike is needed though a local guide is a good idea to see the hidden parts of the Citadel.

Relaxing

Get into the region’s food in Hue – a gastronomic treat, perhaps after a boat ride on the Perfume River.

Getting Around

Exploring by bike is a great way to enjoy Hue. The many hawkers are left behind as you explore at a speed that allows more ground to be covered than on foot in what is a reasonably small area.