Is Hue worth visiting? Revealing the hidden gems of the ancient capital

Is Hue worth visiting? The answer is a big YES. Hue is a beautiful city that impresses tourists with its ancient palaces and delectable cuisine.

What is Hue Vietnam known for? - Delectable cuisine and ancient palaces (Source: Collected)

Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Imperial City, where ancient palaces stand as a testament to its royal legacy. So, is Hue Vietnam worth visiting? Find out the answer while we explore everything you need to know about Hue.

1. Is Hue worth visiting for tourists?

As the ancient capital of Vietnam in the past, Hue boasts stunning palaces, majestic temples, and serene pagodas that offer a glimpse into the country's royal past, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique experience in Vietnam.

1.1. Famous historical sites

First of all, visiting Hue is a chance for you to explore famous historical sites. As a grand citadel built during the reign of Emperor Gia Long in 1805 and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hue Vietnam, Hue Imperial City will walk you through a part of Vietnam's history.

In Hue, you can visit Hue Historic Citadel, which was the royal family's residential as well as the administrative hub of the royal court. Inside, the highlight is the Forbidden City. You can also visit the many famous tombs in Hue - the resting places of the emperors, or explore the World Heritage Site of An Dinh Palace. Another attraction is Hue High School for the Gifted, the first high school in Hue, where you can explore the history of Vietnamese education.

Hue Historic Citadel is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hue Vietnam (Source: Collected)

1.2. Wonderful gifts of nature

Coming to Hue, you will not only get to enjoy the city’s romantic ambiance but also admire its nature with the beautiful Perfume River while taking a walk on Truong Tien Bridge. Vong Canh Hill is also a popular attraction known for its stunning sunset views of the Perfume River. 

There is also Tam Giang Lagoon, which offers a serene retreat with its tranquil waters. In Hue, tourists can enjoy the air and swim in Thuan An Beach. Nearby, you will discover Lap An Lagoon, which provides a stunning view of an 800-hectare brackish lagoon. And if you seek some greenery, come to Bach Ma National Park, well-known for its semi-tropical rainforest beauty.

The mesmerizing Lap An Lagoon is a good spot for some nice photos (Source: Collected)

1.3. Unique cuisine

What is Hue famous for? When in Hue, it would be a waste if you don’t get to try the delicious local cuisine. Hue food is a fusion of Vietnamese and Cham cultures, influenced by the culinary traditions of both the Northern and Southern regions through historical migrations. As a harmonious blend of cuisines tailored for both the royals and commoners, Hue food is rich in flavors and refined in appearances.

Along the streets of Hue, you can find many local food stalls. A bowl of bun bo Hue always captivates tourists with its aromatic broth. Mussel rice (com hen) is another simple yet flavorful dish that is loved by locals. You can also try other foods such as banh beo, banh canh, banh bot loc, nem lui, etc., all of which contribute to the vibrant cuisine in Hue. If you are a vegetarian, many restaurants in Hue serve Vietnamese vegetarian food as well.

Bun bo Hue is a famous dish nationwide (Source: Collected)

1.4. Exhilarating cultural activities

Besides historical sites and scenic views, you can also find a lot of cultural activities in Hue. The festivals in Hue contribute to the unique charm that fascinates visitors when they explore the ancient capital. You can take part in the Thanh Tra Festival celebrated twice a year, see the Hon Chen Festival, or watch a boat racing festival.

In Hue, tourists can experience Hue Royal Court Music, which is a form of Vietnamese court music performed at commemorative events and special occasions. It was the first Vietnamese heritage to be recognized by UNESCO on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here, you can listen to the local people’s beautiful vocals while leisurely sailing on a dragon boat along the Perfume River.

Listening to the locals singing while enjoying the view in a dragon boat is a must when visiting Hue (Source: Collected)

1.5. Numerous entertainment sites

In Hue, you can explore numerous entertainment sites such as Dong Ba Market - a lively place where you can stroll around to find the perfect souvenirs. For a perfect night experience, you can explore the walking streets along Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An, and Vo Thi Sau streets. This area brings a bustling environment packed with bars, pubs, and restaurants with live music. Other attractions such as E-Park Tam Giang Lagoon, Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs, A Luoi Ecotourism Area, Green Life Farm, and Suoi Voi Tourism Area for a change of pace.

The walking streets in Hue offer all sorts of entertainment at night (Source: Collected) 

1.6. Religious sites

Hue has no lack of religious sites that are worth visiting. You can pay a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, where you can explore the 7-story Phuoc Duyen Tower, Dai Hung Shrine, and an exhibition dedicated to Venerable Thich Quang Duc. You can also plan a trip to Tu Hieu Pagoda, the place where Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh used to practice meditation before his monkhood. Another place that will leave culture enthusiasts impressed is Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, where you can see a statue of Buddha sitting and meditating under a Bodhi tree.

Thien Mu Pagoda - one of the oldest religious sites in Hue (Source: Collected)

1.7. An eerie attraction

For travelers who love a thrilling experience in mysterious places, Hue abandoned water park retains its nostalgic beauty that attracts many people to come and take photos. Ruins, overgrown plants, stains, broken fish tanks, and walls cover the entire area. Everything conjures up images of desolation. Here, Thuy Tien Lake is the highlight, surrounded by a large pine hill and a giant dragon sculpture covered in moss that will keep you intrigued.

The abandoned water park attracts tourists with its mysterious vibe (Source: Collected)

1.8. Various accommodations

In Hue, you won’t have to worry much about accommodation as there are numerous properties here, which are not only comfortable but also affordable. Homestays and hostels have cheaper prices suitable for solo travelers or young groups. There are also luxurious hotels and resorts for those with a bigger budget to spare. It is advisable to book an accommodation in the city center, which is close to train and bus stations for easy transportation and exploration of the city.

So, when is Hue Vietnam worth visiting? Here, each season has its own charm, with distinctive characteristics that add to the beauty of the ancient city. 

Generally, Hue weather is at its best in April, when the hot summer has not come, the sky is clear, and there are lower chances of rain, while the breezy winds from spring still leave their traces in the city. The Hue Festival is also held in April, which is a big biennial cultural event of Hue. 

If you can’t plan your trip in April, another best time to visit Hue Vietnam is the dry season spanning from May to September. During this period, the average temperature ranges from 27°C to 29°C. From October to March, expect cold and rainy weather since Hue is influenced by the monsoon.

Hue is most beautiful in the dry season spanning from May to September (Source: Collected)

In conclusion, is Hue Vietnam worth visiting? The answer is an absolute yes. Hue is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and culture lovers. With its rich imperial heritage, Hue offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam's past, showcasing magnificent palaces, temples, and tombs that are steeped in centuries of history. Additionally, the city's tranquil atmosphere and picturesque landscapes are perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway.