Strolling in Hue City

Strolling in Hue City: Experience the charm of the Perfume River with mr.hotsia

When talking about Hue (Huế) in Vietnam, many people imagine the ancient palace and retro culture here, but for me, mr.hotsia, walking along the...Perfume Riveris the experience that makes Hue come alive and more enchanting than you might think.

The Perfume River is not just an ordinary small river; it is a route that perfectly connects the lifestyle, scenery, and memories of the people of Hue. I walked along the riverbank, seeing dragon-head boats waiting to take tourists on a cruise to see the...Ancient Hue Imperial Palaceor even the emperor’s tombs not far from the city center.

The bridge crossing the Perfume River is my favorite spot because if you walk past, Vietnamese brokers will offer boat rides at negotiable prices in a fun way. I didn’t miss the chance to take a boat ride to enjoy the riverside view in the afternoon. The soft sunlight reflected on the Perfume River like golden sparkles. The peaceful atmosphere here really helped me relax from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Dong Ba Market: A shopping spot Thai tourists must try

Not far from the Perfume River, I crossed the bridge toDong Ba MarketA market I especially recommend for Thai travelers because the vendors speak Thai! This is no joke, as many Thai tourists visit this market, so the sellers can communicate and bargain fluently in Thai.

Dong Ba Market offers a variety of products, including local souvenirs, dried foods, clothing, and Vietnamese hats that I recommend buying 9-10 pieces for just over a hundred baht. But be sure to choose good quality because there are items ranging from genuine high-grade to cheap ones that may not be durable.

If you want to compare prices or find other products, I suggest strolling around the department store next to Dong Ba Market because the prices there set the standard for bargaining at the market to get the best deal. There’s also a French bakery I like to stop by after shopping. When tired, I recharge with crispy soft bread and rich coffee that’s truly addictive.

Strolling in Hue City Center: The real lifestyle and atmosphere

Hue is a fairly large city, but almost all tourist areas are concentrated around the Perfume River and the ancient palace. When I visit here, I usually rent a motorbike for about 150 baht per day to ride around the city and visit two other markets not far from the main city. But be careful when riding because Vietnamese people are very skilled motorbike riders, and the traffic is much heavier than back home.

But if you don’t want to ride, I can say that just walking around this area is enough. You can comfortably walk from your accommodation to theAncient Hue Imperial Palaceor cross the bridge to Dong Ba Market without spending time or money on cyclos or motorbikes. Another thing I appreciate is the convenience of accommodations in this zone that I recommend.Hotels and GuesthousesMany offer reasonable prices, air-conditioned rooms, hot water, and strong Wi-Fi service.

Evening Stroll: Lights and atmosphere along the Perfume River

If you come to Hue, don’t miss taking an evening walk around 6:00-8:00 PM along thePerfume Riverbecause the bridge lights up with beautiful alternating colors. Local young people gather by the riverside, and the weather is pleasantly cool, especially in January when I visited.

Vietnamese locals often sell small items along the roadside near the bridge viewpoint, creating a warm and not too crowded small walking street atmosphere. I usually sit sipping local beer for less than 10 baht, exchanging stories with other travelers I meet along the way. It’s an experience I think chill travelers should not miss.

Hue Food: Refuel while strolling

Speaking of Hue, I, mr.hotsia, must say the food here is extraordinary.Hot noodle soupwith affordable curry rice is my favorite choice when hungry. It’s delicious and very satisfying for us Thai people. Vietnamese desserts are also similar to Thai sweets, made with flour, sago, various beans, topped with coconut milk and syrup. If you like sweets, I recommend trying them.

I have favorite clips I like to watch especially when hungry about Vietnamese food, such as grilled button squid (Watch clip), Vietnamese chicken biryani (Watch clip), and nem thang (Watch clip), which make me want to stroll and find food in Hue more every time I watch.

Summary of my experience with mr.hotsia in Hue

For me, Hue is not just a UNESCO World Heritage tourist city with ancient palaces and emperor tombs, but a city where I experienced the real lifestyle of locals connected to the Perfume River. Relaxing riverside strolls, shopping at Dong Ba Market where vendors speak Thai, delicious local food, and a warm, friendly nighttime atmosphere.

If you are planning to visit Vietnam, don’t forget to stroll around Hue following mr.hotsia’s footsteps. I guarantee you will have a unique experience unlike anywhere else.