Hue

Hue: A Vibrant Ancient City in Central Vietnam

Hello, I am mr.hotsia, and I will take you to experience Hue (Huế), the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, located in Thua Thien-Hue Province, Vietnam. Although this city is not as large or modern as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Hue has a unique charm that I must share. This city is full of history, tranquility, and truly beautiful culture.

First Impressions Upon Entering Hue

The moment I set foot in Hue, I immediately felt the peaceful atmosphere and the aura of the ancient city, blended with the simple yet charming lifestyle of the locals. The people here are kind and friendly, making my journey warm and memorable.

Hue is located along the Perfume River, the city's main artery. I enjoy strolling by the Perfume River in the evening, especially between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, when the bridge over the river lights up with beautiful, colorful lights alternating in various hues. It creates a romantic and captivating atmosphere. Young Vietnamese couples sit by the riverbank, along with tourists from many countries who come to walk and share experiences in a lively setting.Night Walks in HueThis is another activity I highly recommend, from mr.hotsia.

History and World Heritage: The Old Hue Imperial Palace

A must-visit place in Hue is the old palace of the Nguyen Dynasty, locally called the “pagoda.” This palace is a World Heritage site that has been preserved. Although it suffered heavy damage during the Vietnam War, it still retains its grandeur and amazement for visitors.

I recommend exploring on your own to fully absorb the atmosphere by purchasing an entrance ticket at the gate. The price is reasonable, and it takes about an hour and a half to two hours to tour the entire area.Hue Imperial PalaceThe palace covers a wide area, with walls approximately half a kilometer long on each side. However, there are not many actual attractions inside, so a relaxed and leisurely walk is perfectly fine.

Hue Cuisine: Simple Yet Impressive Flavors

For travelers visiting Hue, mr.hotsia recommends trying the local food. This is not Hanoi-style pho or Hoi An-style noodle soup, but a noodle called “mi,” served hot in a steaming broth, perfect for the cool weather in January when Hue can be quite chilly.

The price is about 20-30 baht, or only 15,000 dong, very affordable and delicious. Two bowls are enough to feel full comfortably. There are also rice dishes with curry priced under 20 baht, with options including pork, fish, chicken, or seafood, allowing me to stay in Hue for weeks without getting bored of the food.Food and Dining in HueThis is another aspect I encourage you to try every dish.

Vietnamese desserts are similar to Thai sweets, such as tapioca flour cakes with red beans and soybeans, topped with coconut milk and syrup. Those who like Thai desserts will definitely enjoy these.

Accommodation in Hue: Affordable and Comfortable

Hue offers cheap and quality accommodations. I recommend staying near the Perfume River, within walking distance of the Perfume River bridge, Dong Ba Market, and the old palace, making travel convenient and safe.

Air-conditioned rooms in guesthouses or hotels start at about 300 baht, or 10 USD per night, which is very good value for rooms with hot water and excellent WIFI. For example, the DMZ Hotel where I stayed was very satisfying, with strong water pressure and fast internet, allowing smooth YouTube streaming and uploads.

Before booking, don't forget to confirm the hot water availability, as some places have inconsistent hot and cold water. Also, check the WIFI to ensure it meets your needs.Hotels, Guesthouses, and Accommodations in HueDetailed information is available for many options.

Travel and Experience the Lifestyle in Hue

Hue is not far from the Laos and Thailand borders. Traveling from Thailand by train or bus is convenient. I once traveled from Hanoi through Vinh to Hue, which took about 9 hours—quite manageable for those who enjoy slow travel and scenic views along the way.

In Hue, the streets are not as hectic as in big cities. Tourists can stroll through Dong Ba Market, a famous market and popular shopping spot, where you can even find vendors who speak Thai. It’s very charming and authentic.

Additionally, if you want to experience nature and the sea, I recommend tryingLang CoLocated between Hue and Da Nang, Lang Co has beautiful sandy beaches and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing chill-out.

Summary of Impressions from Hue

For mr.hotsia, Hue is a city where you can feel living history, tranquility, and the lovely local lifestyle. The food is delicious, affordable, and the attractions are valuable, including the old palace, Dong Ba Market, and the Perfume River at night.

If you are looking for a city that is not too hectic, with the charm of an ancient town, and want to try authentic Vietnamese food, Hue is the answer I want you to explore yourself at least once.

Watch mr.hotsia’s Introduction Video of Hue

For those who want to see the real atmosphere of Hue, I recommend these videos:

• Hue— A collection of food and city scenes in Hue
• Vietnamese Grilled Button Squid— Watch the grilled squid eating show in Hue
• Vietnamese Chicken Biryani— Must-try Hue-style chicken biryani dish