Hue is a very unique destination. This city has deep cultural roots, many ancient temples, tombs, rivers, mountains, seas, and lagoons. The pace of life is slow. Green spaces abound. The cuisine is diverse, from savory to vegetarian. Hue also offers many experiences and photo spots that suit young people. If you are planning to visit Hue, this article will help you go and eat the right way.
1. Where to go in Hue – Experiences you should try
A. Heritage sites, temples, and popular check-in spots
Hue Imperial City
The historical center of the Nguyen Dynasty. A large space with many areas to explore. You should spend at least half a day here. Hiring a guide will help you better understand each structure. It’s also perfect for taking photos in ao dai and traditional costumes.
Address: 23/8 Street, Thuan Thanh Ward, Hue City
Khai Dinh Tomb
Architecture blending East and West. Intricate patterns. Vibrant colors. Very photogenic.
Address: Chau Chu Village, Thuy Bang Commune, Hue City
Quoc Hoc Hue High School
The school associated with the image of old Hue. Classic French architecture. Often chosen as a photo spot.
Address: 12 Le Loi, Vinh Ninh, Hue City
Thuy Xuan Incense Village
A vibrant and colorful space. You can rent traditional costumes for photos. Very popular with young visitors.
Address: 84 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Thuy Xuan, Hue City
Chùa Thiên Mụ
Biểu tượng của Huế. Nằm bên sông Hương. Không gian thoáng và thanh tịnh. Chiều lên hình đẹp.
Address: Ha Khe Hill, Huong Hoa, Hue City
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda
Located deep in the pine forest. Cool atmosphere. Very peaceful.
Address: Cham Village, Huong Ho, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue Province
Dieu De Pagoda
One of the oldest national temples, closely linked to the history of Buddhism in Hue.
Address: 100B Bach Dang, Phu Cat, Hue City
Tu Hieu Pagoda
Famous for its association with Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. Green and tranquil surroundings.
Le Ba Dang Art Museum – Memory Space
A large-scale art space in Thuy Bang. Perfect if you enjoy fine arts and architecture.
Website: https://lebadangmemoryspace.com/language/vi/khong-gian-luu-niem-le-ba-dang/
Address: Kim Son Village, Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province
B. Nature and Outdoor Experiences
Vong Canh Hill
Enjoy views of the upper Perfume River. The sunset is very beautiful. Quiet space with many pine trees.
Address: 102 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Thuy Xuan, Hue City
Chuong Lagoon – Tam Giang Lagoon
Best to visit early morning or late afternoon. The daily life of fishermen is very vivid.
Address: Phu An, Phu Vang, Thua Thien Hue Province
Thuan An Beach – Lang Co – Canh Duong
Thuan An is about 15 km from the city center, suitable for a day trip. Lang Co and Canh Duong are farther away, with beautiful scenery and options for overnight stays.
Alba Thanh Tan Hot Mineral Spring
Ideal for relaxation. Offers mineral soaking and Japanese-style onsen baths.
Address: Cong Thanh, Phong Thai, Phong Dien, Hue City
Thuy Tien Lake
An abandoned water park with a large dragon statue. Has a mysterious atmosphere. Popular with many young travelers.
Address: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
Lim Wood Bridge and Walking Along the Perfume River
A very pleasant place for an afternoon stroll. The atmosphere is light and slow-paced.
Ru Cha Mangrove Forest
The leaf colors change with the seasons. Very photogenic. It’s best to choose the right time to visit.
C. Local Life and Experience
Listening to Hue folk singing on a dragon boat at night is a gentle cultural experience. You can bike through Kim Long and Thuy Bieu villages to get a clear sense of local life. If you have time, try learning to cook Hue dishes or make traditional cakes.
2. What to Eat in Hue – Must-Try Specialties
A. Traditional Savory Dishes
Bún bò Huế
Món không thể bỏ qua.
Buổi sáng: quán Bún bò Mệ Kéo, bún Thủy (Nguyễn Công Trứ), bún Đập Đá (Lê Lợi).
Buổi chiều: quán Bún Vọng (Nguyễn Du).
Buổi khuya: quán Mỹ Tâm (Hà Nội), bún củi hẻm 33 Nguyễn Công Trứ.
Bánh Huế
Bánh bèo, bánh nậm, bánh lọc, bánh khoái. Gợi ý: quán Hương Cau, quán Hạnh, quán Phương Chi, quán bà Đỏ.
Steamed Rice Rolls with Grilled Meat – Nem Lui
Huyen Anh restaurant in Kim Long is a well-known spot.
Cơm hến – bún hến
Chiều tối nên đi đường Hàn Mặc Tử. Buổi sáng có quán Bé Đen ở Phó Đức Chính.
Hue Thick Noodle Soup (Banh Canh Hue)
Includes snakehead fish banh canh, Nam Pho style, crab, tapioca noodles, and mixed noodles. Each type has its own unique flavor.
B. Snacks and Unique Dishes
Chè Huế
Quán Chè Cầm, quán chè hẻm, quán chè ông Lạc. Chè heo quay là món lạ, nhiều người tò mò.
Bánh ép
Món ăn vặt quen thuộc của giới trẻ Huế. Quán Huệ (Lê Ngô Cát) hoặc quán Trang (Lê Viết Lượng).
C. Hue Vegetarian Cuisine
Huế nổi tiếng với món chay thanh vị, nguyên liệu tươi, ít dầu mỡ. Gợi ý: quán Liên Hoa, Bồ Đề, Sala, Sân Mây, An Nhiên. Nhiều quán nghỉ ngày 2 và 16 âm lịch.
D. Coffee and Relaxing Spaces
Huế rất nổi tiếng với cà phê muối. Bạn có thể chọn cà phê ven sông Hương, quán Hạt Đậu Nhỏ trên đồi Vọng Cảnh, chuỗi cà phê Tân, quán cà phê Thành ở Phan Bội Châu. Nếu thích không gian xanh, có cà phê vườn nhà rường như quán Vỹ Dạ Xưa. Buổi tối có rooftop cà phê để ngắm thành phố.
3. What to Buy as Souvenirs When Visiting Hue
Bạn có thể chọn trà cung đình, trà thảo mộc, mè xửng, tôm chua. Bánh lọc, bánh nậm cấp đông rất tiện mang về. Ngoài ra còn có nón lá Huế, tranh làng Sình, tinh dầu thiên nhiên. Nếu có thời gian, bạn có thể may áo dài lấy nhanh.
4. Where to Stay When Traveling in Hue
When traveling in Hue, choosing accommodation near the city center or with easy transportation helps you save time exploring.
Prioritize choosing homestays with convenient locations, close to the Perfume River, dining areas, cafes, and the ancient heritage sites. There are many options ranging from single rooms to group rooms or entire houses.
Accommodation Recommendations for Staying in Hue
Hue Eco Homestay – a green homestay near the city center
This homestay is designed with a green lifestyle in mind, using many recycled materials in its interiors and common spaces. It offers a relaxing atmosphere, lots of greenery, and unique features, perfect for those seeking a different experience when visiting Hue.
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About 3 km from Trang Tien Bridge, very convenient for visiting the Imperial City, Dong Ba Market, and other main attractions in the city.
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Rooms vary: from double rooms, dormitories, to family rooms and entire houses for large groups.
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There is a garden, BBQ area, shared kitchen, and outdoor seating for relaxation.
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Free Wi-Fi and a comfortable space for solo travelers, couples, and groups alike.
If you want a friendly and creative homestay experience in Hue, this is a great option to consider when planning your stay.
