Hue

Hue is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Huong River, a few miles inland from Bien Dong. Hue was the capital of 9 reigns of Nguyen. Hue still retains culture heritage and intangible heritage which contains values of wisdom and spirit of Vietnam. Throughout the centuries, the quintessence of country converges here to create a fantastic natural picture with romantic river and charming mountain.

Thua Thien Hue is one province of central Vietnam, the north borders Quang Tri, on the south is Da Nang city. It has an area of 5.053,99 square kilometers, average population 1105.5 thousand people. Thua Thien Hue has 8 districts and Hue city includes150 communes, town. Hue is located on the important road north-south. The city is important center in many aspects such as culture, politics, economic, education, health, tourism, science and technology…

Hue is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Huong River, a few miles inland from Bien Dong. It is about 700 kilometers south of the Hanoi national capital and about 1100 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. The dry season is from March to August, with high temperatures of 35-400C. The rainy season is from August to January with a flood season from October. The average rainy season temperature is 200C, sometimes as low as 90C. And spring lasts from January to late February.

For nearly 40 years (1558-1945), Hue was the capital of 9 reigns of Nguyen. Hue still retains culture heritage and intangible heritage which contains values of wisdom and spirit of Vietnam. Throughout the centuries, the quintessence of country converges here to create a fantastic natural picture with romantic river and charming mountain. Therefore, Hue is considered as the palaces, temples, majestic tombs, famous destinations…

Located in the heart of Hue, on the northern bank of the Huong River, the architecture system represents the authority of Nguyen absolute monarchy before changes of time. It is the Hue citadel, Tu Cam Thanh. The citadel system is an example of harmony between the quintessence of Western and oriental architecture which are located in the natural landscape with many symbols. The architecture seems to be mixed with wonderful nature, which creates the charming picture.

Hoang Thanh is limited by a wall with approximately 600 meters length and 4 unique entrances. The road leads to Than dao has unique architecture such as: Nghinh Luong Dinh, Phu Van Lau, Ky Dai, Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa, Can Chanh, Can Thanh, Khon Thai, Kien Trung… On the roadside of Than dao, there have hundreds of large and small buildings.

Situated on both sides of Huong River, royal tombs of Nguyen Kings are considered as the achievements of the landscape architecture. The Tombs are heaven for owners when entering the afterlife. Each tomb reflects the personality of the owner. Gia Long tomb is austere but majestic among mountains. Minh Mang tomb is majestic among mountain and lake… Tu Duc tomb formed mainly by the sophistication or human.

Hue existed reputation gardens such as: Ngu Vien, Thu Quang, Thuong Mau, Truong Ninh, Thieu Phuong… The architecture of gardens combines with availability factors creates a specific type of garden in Hue. Each garden has the shadow of the Hue citadel. Nearly a half century as the capital of a dynasty with political institutions based on Confucianism. Besides the golden palace architecture, Hue also preserves hundreds of ancient pagodas.

Associated with feudal dynasty comply with the principles of Confucianism philosophy, festival and music in here had developed. The court has Te Giao ceremony, Te Xa Tac, Nguyen Dan, Doan Duong, Van Tho, Dai Trieu, Thuong Trieu, Ban Soc, Truyen Lo, Duyet Binh… Common people have various festivals: Hon Chen, Cau Ngu, Sinh… Besides, there has ritual form of folk music such as: "tuong" Hue, dance of Hue… Coming here in June, tourists will have opportunity to live in vivid space associated with the cultural festival of hundred years ago. A lot of foreign tourists are curious about Hue’s ritual royal music. Originated from 8 kinds of ritual music under Le dynasty, under Nguyen dynasty, it has improved into 2 kinds of music: "Dai nhac" and "Nha nhac", which are really magnificent, and skillful. Those are only played on formal occasions. This city is proud to be the cradle of traditional music. The Royal Refined Music was proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on December 1993. Traditional music has been preserved in the Hue city. Recently, we have established submissions for UNESCO recognized Hue royal music: Nha nhac is a masterpiece of intangible and cultural heritage.

Today, Hue becomes the typical city of Vietnam. Every two years, people welcome Hue festival. In the opinion of citizens, Hue becomes Festival city because Hue still retains typical architecture and nature construction. The combination between the architecture and landscape makes Hue becomes a city of harmony between architecture-nature and human.

Hue still retains over 1000 dishes cooked by way of Hue; there have dishes for Nguyen dynasty. The menu includes dozens of dishes which are prepared meticulously with attractive flavor, attractive color, and beautiful dishes. The cuisines of Hue are rich, but one of the most striking differences is the prominence of vegetarianism in the city. No one who comes to Hue could forget its ancient beauty and romance.

Perfume River
During the autumn, orchids grow and give a perfume-like aroma, hence the name. Surrounded by mountains and passing through some of Hue’s most cultural and historical sites; it is definitely worth a boat ride along the river, or even a nice relaxing walk beside it.

The Imperial Citadel 
This is the first stop for many travellers - a vast network of temples, museums, pavilions, and charming historical sites - that has a quiet, peaceful atmosphere hidden within its walls. There are more than a few sites to see here, so plan at least a full morning to check them out.

Tombs of the Emperors
Best seen by boat ride, Tombs of the Emperors are well worth the cost and effort it takes to get to them. They are perfect examples of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture and aesthetics. Some of the older tombs have crumbled into beautiful ruins, some are currently being restored. Spend an afternoon exploring these examples of traditional Buddhist architecture and funerary styles and learn about the ancient royal families in Vietnam. If you’ve got a bike, take some time between getting from town to the Tombs to check out the countryside, and see some of Vietnam’s rural life!

Thien Mu Pagoda
Housing fine gold and silver Buddha statues, Thien Mu Pagoda overlooks the river and is the official symbol of Hue city.

Thanh Toan Bridge
This beautiful wooden footbridge is located just outside of the city. It is the perfect place to admire and experience a bit of rural life and break away from the fast pace of the city.

Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs
About 30k outside of Hue is the Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs. Prepare to make a whole day trip here, with many activities including zip lining, high wiring, and fun water games. That is of course on top of relaxing in the outdoor hot springs baths, and having optional spa and massage treatments.

Ho Chi Min Museum
This museum contains pictures and information about Ho Chi Minh, as well as some history about Hue. Admission is free so it is definitely worth popping in for an hour.

Royal cuisine

In the palace, the organization of dishes in each meal becomes nutritious dishes; just treatment is the responsibility of Thai Y vien. Gia Long King recognized as the king had the most casual dining. He had never drunk wine; the meals also had a little meat, fish, rice, vegetable and fruit. When the king enjoys the meal, nobody can sit with. Some dishes are applied to Hue songs such as: nem cong, thau tho, xoi vo, nham bo, trung gal on, khum let, xao luon, bo so trau, chien cua gach, ham cau, cao lau, kho tau, thit quay, chao hai sam… Hue also has “An Cuu rice” for King. In addition to the dishes cooking from raw materials in market, some specialties paid tribute. In the North, there has Logan from Hung Yen.

Traditional cuisine

Hue traditional cuisine and Hue royal cuisine has similarities because the royal chefs also came from the folk. Besides the general characteristics of the Vietnamese cuisine, Hue cuisine brings different characteristics. Firstly, each meal includes fish, meat, vegetables… Second, it has art; the tray is always arranged carefully and coordinated the color of dishes in order to appeal customers. Thirdly, it has collective, all dishes are all presented in the tray. Fourthly, is has delicate and delicious, even vegetarian dishes and so as to attract guests, the Hue often named dishes with exuberant names.

Vegetarian

Hue has about 108 temples and more than 300 Buddha recitation, the Hue is mainly Buddhist. They often have vegetarian diet. Hue is the ancient capital, annual year; the kings often have vegetarian diet so that the processing vegetarian must delicate. These are the reasons why Hue vegetarian has developed and preserved until now. The dishes are made with raw materials such as: rice, cassava, sweet potato and some kinds of vegetables.

SPECIAL DISHES

Com Hen
Components to make Com hen is not simple, it includes a dozen kinds of spices. Everything is harmony; it is just spicy, fleshy, and sweet by water. In Hue, “hen” is not as big as other one but the broth is very charming. A delicious bowl of Com hen is indispensable chili. The Hue eats every dish with chili. They said that this hobby complies with the balance of yin and yang. Weather in Hue is cold; the annual rainfall is large so that people have to eat more chili to bitter cold.
Com hen has in the whole Hue city; however, connoisseurs would know Com hen that is the most delicious is in Vi Da village. Vi Da village is far about 1 kilometer from ancient palace to the southeast. Here, com hen went into poet of Han Mac Tu “day thon Vi Da”. In Vi Da, if you want to enjoy delicious com hen, you should come to “con Hen” – an small “oasis” in the middle of Vi Da. Coming to Hue, if you rows boat from Dong Ba market, it will enjoy interesting feeling. However, com hen is royal specialty, it is very cheap. People here usually have breakfast with Com hen. Com hen is always in the minds of people of Hue or people who have lived in Hue. The foreign guests such as Australian, American, especially Japanese and Korean appreciates that Com hen is very delicious and special.

Bun Bo Hue
Hue style not only is the elegant, sophisticated, precise dishes but also feel the spirit of the processor. Coming to Hue, either morning or afternoon, walking along the small streets, people can find easily “bun bo Hue”. Someone must select the correct address with preferred flavor.
The major ingredient to cook “bun bo Hue” is beef and pork. Beef is chosen carefully, pork would be taken from elbow down to the pig’s feet. Then take them washed, shaved pork, boiled them about half an hour. After that, they crush lemongrass and put into the boiling water. “Mam ruoc” will be used with suitable quantity in order to create an attractive scent and charming sweetness.
The Hue is famous for fussy beauty of each dish. “bun bo” bowl seem meager but elegant with sweet broth, white “bun”, few slices of red chilli and lemongrass. Pieces of pork mixed with beef creates delicious dish. The flavor is felt not only by sense but also by smell. In addition, guest must enjoy “bun bo Hue” with banana flower and white basil. Life changes and “bun bo Hue” also has some changes. Although, it has some changes, some differences, people cannot forget special dishes in Hue.

Banh Khoai Hue
The cake is made from good rice mixed with water into a liquid mixture, add some salt, eggs and then stir them. The delicious cake depends on how we mix flour. According to ancient people, this cake has original name “banh khoi” because it is made on the wood stove. Therefore, people named “banh khoi”. However, someone miss-spell “khoi” into “khoai” so that it is gradually called “khoai”. A few others have explained that it is the favorite dish of many people so it is called “banh khoai”.
According to the Hue, so as to make “banh khoai” should focus on two key elements: flour formulations and fire formulations. Obtaining two elements, the cake will taste better. The Hue is very fussy whether it’s snack or main dish. When fried “banh khoai”, people need to take care the heat of fire and time to pour enough cake. In order to have yellow cakes, more nutrients, people often use egg yolk before pouring flour. If “banh xeo” of the Southern people is often use with lettuce, rau thom, “banh khoai” of the Hue has different taste in bananas, khe, papaya and pickled carrot. “banh khoai” Hue is more delicious due to a cup of sauce. The sauce is made from pig liver, chopped meat together with Hue’s soy. A cup of sauce usually has yellow-brown color and fleshy flavor of peanuts. The Hue is fussy so that Hue cuisine have multi-flavor. Just only a simple “banh khoai” but it reflects dining style and cuisine style of the Hue. Although it is simple dish, “banh khoai” is one of the delicious royal dishes. Over many years, there have many changes but “banh khoai” still attracts people and widely spread as a specialty with many unique differences.

Banh Beo
The Hue likes the traditional cake on snack. “banh beo” is made simply: powdered rice soak into water for several minutes to have liquid. Then, mix with a little grease and pour into small cups. Enjoying “banh beo” properly is in each small cup, not in the bowl or plate as some restaurant, hotels.
The delicious “banh beo” is thanks to the shrimp, especially the sauce. Firstly, “nuoc mam” mixes with grease, sugar, garlic, chilli and shrimp which create the unique flavor. When eating “banh beo”, people not use chopsticks but small bamboo stick. It is great when using it with spicy sauce. The sweetness of shrimp mixed with the flavor of garlic, chilli… gives us unforgettable impressions.

Che Hue
Che bot loc thit quay: Che bot loc has small circle shape, made by tapioca. When the water is boiled, “bot loc” will be fished out from boiled water, used with sugar water. “che bot loc thit quay” is made from pieces roasted pork which is cut into small pieces. “che” has both sweet and salty so not cloy. Che dau ngu: It is the oldest type in Hue. “che” is cooked by skilful hand. The Hue often adds some peanuts and coconut milk to increase attractiveness. Che sen: “Che sen” is cooked according to Hue style. “Sen” is steamed and mixed with sugar until lightly boiling. When the sweetness of sugar penetrates into “sen”, they turn off stove. In order to have delicious “che sen”, people should watch out the fire, mix gently with enough time.

Air way

Phu Bai airport is located in National Highway No.01. It is far about 15 kilometers from Hue city. Tourists can go by Taxi or motorbike from airport to center of city about 15minutes-20minutes. Besides, Vietnam Airline also serves bus service from airport to center with 40.000 vnd.

Rail way 

Hue station at the Bui Thi Xuan street linking Le Loi, far about 1 kilometer from center. It is very convenient for the travel of tourists. The station is near Xanh Hue hotel and Kinh Thanh hotel

Taxi

Taxi in Hue city is various with many different taxi companies such as: Mai Linh, Phu Xuan, Dong Ba…

Hue is well known among Vietnamese for its lasting drizzle by the end or early in the year. Despite the gloomy sky that the tiny rain drops involved, it is said to add more soul to Hue sceneries, especially the Perfume river and the Old citadel.

Located in the central of Vietnam and influenced by Southwest wind flow from Laos, Hue is considerably hotter than its neighbour destinations such as Da Nang and Hoi An during summer months. May to September are hottest months and the severity level can be unbearable from time to time. During the rainy season, between September and January, rain is more frequent and can be heavy. Hue also sees fog and rain quite frequently, even when the weather across the Hai Van Pass in nearby Danang is sunny. 

From February to April will be the best time to visit Hue, when the temperature is more pleasant, though rainfalls are still likely.