Hue is the capital city of Thua Thien – Hue province, Vietnam. Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. In 1802, when the Nguyen Dynasty (later Emperor Gia Long) was established and moved the capital from Hanoi to Hue, the old name was modified Phu Xuan (Ascending & Flourishing).
Hue city an ancient citadel is covered by a poetic and peaceful Perfume river
Hue is located in the middle (central) of the north and the south of Vietnam, the tourist can catch a bus, flight or train to go to Hue from Hanoi the capital of Vietnam (the north of Vietnam) or from Ho Chi Minh City or still called Saigon (the south of Vietnam). Hue is well known for its monuments and architecture which have earned it a place in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The seat of the Nguyen emperors was the Citadel, which occupies a large, walled area on the north side of the Perfume River.
What to see in Hue?
Hue is still considered as the best place for any tourist who wants to find about the history of Vietnam because this city is included a lot of the famous ancient structures with a lot of the special architectures through the different dynasties and kings such as Gia Long king, Tu Duc King, Khai Dinh king, Minh Mang king…..and arrival to Hue, it must see the following major sightseeing:
The Citadel (Hue citadel)
This historical site was considered as one of the cultural heritage sites in the world by UNESCO with the total area is 520ha, it is located on the northern bank of Perfume River. Hue Citadel was lasted and ruled under Nguyen Dynasty during 143 years from 1802 to 1945. Hue Citadel was surveyed and built from 1805 by Gia Long King and it was completed in 1832 under Minh Mang King. Nowadays, Surrounding outside of this important citadel is the main roads of Hue such as Tran Hung Dao Street, Le Duan Street, Tang Ban Ho Street and Phan Dang Luu Street. Among, and surrounding beside Hue citadel is the beautiful roads such as Ong Ich Khiem Street, Ton That Thiep Street, Luong Ngoc Quyen Street and Xuan 68.
Forbidden Purple City
Forbidden Purple City was found since the 19th century and this historical site where was also accepted as one of the cultural heritages sites in the world by UNESCO. Although Forbidden Purple City was damaged almost by two wars of American and French in the past after it is restored this site has become one of the most popular sites where must visit once travel to Hue.
Forbidden Purple City is located inside Hue citadel and it must see on your trip to Hue
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda or still called The Heavenly Lady pagoda, this is an ancient pagoda and its location is very beautiful because it is located on the bank of Perfume River, from here we will have a very wonderful view of Perfume River and surroundings. It is very easy and convenient for tourist to arrive at Thien Mu Pagoda by bus, car, bike or even by cyclo from the center of Hue because it is just around 5km to go to Thien Mu Pagoda from Hue center. Thien Mu Pagoda is also the site where you must see once travel Hue
Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in Hue, from here you can review a very beautiful Perfume river
Tu Duc King’s tomb
This is one of the most beautiful works of Royal Architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue, this special tomb is lined with a boundless pine forest and a wonderful valley, it is very quiet and fresh.
Khai Dinh King’s tomb
Khai Dinh is 12th king of Nguyen Dynasty, he ruled since 31 years old only, he was born in 1885 and died in 1925. Khai Dinh King’s tomb is considered as the superb tomb (work) in Hue, it was designed and built very complicated and skillfully. This tomb is located on a mountain slope where is far from Hue around ten minutes by bus. Especially, all interior decoration in Khai Dinh King’s tomb were made by glazed terra-cotta and glass. This historical site must include to exploring if you visit Hue.
Khai Dinh tomb is one of the most beautiful and splendid tombs of Kings in Hue
Minh Mang King’s tomb
This is also one of the most beautiful tombs in Hue, it is just far from Hue around 12km, so it is easy for a tourist to catch a bus, taxi or ride a motorbike or bike or even rent a cyclo from the center of Hue to go here. Minh Mang King’s tomb was built since 1840 and completed in 1843, it was needed until thousands of workers and soldiers.
Garden House
Garden Houses in Hue is one of the most special and unique features which is just available in Hue. These Garden Houses are located in the center of a large garden with a lot of the green trees and flowers, so it is very cool any in season in Hue. Arrival here, you will have a chance to see the traditional houses of Hue with the special and beautiful architectures.
Dong Ba Market
This is the largest market in the central region of Vietnam, everything is sold at here from the smallest things to the most luxury products, from the cheapest to the most expensive things….Exploring Dong Ba Market you will have a chance to buy a lot of traditional souvenirs which are made by hand very skillful by the locals in Hue.
What to eat in Hue?
Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue is considered as the most famous and typical dishes of Hue, you should not miss to try this special food if you travel to Hue. This dish is cooked from vermicelli and beef with the special soup which anyone could eat and prefer to eat.
Bun Bo Hue must try on your trip to Hue
Bun Bo Gio Heo
This dish is cooked with the mixing of the beef and pig’s knuckle vermicelli. This delicious food is highly recommended for travelers to try in order not miss one of the most famous dishes of Hue.
Com Hen
This special food must try once you travel Hue, this is one of the most popular and traditional dishes of locals in Hue, it is cooked simply with the rice and mussel. It is also very easy for any persons to eat because its taste is also very special and delicious.
Banh Beo
Banh Beo in Hue or still called Water Fern Cake is a kind of small steamed rice pancake and it is covered with savory recipes included the chopped dried or fresh shrimp, crispy fried shallots, fish sauce, scallions, mung bean paste, rice vinegar, and oil.
Banh Beo is one of the traditional cakes very special and delicious in Hue
Mam Tom Chua
This is one of the most delicious soup not only in Hue but also around Vietnam, this special soup has a very special smell and taste. It is very suitable to eat with meat.
Banh Khoai
Bank Khoai is a pancake and it is cooked from rice flour, water, added slivers of fatty pork, shrimp, turmeric powder, bean sprouts and then pan fried. This cave is offered on almost of streets in Hue so that it is also very easy for tourist whose want to try this cake anywhere at anytime.
