Hue is premier ancient tourist destination yet isn’t boring. The old capital of Vietnam has plenty of wonderful places to visit. Discovering Hue is exactly discovering Vietnam’s historical and culture.
I visited Hue in early April when the dry season started. I’d highly recommend you to visit the central part of Vietnam on February when the spring is coming.
I went to Hue really because of my love of history, at that time I read the book “Vietnamese history through dynasties”. After reading it, I want to visit in my heart.
Visiting the Imperial Citadel, Royal Tombs – Listening to Ca trù
A must thing to do when traveling to Hue is visiting Citadel Hue. It isn’t a lively, colorful and vibrant place, you should make up your mind that visiting the the Citade means you will reminisce ’bout the history, see the early architecture, admire the relics and remnants of the ancient dynasty and become captivated by this city dreamlike.
Tip: it’s easy to find motorbike, xích lô for transportation.
Hotel rental is about 150.000 vnd/day
Or you might buy one-day tour included hotel rental, visiting Citadel and tombs, it costs 450.000/person
To my part, Hue has an old moss-back color and the smell of jade at night and visiting Hue is synonymous with finding way back to old times.
Ca Tru is one type of chamber music that was extremely popular in North and North Central Vietnam. Honestly, I enjoyed looking at the female singers (called “đào” or “ca nương” than listening the music. They looked beautiful in the graceful Ao Dai and got an amazing voice. They made me good when I was enjoying the fresh air and the gently blowing wind on the Huong river.
Should you go to Hue, don’t miss the experience taking a boat trip on Huong River at night and listening to Ca Tru, you will fully feel the national culture of Vietnam.
Bach Ma National Park
From Hue City, go along National Highway 1A, straight to Phu Loc town, you will see a sign to Bach Ma.
There is car service for visitors which costs 1,000,000 VND/round trip to Bach Ma National Park.
One of the most famous stops on Bach Ma Street is Vong Hai Dai – the highest point where you can have a panoramic view of Lang Co Bay, Truoi Lake – a full view of Hue. In addition, Bach Ma National Park also has the Five Lakes – a majestic stream pouring from the above created five large and small lakes, or Do Quyen waterfall filled with blooming flowers on March.
Lang Co BeachIf you are looking for a peaceful place between the mountain and the sea, Lang Co beach is an ideal choice. Lang Co Beach does have a curved beach which is embraced by Hai Van mountain pass and that makes it one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Foods recommendations
When in Hue, eating bun bo Hue just could not be missed, the spicy beef soup the city is known for. Not only is Bun Bo Hue one of the most popular Vietnam food favorites, but it was invented in the city of Hue. Although the major components are also rice vermicelli and beef, what makes the dish distinctive is the perfect balance of its spicy, sour, salty and sweet flavors.
Another must-to-try food is Com Hen (baby basket clams rice), you might never forget the taste of it. And all kinds of local traditional foods, such as cakes, sweet soups, are tasty. This is a great choice for people who want to try strange food. You will be persuaded by this dish that combination between sweet rice and savoury of baby mussels. Com Hen is very tasty, if you are spice-lover, then you will fully enjoy it. CAUTION: I gained 2kg after spending 5 days in Hue because I ate a lots of sweet soups. Those are very tasty. Well, girls, you might be sweet enough already J Anyways, don’t miss this unforgettable culinary experience when in Hue.
Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng
From the center of Hue City, I bought one-day tour included shuttle bus fare, having tour guide and meals 600.000vnd/person. You can buy a short tour at any hotel.
It’s about 210 km from Hue to Phong Nha (Quang Binh province) corresponding to sitting on the bus 4 hours.
“Feng Nha – Ke Bang is striking pattern shows the main development period of earth’s history, contains evidence of life and geological processes taking place significant during the formation of the land or characteristics of the terrain and geomorphology “, Phong Nha – Ke Bang has been recognized as a World Natural Heritage with outstanding criteria. It features great geological diversity and offers spectacular phenomena, including a large number of caves and underground rivers. Besides, Phong Nha – Ke Bang is also blessed with the mysterious and majestic landscapes, its area is noted for its cave and grotto systems as it is composed of 300 caves and grottos.
You can take a boat and it should take your about 3 hours for the boat ride and cave visit. They take you through the cave and drop you off and pick up from agreed area. Maybe longer if you want to spend more time wandering around and enjoying these beautiful caves.
The temperature in the cave is about 18-22 degree Celsius. It’s cool and fresh.
Nuoc Mooc Stream
Located about 10 km further from Phong Nha cave.
The Mooc Stream is different from other tourism points of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park since it does have its own original and pristine looks. Like a fairyland, it is really attractive and surprising to many visitors with is poetic beauty, charming scenery, fresh air.