When traveling to Vietnam Hue is one place not so many tend to visit even though the place has really much to offer. History fans might want to find Hue Travel Guide before they see the ancient royal monuments. As one of the best historical sites in Vietnam, the Citadel of Hue functions as a giant “museum” for people to witness the 19th-century royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. Also, the city is romantic and placid with the Perfume River, traditional lifestyle, and delicious food.
Where to Go in Hue
The Citadel of Hue can first answer this “WH-question.” It is situated on the northern bank of the Perfume River, with an area of 500 hectares including 03 rampart circles: Capital Citadel (Kinh Thanh), Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), and Forbidden City (Tu Cam Thanh). In 1993, the royal complex was ranked as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Therefore, any Hue Tours won’t miss this historical attraction. Traveling from outside to inside of the complex, you will meet the three rampart circles in sequence. And, especially in the Forbidden City, which is now open to tourism, you can pay to dress like the Kings and the Queens. Then, take pictures and buy the customized souvenirs with your pictures on them.
Beyond the Hue Citadel, head towards the age-old Dong Ba Market to watch the local life activities and trading atmosphere. Know that this is Hue’s oldest and largest market to find a myriad of ingredients to cook the iconic food. You’re likely to find local street vendors to try the food. Or, visit the romantic Perfume River. Other attractions are Thien Mu Pagoda, Kim Long Village, and the kings’ tombs.
What to Do in Hue
It’s obvious to enjoy a walking tour in Hue Citadel for a glimpse of the 19th-century royal capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. And, if interested, enjoy the role-play costume services for the lifelong picture records. Right after the historical trips, you can experience a cyclo tour for some rounds around the placid streets. This way, you can use your camera to capture the riverscape, the chronicled Truong Tien Bridge, and then stop at Dong Ba Market. Let’s get to know the local fruits and buy some kilograms to taste later if you like. Next, relax by a scenic coffee shop; any shop that you can feel the connection. In the evening, explore the pedestrian night market filled with the top Hue street food. It’s best if you prepare a handy list of the food to eat and check one by one. In fact, in most discussions about Hue Tours, they are mostly about history and cuisine. Therefore, make sure you know these top things to do in Hue.
Food to Eat in Hue
Hue Culinary Tours are among the best-sellers as the city is proud of the traditional food gallery and unique taste. In that sense, the most popular option is Mussel Rice (Com Hen) comprising of the rice, mussel, onion, grease, peanut, and some herbs. To eat the original mussel rice of Hue, you need to get to Hen islet at the Perfume River, but the other versions across the city are quite good. Note that the mussel rice is spicy as it always has chili in a bowl. As traditional as Com Hen, Bun Bo Hue (a kind of beef noodle soup) is very famous, and it can be found in other big cities of Vietnam as people love slurping it. The list of food to eat in Hue also includes Banh Beo (steamed rice cake topped with shrimp, fried shallot, and mung bean paste), Banh Loc (tapioca dumplings), Nem Lui (pork grilled on lemongrass stick), Banh Khoai (a kind of Vietnamese crepe made of rice flour filled with pork, egg, and shrimp).
None ignores Hue especially in the tour packages of Da Nang and Hoi An. The three destinations are usually combined for a perfect package. Or, you can solely travel to Hue to witness the Citadel and eat traditional dishes.
