RaufHue was Vietnam’s capital for approximately 143 years (between 1802 and 1945). Now, you can find a spot that’s rich in history and culture, home to seven imperial tombs as well as the ancient imperial city. With lush greenery and remnants of landmarks, Hue is also known as a major centre of Buddhism, with several major events during the Buddhist Crisis of 1962 being connected to the city. Historical significance, beautiful landscapes and breathtaking monuments are all part and parcel of this incredible destination. Here’s a 3D2N guide to help you cover some of the prominent historical attractions.
Day 1 – A glimpse of what life was once like here
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Established as a citadel-within-a-citadel, the Imperial Enclosure can be worth visiting, due to the fact that it houses the emperor’s residence as well as many main buildings of state. Its walls span 6m in height and 2.5km in length (though only a fraction of the original structure is left after being badly bombed during the French and American wars).
Image credit: USMC Archive
For a well-rounded summary of the history and heritage of Hue, drop by the Hue Provincial Museum, just a little way down the street from the Imperial City. Don’t be startled by the landmark’s seemingly poor maintenance. There are holes in the walkways and the grass may not have been cut in a long time but the interior of the museum still features intriguing photos and artefacts. Entrance fee? Only $1!
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If you’re looking for a good wholesome dinner, head over to Hanh Restaurant. Located at 11 Đường Phó Đức Chính, Phú Hộ, it pays homage to some of the most popular local dishes in Hue. It’s a pretty busy place so be patient. The menu includes an extensive selection and decent prices and you might find both tourists and locals regularly dropping by for a bite to eat. It opens daily from 9 am to 9.30 pm.
Day 2 – Colossal landmarks
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Delve further into the long list of historical attractions with the Khai Dinh Tomb. It was the last imperial tomb in Vietnam to be built and construction lasted 11 long years until it was finally finished in 1931. In his lifetime, Emperor Khai Dinh spent some time in France, which in turn led to the tomb’s mixture of both Eastern and Western designs. It’s quite a sight, with walls covered in images made from inlaid glass and porcelain.
Image credit: Trevor Mills
Next, since you’re in the area, drop by the Mieu Temple Complex, which takes up most of the southwest corner of the Imperial Enclosure. It has been beautifully restored, taking you back to a time of Emperors and Kings. The three-tiered Hien Lam Pavilion sits on the south side of the structure and dates back to 1824. It’s accompanied by a variety of temples and artefacts that are scattered throughout the premise.
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Located along 21 Lane 42 of Nguyễn Công Trứ, you’ll be able to find yet another established eatery, called Serene cuisine restaurant. The menu is also filled with delectable local signatures and a handful of other non-local choices and. Bask in the atmosphere of a cosy and welcoming spot where you can enjoy your meal in comfort. It’s open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Day 3 – Prominent focal points
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About 5km from the centre of Hue (on the way to the tomb of Tu Duc), you can find the prominent Tu Hieu Pagoda, a popular landmark built in 1843. It was later co-opted by eunuchs from the Citadel. It’s still operational, with about 70 monks still residing in the premise. They welcome visitors to the twin temples where daily chanting can be heard.
Image credit: Bernard Tey
Within the city, you’ll be able to find yet another popular historical attraction, known as the Thanh Toan Bridge. This bridge is an exceptional example of the construction that took place during the era of the emperors. It’s also a place of stunning natural beauty including lush greenery and rice fields.
Image credit: Sophia la Vespa
Before you leave Hue, try the signature Hue Rice Dumplings. It’s a treat made from rice flour, meticulously crafted by locals. It may seem simple but it’s incredibly sophisticated to produce, from the selection of materials to the processing that gives it its rich flavours.
From friendly locals and tasty dishes to historical attractions scattered throughout the city, Hue is a destination that you could find nicely represents Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Refer to this 3D2N guide to explore some of the most renowned sites in this region.
