Hue Vietnam: The ancient capital

About Hue Vietnam

Hue Vietnam, the former imperial capital, boasts a long-lasting treasure trove of world-renowned ancient wonders, distinctive cultural traits, and delightful traditional cuisine, where visitors can immerse themselves in Vietnam’s illustrious history as if they are traveling back in time.
If you are passionate about Vietnamese culture or just looking for an escape from the bright lights and traffic jams of bustling cities, Hue could be a long-awaited oasis for you. Regardless of the rapid urbanization in Southeast Asia, the ancient royal city enchants tourists with poetic landscapes, a tranquil atmosphere, religious traditions, hundreds-year-old historic architecture, and significant highlights of UNESCO-recognized tangible and intangible cultural heritages. This article will provide you with the essential information you need to know before planning your trip to Hue Vietnam.

Hue location

Located in central Vietnam, Hue city is the capital of Thua Thien Hue – a coastal province that shares borders with Quang Tri province to the north, Quang Nam province and Da Nang to the south, Laos to the west, and the East Sea to the east. Which has an 80-kilometer-long Perfume River, a 128-kilometer-long coastline, and over 200,000 hectares of forest.
As one of the leading central provinces, Thua Thien Hue affords a convenient transportation system with Phu Bai International Airport, Thuan An Port, Highway 1A, and the trans-Vietnam train.

History of Hue Vietnam

Hue originally belonged to a prefecture of the Champa Kingdom before the occupation of the Vietnamese. Hue Vietnam started its long history as a feudal capital since when it was ruled by the nine Nguyen lords of the Inner Realm in the Central and Southern area of Vietnam( as known name Đàng Trong) from 1687 to 1775. Subsequently, the Tay Son brothers conquered Hue and it remained the administrative capital from 1788 to 1801. After the fall of the Tay Son Dynasty, Emperor Gia Long (Nguyen Anh), a successor of the Nguyen lords, recaptured Hue Imperial capital and unified the Vietnamese monarchy, which paved the way for the reign of the thirteen emperors of the Nguyen dynasty – the last dynasty in Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.
In the 1880s, Hue remained the Imperial Palace of the French protectorate (Annam) established over Central Vietnam. This is why the intriguing architecture in Hue represents strong French influences. Eventually, Hue’s royal glory ended after the last Nguyen King – Bao Dai – abdicated in 1945.
During the Vietnam War, notably the “Battle of Hue” – a part of the Tết Offensive in 1968, Hue endured considerable damage due to its proximity to the border that separates the South and the North. Afterward, massive reconstruction and rehabilitation had been undertaken to restore the precious historic relics in the ancient capital.
Throughout 5 centuries, Hue was the cradle of imperial power and patriotic revolutions, witnessing the splendor of the Vietnamese’s feudal past and their suffering in the fierce wars. In modern times, Hue retains its significance as a center for tourism, education, and religion in central Vietnam.

Where to visit: Top best attractions in Hue Vietnam

The Imperial City of Hue – A complex of royal Hue palaces

The Imperial City of Hue belongs to the Complex of Hue Monuments – honorably the first UNESCO-recognized Cultural Heritage Site in Vietnam (1993). It features stupendous structures of opulent palaces, intricate shrines, pavilions, and ornate gardens, which once served as the Nguyen Dynasty’s base of power for 143 years (1802 – 1945). Construction of the astonishing site was started in 1803 by the first Nguyen emperor – Gia Long and was finally completed under the reign of his descendant – Minh Mang Emperor. The landmark is one of the enormous constructions being done in the history of modern Vietnam and an outstanding example of late feudal urban planning in East Asia.
Hue Imperial City, about 520 hectares in size, includes 3 main sections: Hue Citadel (Kinh thành Huế) – a square fortress of 10 kilometers in circumference that encloses the entire compound; Royal City (Hoàng thành Huế or Đại Nội) – the bureaucratic center and workplace of emperors, mandarins, and soldiers; lastly, Forbidden Purple City (Tử cấm thành Huế) – an exclusive residence for emperors, royal families, and eunuchs.
The architecture vividly depicts the imprint of Oriental philosophy and Vietnamese feudal patterns. Its elaborate exterior is aligned symmetrically and incorporated into the Five Elements (earth, metal, wood, water, fire) and the Five Colors (yellow, white, blue, black, and red). The auspicious site of Hue Imperial City also indicates the harmony of nature between the Ngu Binh Mountain and the Perfume River. According to geomancy, this natural setting has symbolic importance in bringing good omens to the empire and warding off malevolent spirits.
All these sophisticated designs created magnificent landscapes and great solemnity for Hue Imperial City, demonstrating the ultimate power of the last Vietnamese dynasty.

Vietnamese royal tombs in Hue

Encompassed in the Complex of Hue Monuments, the ancient mausoleums of the Nguyen Emperors are must-see destinations in Hue, Vietnam. These lavish “homes of the other world” of emperors represent Eastern beliefs in the afterlife and the peak of Vietnamese imperial architecture with a perfect Feng Shui layout. Among the seven extant regal mausoleums, Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, and Minh Mang Tomb have been frequently visited thanks to their good condition and convenient location.

• Khai Dinh Tomb

 

The Tomb of Khai Đinh (Lăng Khải Định in Vietnamese), officially Ung Mausoleum (Ứng Lăng), was first established in 1916 by Emperor Khai Dinh, the penultimate Nguyen Emperor, and completed 11 years later by his son – Emperor Bao Dai. This rectangular structure is nestled on the hillside of Chau Chu Mountain, 10 kilometers away from Hue center, which takes tourists 127 steps on the stairway to enter the central sanctum at the top.
The monument is distinguishable from the traditional tombs of other kings with its European-influenced design since it was built during the French colonialism period in Vietnam. Khai Dinh chose to decorate his final resting place with modern materials from France, China, and Japan like concrete, slates, collared glass, steel, and wrought iron, shaping its gray and imposing exterior. Khai Dinh’s tomb is the smallest but most costly and most recently built compared to other Nguyen regal tombs.
Location: Chau Chu village, Huong Thuy Town, Thua Thien Hue province
Entrance fee: 150.000 VND/person

• Tu Duc Tomb

The royal tomb of Tu Duc, about 8 kilometers away from Hue city, is one of the most worth-visiting landmarks in Hue, Vietnam
The Tomb of Tu Duc (Lăng Tự Đức), known as Khiem Mausoleum (Khiêm Lăng), was erected in 1864 by Tu Duc – the 4th Nguyen Emperor and completed in 1867, 10 years before his decease. It once served as the king’s retreat and the place for his eternal sleep. Sprawling among 12 hectares of pine valley, the megastructure accommodates over 50 opulent palaces for the king and his concubines, a vast lake, wooden pavilions, and shrines surrounded by a 1,500-meter-long wall.
Instead of using straight lines and angular shapes as in other royal mausoleums, Tu Duc Emperor designed his tomb with delicate traditional patterns that integrated with the contemplative nature and the poetic atmosphere, reflecting his aesthetic sense as an artist. He named the monument Khiem (“Modest” in English) to express his regret for causing civil unrest during the construction of his tomb.
Location: 17/69 Le Ngo Cat Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
Entrance fee: 150.000 VND/person

• Minh Mang Tomb

Minh Mang Tomb is regarded as the most superb royal mausoleum in Hue Vietnam

The tomb of Minh Mang, known as Hieu Mausoleum (Hiếu Lăng), on the west bank of the Perfume River and about 12 kilometers south of Hue City center, covers 28 hectares on Cam Khe mountain. The construction of this expansive tomb was initiated by Minh Mang – the second Nguyen Emperor, in 1840 and finished in 1983 under Emperor Thieu Tri’s era. As Minh Mang is a staunch Fen Shui follower, he wanted to build a world for his everlasting sleep in a symmetric manner. In this grandiose complex, 40 monuments are arranged on two sides of an east-west axis, including palaces, temples, and pavilions.
The crescent-shaped lake (Tan Nguyet lake) – the symbol of Yin, embraces the grave of Emperor Minh Mang (Buu Thanh) – the symbol of Yang, which is connected by a bridge (Thong Minh Chinh Truc) – the symbol of longevity. The royal tomb of Minh Mang affords a poetic setting and solemn outlook, representing a harmonious balance of Khai Dinh Tomb’s simplicity and Tu Duc Tomb’s splendor.
Location: La Khe Bai Village, Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province
Entrance fee: 150.000 VND/person

Sacred Hue temples

Besides being a royal land, Hue is credited as the repository of many holy Buddhist relics which has become a decent place of local pilgrimage. Hue also earned a global reputation as the hometown of Thich Nhat Hanh, an esteemed Vietnamese Zen Master. Thus, a visit to the exquisite temples here is recommended for Hue travelers to contemplate the ancient Vietnamese Buddhist art, gain spiritual enlightenment, and find peace of mind.

• Thien Mu Pagoda

– The oldest Hue temple over 400 years old
The intricate Phuoc Duyen Tower in Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Vietnam

One of the most remarkable Hue temples is Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda or Heaven Fairy Lady Pagoda, perched on Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of the Perfume River, roughly 3 kilometers west of Hue Citadel. Thien Mu Pagoda was initially founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen Lord who ruled the Inner Realm. Since then, Thien Mu Pagoda has been the oldest pagoda in Central and Southern Vietnam.
The noteworthy feature of the pagoda, Phuoc Duyen tower, was built in 1884 by Emperor Thieu Tri and has become the religious icon of Hue. This octagonal tower has seven stories (21 meters tall) and is dedicated to a Manushi-Buddha who appeared in human form. Coming to Thien Mu Pagoda, visitors can explore its mysterious spiritual legend, observe the monks’ praying, or watch the glorious sunset on the Perfume River.
Location: Nguyen Phuc Nguyen street, Huong Long village, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province
Entrance fee: Free

• Thien Lam Pagoda

– An extraordinary golden pagoda in Hue Vietnam

The eye-catching Thien Lam Pagoda Hue offers countless photogenic spots
Situated on Quang Te hill, Thien Lam Pagoda is a Theravada pagoda erected by Most Venerable Ho Nhan in 1960 to worship Sakyamuni Buddha. Locals also call Thien Lam “the lying Buddha” or “the standing Buddha” pagoda because it boasts a 7-meter long lying statue and an 8-meter tall standing statue of Buddha. The 60-year-old pagoda is lightened with charming golden decoration amid a rustling green pine forest, arousing a feeling of tranquility and holiness.
Address: 22/54 Le Ngo Cat Street, Thuong 2 hamlet, Thuy Xuan commune, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province
Entrance fee: Free

• Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is the first monastery in Central Vietnam

Lying on a slope of Bach Ma mountain, Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is surrounded by Truoi Lake and stays hidden in a renowned eco-tourism destination – Bach Ma National Park. After climbing 172 steps from the wharf to the Hue monastery’s Three-entrance Gate, visitors will be captivated by an idyllic scenery of blue clouds, evergreen trees, and a sparkling lake covered in a subtle blanket of fog.
Location: Bach Ma mount, Truoi lake, Loc Hoa commune, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province

An Dinh Palace – An ancient Hue palace

Bach Tra Vien (White Camellia Garden), the dramatic setting for a Vietnamese blockbuster “Gai Gia Lam Chieu V” (Camellia Sisters), was erected on an area of 500 square meters behind An Dinh Palace, Hue Vietnam

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, An Dinh Palace (Cung An Định in Vietnamese) is one of the rare regal palaces that remains intact in Vietnam after the war. An Dinh Palace was initially built in 1917 and served as the summer palace of the Khai Dinh Emperor. Later, his son, Bao Dai – the last emperor of Vietnam, renovated the palace in modern style to make it become the primary abode after his abdication.
One of An Dinh Palace’s highlights is Khai Tuong House, a three-story building that features ornate interior decoration with valuable art wall paintings
Situated 9 kilometers away from Hue Imperial Citadel, facing An Cuu River, the 104-year-old palace embodies a masterpiece blend of neoclassical architecture and the quintessence of East and West design. This construction resembles a splendid European castle adorned with elaborate traditional motifs of the royal court in the early 20th century. Throughout a century of substantial damage and restoration, Hue’s An Dinh Palace witnessed the ups and downs of the last Vietnamese royal families. Thus, it is appreciated for its architectural and historical values.
Address: 179B Phan Dinh Phung Street, Phu Nhuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue province
Entrance fee: 50.000 VND/person

Lang Co Beach

– A popular and beautiful Hue beach
The breathtaking panorama of Hue’s Lang Co beach from Hai Van Pass

Located between Da Nang and Hue city, just 24 kilometers from Bach Ma National Park, Lang Co beach is a favorite stop for sea lovers traveling between these two cities. Situated in one of the finest bays in the world – Lang Co Bay, this Hue beach stretches over 8 kilometers with palm-shaded white sand, crystal-blue seawater, and stunning scenery covered by a tropical forest. Besides, Lang Co beach has abundant mouth-watering fresh seafood prepared in rich Vietnamese flavors, such as cuttlefish, oysters, crabs, and lobsters which will surely satisfy your craving for fine sea cuisine.
Address: 463 Lac Long Quan Street, Lang Co Town, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue province

Hue’s cuisine

The best way to get to the heart of Huế’s tremendous food culture is to take to the streets. Vietnam’s former imperial capital fostered an elegant array of dishes that continue to be the pride of its people. As Huế people say, you can get Huế cuisine elsewhere in Vietnam, but it never tastes quite the same as it does here.
There’s something about the weather, the greenery and the history all around that makes eating in Huế a pleasure. Light and lovely steamed bites are even more exquisite when enjoyed in Hue’s poetic gardens and countryside. If you’re ready to go beyond bún bò Huế, then read on for a primer on Huế’s culinary backstory, plus seven irresistible local specialties to hunt down here.
True or not, with unfettered access to this enviable larder, the Nguyen lords told their chefs to get creative. And they did. It’s said that over half of all Vietnamese dishes originated in Huế. Emperor Tu Duc in particular is credited for Huế’s emergence as a culinary powerhouse. Tu Duc was a man of exquisite taste and a demanding diner. Legend says he required a different meal every day for a year — a tough ask for even the most innovative kitchen team.
His legacy, though, is some of the best food in Vietnam, ranging from the city’s imperial cuisine — a succession of dainty dishes served at lavish multi-course banquets — to creations that made it out of the royal court to achieve mass popularity with locals. The seven elegant Huế dishes below still bear the imprint of these storied origins.

Hue sweet soup

Sweet soup has been typical in many areas of our country, but the most delicious sweet soups are in Hue. Traveling to Hue city, you can easily see lots of sweet soup stalls or vendors selling it along the street. So the sweet soup here is a kind of Hue street food for tourists to enjoy with many tastes. There are many tastes for you to choose from, such as lotus sweet soup, mixed sweet soup, sweet corn soup, etc.
The remarkable thing here has been created from the gentle flavor, beautiful colors, and Hue people’s exquisite talents. In the summer, you can taste Hue sweet soup with ice; however, enjoy hot sweet soup in winter. Whether in summer or winter, this Hue sweet soup will satisfy all tastes. Here are some places for you to enjoy this Hue street food:

• Che Hem at No.1/29 Hung Vuong, Phu Hoi, Hue
• Che Cung Dinh at No. 31 Nguyen Hue, Vinh Ninh, Hue
• Che Sao at No. 60 Phan Chu Trinh, Hue.

Bun bo Hue – Hue Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

Bún is noodles, Bò is beef, and Huế is a city in Central Vietnam, also the former capital of Vietnam, from which it originated. Despite its name, Bún Bò Huế is also made from pork bones. This can cause a lot of confusion on a menu, especially if you don’t eat pork.
The broth for Bún Bò Huế is prepared by slowly simmering various types of beef and pork bones (ox tail, beef shank, pork neck bones, pork feet, and pork knuckles/ham hocks) and loads of lemongrass.
The fiery spices are made up of frying together shallots, lemongrass, garlic, red pepper powder, and fresh chilies in neutral oil. Sometimes ground annatto seed or the use of annatto oil instead of neutral oil is used for a more vibrant red color.

Bánh Khoái

Hope you’re not afraid of a little crunch. This pan-fried crepe is stuffed full of plump shrimp, quail egg, bean sprouts, and pork belly. The batter gets its characteristic yellow color by mixing turmeric powder with rice flour. Bánh khoái in Huế is always served with a fresh salad of figs, starfruit, and cucumber to cut the grease, as well as a thick dipping sauce made from peanuts and pork liver.

Bánh bèo-Bloating fern-shaped cake

These petite rice cakes are only the size of a silver dollar, but you’re guaranteed to want (at least) half a dozen once you taste them. Each bite is steamed in a small ceramic saucer, then topped with a sprinkle of dried shrimp, pork crackling, shallots, and scallion oil. A few drops of slightly sweetened fish sauce and you have the quintessential Huế snack. Don’t miss it.
TRY IT: O Lé, Kiệt 104 Ngõ 17 Nhà số 9, Huế

Bánh nậm

One of Huế’s most tempting steamed dumplings, bánh nậm will win you over with its dainty texture and delicious taste. Each dumpling is made of a thin layer of rice flour paste, topped with fresh shrimp as well as shrimp flakes fried with garlic, scallions, and onion. The cook deftly folds the dumplings into banana leaf parcels for steaming. Like bánh bèo, a few drops of fish sauce is all it takes to make each beautiful bite come alive in your mouth.
TRY IT: O Lé, Kiệt 104 Ngõ 17 Nhà số 9, Huế

Bánh ram ít

Huế is one of the few places where you can encounter this delightful dumpling. A fried sticky rice cake and a soft, steamed rice cake are layered on each other into a small mound. The rice is the star of the show, but a few shreds of fresh and fried shrimp, shallots, and crispy pork skin make the finishing touches.