The ancient capital of Hue is situated in central Vietnam, positioned between the nation's two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This historic city served as the capital during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945) and was the final royal capital of the Vietnamese monarchy. Hue draws numerous domestic and international visitors, captivated by its historic architecture, traditional Vietnamese arts, and particularly its delicious and diverse cuisine.
And today, let's explore with me "culinary capital of Vietnam” in the past two days my photos and stories.
- Move:
I started my journey from Hanoi, flying to Da Nang. After spending 3 days exploring Da Nang, I took a train to Hue. This wasn't just any ordinary train; it's known as the “heritage train,” beautifully decorated inside and out, traveling through some of the most scenic routes in Vietnam.
“Heritage Train"will go through the most beautiful roads in Vietnam.
This train operates between Da Nang and Hue, offering four trips daily (two trips each way per day). Onboard the "heritage train," passengers can not only admire the scenery through the windows but also enjoy various forms of art and culinary experiences right on the train.
You can book train tickets online to prepare for your trip at HERE .
2. Tickets to visit places in Hue
Most of the ancient architectural sites in Hue, such as the royal citadel and the mausoleums, require entrance tickets. To save money, it's advisable to spend a day visiting all these historic locations. Purchasing combo tickets for multiple sites is more cost-effective than buying separate tickets for each location.
I'll provide a link for purchasing online combo tickets to various sites in Hue here: CLICK HERE for easy access.
3. Hotel
Coming to the ancient capital of Hue - an ancient city with architectural works of great historical value, finding a hotel / resort with a similar "vibe" is also the need of many people. So I will suggest you a place to stay that has all the elements such as affordable, near tourist attractions, and most importantly antique style characteristic of Hue
A great accommodation option to consider is Pilgrimage Village Hue, a resort located near famous tourist spots such as the Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thuy Tien Lake, Vong Canh Hill, and Thuy Xuan incense village,...
The resort features a distinctly ancient architectural style that doesn't compromise on luxury. Set within a spacious and highly private campus, it stands out as one of the best choices for accommodation when visiting Hue.
To ensure your vacation goes smoothly and to avoid the risk of rooms being sold out, especially during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to book your accommodation 1-2 weeks in advance of your trip. Booking a room at Pilgrimage Village Hue is very simply at HERE.
4. 2-day itinerary in Hue.
DAY 1: Hue Imperial Citadel Complex and the Tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty Kings.
I arrived in Hue on a beautiful morning, and to start a wonderful day in Hue, I definitely cannot miss "Bun Bo" - a very famous specialty of Hue. Nowadays, there are many options for Where to eat beef noodle soup in Hue, but for me, restaurants with long-standing traditions are the number 1 choice. And restaurants Hue beef noodle soup Today I choose the restaurant "Mrs. Tuyet's beef noodle soup“.
- Address of Mrs. Tuyet's beef noodle soup: Google Map
This is a local restaurant where everything is kept simple, yet it's extremely famous and recommended by many locals. The restaurant gets particularly crowded from 7 to 9 am, so it's best to arrive early to have the optimal experience. It's open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, except on special holidays.
After eating, I headed to a nearby cafe to relax, rest, and organize my belongings before setting out to explore the first destination of the day.
- Cafe Giao Mua address: Google Map
This cafe is exceptionally spacious, with most of its area dedicated to a garden filled with ornamental plants and orchids, creating a very refreshing atmosphere. The drink menu is also quite diverse, offering a variety of choices at very affordable prices.
The first destination I visited was the Hue Imperial Citadel Complex, which was selected by the kings of the Nguyen Dynasty (the last dynasty in Vietnam) as the Imperial City.
In front of the Imperial City of Hue stands the "Flag Tower," also known as the "Flagpole of Hue Citadel." This architectural structure was constructed in 1807. It served as the location where the royal flag was hoisted and provided a vantage point for guards in the observation tower. Additionally, several cannons are positioned at the corners of the Flag Tower.
- Address of Ky Dai: Google Map
On the opposite side stands the Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to Hue Imperial City. This area comprises a complex of various architectural structures, mausoleums, and extensive gardens. It was historically used by the Nguyen Dynasty kings to receive foreign envoys and conduct official affairs with the mandarins of the court.
- Address of the entrance gate to Hue Imperial City: Google Map
The total area of the Hue Imperial City is an expansive 520 hectares. Even for someone accustomed to a lot of walking, like myself, exploring the entire Imperial City in one day is quite a challenge. Therefore, I have written a separate article suggesting the main places to visit within the Hue Imperial City to help save you time. You can read my detailed article about the Hue Imperial City at HERE.
After spending morning to explore Hue City, I went to a restaurant to rest and have lunch. This restaurant, called "Chan", specializes in traditional dishes. It is located in a convenient location, only 10 minutes from Hue City of Hue and always in the state of the table. To avoid waiting, you should book a table in advance.
- Chan restaurant address: Google Map
The restaurant is decorated in a traditional Vietnamese style, reminiscent of the 80s and 90s. All the staff wear traditional Vietnamese costumes, adding to the authentic ambiance. Additionally, the service quality is excellent, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
The dishes here primarily consist of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, ranging from historical to modern recipes. everything looks very simple but the cooking brings out incredibly enticing flavors.
The restaurant offers a full range of dishes from appetizers to desserts, all free of charge. Additionally, there is a souvenir counter on the first floor selling Hue memorabilia. Be sure to take a look around when you visit.
After lunch, I headed to a café to relax, chat with friends, and review the photos I had taken in the morning. The café, called "Tan," is currently one of the most famous cafés in Hue.
- Tan Coffee Address: Google Map
The restaurant is only about 1km from Hue Imperial Citadel, quite convenient for traveling.
The café's most famous drinks are salt coffee and egg coffee. If you have the chance to visit, be sure to try one of these specialties.
After eating and drinking, I was re-energized and ready to head to the next destination 😀
The next place I visited was Minh Mang Tomb, the resting place of King Minh Mang, the second ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty. Located about 15 km- 20 minutes drive from the city center (Hue Imperial Citadel).
- Minh Mang Tomb Address: Google Map
The entrance ticket to Minh Mang Tomb costs 150,000 VND. To save money, you should purchase a combo ticket for the Hue Imperial City and royal tombs, which includes Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, and Khai Dinh Tomb. This option is much more cost-effective than purchasing individual tickets for each site. You can find the online ticket booking link HERE for easy access.
Minh Mang Tomb was constructed in 1840 and completed in 1843 during the reign of King Thieu Tri. This architectural complex showcases a perfect harmony between nature and human craftsmanship, consisting of 40 large and small structures, including palaces, communal houses, towers, pavilions, lakes, and bridges.
I visited in August when the weather was quite sunny. Be sure to bring an umbrella or wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the heat and avoid sunstroke (The sunniest time in Hue is from June to August.).
The best time to travel to Hue is around February - April. (May to August is the hottest period in Hue, while September to January marks the rainy season).
Minh Mang Tomb is renowned for its intricate carvings, curved tiled roofs, and artistic reliefs. The entire structure is built with perfect symmetry, always featuring a central path (sometimes marked by a differently colored tile floor, other times by a straight bridge).
You can rent an ao dai or purchase a conical hat before visiting to capture the best photos. The conical hat not only adds to the aesthetic of your pictures but also helps protect you from Hue's harsh sunlight. These hats are conveniently available for sale right at the entrance.
And finally, this is the main road leading to the tomb of King Minh Mang. The tomb is nestled amidst a serene landscape of rolling hills, fish ponds, and lush greenery, creating a peaceful and solemn atmosphere.
Visitors can light an incense stick for King Minh Mang in the main shrine area.
After exploring Minh Mang Tomb, I stopped by a café on my way back to the city center to refresh and rest. The café, called Thành Cafe, is located between the city center and Minh Mang Tomb, making it a convenient stop along the way.
- Thanh Cafe Address: Google Map
The café features a dominant brown color tone, with its interior decorated in a classic 90s Vietnamese style.
The café offers a spacious setting with multiple rooms, allowing customers to choose between indoor and outdoor seating. The drinks are also beautifully presented, with the fruit teas being particularly delicious—a definite plus for the shop.
The final destination of my first day exploring Hue was An Dinh Palace. This palace was once the residence of King Khai Dinh and later became the home of King Bao Dai and the royal family after his abdication.
- An Dinh Palace Address: Google Map
This is one of the most beautiful architectural sites in Hue, showcasing a harmonious blend of Asian and European styles. The magnificent and splendid palace spans an area of about 700 square meters, housing numerous historical artifacts and paintings of great artistic value.
An Dinh Palace is my favorite photography spot in Hue. I have also written a highly detailed article about An Dinh Palace, showcasing all the best photo angles at this location. You can check out my article about An Dinh Palace HERE.
DAY 2: Explore nature, people and cuisine of Hue.
After the first day of exploring ancient architectural works, palaces and tombs, on the second day of 2 day tour to explore Hue, I will explore the nature, people and cuisine of the ancient capital of Hue. Let's follow to see which places I go to in Hue today.
To “recharge” for a long day of exploring Hue, I chose crab noodle soup for breakfast today. The restaurant I picked is called "Me Nga Crab Noodle Soup," conveniently located on Pham Hong Thai Street in the city center.
- Me Nga Crab Noodle Soup Address: Google Map
For a Northerner like me, banh canh is a rather unfamiliar dish (as people in the North usually eat vermicelli, pho, and rice noodles). However, since the restaurant is quite famous, has good reviews on Google, and opens early in the morning, I decided to stop by and give it a try.
The noodles here are soft, the broth is rich, and it has a wonderfully fragrant crab aroma. Served with 2-3 fried breadsticks, it makes for a perfect breakfast combo. It was very delicious and surprisingly easy to eat, even for a first-timer like me.
After "eating and drinking to my heart’s content", the first place I visited was "Thuy Xuan Incense Village". This well-known traditional craft village has specialized in incense-making for over 400 years, dating back to the era of the Nguyen Dynasty kings.
- Thuy Xuan incense village address: Google Map
You can rent costumes to take photos here and also observe the villagers’ completely manual incense-making process. The rental price is very affordable, starting at just 50,000 VND per outfit.
Just about 1km away, there are two other extremely famous spots: Vong Canh Hill and Tu Duc Tomb. If you visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village, be sure to stop by and explore these two destinations as well.
- Address of Vong Canh Hill: Google Map
- Tu Duc Tomb Address: Google Map
- Tu Duc Tomb Entrance Ticket: here
Currently, Vong Canh Hill has undergone significant development to better serve tourists. It offers a serene environment for walking, admiring the peaceful beauty of the Huong River, and exploring famous historical sites. Additionally, it is a great spot for picnics with family and friends.
On the way to Vong Canh Hill, you will pass by a café called "DeChill", which offers a beautiful view of the Huong River and features stylish, well-decorated surroundings. If you're looking for a place to relax, enjoy a coffee, and take stunning photos, this is definitely a great choice!
- DeChill cafe address: Google Map
In addition to Vong Canh Hill and Tu Duc Tomb, you can also visit two similar attractions—Thien An Hill and Khai Dinh Tomb, which are also located nearby.
- Thien An Hill Address: Google Map
- Address of Khai Dinh Tomb: Google Map
- Entrance ticket to Khai Dinh Tomb: here
The next place I visited and took photos at was Hue National School, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in Vietnam. It is not only a cradle for nurturing talented individuals but also a symbol of the culture, history, and unique architecture of the ancient capital of Hue.
- Address of Hue National School: Google Map
The school was once a training ground for many renowned figures and national heroes, including President Ho Chi Minh, General Vo Nguyen Giap, Pham Van Dong, Ha Huy Tap, and numerous other distinguished intellectuals and cultural figures.
The school is built in a classical French architectural style, seamlessly blended with traditional Vietnamese elements. The buildings are elegantly designed, featuring a distinctive red color that harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding green landscape.
When I visited in August, students were still on summer vacation, making it quite easy to explore the school. (In Vietnam, summer vacation lasts from June to August.) If you visit outside this period, it's best to come on a Sunday to avoid disrupting the students' activities.
After spending half a day exploring various places around Hue, I returned to Chan Restaurant for lunch and some rest (after the first time eating there, I really liked the food here so I came back a second time).
- Chan Restaurant Address: Google Map
This time, since there were fewer people, I opted for a set meal instead of ordering multiple dishes like yesterday. The set meal included various side dishes, along with crab soup and pickled eggplant. I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone—you must definitely try it when visiting Hue!
The next place I went to eat was called “Chi Banh Quan”, a shop that sells all kinds of specialty cakes of the ancient capital Hue, such as banh beo, banh nam, banh loc, ...
- Chi cake shop address: Google Map
Although the restaurant is quite crowded, I found the service to be very fast, and the food was delicious, especially the dipping sauce. If you enjoy it and want to take some home, you can ask the restaurant to prepare it for you. They will pack it properly, making it easier to bring on the plane. To ensure quality, the food will be frozen, and once you get home, you just need to steam it again before eating.
The last place to visit in 2 day itinerary to explore Hue mine is Truong Tien Bridge – a symbol of Hue city.
- Truong Tien Bridge Address: Google Map
Truong Tien Bridge spans the Huong River, connecting the northern and southern banks of Hue city. One end of the bridge is located near the old quarter in the north (the Imperial City), while the other links to the modern district and Dong Ba Market in the south.
Truong Tien Bridge was initiated in 1897, during the reign of King Thanh Thai, and was designed by the French architect Gustave Eiffel, who is famously known for the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
The area around the Huong River, where the Truong Tien Bridge spans, is also a beautiful spot to watch the sunset. Here, you can also experience pedal boating on the Huong River while enjoying the sunset views 😀.
Right next to the Truong Tien Bridge, there is a spacious pedestrian street where both locals and tourists can stroll, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in food and drinks.
- Address Hue walking street: Google Map
Around the walking street area.
And after the sunset ended, my last stop for the day was a sweet soup shop called “Mo Ton Dich tea“.
- Address of the restaurantMo Ton Dich tea“: Google Map
The shop opens at 6pm every day. I arrived at 5:50pm, and there were already many people lined up ahead of me, which shows just how much both locals and tourists love this sweet soup shop.
There are many types of sweet soup to choose from at this shop, but the dish that makes it famous is "roasted pork sweet soup." Sounds strange, right? 😀 I’m Vietnamese, and I’ve been to many places, but I had never heard of this dish until I came here. Hue.
Because there were so many choices, I… decided to buy all the sweet soup flavors at the shop. The shop sells a tray with 12 different sweet soups, and you can mix them together as you like. The price for a tray, as shown in the picture, is 80,000 VND, which is quite reasonable for those who, like me, "don't know which flavor to choose" 😀.
And here ends my entire 2-day journey exploring the ancient capital of Hue. Although there are still many places left to explore, I believe you'll easily fall in love with the tranquility of this beautiful city in just two short days. The friendly people, delicious food, affordable prices, and peaceful atmosphere have made Hue one of my favorite cities in Vietnam.
I hope this article has been helpful to you in your journey to explore Hue. Thank you for reading until the end of the article.
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I didn't expect to read this long article in one sitting.
Very valuable article for those who want to travel to Hue.