Activities & Things to do in Hue
Hue, a Vietnamese city, is a significant historical site. The Nguyen Dynasty governed the city from 1802 and 1945. In Hue, many opulent temples and palaces were constructed around this time. The New Town and the Old Town are the two sections that make up the area of the current city. With valuable monuments from earlier eras concealed behind its walls, the historic neighborhood resembles a huge fortification. The historical area contains roughly 300 structures in total; its distinctive architectural complex is duly acknowledged as a landmark of global significance.
The Perfume River, another wonderful emblem of the city, serves as a conditional border between Hue’s old and new parts. The river’s name wasn’t picked at random. The problem is that its banks have long been home to an extraordinary number of fragrant blooms. Over the course of its lengthy history, the city has been able to maintain its unique charm and distinctive national identity. One of the few cities in the world where locals still regularly wear their traditional attire is this one. Many girls are clothed in the traditional “o dài” attire as you stroll around Hue’s streets. Elegant pants and dresses look stunning together; nevertheless, such ensembles can only be made by request.
Traditionally, quality, light-colored silk has been used to tailor national garments. Today, anyone can place an order for a stylish outfit at a nearby workshop. Along with gorgeous clothing, bronze objects are a favorite memento among city tourists. Bronze jewelry and stylish interior design are both created locally by artisans. Visitors who appreciate jewelry made of priceless materials won’t be let down either; local artisans have excelled in this field.
The rainy weather, which is usual for these locations due to the neighboring Annamese Mountains, is the only negative aspect of the lovely medieval town (Truong Son). Since it seldom does not rain on most days, having an umbrella on hand is always a good idea. Fans of excursions and trekking shouldn’t assume that cloudy weather will interfere with their travel plans. Rain always falls frequently but sporadically, so many tourists choose to wait it out in one of the quaint city cafes.
The city’s culinary emblem is the “Banh” rice cake, a favorite treat of emperors. Visitors can choose from hundreds of different Banhs with a wide range of fillings in neighborhood cafes. Rich excursion program adherents should avoid travel during the time from early February to late March, when there are typically particularly intense and protracted torrential downpours. The city’s prevailing spirit of harmony and hospitality more than makes up for the rainy weather. Hue is regarded by many seasoned tourists as being the most benign and welcoming city in Vietnam because of how well-mannered and revered the residents are toward visitors from other nations.
The most notable feature in Hue is The Forbidden Purple City. In the past, only a select group of nobles and members of the royal family were permitted access to this complex of buildings. Each and every person is welcome to explore the complex’s beautiful pavilions, meditation halls, and royal chambers now that it is accessible to tourists and excursions. One of the most intriguing parts of the building is the royal kitchen.
There are other important landmarks on the outskirts of the city as well, like Bach Ma National Park. The mountain that is situated inside the boundaries of this park is where it earned its name. Many unusual animals and birds call this beautiful place home. The majority of the park’s inhabitants are likewise bats. The French made the decision to build a spa resort here in the early 20th century. Much later, the area was given the designation of national reserve.
One of the most appealing avenues for strolling is Le Loi. With so many notable buildings, intriguing stores, and delicious restaurants, it never fails to astound tourists. Don’t forget to go to the nearby Truong Tien Bridge, which is next to a tiny pier. Travelers typically like trips along the Perfume River since they may see all the attractions on both banks of the river while taking a cool ride. A little distance away lies the stunning Thien Mu Pagoda. It goes without saying that the pagoda is a well-liked tourist attraction. Hue now has more than 300 ancient sites that are guarded by UNESCO and the national government. Travelers swarm into the city in especially during the days of national holidays.
- Blind massage – make a valuable contribution to the local community at the institute for the blind,180/1 Phan Boi Chau street (/1 mean’s the buildings are on the left, 50 metres down a side road behind 180 on Kiet/Alley) on the right up the hill about 1km past the train tracks (look for a small blue sign with English). 60,000 dong/hour for good, proper massage and 30,000 dong/hour for herbal steam-bath. All of the staff work and live in this facility, and speak a little English. This is where the locals go, so ask your hotel receptionist to call them ahead for an appointment. Brilliant experience an a “must do”. You are left for half an hour in a steam room with herbs, followed by a full hour massage. Phone 0543886505. Correct as at Oct 2015.
- My An Hot Spring and Spa – The distance to Thuan An beach is 7 kilometers from Hue. Foreigners must pay US$3 to utilize the two hot spring pools and the pool. The high sulfur level in the water here is said to have health benefits.
- Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs – 30 kilometers from Hue Center. One of the top hot springs resorts in Vietnam, with a variety of things to do to fill your time. Every activity here is intended to improve your health. Ride a zipline, walk a highwire, or play some enjoyable water sports to work up a sweat. After taking a hot springs bath outside to relax your body and mind, have a massage and other spa treatments. Rooms start at US$35 per night per room (breakfasts and entrance tickets included). A day entry ticket is US$5–7 per person. You have a choice of 3 eateries and 2 bars. The 5-star local Alba Natural Mineral Water is bottled using water from the Thanh Tan mineral water source.
- Thuan An Beach – 15km from Hue.
- Ho Chi Minh Museum 6 D Le Loi – Admission is free. Contains images, facts on Ho Chi Minh, and a photo-rich history of Hue. Sunday is a holiday.
- Scams There are a number of questionable “massage parlors” in the area that only serve tourists and where the main draw appears to be gorgeous girls chit-chatting and flirting with the client for a sizable tip. Asking your hotel for advice is pointless since they will try to guide you toward the recommendation that gives them the highest kickback. Additionally, if purchasing a bus ticket, shop about and let them know you’re comparing prices. Buses to Ho Chi Minh City cost between $20 and $30, though you may hear estimates as high as $80.00. However, since everyone is rushing to go home during specific holidays like Tet, you may anticipate costs to be a little higher. When taking a cyclo, be extremely clear about the price. (View the cyclo section.) Be wary of tour operators who could recommend expensive lunches.
- Free hanging Zipline, Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs (30km from Hue Center) + 84 935 208 208. 7:00am – 6:00pm. Vietnam’s longest free-hanging, uninterrupted zipline (probably in Asia). The game starts off tense in about a minute, launching at Ma Yen mount, which is a portion of Truong Son range, at a height of 45.5 meters. The athletes will be outfitted with a harness, lanyard, carabineer, pulley, and helmet totaling 560m. US$4/ride.
- Highwire – Alba Thanh Tan Hot Springs (30km from Hue Center) + 84 935 208 208, resist gravity at 6m height among the trees. 7:00am – 6:00pm. With this game, Vietnam’s longest, largest, and most distinctive highwire was broken. At a height of 6 meters, you will have to test your mental toughness, height phobia, and physical balance. The game pieces are comprised of wire cable and wood logs that are attached to concrete poles. Similar to Zipline, participants must put on a harness connected to a lanyard, carabineer, and pulley, as well as a helmet. unavoidable in your life. There aren’t many places in Vietnam where you can play for US$6–$10 a game if you miss this opportunity.