Hue is renowned as a city deeply rooted in history, home to magnificent pagodas, ancient temples, and the iconic imperial tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. Beyond its architectural heritage, Hue is equally celebrated for its rich culinary culture, from Bún Bò Huế a bold and aromatic noodle soup, to delicate royal-inspired dishes, savory Bánh Bèo, Bánh Nậm, Bánh Lọc, and the vibrant flavors of Cơm Hến. Each dish reflects a balance of refinement and tradition that once defined imperial cuisine.
Hue offers a sense of calm that feels increasingly rare. Life here moves at an unhurried pace, far removed from the relentless energy of Ho Chi Minh City and the bustling, tourist-filled beaches of Da Nang.
Getting there
1. Getting There
By Train: Scenic coastal railway from Da Nang
By Air:
Phu Bai International Airport (25 minutes to city center)
Da Nang International Airport (2.5 hrs to city center)
2. Where to Stay
Comfortable & Central:
- Melia Vinpearl
- Silk Path
- Imperial
- Indochine Palace
Luxury
- Azerai La Residence
- Banyan Tree Lang Co
- Ancient Hue Garden Houses
- Vedana Lagoon
Getting Around
- What to Explore:
- Imperial City
- Thien Mu Pagoda
- Minh Mang Tomb
- Perfume River sunset cruise
- An Dinh Palace
- Lap An Lagoon
2. What to Taste
- Bún Bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup): 30 Truong Dinh
- Bánh Canh Cua (crab noodle soup): 30 Pham Hong Thai
- Cơm Hến/ Bún Hến (clam rice/noodle): 31 Tran Quang Khai
- Bánh bèo/nậm/lọc (Steamed clear rice flour in banana leaves): 29 Nguyen Cong Tru
- Bánh Ép (tapioca crepe): 118 Le Ngo Cat
- Cơm niêu (Hue family-style meal): 19 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Coffee shops:
- Tan.: 86 Dinh Tien Hoang
- Đề-pô Cafe: Dong Ba market, second floor
- LAPH: 2 Phan Boi Chau
- Giao Cafe: 118 Chi Lang
- Tron Cafe: Alley 21 Le Quy Don
- Fai. wine bar: Alley 8 Doi Cung
Kylie’s Recommended 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning: Enjoy Bún Bò Huế at 30 Truong Dinh. Visit the Tomb of Khải Định, known for its blend of Vietnamese and Western architecture and part of the Complex of Hué Monuments.
Lunch: Board Ngự Thuyền Hueritage for a scenic lunch cruise on the Perfume River
Afternoon: Visit Thiên Mụ Pagoda and take in the peaceful views along the Perfume River.
Dinner: Enjoy bánh bèo, bánh nậm, and bánh lọc at 29 Nguyen Cong Tru. After that, head to Fai. wine bar for drinks
Day 2:
Morning: Enjoy Cơm Hến, Bún Hến at 31 Tran Quang Khai. After that, head to Đề Pô cafe at Đông Ba market.
Lunch: Have lunch at Chạn, a home-style Hue restaurant. There are two locations available, 1 Nguyen Thai Hoc or 19 Nguyen Thai Hoc
Afternoon: Visit the Imperial City of Hue.
Dinner: Have Bánh Canh Cua at 30 Pham Hong Thai for dinner. After that, if you prefer a lively atmosphere, head to the Chu Van An and Vo Thi Sau streets for beers and late-night bites. If you’re looking for something quieter and more chill, go to Trốn for drinks instead
Day 3:
Morning: Have breakfast at Bánh Mì O Tho, 14 Tran Cao Van. After that, grab a coffee at Tan. The café has three locations, but I recommend 86 Dinh Tien Hoang branches for a more spacious setting
Lunch: Have lunch at Cơm Mắm Cô Ri, Nguyen Chi Thanh street.
Afternoon: Relax, pick up souvenirs, head back to the airport.
