1. Top things to do in Hue

Visit the Tombs of the Ancient Emperors

One of the big draws in Hue is the tombs of the Ancient Emperors and this is the main reason why so many visitors travel here every year. Anyone with an interest in ancient architecture and history needs to visit the tombs which were built in honor of famous emperors of Hue.

Walk along the Perfume River

The Perfume River is one of the most famous waterways in Vietnam and Hue is the perfect place to take it all in. There is a delightful waterfront promenade along the banks of the river and this makes a great place to come for a scenic walk in the evenings. You can also take to the water yourself if you want to get a closer look at the river and rent a paddleboat or opt for an elegant dinner cruise.

Eat With the Monks

Vegetarians and vegans will love Lien Hoa on Le Quy Don. This very traditional and simple restaurant serves Vietnamese food primarily to local Buddhist monks. Try some local plant-based dishes and mingle with the monks over lunch.

Enjoy Salt Coffee

You may have heard of ca phe trung or egg coffee in Hanoi, but have you heard of Hue’s ca phe muoi? Like egg coffee, it’s a homegrown coffee creation that’s unique to Hue. Ca phe muoi literally means “salt coffee”. It’s a type of iced coffee drink that’s made by filtering Vietnamese coffee into a frothy mixture of fermented milk, salt, and cocoa powder. Coffee with salt may sound odd at first but it works surprisingly well. The salt brings out the sweetness of the cocoa and milk while tempering the bitterness of the coffee. It’s delicious and unique and something you need to try in Hue if you’re fond of coffee.

Have a Blind Massage

If you want to support the local community and also relax and unwind at the same time, then you need to make an appointment at the Institute of the Blind. Here you will find a number of blind massage staff who will give you a massage and all the proceeds go to helping those who live at the institute find employment. At the end of the massage you will also get to spend time in the onsite herbal steam room.

Eat Bun Bo Hue

Diving into a bowl of bun bo is one of the most delicious things to do in Hue. It was one of my favorite dishes to eat not just in Hue, but in all of Vietnam. To signify where it’s from, the dish is known as bun bo hue anywhere else in Vietnam but in Hue, it’s typically referred to as just bun bo. It’s an exceedingly tasty noodle soup made with rice vermicelli, thin slices of beef, and meaty chunks of beef shank.

Try Com Hen & Che Bap on Con Hen Island

Con Hen Island is a tiny sliver of an island located in the middle of the Perfume River. It’s recognized as the birthplace of com hen so I suggest trying it there. Com Hen Hoa Dong is the best place to have it.

Experience Hue Royal Cuisine

If you’re looking to have a proper sit-down meal, then you may be interested in Hue’s royal cuisine. It’s a set meal with about eight or nine courses that are meant to recreate imperial dishes served to royal court members of the Nguyen dynasty. Pictured below are grilled beef meatballs wrapped around stalks of green onion. As you can see, presentation is key so many of the courses are served with vegetables meticulously carved in the shape of different animals.

Cycling around the city

Hue is often said to be one of the nicest cities in Vietnam to cycle around. You will find far less traffic here than in other parts of the country and you can also cycle along the lush banks of the Huong River and visit all the key attractions for which Hue is famous. You can either just rent a bike and go it alone, or you can also join a dedicated cycling tour with a guide that will take you around Hue or out into the surrounding countryside.

2. Hue Weather

Hue’s climate is harsh and divided into two distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.

The dry season in Hue

Hue's dry season spans from March to August with hot and sunny weather. During this period, temperatures can occasionally soar to as high as 38 to 40 degrees Celsius.

August To December – Rainy Season.

Tourists can possibly visit Hue in this season, but not recommended. Firstly, August sees a surge in domestic tourists, making the city relatively crowed. Secondly, from September to December, it’s the rainy season, and downpours are frequent, sometimes lasting for several hours.

Best time to visit Hue

From Feb To April: This is the best time to visit Hue. These months, Hue experiences its delightful spring season, offering ideal weather conditions for various activities. With an average temperature around 22 degrees Celsius, venturing outdoors to explore the city becomes significantly more enjoyable. Moreover, this period also boasts the lowest levels of rainfall in Hue, providing visitors with peace of mind that their vacation won't be ruined by unexpected downpours.

3. Hue Transportation: How to get to & Around Hue

1.1. How to get there?

Hue has a domestic airport that is well connected with major international airports in Vietnam. Thus, wherever you first arrive in the country, it’s easy to take a flight to Hue. In addition, the city has its own train station so you can take a train and enjoy the scenery along the way. In case you have a lot of time and want to stay on budget, you can consider traveling by bus/ car.

1.2. Ways to get around Hue:

Private car:

A wise choice for your entire transportation method during your stay in Hue. However, the city also offers the convenience of readily available taxis and motorcycle taxis, which provide an intriguing way to explore its streets.

Motorbike:

Opting for a motorcycle is always a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture, a tradition observed throughout Vietnam. You can either rent a motorcycle and navigate the streets yourself or arrange one with a professional driver. This mode of transportation offers remarkable flexibility and speed, allowing you to easily access every nook and cranny of Hue and its surrounding areas.

Cycling:

With less traffic than other major cities, Hue is arguably the best city for cycling in Vietnam; if you are a fanatic cyclist, you can also choose to cycle out of the city and explore the quiet countryside.

Walking:

For every visitor, strolling through the central town is a must. It's a unique experience to wander along the Perfume River, taking in the somber yet romantic ambiance of Hue's temples and monuments.