Greetings, we are currently in an ancient land, with many ancient architectural structures and picturesque natural landscapes that exude a romantic and serene atmosphere in the tranquil space of the old imperial city. When we mention the term “Imperial City,” have you guessed the place yet? It is none other than Hue Imperial City. Let’s embark on a travel adventure to experience Hue in just 1 day and 1 night with Cuong Travel:
Traveling to Hue captivates visitors not only with its cultural and historical beauty, but also attracts many travelers who want to explore Hue due to the friendliness of the people of Hue. The gentle and sweet nature of Hue’s women mesmerizes everyone.
Visiting Hue is immersing oneself in poetic and charming beauty. If you have, are, or will be traveling to Hue without visiting the following 10 tourist attractions, you cannot fully understand the hidden beauty of the dreamy land of Hue.
1. Minh Mang Tomb
Minh Mang Tomb boasts a prime and convenient location in Hue. Located on Cam Khe Mountain, this is where the two rivers Ta Trach and Huu Trach converge to form the picturesque Perfume River.
Minh Mang Tomb in Hue
Minh Mang Tomb is one of the most majestic and standard tombs in Nguyen Dynasty architecture. The entire La Thanh complex covers an area of 1,750 square meters arranged in harmony to create a very beautiful architectural ensemble. Viewed from above, the tomb’s shape resembles a person lying down naturally and comfortably: Head facing towards Kim Phung Mountain, with Trung Minh Lake on both sides, and feet resting on the comfortable confluence of three rivers.
Upon entering the tomb gate, one is greeted with symmetrically arranged architectural structures along three axes. In the middle of the courtyard is a lotus pond emitting a fragrant scent. The image of simple, rustic yet beautiful lotus flowers is often an indispensable symbol when referring to tombs in Vietnam. Visiting Minh Mang Tomb is an essential part of a trip to Hue.
When traveling to Huế, don’t forget to visit the Minh Mạng Tomb
2. Khải Định Tomb
Located just 10 km from the center of Huế city, Khải Định Tomb is the last architectural work of the Nguyễn dynasty and also the most prominent among all other tombs, thanks to its modern building materials and the influence of many foreign architectural styles.
Khải Định Tomb was built over 11 years (1920 – 1931), spanning the reigns of two Nguyễn dynasty emperors, Khải Định and his son Bảo Đại. Despite being the smallest in size, this tomb required the most effort and money among all Nguyễn dynasty tombs.
Lăng Khải Định is the most expensive tomb in Hue
Visiting Hue and exploring Lăng Khải Định can be overwhelming for tourists, as the rectangular block architecture rises 127 steps, influenced by various architectural styles such as Hinduism (tower-shaped gate), Buddhism (stupa-shaped pillars), Roman Gothic architecture (octagonal columns, high and wide door arches)…Another special feature that leaves visitors in awe when visiting Lăng Khải Định is that all details are decorated with porcelain mosaic art.
Nghệ thuật khoảm kính sứ cầu kì ở Lăng Khải Định
When in Huế, don’t forget to visit the Khải Định Tomb to immerse yourself in the cultural values and historical essence of a bygone era!
3. Tomb of Tự Đức
The Tomb of Tự Đức is located in a narrow valley in the village of Dương Xuân Thượng, former Cư Chánh district, now Thượng Ba hamlet, Thủy Xuân ward, Huế city. It is the tomb of Emperor Tự Đức, the fourth emperor of the Nguyễn dynasty. He reigned for 36 years, from 1847-1883.
Originally named Vạn Niên Cơ, the tomb was later renamed Khiêm Cung by Emperor Tự Đức himself after realizing his mistakes during the construction. After his passing, the tomb was renamed Khiêm Lăng.
Lăng Tự Đức viewed from above
The tomb complex is divided into 2 areas: the temple area and the tomb area. The temple area starts from the Vu Khiêm gate, passing through the Khiêm Cung Môn before winding around the front of the tomb. Passing through the Vu Khiêm gate and the temple to worship the mountain deity is the temple area, where the king used to rest and entertain.
Lăng Tự Đức has intricate architecture, picturesque natural scenery, and is one of the most beautiful tombs of the Nguyen dynasty kings that you must explore when visiting Hue.
This is one of the most beautiful tombs in Hue
4. Imperial City of Hue
The Imperial City of Hue is one of the monuments in the Complex of Hue Monuments recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage since 1993. The Imperial City of Hue was the residence and administrative center of the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam. Starting from King Gia Long, 13 Nguyen dynasty kings lived continuously until the end of the dynasty after the abdication of King Bao Dai in August 1945.
Imperial City of Hue – a historical site of the nation
The Imperial City of Hue has 4 gates arranged on 4 sides with the main gate located to the South called Ngọ Môn, to the North is Hòa Bình gate, to the West is Chương Đức gate, and to the East is Hiển Nhơn gate. In front of Ngọ Môn is Kỳ Đài Huế and the square, where cultural activities take place during festivals. The royal citadel and the entire palace system inside all adhere to the principles of “military in the south, civil in the north” and “literature in the west, military in the east”.
Through many changes and time, but as the invaluable asset of the nation, the labor achievement of thousands of people over a long period, the Imperial City of Hue remains a historical monument proving the existence of the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam. To understand the history of the feudal dynasties of Vietnam, then surely the Imperial City of Hue is a destination you must visit.
Visiting Huế without going to the Imperial City is like not really visiting Huế
5. An Hiên Garden House
After a period of restoration, An Hiên Garden House has reopened to welcome visitors since May 15, 2019.
The garden houses in Huế bear a strong mark, combining noble appearance with traditional folk colors. Among the hundreds of garden houses still existing in Huế, An Hiên Garden House is the most typical. Located on the north bank of the Perfume River, west of the Imperial City, in the Kim Long area, which used to be the capital of the Nguyễn lords (now at 58 Nguyễn Phúc Nguyên Street, Xuân Hòa Hamlet, Hương Long Commune, Huế City), not far from Thiên Mụ Pagoda.
An Hien Garden in Hue
An Hien Garden in Hue is meticulously designed following the architectural style of Hue gardens, influenced by feng shui. The architecture and nature blend harmoniously. The complex covers an area of nearly 5,000 m2 facing the Perfume River. The main building is a traditional house located in the center of the garden, with a spacious area of 135 m2.
Today, An Hien Garden is a cultural destination, a familiar stop for tourists visiting Hue. It is also a distinctive feature of Hue in urban architectural culture in Vietnam. The entrance fee to visit An Hien Garden in Hue is 20,000 VND per person.
Là điểm dừng chân quen thuộc của du khách
6. Chùa Thiên Mụ – Ngôi chùa cổ, linh thiêng nhất ở Huế
Hidden in a place not bustling like Chùa Thiên Mụ still attracts visitors from afar when coming to visit Huế because of its mysterious legendary stories, its ancient and solemn beauty, and the peacefulness by the poetic Perfume River…
Thien Mu Pagoda by the poetic Perfume River
Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda) is located on Ha Khe Hill, at the confluence of the Perfume River, about 5km west of the center of Hue city in the direction of Huong Tra district. Thien Mu Pagoda was officially established in the year of Tân Sửu (1601) in the reign of Lord Nguyen Hoang – the first lord of the Nguyen Lords in the South.
Those who visit Hue always come to visit the spiritual point of Thien Mu Pagoda with the desire to pray for good luck for their loved ones and friends. Thien Mu Pagoda is a structure serving the spiritual life of the people of Hue, as well as a significant contribution to the beauty of the imperial city of Hue – a characteristic beauty of this sacred land, an impressive highlight for foreign visitors every time they travel to Hue
Visit this place to pray for the safety of your family
7. Perfume River
Every time you come to Huế, countless people are captivated by the romantic and sentimental beauty of the Perfume River. This river has consumed the ink of many poets who carry a heavy heart longing for Huế.
The Perfume River is like a gentle silk ribbon surrounding Huế. Visiting the ancient imperial city without enjoying the beauty of the Perfume River is like not truly setting foot in Huế.
The Romantic Perfume River
Since ancient times, the Perfume River flows through forests carrying the scent of herbs and spices. When visiting Hue, the Perfume River is beautiful from its source, winding around with the fragrance of natural plants like a divine arrangement bestowed upon this land.
Today, when traveling to Hue, you can take a boat to explore and admire the Perfume River. The river meanders through the Imperial City, the Royal Palace, the Forbidden Purple City, and through the Inner City, enhancing the natural beauty of this unique ancient capital. The Perfume River stretches up to 80km in length, with the section from Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary being 30km long.
Làm say lòng biết bao du khách ghé thăm
The graceful Perfume River is like a shy Hue girl with a smile under her conical hat. The silver-white color of the river is even more accentuated when the Trang Tien Bridge spans across the Perfume River. When visiting Hue, few can overlook the experience of cruising along the Perfume River.
8. Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is a must-visit for tourists in Hue, not only to explore and learn about the culture and daily life of the ancient capital’s people but also to indulge in all the delicious dishes from Hue that have long been famous nationwide, such as bun bo Hue, com hen, banh canh Nam Pho, various types of Hue cakes, Hue sweet soup…
Đông Ba Market in Huế
Đông Ba Market is located along the northern bank of the Perfume River, on Trần Hưng Đạo Street – a historically important road in the city of Huế. For a long time, this place has been the pride of the people of Huế, showcasing the essence and vibrant life of Huế with the faces of the local women, the soulful atmosphere of the street food stalls, and hundreds of dishes that captivate the hearts of visitors.
Stepping into Đông Ba Market, you are entering a culinary paradise filled with the authentic flavors of Central Vietnam, such as the famous bún bò giò heo (beef and pork knuckle noodle soup), the classic cơm hến (clam rice), flavorful Huế cakes, bánh tráng Sịa (rice paper), bún thịt nướng Kim Long (grilled pork noodle), nem chả tré in Phú Hòa, chè Truồi with fresh ginger, refreshing nước mía Mỹ Lợi (sugarcane juice), fragrant chè hạt sen from Tịnh Tâm Lake, and more.
Inspiration for brides and grooms to create beautiful photos
Just hearing about it makes you crave it, we have enjoyed many delicious dishes in Hue. If you don’t have much time to travel to Hue but still want to eat Hue dishes, Dong Ba Market is the ideal stop.
9. Hue Night Market
We visited the night market in Hue around 10:30 pm, so almost all the stalls were closed. Listening to the cyclo drivers, around the night market in Hue, there are rows of ao dai shops that are extremely diverse, especially for tourists who have their ao dai tailored in the afternoon can pick it up the next day. Ao dai in Hue is famous nationwide. It’s a bit of a shame that we didn’t go earlier to admire them.
Chợ đêm ở Huế
The night market in Hue is located on Nguyen Dinh Chieu pedestrian street, near Dong Ba Market, mainly offering various local specialties of Hue such as clam rice, clam noodle soup, Hue sweet soup, and various types of cakes, etc.
After exploring Hue all day, take a leisurely cyclo ride around the streets and then head to the night market to enjoy some light snacks.
10. Pho Tay
While Saigon has Bui Vien Western Street and Hanoi has Ta Hien Western Street, Hue also has Pham Ngu Lao Western Street. Although it is called Pham Ngu Lao Western Street because it is the most crowded area, the Western Street area actually extends to the intersection of Le Loi or Vo Thi Sau.
Located on the southern bank of the Perfume River, Hue’s Western Street is a bustling destination that adds a modern touch to the city’s serene landscape. Locals are unsure of the exact time when the Western Street emerged. Perhaps as tourism in Hue developed, more foreign tourists arrived, leading to the emergence of bars, pubs, and lounges, becoming popular spots for many Western visitors.
Phố Tây nổi tiếng ở Huế
The city of Hue has invested 50 billion dong in building infrastructure for the pedestrian street area. After completing 3 streets including Pham Ngu Lao, Chu Van An, and half of Vo Thi Sau street, it is considered one of the pedestrian streets with high-quality infrastructure, a model for the whole country.
Although Hue is not as bustling as other tourist cities, I am sure that visiting Hue will leave you with many unforgettable memories.
The tourist spots in Hue above, we have arranged them in the correct order to visit. You can rent a motorbike to explore in a day, or take a one-day tour of Hue, which is also reasonable.
