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Hue, Vietnam is not merely a destination, but a place to be experienced in its own unique way. Beyond the familiar royal tombs, the city reveals itself through subtler, more profound layers.
Let Silk Path guide your journey.
Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, summer holidays offer a chance to step away from routine and embrace a slower, more tranquil pace. Hue, Vietnam is one such destination. Today, it not only recalls the grandeur of imperial tombs and the serenity of ancient temples, but also invites travelers to discover a wealth of fresh and inspiring experiences.
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STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING ON THE PERFUME RIVER
Drifting through a truly Hue day
The Perfume River rises from the Truong Son mountain range, where its two tributaries, Ta Trach and Huu Trach, merge to form an 80-kilometer waterway flowing toward the ancient capital. As it reaches the city, the river slows into a gentle meander, becoming an inseparable part of Hue’s landscape.
From a paddleboard, the experience shifts-no longer observing from the banks, but fully immersed in the water itself. Bridges, tree-lined shores, and temple rooftops gradually come together in a seamless, flowing panorama, revealed with each quiet stroke of the paddle. Under the summer sun, this is a way to truly connect with Hue, while letting the mind drift into calm with the river’s gentle rhythm.
The rental spots can be found along both riverbanks, from Bui Thi Xuan Park on the south side to smaller docks at Thuong Bac Park, Ban Nguyet Bridge, and Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street near Thien Mu Pagoda on the north. Depending on the chosen route, visitors can set off from the city center or head southward, where the scenery gradually opens up and the atmosphere becomes increasingly tranquil.
The ideal time is typically early morning or late afternoon. In the morning, the air is fresh and clear – perfect for a leisurely paddle. As the day moves into late afternoon, soft light reflects on the water, creating gentle shifts in color and turning the journey into a quietly captivating visual experience.
CYCLING AT THE TOMB OF EMPEROR GIA LONG
Relax and reconnect with nature
The Tomb of Emperor Gia Long (Thien Tho Mausoleum) is the final resting place of the founding emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The complex stretches across a vast mountainous landscape, where rolling hills, lakes, forests, and ancient architectural remnants are seamlessly woven together.
On February 4, 2025, the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre introduced a bicycle rental service for visitors. With each turn of the wheels, travelers are gently guided through expansive grounds where nature and heritage intertwine. Along the way, every path and every stone step carries the imprint of more than two centuries of history.
Located about 20 kilometers from the center of Hue, the landscape unfolds in ever-changing scenes: at times opening onto tranquil lakes, at others winding through gentle hills, then narrowing into dense, shaded forests. The unhurried pace of the journey invites you to pause – if only for a moment – to take it all in.
A VISIT TO THUAN AN BEACH
Embrace unspoiled nature and the rhythm of local life
Located about 15 kilometers east of the city center, Thuan An Beach unfolds a vast, open seascape where the Perfume River flows through the Tam Giang Lagoon before meeting the sea – creating a sense that is both expansive and quietly serene, unlike anywhere else. The beach comprises three main areas – Beach No. 1, Beach No. 2, and Phu Thuan Beach – each retaining its unspoiled charm, thanks to minimal development.
A day in Thuan An can begin early, when the sea is calm and the air still cool – the perfect time for a refreshing swim, a moment of relaxation in the clear water, or a stroll along the long stretch of sand.
As the sun rises higher, visitors can head ashore to a small beachfront restaurant, resting in the shade while enjoying freshly caught seafood. By afternoon, as the light softens, the atmosphere grows more gentle and inviting. This is when the fishing village comes back to life – boats returning to shore, nets being untangled, and preparations quietly underway for the next journey out to sea.
Sitting and observing this simple rhythm of life, or watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon, the day in Thuan An comes to a gentle close – just in time to make your way back to the city.
RETURN TO A MOMENT OF REST
A gentle close to the journey
After a day of exploring Hue through its many landscapes, Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa offers an ideal sanctuary to unwind. Designed with inspirations drawn from culture, history, and art, the space exudes a refined elegance while remaining warm and intimate – allowing guests to enjoy modern comforts while staying connected to the poetic rhythm of the ancient capital.
The afternoon can unfold at a leisurely pace, beginning with a refined afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, followed by moments of relaxation at Chi Spa or by the outdoor pool, and concluding the day with dinner at Nam Phuong or Olivio.
The journey continues. Together with Silk Path discover cultural stories and unforgettable experiences woven across Vietnam.
