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VISIT HUE, VIETNAM: YOUR COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL GUIDE

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A visit to Hue, the heritage heartland of Vietnam is to discover its rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. Read our Silk Path travel guide to find out what to do, where to stay and what to eat in Hue – the capital of Vietnam’s last feudal rulers.
Truong Tien Bridge – A symbol of Hue. Photo by Nguyen Phong.

MUST-SEEs: Best attractions in Hue, Vietnam Dai Noi (Imperial City)

The Imperial City of Hue is a massive complex of ancient Citadel monuments in Vietnam, imposing Hue royal architecture with numerous admirable temples, lavish palaces, and dignified shrines. The two main areas include the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, which take an average of one day to discover. Visitors are greatly impressed by the architectural works of Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Palace, Can Chanh Palace, Thai Binh Lau, and Dien Tho Palace.

Read more about Hue Imperial Citadel here.

Royal tombs

The mausoleum system in Hue is one of the most elaborate designs in the history of Vietnamese architecture. There are 7 variations of architecture, each one of which reflects a different cultural and economic environment that was synonymous with a particular historical period.

● Tomb of Emperor Gia Long: Lies on Thien Tho, Huong Tho, Huong Tra district, Thua Thien – Hue.
● Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang: 12km from downtown Hue, located on Cam Khe mountain, near Bang Lang junction, otherwise known as “Hieu Lang”
● Tomb of Emperor Thieu Tri: Leaning against Thuan Dao mountain, in Cu Chanh village, Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy, 8km from downtown Hue
● Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc: Located in a narrow valley in Thuong Ba village, Thuy Xuan, downtown Hue
● Tomb of Duc Duc: Located in An Cuu, downtown Hue.
● Tomb of Dong Khanh: Thuong Hai village, Thuy Xuan, downtown Hue, located between Thieu Tri’s Tomb and Tu Duc’s Tomb
● Tomb of Khai Dinh: Lies on Chau Chu mountain, Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy, 10km southwest of downtown Hue

Find out more about the tombs of Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.

 

Bronze gilded statue of Emperor Khai Dinh

Tomb of Minh Mang.

Thien Mu Pagoda

With over 400 years of history, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most ancient pagodas in Hue City. Built on a high hill, converging the sacred mountain & water element by Feng Shui, Thien Mu Pagoda embraces astonishing architecture, under extraordinary cultural and spiritual artwork traits. Its surroundings are no less magnificent, with a beautiful garden and utmost tranquility.
 

Phuoc Duyen Tower at Thien Mu Pagoda.

An Hien Garden House

Once a residence of a princess, An Hien Garden House is one of the most ancient garden houses in Hue City. The ancient house follows Vietnamese tradition, such as perfect furniture installation, the sharp corners of the lotus pond and stone walk highlighting parallelity, the brick wall well-carved with ‘Longevity’ in the middle and ‘Happiness’ on both sides to carry the grace and lucky wish, making An Hien a place with timeless and endless trails.

A detailed guide about An Hien Garden House here

MUST-Dos: Things to do in Hue, Vietnam Enjoy Hue culinary

Famous for its vibrant colors and remarkable flavors, Hue cuisine has long been beloved by many. The term “art” is well-attached to every dish, no matter where its origin, as Hue cuisine embraces the Imperial sense and the truly Hue lifestyle.

To Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa, each dish is a delight and a work of art, reflects not only the Chefs’ skillful technique but also the profound love of Hue people for cuisines, in another way, life’s share.

Fine dining collection of Hue culinary at Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa

Explore the coffee & tea culture

Nothing kicks off your inner energy better than a cup of good coffee or tea. To Hue people, enjoying coffee and tea is a local culture, as they take quite some time to indulge in the drink and live in the moment.

When in Hue, do not miss the chance to stop by Silk Path Grand Hue (No. 2, Le Loi Street, Vinh Ninh Ward, Hue City) to cool down your journey with the signature Afternoon Tea set, from VND 190,000++/ person.

Take photos with traditional costumes

Wearing the Nguyen Dynasty’s costumes, Nhat Binh shirt, or five-flap tunic is becoming a trend for Hue travelers. The young generation takes a deep interest in reviving the cultural values imbued with national identity as these wonderful traditional outfits hold great cultural significance and special Hue features.

Photo by Hoa Nghiem Bridal

Where to stay: Best hotel in Hue, Vietnam

At the point where a sweeping canal and a tree-lined street meet – and within walking distance to the train station and poetic river – rests the Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa. Hue’s imperial heritage inspired the décor of the rooms, with opulent furnishings to complement views from the broad windows. Guests can experience exquisite dining at Nam Phuong or Olivio restaurant; discover the epitome of luxurious pampering at the hotel’s exclusive Chi Spa or dive into happiness at the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool.
 
Silk Path Grand Hue - Overview

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FACTS & FIGURES

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1945 (August 17): A meeting was held in front of the Opera House to celebrate the establishment of Vien Minh (National Liberation Front. A red flag with a gold star was installed on the 2nd-floor balcony.
1946 (March 5): The National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam held its first meeting under the roof of the Hanoi Opera House.
1946 (September 2): The first-anniversary meeting of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the first day President Ho Chi Minh set foot in the Opera House.
1946 (October 28 – November 9): The second meeting of the National Assembly adopted the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam
1995: The Opera was under restoration, with estimated 14 million US dollars in budget from the government.
2011 (December 9): Its 100th birthday, also the day the Hanoi Opera House was acclaimed as National Relic.
FACTS & FIGURES
With a total area of 2600 square meters, 87-meter length, 30-meter width, the Opera House has 3 sites including the front hall, mirror chamber, and performance hall. All areas are decorated with French-style classical chandeliers. The French architectural style from the 19th century strongly influences its design. The front facade impresses passersby with French neo-classical design shuttered windows, wrought iron balconies, and tiled friezes. The interior design of the Hanoi Opera overwhelms visitors with a T-shaped white marble staircase centered with red carpet, crystal chandeliers, large wall mirrors, Corinthian columns, and a colorful dome with colorful murals and reliefs.
The front hall is used to welcome guests, with a T-shaped staircase leading to the second floor. The floor of this area is tiled with stones, while the walls and columns are decorated with luxurious classical patterns.
The auditorium is 24 x 24 meters with three-seat floors that include 589 velvet seats. The second and third floors are dedicated to private box seats. The building also has one meeting room called the ‘Mirror Room’, 18 make-up rooms, two rooms for voice training, and a library in the back.
The mirror chamber is on the second floor, which has hosted many important ceremonies. The floor of this chamber is tiled with stones imported from Italy. Large mirrors are installed between doors and windows, and crystal chandeliers are hung.
UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE OF HANOI OPERA HOUSE
Photo sources: Wikipedia, Hanoi Opera House
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A Hanoi Delicious Nosh – Ô Mai

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Ô Mai (Salted or sugared dry fruits) – a special gift to buy when traveling Hanoi, which has always been recognized as a famous Vietnamese snack. Owing to specific materials and handed-down recipes from generation to generation, Ô Mai becomes a specialty of Hanoi.

Ô Mai is a perfect combination of the sour taste, saltiness, spicy and natural sweetness, which is favored by a lot of Vietnamese people, especially women.  Hanoi is famous for many types of tasty delicious sugared dry fruits, from dracontomelum, peach, and lemon to the mandarin, apricots, and plums. Each fruit represents a season, a different locality and then in every season of ripe fruits, they send to the space and the earth numerous colors and flavors. Going to Bac Kan to see yellow apricots in sunny April, to Moc Chau for plums in a June noon, the season of ripe dracontomelum fills the autumn air of Hanoi. Particularly lemon fruit is available year-round, and adaptable to many soil types and rural areas.

The variation of the flavor of Ô Mai from sour, hot, salted, to sweet has enchanted many visitors to Hanoi. Coming to Hanoi, after a visit to Hanoi Old Quarter, you should go to Hàng Đường or Hàng Ngang, Phố Huế where the most delicious and wonderful Ô Mai are sold. Interestingly, at these shops, you can feel free to taste all kinds of Ô Mai before paying for the most favorite. Ô Mai is a delicious affordable gift for your friends each time you visit Hanoi.

A store that sells Ô Mai on Hang Duong Street. Photo: Google

For the past years, Ô Mai – salted or sugared dry fruits, was still a favorite and particularly with Hanoian. Time flies and many other dishes come out, but nothing can replace the feelings of Vietnamese for this traditional nosh.

Silk Path Travel Guide: Where to buy ‘Ô Mai’
•    Ô Mai Tiến Thịnh: 21 Hàng Đường str., Hoàn Kiếm Dist., Hà Nội
•    Ô Mai Hồng Lam: 11 Hàng Đường str., Hoàn Kiếm Dist., Hà Nội
(10 mins walk from Silk Path Hotel Hanoi/ Silk Path Boutique Hanoi)
 

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