Hue

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Hue (Huế) (sounds much like huh-WAY) is in the Central Coast (Vietnam) | central region of Vietnam and is the former imperial capital.

KhaiDinh Guardians. - Guardian statues at the Tomb of Khai Dinh

An introduction to Hue

Hue is intimately connected to the imperial Nguyễn Dynasty, based in Hue, which ruled from 1802 to 1945, when the Emperor Bao Dai abdicated in favour of Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary government. The city went through tough times during what is known locally as the Indochina Wars|American War, when it was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days. During that time and they executed around 1,000 people suspected of sympathizing with the South. After a ferocious assault, US and South Vietnamese forces retook the city.

Sông Hương với hoa phượng - Perfume River

Orientation

Hue is easy to get a grip on. The main landmark is the Perfume River (Hương Giang), with the old city and the fortress on the north side and the newer city, including most hotels and restaurants, on the south side. Much of the riverside has wisely been done up as a pleasant promenade and park dotted with bizarre sculptures. The famous tombs are further south in Hue's outskirts.

Climate & Weather

Hue's weather is infamously bad: the Truong Son Mountains just to the south seem to bottle up all the moisture, so it's usually misty, drizzly, or outright rainy. Things get even wetter than usual in the winter rainy season, especially from February to the end of March. To be safe, bring an umbrella any time of year. Don't forget to bring a sweater and jacket in winter as it can get rather chilly, with temperatures falling to as low as 8°C at night. Alternatively, when the sun makes an appearance for a day or a week, it can reach 30°C.

It's usually quite dry during the summer months, when the temperature can reach the high 30s. Summer rains can be heavy but brief, and often arrive unexpectedly, whereas February rains can last for weeks. The best description for the weather in Hue would be "changeable".

Get in

Fly to Hue

Phu Bai International Airport IATA Flight Code: HUI Has daily Flights to and from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi,but flights are quite often disrupted by poor weather during the rainy season (mid-Oct to mid-Dec). The majority of flights are Vietnam Airlines, but Jetstar Vietnam also has a flight or two from Ho Chi Minh City and once a day to Hanoi. The airport is 15 km from the downtown and should cost no more than 180,000 dong by taxi (30-minutes ride).

If you need an English speaking driver and private vehicle transfer from Hue Airport to downtown you can ask for quote at Hue Private Car (they offer a 4-seater vehicle for 14USD) or Hanoi Transfer Service or Hue airport transfer.

There is also a bus that will take you into the city and even drop you at your hotel for 50,000 dong. Tickets are bought from the stand just after exiting the baggage claim. Large suitcases are accepted and the shuttle van seems to leave when full. It drops you to larger hotels but the default option is Hanoi street.

Da Nang's airport, only two hours away by vehicle now that the Hai Van Tunnel is open, is busier and has more connections. A one-way taxi from Da Nang airport to Hue can be negotiated down to USD85 (large car) or USD80 (small car). Using the meter and the cost for a large vehicle is about 1,200,000 dong.

Travel by train to Hue

Hue Railway Station - Hue Railway Station

There are several trains a day to and from Hanoi (14 hours), Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang (4 hours), et al. The journey down south through Lang Co and the Hai Van Pass is particularly scenic, and from Da Nang you can take a taxi or motorbike to Hoi An. A second-class sleeper ticket from Ho Chi Minh City on the much superior express SE2-SE6 train to Hue costs 588,000-740,000 dong depending on the level you're on (1, 2 or 3). Southeast 2 departs at 19:00. The beds are quite hard, as there is not much of a mattress which is placed over a plastic bench/seat. You can get other trains, but the little extra you pay is worth it several times over. It offers a wonderful travel experience. Passengers sit, lie and sleep in a very small cabin for 23 hours with five other people (nearly always Vietnamese), eat four plain but tasty and filling Vietnamese meals, listen to a fine selection of Vietnamese pop songs on the PA, and see some incomparably beautiful countryside, particularly in the last section between Da Nang and Hue. It's an excellent way to see the nation and meet ordinary Vietnamese, who are unfailingly friendly and helpful, even to those who have not learned a word of their language. The trip is especially recommended if you like screaming babies.

Buy your ticket via eHalal Travel Groups at the train station. Hotels often over charge by doubling the prices (at least USD80 for a soft sleeper), often using excuses such as "it's high season" or that they "have to buy on the black market".

Hue Train Station 2 Bùi Thị Xuân 16.4565, 107.5779 2 kilometers or about a 40-min walk from most backpacker hotels in Pham Ngu Lao

By bus

Public buses from all the bigger cities (including frequent services to Hanoi and Saigon) connect to the main bus station (Bến Xe Phía Nam and Bến Xe Phía Bắc). Most open tour buses include Hue on their itinerary, connecting to Hoi An or Da Nang to the south (4–6 hr) and Hanoi to the north (13–16 hr). The overnight Hanoi route is popular with local residents, many of whom seem to be prone to motion sickness.

Sinh Café Buses, 7 Nguyen Tri Phuong St. Direct buses from Hoi An cost USD8 and leave twice daily: the 08:00 and 12:00 services stop at the Marble Mountains and makes the trip in 4 hours, while the 13:30 and 16:30 services manage the trip in three. Buses to Hanoi depart at 17:30 every day (USD9) with stops in Dong Ha and one or two other places.
Sleeper Buses from Da Nang, No 17, Xuan Dieu St, Da Nang.

From Pakse

VIP (not really) buses leave Pakse at 08:00, arriving in Hue 12–13 hours later. Local buses leave Pakse in the evening. Tickets can be purchased from travel agents in central Pakse. Be prepared for a no air-con ride. [May 2022 Agencies in central Pakse show you photos that aren't very accurate and overcharge too, with up to 322,000 kip difference. The current price is 172,000 kip if bought directly from the bus company. Try to get a tuk tuk to take you to the Vietnam bus area. There are a few restaurants there with the most updated info of companies and their schedules.

From Vientiane

You can book a sleeping or sitting bus for 280,000 kip (sleeping is the same price as sitting) to Hue or continue to Da Nang from the Southern Bus Terminal. The trip takes 15 hours to Hue so the sleeping bus is the better choice. Departure time for just Hue/Da Nang is 19:00 although at Vientiane's southern bus station you'll also see other options heading south and you could probably take those as well. You'll have a couple bathroom stops (bathrooms not necessarily available) and at least 2 or 3 eating stops.

They'll try to arrive at the Lao Bao border crossing before it opens at 07:00. Here is where they'll collect everyone's passports to get stamped out of Laos. Everyone needs to include a 15,000 kip fee (foreigners may end up getting asked for 172,000 kip) so have that ready in your passport ahead of time. You'll also have several ladies asking if you need to change any money. They'll come in the bus or roam around the bus stop. Be careful and circumspect with them. If you just hand them some kip without establishing what rate you're getting, or not even bothering to count how much you gave, you'll end up with a lousy 50% or 1:1 rate, so you've lost half your cash. (Probably best not to exchange anything as you'll have no chance to actually buy anything with your dong until you reach your destination. However, you might not be able to exchange your kip when you're in Hue. So plan ahead.)

Meanwhile, as this is going on, you'll be served some Vietnamese Coffee. All meals and the Coffee break should be included in your ticket price. You must pay for anything additional that you order.

Once you reach Hue you can get dropped off before the Hue bus station and maybe save yourself having to ride into town on a hired motor bike.

Get around

By taxi

Like other Vietnamese cities, Hue is flooded with cyclos and motorbikes, as well as a few meter taxis. Taxi drivers are usually honest, but make sure they turn the meter on. Trips start at 15,000 dong for the first 2 km and tick upward at 11,500 dong/km. Some meters run incorrectly (showing up to 10 times the distance actually travelled), so ensure you have a rough idea of the distance to your destination. If the meter is running too quickly, at the destination pay an estimate of the fair price and insist on calling the police if the driver will not accept the estimated non-meter price. The driver will back down. A metered trip out see two tombs, with waiting time, should be around 400,000 dong (USD28).

With cyclos and motorbikes, all of the usual disclaimers apply: negotiate a price ahead of time and don't be afraid to walk away if they're asking too much. No trip in Hue should cost more than 50,000 dong. Many of the motorbike drivers double as pot dealers, and you may be offered to buy marijuana along with your ride.

By bike

Hire a motorbike and join the local residents as they careen across the bridges and along the primary streets at a leisurely pace. They're available for around USD8/day from hotels and retail outlets.

Cycling is also an excellent option, with plenty of bikes available from 40,000-76,000 dong/day.

For a motorbike with driver, small hotels have connections to freelancers. You may be lucky to have an English speaking guide for all 6 tombs (the 7th tomb is inaccessible) including those locked and forgotten for lack of tourist interest, plus three temples, and the emperor's arena for one day and still have time in the early afternoon for a organic juice and some Vietnamese do-it-yourself spring rolls and the famous Hue pancakes for just USD 17. The DIY spring rolls and pancakes are not free, but they simply worth it for only 45,000 dong.

By cyclo

A cyclo is the local version of the trishaw, with the passenger in front of the cyclist. Be prepared to negotiate for reasonable prices as cyclo drivers tend to quote indiscriminately. It's a good idea to agree on your price before you go. Also make sure this is a return price and not one-way. Of course, if you want to change your itinerary after you're already on the way, you should discuss how this might affect the agreed price with your cyclo driver right away. Otherwise, you may get a rude surprise when you arrive at your final destination, and the driver tries to charge you an exorbitant amount. While most of the cyclo drivers in Hue are fair, and can be quite helpful and there are a few who are very unscrupulous. If you agree on the price as "100", make it very clear that you are agreeing on 100,000 dong, and not USD 170. Many cyclo drivers also act as pimps, and may offer you ladies (starting at USD 27/hr).

On foot

Hue is quite compact, so you can reach most of the hotels, restaurants and the fortress easily on foot. Mr. Cu at Mandarin Cafe has prepared a free walking tour brochure and map. Make sure to stop by his place at 24 Tran Cao Van Street to pick up your free map (and enjoy some delicious banana pancakes). You'll need to arrange transportation to reach the emperors' tombs.

What to see in Hue

Citadel Courtyard - Courtyard of Ngo Mon, with the (Thai) Hoa Palace in the background

The historical monuments of the city have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ho Chi Minh Museum | Contains photos and information on Ho Chi Minh as well as the history of Hue in photographs.

Imperial Citadel - Đại Nội | The former imperial seat of government and Hue's prime attraction, this is a great sprawling complex of temples, pavilions, moats, walls, gates, shops, museums and galleries, featuring art and costumes from various periods of Vietnamese history. Thanks to its size, it is also delightfully peaceful, a rare commodity in Vietnam. The fortress was badly knocked about during fighting between the French and the Viet Minh in 1947, and again in 1968 during the Tet Offensive, when it was shelled by the Viet Cong and then bombed by the Americans. As a result, some areas are now only empty fields, bits of walls and an explanatory plaque. Other buildings are intact and a few are in sparkling condition. For the rest, while restoration has been going on for 20 years and there is still quite a long way to go. Allow several hours to see it properly. Inside you can pay USD1.50 (30,000 dong) to dress up in the king or queen's clothing and sit on the throne for a fun photo opportunity.
Ngọ Môn. The main southern entrance to the city, built in 1833 by Minh Mang. The central door and the bridge connecting to it were reserved exclusively for the emperor. Climb up to the second floor for a nice view of the exquisite courtyard. The Ngo Monday Gate is the principal entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. The emperor would address his officials and the people from the top of this gate.
Thái Hòa Palace. The emperor's coronation hall, where he would sit in state and receive foreign dignitaries.
Trường Sanh Residence. Translated as the "Palace of Longevity" and the Truong Sanh Palace was the residence of King Tuesday Duc's mother, Empress Tuesday Du, under the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. It lies in Tuesday Cam Thanh, one of the two major parts of the Hue Citadel. It is under renovation. The project, estimated to cost almost 30 billion dong (roughly USD1.8 million), includes the restoration of Lach Dao Nguyen and the palace's protective moat, decorative man-made rock formations and mountains, bonsai gardens, and the palace gate. While not officially open to the public, it is feasible to enter the grounds and should be seen, as even in its overgrown state, it's beauty is recognisable.
Forbidden Purple City. Directly behind (Thai) Hoa Palace, but it was almost entirely destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive and only the rather nondescript Mandarin Palaces on both sides remain.
Hue Jungle Crevice. When the Viet Cong briefly overran Hue and they rounded up 3,000 of Hue's citizens and officials. Fearing the prisoners would slow them down their hot retreat and they tied them up and pushed the people over the cliff into the crevice.

KhaiDinh Mist - The tomb of Khai Dinh on a misty morning TuDuc LakePavilion - Lake and pavilion at the tomb of Tuesday Duc

Phu Bai Airport A must-see if you are interested in the earlier conflicts, back when the airport was a dirt strip. During the Vietnam War, an American garrison was assigned there and built up the airport with concrete bunkers, a paved airstrip and a few other luxuries. The airport was vital in keeping Hue supplied during the Easter Offensive of 1972 when "Charlie jumped the line". The airport retains the original buildings built by the Americans; however and they have been retrofitted for use by the Vietnamese.

Thien Mu Pagoda | Perched on a bluff over the river and housing some very fine Gold and silver Buddha images. The Thien Mu Pagoda overlooks the Perfume River and is the official symbol of the city of Hue. Thien Mu means "elderly celestial woman", and refers to an old legend about the founding of the pagoda. Brimming with opportunities for great photos.

Tombs of the Emperors Another of Hue's great tourist attractions are the Tombs of the Emperors, on the Perfume River south of the city. They are accessible by taxi or bike from the city, but the best way to see them is to hire a river boat and go for a cruise. Plan to make a full day of it.

Group tours usually cost about USD40, which includes an excellent lunch aboard the boat, but does not include admission or the cost of a motorbike from the wharf to each tomb. If you're with a group and the price should be set by the tour company at roughly 45,000 dong for each round-trip. Choose a tour with as few stops as feasible. Some companies lard up their itineraries with visits to silk farms and a few pagodas, promising to fit everything in neatly, however tour companies aren't noted for their time management, and you'll wind up rushed along and frustrated for at least one of the tombs.

If you're travelling on your own, boat hire or a motorbike and driver should cost somewhere around USD20, again not including tomb admissions. All of the tombs can be walked to from the wharves in anywhere from ten minutes to half an hour. The paths are mostly obvious, but you still probably shouldn't try it without a map or a terrific sense of direction. Most of the tombs are open from 07:30 or 08:00 to 17:30, depending on the season. Tour groups arrive around 10:00 and leave around 15:00 in order to get back before dinner, so plan accordingly to avoid the crowds. You'll be glad you did.

The tombs are also easily reached by bicycle, although there is a shortage of good maps of how to reach them. Ask your hotel about bicycle rentals and maps, and be cautious on the crowded and potentially potholed roads. This is probably the most affordable (and enjoyable, if you enjoy cycling) way to reach the tombs.

The tombs themselves are worth the cost and effort. They mostly date from the late 19th or early 20th centuries, when the emperors had been reduced to figureheads under French colonial rule and had little else to do than build themselves elaborate tombs. The finest of them are the Tomb of Tuesday Duc and the Tomb of Minh Mang and the Tomb of Khai Dinh, all of which are excellent examples of Vietnamese Buddhist aesthetics and architecture. The older ones have been allowed to crumble into picturesque semi-ruin, although some are now being restored.

Tombs from oldest to newest:

Tomb of Gia Long The most remote of the tombs, quiet and fallen into disrepair as Gia Long and the first Nguyen emperor, was notoriously despotic.

Tomb of Minh Mang In this opulent complex and the main buildings are arranged on an east-west axis, including a courtyard surrounded by warrior statues and several temples and pavilions. Several bridges cross two lakes before the axis ends before the vast burial mound (which is circled by a fence). The mausoleum features large gardens and lakes: a pleasant place to sit and relax. If you're dropped off by boat note that there is a stretch of souvenir sellers to navigate during the short walk to the mausoleum entrance.

Tomb of Thieu Tri Built in 1848. This emperor and his wife were the most revered and loved throughout the nation. Although he only ruled for 7 years, he was the most sorely missed. In a time of strife and economic problems, he was careful with the nation's treasury and improved his people's living standard. His last wish was to be placed in a tomb that was not extravagant, parting ways with the tradition of creating lavish final resting places for emperors.

Tomb of Tuesday Duc Built between 1864–1867 and the complex served as a second Imperial City where the emperor went for "working vacations". Tuesday Duc's contemplative nature and poetic spirit is reflected in the landscape and arrangement of the 50 buildings that at one time stood here. A vast, sprawling complex set around a lake, with wooden pavilions and tombs and temples dedicated to wives and favoured courtesans (Tu Duc had 104 to choose from). The courtesans' quarters are in ruins, with only outlines and crumbling walls left amid waves of overgrown grass and silence, but other areas are stunningly impeccably maintained. The emperor's tomb itself, tucked away in the back, is surprisingly modest. The final courtyard is nearly empty with just a stone coffin in the middle. (The tombs of Empress Le Thien Anh and Emperor Kien Phuc, who briefly ruled in 1884, are also here.) Try to dodge the crowds for this one. The emperor himself was not buried here, and was instead buried in a secret location somewhere else in Hue that has yet to be re-discovered, as the 200 workers who buried him were all beheaded after their work was done.

Tomb of Dong Khanh Built in 1917. In March 2014, this tomb was closed to the public for renovation.
Tomb of Khai Dinh Dating from 1925, this is the best preserved of the lot and, while comparatively compact, quite grand at first sight. While it follows the classic formula of forecourts leading up to the tomb of the emperor, complete with statues in attendance, architecture buffs will spot some European influences. The tomb itself is completely over the top with incredibly detailed and opulent mosaics of cavorting dragons. Try to get to this one early, as it is a favourite stop for Asian tour-bus groups. Also, you may want to leave the tourist path and head up the hill on the right side of the tomb, where a small temple stands. You will have a great view of the tomb and the valley it faces.

What to do in Hue

Blind Massage | At the institute for the blind. All of the staff work and live in this facility and speak a little English. Popular with the local residents.

Hai Van Pass Motorbike Tour Many tour companies and hostels offer "Top Gear" motorbike tours over the Hai Van Pass, through Da Nang and over to Hoi An. For someone who knows how to properly operate a motorbike or scooter this can be a very rewarding experience. Keep in mind that you will usually go through Da Nang at around rush hour in the afternoon, which can be very hectic and potentially dangerous if you are inexperienced.

Hue Amazing Homestay Riders An adventure on the off beaten track from Hue to Hoi An by motorbike. Professional and funny guides/drivers (self-drive also available). $45, dep. 08:30, arr. 16:30, contact: Mr Duyen, hueamazinghomestayriders.com
Hue Day Tour Including the fortress, 3 tombs and a garden house. Tour available at many hotels. Entrance cost is not included and money will be asked in the bus (55,000 dong for fortress and tombs, 10,000 dong for garden house). Buffet lunch included. You can choose to only visit some of the places if you want. "Best" tomb is probably last one, Tuesday Duc.

My An Hot Spring and Spa | The water here has a high sulphur content, purported to have health benefits.

Thanh Tan Hot Springs | Similar to My An, but without the odour of sulphur. This site is surrounded by woods, which are pleasant to explore. Has graduated sections. Start with the cool section and work your way up. The hottest section is closed off, as it is too hot to bathe in. There are also private pools for 2 or 4 people and a swimming pool. There is a tiny restaurant on site. This is also where the local bottled Thanh Tan mineral water comes from.

Backstreet Academy - An alternative tour experiences company and they enable local residents to offer authentic and unique activities to visitors such as cooking Vietnamese cuisine with a local family, paper lantern workshops, traditional music instruments and a course where you can make your own traditional paper masks or leather products with local craftsmen. A social enterprise and they work with many underprivileged people who either serve as hosts or facilitators/guides. A great way to interact with local people and take in the culture.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Hue

Embroidery is a traditional craft of Hue and framed embroidery can be purchased in many shops in the backpacker area of Hue.

Healing the Wounded Heart Shop - A humanitarian project of the Spiral Foundation. This shop sells eco-friendly handicrafts made by disabled artisans in Hue. Many of the products are made from recycled items, including recycled drinks cans and recycled telephone wire baskets. All profits fund heart surgeries for poor children in the Hue area.

Hope Center - The Hope Center offers disabled and disadvantaged people a place to learn and work. Garment manufacturing is the mainstay. However, a range of handicrafts are also made. In particular the beautiful handwoven cloth by A Luoi women is unique in its design and manufacture. Scarves, hand bags, purses and hand crafted jewellery are for sale. Well-worth a visit.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Hue

Hue is famed for its imperial cuisine, originally prepared for the emperor and his retinue. Although the emphasis is more on presentation than taste, an imperial banquet is well-worth trying.

Vegetarian

The people of Hue have a strong tradition of eating Vegetarian food, so Vegetarian restaurants are more common in Hue than in the rest of Vietnam. On the 1st and 15th of every lunar month, Vegetarian restaurants are packed full of patrons for dinner and it may prove difficult to find a seat. Vegetarian restaurants are the cheapest places to eat, after street vendors.

Com Chay - Vegetarian Rice | Simple, but good and affordable Vegetarian meals.

Quang Tinh | Very simple place. Menu of Noodles and Rice.

Thanh Lieu A totally Vegetarian restaurant that is very popular with the local residents. A delicious hotpot can be had for only 50,000vnd! This will more than fill up two people and the staff are lovely, although non-English speaking.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Hue

eHalal Group is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Hue. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Hue ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Hue. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Hue

Ramadan 2025 in Hue

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Hue

There are plenty of affordable hotels and mid-market hotels in Hue, as well as a couple of expensive properties. The largest cluster is around the short lane, Pham Ngu Lao (including Le Loi, Hung Vuong, Chu Van An, Nguyen Cong Tru).

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 Asia Hotel - The rooms are well equipped and the rooftop restaurant and swimmingpool have nice views. Rooms from a slightly overpriced USD70, including a decent buffet breakfast.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 Holiday (Diamond) Hotel - Exceptionally good value. The spotless, air-conditioned rooms are well-furnished with modern amenities and include lockable wardrobes. The included breakfast is substantial. The staff are very attentive, and will learn your name. They will warmly welcome you back after each foray outside, and provide you with free drinks (lemon juice, corn water) every time you enter and whenever you sit in the lobby.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 Jade Hotel - Has the same owner as Holiday Hotel, but simpler rooms. Pickup from train station included, if booked in advance.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 Hanh Dat Hotel - Rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and 32-inch LCD TV with satellite/ cable channels. Restaurant, business centre, fax and photocopying services.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 New Star Hotel - Hotel offering 56 air-conditioned rooms, all of which have a cable television, an Internet connection and a minibar. Amenities include massage and sauna, an outdoor swimming swimmingpool and a souvenir shop.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 Orchid Hotel - Professional and personable staff. Clean, spacious and beautifully designed rooms. Free pickup from train.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 Park View Hotel Hue - In the centre of the city, near the Perfume River. It's a 10 min walk to Hue Citadel.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 La Residence - Renovated, it tries to bring to life the French colonial perioid of the 1920s. It has the largest swimming swimmingpool and spa in Hue.

alal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&14102&&Hue&&.Zz266 bcb1c7de84cbba232793-206204 Saigon Morin - Hue's grand old hotel which has been open for over a hundred years. Excellent riverside location, whitewashed colonial charm and a pleasant inner courtyard, although the rooms could use a little fine-tuning.

Where to go next after Hue

Hue travel agents are keen to sell day-tours of the former DMZ (Vietnam) | Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which was supposed to be a buffer between North and South Vietnam, but which saw intense fighting. DMZ trips will include the famous Vinh Moc tunnels, where a few hundred people lived for two and a half years.
You can be outside the city of Hue and into the jade green Rice fields in just 10 minutes. Whether by car, motorbike or bicycle and there is much to see. It's a bit too far to go on foot. Different villages tend to specialise in different handicrafts, so you can visit one area to see noodle-making, another for incense and then move on to see bronze-crafting or Rice cultivation.
Hoi An – old merchant port 100 km away (about 4 hours by road or train. Through train, 67,000 dong, stops at Da Nang,you will need to take local bus from there), with Da Nang and the Marble Mountains and China Beach as potential stops along the way.
Dong Hoi – about 3 hours north of Hue. Sleepy seaside town to sit around in. Bus from Hue: local bus: 80,000 dong. Sinh Cafe Bus: 400,000 dong. Tourist buses: 300,000 dong.
Hanoi – 12 hour overnight train ride.
Beware booking buses with Moon Travel (Nguyen Tri Phuong), with promises of a bus dropping you off at your hotel in the destination city. They change buses, and then ultimately you end up at the bus station with no recourse.
There are also frequent bus services to Savannakhet and Vientiane in Laos. Buses leave at 06:00 and 18:00. There are 3 scheduled direct buses to Vientiane: 06:00, 09:30 and 18:00. The trip to Savannakhet takes about 12 hours and cost around USD12, to Vientiane about 14–18 hours depending how many stops bus makes and USD20-30. The vehicle can be anything from a shuttle van or air-con bus to a local 30 years old bus. Usually buses are packed with traders and their cargo so that finding enough space is a problem. You'll probably have to switch buses 3-4 times during the trip and toilets, aside from squatting in the jungle, are seldom available. Tickets can be purchased in any booking office in the centre of Hue.
VIP Bus to Savannakhet run by the Lao State Company leaves at 08:30 from the Southern Bus Station 5 times per week, every day except Sunday and Friday, and costs 220,000 dong. From Savannakhet to Hue, departure is at 10:00 at Savannakhet Bus Station, Monday - F, 322,000 kip.

Hue

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