If Vietnam is a typical Asian song, Hue ancient citadel is a bass note in the middle of Vietnam which reflecting its charming and royal atmosphere.
What is unique for Hue ancient citadel
With the long distance of 800 km from Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City to Hue, it takes us 1.5-hour flight or 14-hour train. Hue city is also a part of the heritage road of Hoian – Danang – Hue and was the ancient citadel of Vietnam during the dynasty of Nguyen king in the 19th century. As a result, it is famous for contradistinction of modern life – Hue ancient citadel architecture (UNESCO heritage site), the high food (served to King) and the splendid musical performance (declared UNESCO Intangible heritage site). It’s also called ‘’Beijing in Vietnam’’.
The best weather in Hue is during Spring (from January to March) or Autumn (from September to November). The average temperature ranges from 20 – 25 degrees and often sunny and windy. The local said that their storm season is from October to December. As a result, you should avoid that period or skip Hue place.
Top 10 must-see iconic symbols of Hue ancient citadel
Hue ancient citadel:
Area of Forbidden City in Hue is a rectangle with a circumference of about 1.229m. There are many palaces built to serve the royal family such as Duyet Thi Duong (theater), Thuong Thien (cooking place for the king), Thai Binh Lau (the reading room for king) and others for spiritual beliefs, etc.
Nowadays, it is the place to organize events, rituals of the royal court during the festivals. The entrance fares are only VND 150,000 /person/time
Boat trip on Huong poetic river:
Along with the Huong bank river, there are many royal relics as well as French-style building founded during the war. One of them is still used as the oldest High school for the local community.
Thien Mu Pagoda:
This pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located on Ha Khe hill, on the left bank of Huong River, about 5 km west of Hue city center (Vietnam). When climbing up to the highest position of this place, we can have a fantastic panoramic view of Huong river
In addition to various tourist attractions in Hue, it also provides a large area for the demilitarized zone, located about 70 km (43 miles) north, for setting up other combat equipment such á Khe Sanh Base or Vinh Moc underground tunnel.
Amazing landscapes of Bach Ma mountain and a national park is highlighted with a beautiful Huong river and many beaches of Thuan An and Lang Co. Besides it, it worths to visit Tam Giang lagoon and other famous pagodas with royal architecture.
The best thing to see in Hue ancient citadel
1. Exploring the mystery tombs of dynasty kings
King tombs: It is available three tombs of King Minh Mang, King Tu Duc, King Khai Dinh. All of them are a complex of buildings, including the king burial site and has sophisticated architecture, beautiful marine landscape. King Tu Duc tomb is one of the most beautiful royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
2. Sampling Hue cuisines with Royal Banquet experience
This unique experience is held by Hue Monuments Service Development Center at Duyet Thi Duong Theater (Royal Theater) – Hue Imperial City with time slot is from 7 pm- 9 pm. The capacity ranges from 5-80 people in maximum.
Just imagine that you are the King, beside you are the Queen accompanied by a court music band, and servants with lanterns in hand, all wearing royal costumes. In the formal space of Duyet Thi Duong theater at night, you will be served many delicious foods presented beautifully of Hue imperial culture. All dishes here are as authentic as they could be, you can do both great tasting food and listen to Hue Royal Court music performances at the same time.
3. Scenic boat trip on Huong charming river
Huong river looks like a bright scarf of Hue ancient citadel. By jumping on this boat trip, you get a chance to witness a quiet Hue royal city and immerse yourself into its pure natural atmosphere. The boat runs along the Huong River in Hue city, passing by Thien Mu pagoda (known as Linh Mu pagoda), Hon Chen Temple (Hue Nam palace) and King Minh Mang’s mausoleum is the last stop.
While cruising on the river, we listen to the traditional music with folk songs which called ‘’Ca Hue’’ and formed from the combination of folk music and royal music. The orchestra for Hue singing performances includes a musician with traditional costume and a turban, playing erhu instruments, flute and monochord. Public singers are women with traditional dresses and playing musical instruments.
4. Pha Tam Giang and local life with culture
Tam Giang is the intersection of rivers, the sea entrance is narrow, so there are many big waves easy to overturn the boats. Offering its wild beauty, tranquility, genuinely local culture, it makes everyone overwhelmed by the perfect and peaceful atmosphere.
The best thing to eat in Hue ancient citadel
1. ‘’Com Hen’’ (‘’Com’’ means rice, ‘’Hen’’ means Tiny mussel):
The first type of Hue street food is ‘’Com Hen’’ which was found out during the war. In the past, during the war, we were lack of food and every daily stuff. As a result, the locals collect all that they have to create this dish. There are many ingredients inside this dish such as tiny mussels, Mint leaves, Basil, banana flower, White sesame, peanuts (roasted), Dried pig’s skin, small shrimp, Rice, Fresh bean sprouts, sour starfruit, milled chili, and gingers.
2. Nam Pho – Special Noodle Soup of Middle Vietnam:
It is the various mixture of thick noodles (fresh), prawn, crab, meat pie, herbs, etc. very meticulous in the cooking process. Therefore, this thick noodle soup has its characteristics and different from noodle soup in North or South of Vietnam. We can find it out in small diners and local food stores on the roadside or in small hamlets in every evening.
3. Bun Bo Hue – the typical Vermicelli with beef of Hue city:
Hue vermicelli with meat is one of the best typical dishes of Hue cuisines. Why? The simple question is because of its unique flavor and soft broth that was prepared very well by the local chef. However, it is not only popular in Vietnam but also famous worldwide with the rank of 50 most delicious food in the world.
By looking at a bowl of ‘’Bun Bo Hue’’, you can find out some exotic ingredients, such as a part of a pig’s leg, a ball of beef, a piece of boiled pig’s blood, and a few thin slices of meat. The herbs, such as bean sprouts, mint, served with this dish are also very fresh and spicy.
4. Banh Uot –The wet-sticky Cake Served With Grilled Meat:
In reality, we have wet cake throughout Vietnam, not just in Hue, but Hue’s one offers the typical flavor that the other area can’t do the same characteristic features. People said Hue cuisines express the high food to the royal family inside Forbidden Citadel.
You are advised to put it on the top list of must-eat-food when visiting Hue. The wet cake’s shell is made from the mixture of rice flour, chestnut starch or cassava starch. These flour will be melt in the water then steam on the machine and dry it out under fierce sunlight. In the local’s concept, the wet cake shell is thinner; the maker is more skillful.
Best accommodation to stay in Hue ancient citadel
In the recent years, the whole Hue city has 430 accommodation facilities, with more than 7,900 rooms, more than 13,400 beds; including four 5-star hotels, with 643 rooms, twelve 4-star hotels, with nearly 1,500 rooms, over one hundred hotels 1-3 stars, the rest are standard hotels. Also, homestay services are currently quite developed because of its flexibility and affordable rate. Hereunder is some highly recommended accommodation nearby Hue ancient citadel for your reference:
Luxury range
- La Residence Hue resort
- Imperial Hue hotel
Deluxe range
- Saigon Morin resort
- Eldora Hue hotel
Standard range
- Alba Hue hotel
- Emm Hue
- Romance Hue
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