Hue is best known for its imperial citadel, royal mausoleums, iconic pagodas, and delicious cuisine. So if you’re interested in Vietnamese food and learning more about Vietnam’s history and culture, Hue would be a great choice! The journey from Hanoi to Hue or back is quite long and challenging.
The two areas are approximately 700 km (435 miles) apart, with Hue sitting south of Hanoi. There are five options between these two areas: bus, limousine, train, taxi, and most exciting way: scooter.
FLIGHTS from Hanoi To Hue
This is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Hanoi to Hue. Many fly domestic flights (Bamboo Airway, Vietjet Air, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines) between these two cities. These flights begin at the Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, about 25km from the Old Quarter, and land at Phu Bai Airport. It takes around one hour, and passengers should be at the airport one hour before departure. There are flights once every four or five hours from Monday to Sunday. It costs about 800.000 VND ($35) per person per direction. Therefore, you should book the tickets about a week ahead in advance as the price will be much lower.
Train from Hanoi To Hue
The public train departs from the Hanoi Gas Station and takes between 14-15 hours to reach the central city of Hue. Up to 3 daily departures on the route, which are spread between the day. It takes a much longer time to travel, but the roads are beautiful along the coast. The train schedule and price can be found here. An adult ticket is approx 800,000 VND (approx $35) each direction.
Scooter rental from Hanoi To Hue
Many travelers have a better way to travel from Hanoi to Hue. You can rent a scooter (or even buy one) from Hanoi and then visit the places between these two cities: Ninh Binh, Vinh, Dong Hoi. Once you get to Hue, you can leave the scooter to the scooter rental shop (Or sell it to the shop).
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Hue is a vibrant and colorful city in central Vietnam, renowned for its rich historical significance. It was once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for its royal architecture, including the historic citadel, royal tombs, and beautiful pagodas. The city’s culture, traditions, and cuisine also offer fascinating insights into Vietnamese life and history.
>>> Check out: The First-Timer’s Hue Travel Guide
These are the top things to do in Hue
Hue Imperial city walking tour
Joining a walking tour is often the best way to discover a new city, allowing you to experience its history, culture, and beauty up close.
The tour of Hue’s Imperial City offers a deep understanding of the last dynasty, Nguyen. It highlights its significant buildings, layout, and the connection between various monuments in Hue and the Citadel. The tour includes views from the main gate, explanations of the function and historical value of various constructions, stories about the royal family’s life, and insights into the end of the Nguyen dynasty.
The Imperial City houses palaces, a royal theater, a royal garden, worshipping temples, and more. It served as the ruling center of the Nguyen family for 143 years (1802-1945) in Vietnam. However, most of its buildings have been damaged by time and wars.
Join a walk as we explore the rich history of the last feudalism and the most significant structures of the Imperial City. Together, we’ll delve into the royal life that existed behind the walls of the Forbidden Purple City and uncover its hidden stories.
Join a local food walking tour
We are passionate food enthusiasts based in Hanoi, and our love for cuisine extends beyond the boundaries of our city. Our culinary adventures have taken us far and wide, and we make it a point to delve into the local street food scene wherever we go, sampling the best and most authentic dishes that each destination has to offer. Hue, with its rich food culture and diverse range of street foods, is a fantastic destination that would surely delight the taste buds of fellow foodies like us. If you’re someone who appreciates food as much as we do, Hue is definitely a place you should consider visiting.
Experience local cuisine and explore Hue’s streets. Sample delicious food from top-notch eateries and street vendors, and learn about Hue’s history from our expert guide.
- Meet at a central location
- Try dishes such as Bún Bò Huế, Bánh Bèo Chén, Bánh Ram ít, Bánh Nậm, Nem lụi, Bánh Lọc, Bánh khoái, Chè, and Huda beer.
Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City
Embark on an enlightening walking tour of the grand Imperial Citadel and the historic Forbidden City in Hue, guided by an expert local. The tour presents you with an opportunity to delve into the rich history of Hue and explore the intricacies of Vietnamese royal culture. The exploration covers a range of figures from the monarchy, including kings and queens, their concubines, and eunuchs.
>>> Come and Join the walking tour in the city of Hue.
- Begin an immersive journey as you walk through the majestic Imperial Citadel and the remnants of the Forbidden City in Hue, Vietnam.
- Gain insights into the fascinating lives of the Emperors, their wives, concubines, and eunuchs, revealing a unique aspect of Vietnamese history.
- Equip yourself with the profound knowledge about the history and culture of Hue and Vietnam, courtesy of local experts who offer a nuanced understanding of their homeland.
From Hue: DMZ Tour with Vinh Moc Tunnels and Khe Sanh Base
For those who have a deep interest in history and want to understand the events that shaped our world, the Vietnam War tour in the city of Hue is a must-visit.
Embarking on a DMZ tour from Hue city will provide you with a unique insight into one of the most intense and pivotal battles of the Vietnam War. This comprehensive journey covers a significant distance of around 150km, immersing you in the rich and complex history of the region.
- You will have an opportunity to experience the legacy of the Khe Sanh battle, a major conflict that witnessed the strength and resilience of the Vietnamese people.
- You will visit the historic 17th parallel and Hien Luong bridge, symbolic locations that represented the divide between North and South Vietnam.
- You will also venture into the depths of the Vinh Moc tunnel, a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the Vietnamese during the war.
- For your convenience, a professional driver will be at your service, ensuring a smooth journey as you move from one historical site to another.
If you happen to be in Hanoi, we highly recommend joining the Stories from the Vietnam War walking tour. This tour takes you around the lesser-known areas of Hanoi, revealing hidden stories and providing a deeper understanding of the war’s impact on the city and its inhabitants.
In conclusion, Hue offers a unique blend of historical architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re exploring the former imperial capital, savoring a local dish, or uncovering the deeper stories behind the Vietnam War, your time in Hue is sure to be memorable. We hope you have a good time in Hue.
What is the best time to visit Hue?
The best time to visit Hue is from January to April when the weather is cooler and less rainy.
How can I get around Hue?
Hue is a compact city that can be easily explored by walking or cycling. Taxis and motorbike taxis are also readily available for longer distances.
What local dishes should I try in Hue?
Hue is famous for its unique and flavorful cuisine. Some must-try dishes include Bún Bò Huế, a spicy beef noodle soup, and Bánh Bèo, small steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp.