Established as the capital of unified Viet Nam in 1802, Hue was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. The Perfume River winds its way through the Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City, giving this unique feudal capital a setting of great natural beauty.
For over a hundred years, the city of Hue was home to the capital of Vietnam under the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. Because of this legacy, Hue brims with a wealth of cultural and historic treasures, from imperial tombs to the ruined palaces of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperors, concubines and members of their households were permitted – and where trespassers were put to death.
Region
Hue
language
Vietnamese
capital
Ha Noi
population
417,356
area
266 km²
currency
Vietnam Dong
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FIND YOUR
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
AMAZING VIETNAM: FROM DALAT TO HUE
Prepare to be spellbound by the ancient wonders and scenic beauties in Vietnam. Start the tour off in Dalat, a city where French and Vietnamese history blend together to create an atmosphere unlike any other. Next, find a sense of calm while trekking along the riverside by the stunning Dray Sap and Dray Nur waterfalls. Continue deep into the beautiful Vietnamese countryside and discover the most aromatic and flavourful coffee in the famous Trung Nguyen coffee village. Finish the epic journey by visiting the sacred town of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and uncover the elaborate tombs of emperors past in the Imperial City of Hue.
BIKING HUE’S BACKSTREET
Head out into the countryside to explore small villages of central Vietnam by bicycle. Pedal along a gentle route that takes you through pastoral land and agricultural communities. Discover the ins and outs of rice farming and visit some of the mushroom houses along the way. Turn onto some smaller village trails to observe the residents’ humble lifestyles and traditions.
EXCLUSIVE KITE-MAKING ARTS WITH MASTER, PRIVATE CLASS
Experience the 300-year-old tradition of making kites in Hue. During the time of the Nguyen emperors, kites were often used during cultural festivals as a way of depicting traditional folk stories. Today, meet a fourth-generation kite-maker and member of Hue’s Kite Flying Club who is one of only two recognized masters of this ancient art. Learn from the artisan how to assemble the bamboo frame and decorate the kite in your own colorful way during a one-hour session. Then put your handiwork to the test and fly your new kite at the Imperial Citadel.
HUE PRIVATE LUNCH AT HERITAGE GARDEN
Immerse in Hue’s traditional lifestyle, culture and cuisine at an historic garden home where centuries of heritage and architecture are beautifully preserved. This authentic, personal experience starts with a ride to the local market by cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw. Discover an array of local herbs and spices among the busy stalls. Continue by private vehicle to a beautiful garden sanctuary with four antique-filled houses set around leafy gardens and a half-moon lotus pond. Spend time with the charismatic owner, learning about the story of the house and its place in Hue history and society
VIETNAM FROM GARDEN TO KITCHEN
Discover Vietnam’s cultural and culinary traditions on this 13-day journey from charming old Hanoi in the north to bustling Ho Chi MInh City in the south. Along the way, explore remote countryside and ethnic lifestyles, spend a night on a scenic Lan Ha Bay cruise, meet local families and experience the nation’s authentic food traditions.
This tour is a recommended sample itinerary that can be fully customized to your preferred dates, time frame, hotels and interests.
TOUR DMZ WITH VETERAN’S EXCLUSIVE TALK
During Vietnam-American War, the Ben Hai River was demarcation line between North and South Vietnam. The Demilitarized Zone was five km each site from the river banks. However, during the war, the Southern area of DMZ was one of the bloodiest battlefields. This tour to DMZ is interesting for who are interested in American War in Vietnam. Last but not least, we will have a chance to visit Ethnic Minority people in the Central Highland of Vietnam.
HUE FOR FAMILIES, PRIVATE TOUR
Spend quality time on an exciting Vietnam journey with immersive cultural experiences, authentic connections and activities to entertain the little ones along the way. Learn about different aspects of local culture as you travel from Hanoi to Hue, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City, experiencing different modes of local transportation along the way from cyclo to xe lam.
VIETNAM: A CAPTIVATING CULINARY JOURNEY
Experience Vietnam through food on this immersive 10-day culinary adventure from north to south. Meet local families, wander bustling fresh food markets and discover traditional recipes as you make your way from the vibrant capital of Hanoi to the old imperial city of Hue, the colorful riverside town of Hoi An and the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.
This tour is a recommended sample itinerary that can be fully customized to your preferred dates, time frame, hotels and interests.
CULINARY DELIGHTS OF VIETNAM
Experience the art of Vietnamese culinary and gastronomy throughout the country, from North to South of Vietnam. Enjoy the local home cooking, dine with the multi-generation family, immerse in the local culture. Taste the regional authentic delicacies with typical recipes. Learn the origin of each dish as dining to broaden your knowledge of the country’s culinary.
This tour is a recommended sample itinerary that can be fully customized to your preferred dates, time frame, hotels and interests.
When to go
Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C. Although temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding. From May to November, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief from the heat.
The heaviest rainfall tends to occur between July and August in the north; June to October in the south; and October to December in Central Vietnam. December to March is a pleasant time to visit the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, although temperatures in Hanoi and northern regions tend to be cooler during those months. In the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero.
The best time to visit the north is between September and December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity, while March to September is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and attractions of Central Vietnam. Beach destinations in the south such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phu Quoc (June to September) and Con Dao (November to January).
Destination Indochina has been delivering rare opportunities to engage with beautiful Vietnam and her people. Our dedicated team of travel professionals have their finger on the pulse of what is new and trending in the region and our transformational journeys inspire travellers of all walks of life. Connect with specialists in culture, food, art, religion and history and get the best advice on where to eat, shop and unwind.
OUR PREFERRED
Accommodation
Azerai La Residence Hue
On the banks of the Perfume River, the boutique Azerai – La Residence Hotel and Spa occupies the former residence of Hue’s governor. The hotel is surrounded by lush lawns and looks towards the Imperial Citadel, a picturesque sight in hues of green, red and yellow. The 122 rooms and suites have the spacious feel…
Accommodation
Azerai La Residence Hue
On the banks of the Perfume River, the boutique Azerai – La Residence Hotel and Spa occupies the former residence of Hue’s governor. The hotel is surrounded by lush lawns and looks towards the Imperial Citadel, a picturesque sight in hues of green, red and yellow. The 122 rooms and suites have the spacious feel…
