The Imperial City of Heritage – A Timeless Journey for Indian Travelers
1. Best time to visit Hue
The best time to visit Hue is from November to April, with the ideal period being the first few months of the year when the weather is cool. For travelers who enjoy mountains, beaches, sunrises, and sunsets, the period from June to August offers the best weather with sunny days and vibrant blue seas.
Hue doesn’t have a distinct dry season but experiences a rainy season and a less rainy season. The less rainy season lasts from March to August, with warm and humid weather. From September to January, the rainy season brings cooler temperatures and occasional heavy rains, especially in October and November, which is also the stormy period.
Spring (January to March) is beautiful with light sunshine and cool breezes, while summer (April to July) is hot, making it perfect for beach lovers. In summer, the city is adorned with vibrant yellow orchids, pink peach blossoms, and purple Bang Lang flowers. August marks the arrival of autumn, considered the most picturesque season in Hue.
2. How to get to Hue from India
To reach Hue from India, the most convenient option is to take a flight to Da Nang International Airport, which is the closest airport to Hue. There are direct flights available from major Indian cities such as Delhi and Mumbai to Da Nang via connecting flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Hue, which is about 100 kilometers away.
Alternatively, you can take a train or a bus from major cities in Vietnam, such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, to Hue. The journey by train or bus can take anywhere from 12 to 18 hours, depending on the mode of transport and the route taken. Once you reach Hue, you can hire a motorbike or take a taxi to explore the city and its surroundings.
3. Accommodation
Hue also has a variety of luxury 4-5 star hotels and resorts. Famous brands include Banyan Tree Lang Co, Laguna Lang Co, Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa, La Poet Hotel, Lapochine Beach Resort, Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel & Spa, Indochine Palace, Imperial Hotel Hue, Azerai La Residence Hue, and Vinpearl. Room rates range from approximately 2,000,000 – 8,000,000 VND per night.
4. Top things to do in Hue
- See Imperial Vietnam: Explore the palaces, pavilions, and theaters of the Hue Citadel and visit the tombs of emperors Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh.
Eat like a king: Sample Hue’s world-class cuisine by visiting Dong Ba Market and trying their much-loved snacks like Banh Khoai and Banh Beo.
Explore the city’s Buddhist roots: Visit Thien Mu Pagoda with its iconic seven-tiered tower and Tu Hieu Monastery, where Thich Nhat Hanh spent his days as a novice monk.
Cycle in the rice paddies: Experience Hue’s beautiful countryside on a bike ride to the tile-roofed Thanh Toan Bridge, passing vegetable farms, footbridges, and flocks of ducks.
Revisit colonial history: Take a stroll down Le Loi and see the remaining French influence in Hue’s architecture, including the art deco lines of La Residence Hotel and the stately crimson buildings of Quoc Hoc High School.
5. What to buy as a gift
If you want to buy souvenirs, consider Hue royal tea, lotus tea, various kinds of fish sauce, dau tram (essential oil), dried banh ép, sesame candy, conical hats, or souvenir items with images of Hue’s landscapes.
