Motorbike Rental: In Hue, renting a motorbike from your accommodation is a budget-friendly and flexible way to get around, allowing you to stop and rest wherever you like. The rental price is about 80,000 VND per day for a manual bike and 130,000 VND per day for an automatic scooter, excluding fuel.
INTRODUCTION
Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River in central Vietnam, Huế is a city where history and culture come to life. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty, Huế is a treasure trove of ancient palaces, royal tombs, and sacred pagodas. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past, wrapped in a tranquil atmosphere that blends tradition with natural beauty.
Visitors to Huế are enchanted by its majestic Imperial City (Đại Nội), peaceful riverside scenery, and flavorful cuisine known for its refinement and creativity. Whether you’re exploring the ornate tombs of former emperors, enjoying a boat ride on the Perfume River at sunset, or tasting the famous bánh bèo and bún bò Huế, this city promises an unforgettable journey into the soul of Vietnam.
WHICH SEASON IS THE MOST REASONABLE ?
The tourist season in Huế typically runs from November of the previous year to April of the following year, with the most beautiful time falling between January and April, when the weather is cool and pleasant. For travelers who love the mountains and the sea, and enjoy watching sunrises and sunsets, the best time to visit is between June and August, when the sun is at its most radiant and the sea is at its clearest blue.
Huế doesn’t have a distinct dry season but rather a rainy season and a less rainy season. The less rainy months usually span from March to August, during which the weather is hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from September to January, bringing cooler temperatures. Notably, October to November is also typhoon season, often with prolonged heavy rains.
Spring in Huế stretches from late January to March, featuring mild sunshine and a gentle chill — a particularly delightful time to explore the city. From April to July, the summer brings intense heat, but it’s also a wonderful period for beach lovers. In summer, the ancient capital glows with the golden hues of flamboyant flowers, the rosy shades of cassia blossoms, and the soft purple of crape myrtle. Come August, Huế transitions into autumn — often considered the most beautiful season of the year.
TRANSPORTATION
Train: From Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other provinces, travelers can take the train to enjoy the scenic views along the way. There are hard seats, soft seats, and sleeper berths, with or without air conditioning. Ticket prices range from 400,000 to 900,000 VND per person. If you’re traveling a long distance during the hot season, it’s recommended to choose SE3 or SE1 trains to shorten travel time and purchase an air-conditioned sleeper cabin for a more comfortable journey.
Airplane: Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietjet Air all operate flights to Phu Bai Airport in Hue. The flight from Hanoi takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with round-trip ticket prices starting from 1,600,000 VND. The flight from Ho Chi Minh City takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, with round-trip fares starting from 1,300,000 VND.
Coach/Bus: From Hanoi to Hue, you can book tickets with companies such as Hung Thanh, Camel, Queen, or Duc Thinh. The Hanoi–Hue route (and vice versa) costs about 250,000–300,000 VND per one-way trip. Buses usually depart around 6:00 PM and arrive in Hue by 6:00 AM the next morning, so you just need to reserve a sleeper seat and enjoy a good night’s sleep before reaching your destination.
Cyclo: A unique and enjoyable way to explore Hue is by cyclo. The cyclo drivers often act as tour guides, taking visitors to famous landmarks in the city such as Truong Tien Bridge, Dong Ba Market, and more. At each stop, the cyclo will pause to allow guests time to explore on their own. A typical tour lasts about one hour and costs between 50,000 and 120,000 VND, depending on the route and duration.
