Must-try things to do while traveling to Hue

ENJOYING SALT COFFEE

International travelers can all agree that salt coffee is a drink worth trying in Hue if you are a coffee enthusiast. The salty taste combines the sweetness of cocoa and milk and can perfectly soothe the bitter taste of coffee.

EXPLORING THE ROYAL TOMB

Visiting the tombs of the emperors is one of the most popular activities in Hue. There are seven known royal tombs, although only three are visited by many visitors: Khai Dinh's tomb, Minh Mang tomb, and Tu Duc tomb.

VISITING THIEN MU PAGODA

The Thien Mu pagoda is located on the Huong river, 1 km from the city center and 5 km from Hue to the West. With the landscapes here, Thien Mu is a must-see for every traveler.

TRYING HUE BEEF NOODLES

Hue beef noodle is capable of fascinating any visitor with its special taste, only available in the ancient city. Not only that, many international guests feel this is a dish they can eat every day. Two places to eat Hue beef noodles loved by foreigners are: Hue Hanh beef noodles and My Tam beef noodles.

EXPLORING THE DONG BA MARKET

Dong Ba market is the oldest market in Hue, with an area of about 16,000m² and has hundreds of stalls selling fresh meat, clothes, handicrafts, and household goods. You can spend a few minutes or hours at Dong Ba market to explore the alleyways and stalls.

VISITING HUE IMPERIAL CITY

The Imperial City of Hue, also known as Dai Noi Hue, was the residence of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945 and belongs to the Complex of Hue Monuments recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage. Hue Imperial Citadel is a large complex consisting of many temples, pagodas, royal gardens, tombs, and the Forbidden City. You'll have to spend at least two hours if you plan to explore the entire place. It is suggested that international visitors hire a guide to be able to fully explore the area.

TRYING OUT HUE CAKE

 “Hue Cake” is the way foreigners call the famous and delicious cakes, dating back to the colonial era in Hue. The most popular types are bèo cake, ram cake, ép cake, nậm cake, and ướt cake... The capital impresses with a huge culinary fortune, including a multitude of Hue cakes of all kinds of salty and sweet types, both simple and luxurious. Most of the dishes here are not only meticulously, delicately, and tastefully made, but also contain the full value of this dreamy and loving land.

VISITING THUY TIEN LAKE PARK

Thuy Tien Lake Park is not only a famous abandoned park in Hue, but it is also a popular tourist destination for those who want to explore, experience, and see the magical and mysterious beauty of the area. Thuy Tien lake water park was built in 2000. In June 2004, this building was officially completed with an area of 49.9 ha. There are many unique constructions such as aquariums, ecosystems, water music areas... with a capacity of up to 2,500 seats. However, this park has also been abandoned for a long time and has been transferred to other organizations. Since being published in foreign newspapers, this tourist area has become a famous check-in point in Hue and has been “hunted” by many people.

TRYING MUSSEL RICE AND CORN SWEET SOUP AT HEN DUNE

Mussel rice is a casual and traditional food at the Hen dune, which is a familiar destination for many travelers. Not only does this place have delicious mussel rice, but mussel noodles, mussel dumplings, and desserts are also truly unforgettable. Mussel dune is a small island in the middle of the Huong river. In addition to the famous mussel rice, the mussel dune also has a delicious corn sweet soup that is famous all around Vietnam. The people here grow corn almost all year round. The corn in this region is delicious and fatty because the fields get a thick layer of alluvial after every flood.

HUE ROYAL CUISINE EXPERIENCE

The cuisine of Hue Imperial Palace is one of the most attractive things for tourists every time they travel to Hue. The food is not only delicious but also presented in the most exquisite and meticulous form. In the past, these dishes were offered only to kings and royalty, but today, at the talented hands of artisans, anyone can have the opportunity to enjoy them. Hue’s royal cuisine is a meal with about 8 or 9 dishes, reimagining the meal served to members of the Nguyen dynasty royal family. The dishes of the palace have mostly local ingredients but, through meticulous and demanding processing, have achieved perfection in the art of presentation, pure taste and health improvement. Another place suggested by foreign (and domestic) tourists is Kim Long restaurant, located on the Hue Ancient Houses campus.

Phuong Lan

(Vietnam Today 7.2022)