Huế, Vietnam

Welcome to Huế, the historic capital of Thừa Thiên Huế province in central Vietnam. Known for its rich history and cultural significance, Huế has served as the old Imperial City and administrative capital for the Nguyễn dynasty and later as the administrative capital of the protectorate of Annam during the French Indochina period. Today, this city boasts a UNESCO-designated site, the Complex of Huế Monuments, which is a popular tourist attraction. Within the complex, visitors can explore the Imperial City of Huế, with its palaces and shrines, the Forbidden Purple City, once the emperor’s home, and a replica of the Royal Theater. However, many of its historical landmarks are still undergoing restoration, so visitors can see the city’s rich heritage in progress. In 2019, almost 4.2 million visitors had visited the city, and it is easy to see why. Huế is not only a city steeped in tradition and history but also a city of stunning natural beauty. Nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, it is surrounded by the Truong Son mountain range, providing breathtaking landscapes and a glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. The city has a tropical monsoon climate that varies from season to season. The dry season, from February to August, is characterized by high temperatures of 35 to 40 °C (95 to 104 °F), while the rainy season, from August to January, can cause flooding, especially from October onward. In this city, visitors can experience the traditional customs of the royal family and the evolution of clothing in Vietnam. The modern-day áo dài, which is considered a Vietnamese national costume, evolved from an outfit worn at the court of the Nguyen lords in Hue in the 18th century. Hue’s cuisine is also a must-try. The city forms the heart of Central Vietnamese cuisine, and the prominence of vegetarianism in the city sets it apart from others. Several all-vegetarian restaurants are scattered in various corners of the city to serve a wide range of delicious local dishes. Join us on a journey to Huế and discover why this city should be on every traveler’s bucket list.