Hue is one of the few cities in Vietnam that has a romantic, slow living pace. When people talk about Hue, they usually think of a peaceful town, where there is not much to see but the old citadels and many tombs of Vietnamese emperors. However, Hue has more than just tombs to offer! From the white sand beaches of Lang Co to the romantic Tam Giang Lagoon, there will always be something to explore. This article is designed to provide you an itinerary for one day in Hue.

Many people who travel around Vietnam by bike or car usually choose Hue as one of their destinations because it’s located in the middle of Vietnam. Besides, who wouldn’t want to miss the peaceful atmosphere of a historical city? Once you enter Hue, you will see the calm of this city reflected in the way the locals communicate with you. They always smile and talk with a soft voice, which makes them sound like they’re singing. I think this can be explained by the history and culture of the city. As Hue used to be a Citadel of Vietnam, the royal way of behaving still influences the people.

Not to mention that this city is famous for having good food. I’m talking about the significant bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), the colorful sweet soup, and banh beo! Check out this article here for a comprehensive look at the food you should not miss. Well, it’s easy to say that you can always find food in every corner of Hue, which makes the food-loving traveler like me feel like I’m in paradise! Here is how I make the most of my 24 hours in Hue.

Morning

7:00 AM – Grab a Banh Mi and Café for Breakfast

Sunset on Tam Giang Lagoon provides one of the most romantic moments, to the point that it has become immortalized in many poems and songs. Many friends have told me to go there to “Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset” like a lyric of Taylor Swift’s song. Therefore, I bought some snacks and drinks and drove 30 kilometers to the lagoon, even though I was a little tired after a long day full of activities.

But the amazing scenery was worth my effort. It was the first time ever in my life that I saw a purple sunset with a good view from Tam Giang Bridge. The magnificent spectacle got me feeling like the scene was a masterpiece by a talented artist who spent his whole day to playing with watercolors and perfecting his brushstrokes. If you have time, try to take a slow boat tour with a local and go net-fishing with them. Have some dinner with freshly caught fish there before you head back to Hue city.

6:30 PM – Relaxing with a Massage

There is nothing better than treating yourself with body massage after a tiring day. It’s time to take advantage of the good massage services in Hue. However, you should be careful when choosing a reliable spa because the dark truth is there are many places that offer “extra services”. Here are some places I recommend:

Hue Shining Spa (Serene Shining Hotel)

Address: 57/5 Nguyen Cong Tru street, Hue City

Phone: 0234 3935 887

Business hours: 10:00 AM – 22:00 PM

Price range: From 345,000 VND ($16)

Website: sereneshininghotel.com/spa

Cherish Spa (Cherish Hotel)

Address: 59 Ben Nghe, Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City

Phone: 0234 3943 943

Business hours: 10:00 AM – 22:00 PM

Price range: From 331,000 VND ($15)

Website: cherishhotel.com/spa 

Pansee Sense Spa (Gold Hotel Hue)

Address: 28 Ba Trieu, Phu Hoi, Hue City

Phone: 0943 321 077

Business hours: 10 AM – 11 PM

Price range: Start from 440,000 VND ($20)

Website: panseespa.com/location/pansee-gold-spa-hue

7:30 PM – Late Dinner (Bun Bo Hue) and Explore the City by Night

Hue spicy soup is one of the world-famous Vietnamese foods. It will be one of your biggest regrets if you miss tasting it here. The hot and a little spicy bowl of noodles contain a lot of protein and some greens to please your taste buds and boost your energy. After your meal, you can wander around to experience mysterious Hue by night. If you don’t know where to find bun bo Hue, take a look at this article for a few suggestions!

Conclusion

From my personal experience, I think I was a little rushed to spend just one day in Hue. There were so many things I wished to see but I only had a little time to explore. Therefore, I recommend staying for a couple more days! However, I hope you find this article helpful and that you make wonderful memories in Hue city. Don’t forget to share your Hue experience in the comments below!

Credit to Eleanor Nguyen