· VN

Thừa Thiên-Huế

Thừa Thiên-Huế, Vietnam

Step Back in Time in Thừa Thiên-Huế, Vietnam Nestled on the picturesque coast of central Vietnam, Thừa Thiên-Huế is a captivating province steeped in history and radiating imperial charm. Once the seat of the Nguyen Dyna…

#historical sites#cultural heritage#Imperial City#UNESCO World Heritage Site#Hue cuisine
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Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Thừa Thiên-Huế.

Top Hotels in Thừa Thiên-Huế

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Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Thừa Thiên-Huế.

Tours

Imperial City of Hue

Explore the historic Imperial City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about the royal history of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Thien Mu Pagoda Visit

Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, a historic temple and symbol of Hue, perched on the hillside overlooking the Perfume River.

Shopping

Dong Ba Market

Explore the bustling Dong Ba Market to experience local culture and shop for traditional Vietnamese products.

Hue Night Market

Visit Hue Night Market for a unique shopping experience with local crafts, souvenirs, and street food.

Outdoor

Perfume River Cruise

Take a leisurely boat ride on the Perfume River and enjoy the scenic views of Hue’s landscapes and pagodas.

Bach Ma National Park Trekking

Embark on a trekking adventure in Bach Ma National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Location videos

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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Thừa Thiên-Huế.

Currency
₫ | VND | Vietnamese dong
Population
1.2 million
Languages
Vietnamese, Vietnamese

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Thừa Thiên-Huế.

What people love

Thừa Thiên-Huế is a province located in central Vietnam, known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Thừa Thiên-Huế:

  1. Historical and Cultural Sites: Thừa Thiên-Huế is home to the ancient city of Huế, which served as the imperial capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can explore the Imperial City, royal tombs, pagodas, and temples that showcase the region's rich history and cultural heritage.

  2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Complex of Huế Monuments, which includes the Imperial City and royal tombs, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travelers can marvel at the well-preserved architecture and learn about Vietnam's royal past.

  3. Scenic Beauty: Thừa Thiên-Huế is blessed with natural beauty, including picturesque landscapes of mountains, rivers, and beaches. The Perfume River flows through the city of Huế, offering scenic boat rides and opportunities to explore riverside villages.

  4. Culinary Delights: Huế is famous for its royal cuisine, which features intricate dishes that were once reserved for the imperial court. Travelers can sample unique flavors and traditional dishes such as bánh khoái (Hue-style pancakes) and bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup).

  5. Local Handicrafts: Thừa Thiên-Huế is known for its traditional handicrafts, including ao dai (Vietnamese traditional clothing), conical hats, and delicate ceramics. Visitors can shop for souvenirs and support local artisans.

  6. Warm Hospitality: The people of Thừa Thiên-Huế are known for their warm hospitality and friendly demeanor. Travelers can interact with locals, learn about their customs and traditions, and gain insight into Vietnamese culture.

Overall, traveling to Thừa Thiên-Huế offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam's history, culture, and natural beauty in a serene and captivating setting.

What to know

Some cons of traveling to Thừa Thiên-Huế in Vietnam could include:

  1. Weather: Thừa Thiên-Huế can experience high temperatures and humidity, especially during the summer months, which may be uncomfortable for some travelers.

  2. Language barrier: English may not be widely spoken in Thừa Thiên-Huế, so communication could be challenging for non-Vietnamese speakers.

  3. Limited transportation options: Getting around Thừa Thiên-Huế may be difficult as public transportation options are limited, and taxis may be expensive.

  4. Crowded tourist attractions: Thừa Thiên-Huế is a popular tourist destination, especially for its historical sites like the Imperial City, which can get crowded during peak travel seasons.

  5. Potential for petty crimes: Like any tourist destination, there may be instances of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, so travelers should be cautious and keep their belongings secure.

Overall, Thừa Thiên-Huế is a beautiful destination with rich history and culture, but travelers should be prepared for the potential challenges mentioned above.

Thừa Thiên-Huế is a province in central Vietnam known for its rich history and cultural significance. Here is a detailed history of the area:

Historical Background

  1. Ancient and Medieval Periods:

    • The region that is now Thừa Thiên-Huế has a long history dating back to ancient times. It was originally part of the Champa Kingdom, an important cultural and political center in Southeast Asia.
    • The Cham people, who practiced Hinduism and later Buddhism, left behind many archaeological sites and ruins.

  2. Nguyễn Dynasty:

    • Thừa Thiên-Huế rose to prominence in the early 19th century when it became the capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty, the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam.
    • Emperor Gia Long (reigned 1802-1820) established Huế as the capital in 1802. The city remained the political, cultural, and religious center of Vietnam until 1945.
    • The Nguyễn emperors were responsible for many of the architectural landmarks in Huế, including the Imperial City, modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing.

  3. French Colonial Period:

    • Vietnam became a French protectorate in the late 19th century. During this period, Huế remained an important cultural and educational center.
    • The French influence is evident in some of the city's architecture and the establishment of Western-style educational institutions.

  4. 20th Century and Vietnam War:

    • The August Revolution in 1945 led to the abdication of Emperor Bảo Đại, ending the Nguyễn Dynasty's rule. Vietnam declared independence under Hồ Chí Minh.
    • During the Vietnam War (1955-1975), Huế was the site of significant conflict. The city was heavily damaged during the Tet Offensive in 1968, particularly during the Battle of Huế.

Significant Historical Figures

  • Emperor Gia Long (Nguyễn Phúc Ánh): Founder of the Nguyễn Dynasty who established Huế as the capital of Vietnam.
  • Emperor Minh Mạng (reigned 1820-1841): Known for consolidating power and implementing administrative reforms.
  • Emperor Bảo Đại (reigned 1926-1945): The last emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty, who abdicated in 1945.

Important Landmarks

  1. Imperial City (Kinh Thành Huế):

    • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City is a walled fortress and palace complex situated along the Perfume River. It was the seat of the Nguyễn emperors.
    • Key structures include the Noon Gate (Ngọ Môn), Thai Hoa Palace, and various temples and pavilions.

  2. Thien Mu Pagoda:

    • An iconic seven-story pagoda located on the banks of the Perfume River. It is one of the oldest and most significant religious structures in Vietnam.

  3. Tombs of the Emperors:

    • Several elaborate mausoleums are scattered around Huế, including the tombs of Emperors Minh Mạng, Tự Đức, and Khải Định. These are known for their architectural grandeur and beautiful settings.

  4. Perfume River (Sông Hương):

    • This scenic river flows through Huế and is central to the region's cultural and spiritual life.

  5. Citadel of Huế:

    • The citadel is a large fortress encompassing the Imperial City and several other historic structures, surrounded by a moat and thick walls.

Cultural Significance

Thừa Thiên-Huế is renowned for its cultural heritage, traditional music, cuisine, and festivals. The region hosts the biennial Huế Festival, which celebrates Vietnamese culture and arts. The traditional áo dài and nón lá (conical hat) are iconic symbols associated with Huế's cultural identity.

The province remains a popular tourist destination due to its historical significance and well-preserved monuments, drawing visitors interested in Vietnam's imperial history and culture.