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Top Must-Visit Places in Hue, Vietnam’s Former Imperial Capital (Part 2)
Top Must-Visit Places in Hue, Vietnam’s Former Imperial Capital (Part 2)
Following the previous article, this post will continue sharing about must-visit places in Hue, Vietnam. Don’t miss these if you are planning a trip to this ancient capital.
Last time, we mentioned the most famous constructions built in the feudal regime. Today, the top natural landscapes in Hue will be featured. Scroll down to learn more about them!
Perfume River (Huong River)
Perfume River is one of Vietnam’s most well-known rivers and waterways. A long time ago, every autumn, flowers from gardens upstream fell into the river, giving it a fresh perfume-like aroma. That’s why people called it the Perfume River (“Sông Hương” in Vietnamese).
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Nowadays, we can hardly smell the aroma anymore but remain attracted by the river’s pure water and poetic beauty. Traveling to Hue, Perfume River is the place you should visit and a boat excursion here is the activity you should not miss to feel Hue’s romance. Strolling around and paddle boarding also offer memorable experiences during your journey in Hue, Vietnam.
There’s a fact that the Perfume River has appeared in Vietnamese poems and songs many times. What if you can become an amateur poet or songwriter after a trip to this glamorous place in Hue!?
Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma means white horse in English. Bach Ma National Park is one of the best places to visit in the capital city of Hue. Located more than 40km from Hue, the park has a total area of 37.5 thousand hectares.
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Bach Ma National Park is home to Vietnam’s only old-growth forest spanning from the East Sea to the Vietnam-Laos border. Its captivating scenery, cool weather, and diverse flora and fauna system impress many tourists. This is the habitat of pheasants, langur monkeys, crested argus, endangered animals like Asian elephants, and more.
Hiking and sightseeing are must-do activities in Bach Ma National Park. The popular places to visit are Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, Vong Hai Dai, Do Quyen Waterfall, Ngu Ho, etc. Nature lovers, hikers, and adventurous travelers will adore this Vietnamese destination.
Tam Giang Lagoon
Are you seeking a pristine escape or a great place for photography in Hue? Then head about 30km from the city center to Tam Giang Lagoon. It is a part of the Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system, one of the largest lagoon systems in Southeast Asia.
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Here, you can enjoy a peaceful life, explore rustic fishing villages, eat fresh seafood, and admire the stunning sunrise or sunset. If you are a photographer or just simply love photography, Tam Giang Lagoon is an indispensable place to visit in Hue. You can snap a lot of photos of the landscape, nature, wildlife, and moments of the local community from early morning till evening. Besides, you should take a boat tour to see the lagoon’s scenic views and lush mangroves.
One more thing to try in the 52-square-km lagoon is floating markets. Also, don’t forget to savor the local delicacies, especially dishes made of fish and seafood.
Lang Co Beach
As a part of Lang Co Bay, one of Vietnam’s prettiest bays, Lang Co Beach is among the top must-visit places in Hue. Its breathtaking setting will surprise you with an inviting stretch of white sand, dense forests, and clear water. Lang Co Beach offers visitors a close-to-nature feeling and a luxurious experience at the same time.
After relaxing at the beach, you can easily access nearby places such as Lap An Lagoon, Elephant Springs, Bach Ma National Park, or Hai Van Pass. Complete your journey with delicious seafood dishes.
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You can book a homestay or hotel if you have a tight budget for accommodation. On the other hand, if you want to make the most of a relaxing trip, you have two options including Lang Co Beach Resort and Thanh Tam Resort right on the beach. Don’t worry, the prices are still reasonable and worth every penny.
Vong Canh Hill
Vong Canh Hill, which stands 43 meters tall, is located across from Hon Chen Temple and by the Perfume River. This location is only 7 kilometers from Hue's city center, making it easily accessible. The hill is surrounded by many royal mausoleums of the Nguyen dynasty such as Tu Duc Tomb, Dong Khanh Tomb, Thieu Tri Tomb, Xuong Tho Tomb, and more. Some of them are also the top places to visit in Hue, Vietnam.
In the past, Vong Canh Hill served as a sightseeing and relaxing space for emperors and the royal families. It was a strategic military advantage for the French and Americans during the war.
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From the top of Vong Canh Hill, you can admire these ancient relics, nature’s beauty like sunrise or sunset, and the fantastic landscapes. Moreover, don’t miss the orchards of longan, oranges, tangerines, pomelo trees, etc. You will have a chance to eat fruit to your heart’s content, one of the most-loved experiences in Vietnam.
As you can see, Hue has many wonderful places to visit during your trip to Vietnam. We have compiled a list of the city's most famous tourist attractions, ranging from ancient structures to Hue's symbols and natural landscapes (including a river, beach, lagoon, hill, and park). You are encouraged to explore other lesser-known areas here. We believe the more you explore it, the more you’ll love it.