How to spend 48 hours in the ancient capital of Hue
Above The building is a classic showcase of Art Deco flair (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
Commanding a prime spot on the banks of the poetic Huong River, Azerai La Residence Hue is an elegant retreat set amid over 2.5 hectares of gardens, with more than 200 metres of frontage along the water. The resort features 122 rooms and suites, anchored by a striking central mansion that once formed part of the French Governor's residence, dating back to the 1930s. With sweeping curves, intricate maritime motifs and crisp geometries, the building is a classic showcase of Art Deco flair. Flanking wings, added in 2005, offer modern comfort with a refined nod to traditional architecture, creating a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary style. Watch the sunset on the Huong River and explore Dong Ba market
Above The Truong Tien Bridge appears like a glowing brushstroke, illuminating the twilight canvas of the ancient capital (photo: Vietnam Record Institute)
Above As dusk descends, make your way to the Huong River and pause to admire a sunset that casts a golden sheen across the water, turning the river into a ribbon of silk (photo: phongnhalocals)
As dusk descends, make your way to the Huong River and pause to admire a sunset that casts a golden sheen across the water, turning the river into a ribbon of silk. Hire a dragon boat and drift along the gentle current, where the rhythmic splash of paddles mingles with lilting Hue folk songs. From this tranquil vantage point, the Truong Tien Bridge appears like a glowing brushstroke, illuminating the twilight canvas of the ancient capital.
Above As night falls, continue your wanderings with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant soul of Hue (photo: Vinpearl)
Above Before you leave, make sure to browse the fabric section, where flowing ao dai in fine Hue silk whisper of elegance and tradition (photo: Vinpearl)
As night falls, continue your wanderings with a visit to Dong Ba Market, the vibrant soul of Hue, a short walk from the river's edge. Inside, a lively yet familiar hum fills the air: vendors calling out their wares, the warm scent of beef noodle soup wafting through the aisles, and stalls brimming with colourful local delicacies. Sample a delicate banh nam right at the stall, or pick up sesame candy and sour shrimp to take home. Before you leave, make sure to browse the fabric section, where flowing ao dai in fine Hue silk whisper of elegance and tradition. Day 2 Start your day with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum restaurant
Above There's no finer way to begin the day in Hue than with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
Above This elegant venue pairs culinary finesse with a serene riverside setting (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
Above Choose a window seat, sip Hue's signature lotus tea, and watch the river shimmer into morning: an awakening of both senses and spirit (photo: Azerai La Residence Hue)
There's no finer way to begin the day in Hue than with a breakfast buffet at Le Parfum, the refined dining space at Azerai La Residence Hue. Nestled by the Huong River, this elegant venue pairs culinary finesse with a serene riverside setting. Savour local specialities such as beef noodle soup with a fragrant, deeply flavoured broth; crisp banh khoai served with fresh herbs; or a delicately sweet corn pudding. The international spread features classics like eggs Benedict, flaky croissants and fruit preserves made in-house. Choose a window seat, sip Hue's signature lotus tea, and watch the river shimmer into morning: an awakening of both senses and spirit. Visit the tombs of Kings Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh
Above Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time (photo: Discover Hue)
Above Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time (photo: Discover Hue)
Above Each site tells its own story—a vivid brushstroke in the portrait of Hue's soul (photo: Discover Hue)
Beneath the soft sunlight of Hue, a journey through the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh feels like a passage through time. Tu Duc's resting place, with its tranquil lotus pond and pine-shaded paths, evokes the heart of a poet-king. Minh Mang's grand mausoleum, framed by undulating hills, reflects imperial balance and strength. Khai Dinh's tomb stands apart with its fusion of Eastern and Western design, resplendent in intricate detail. Each site tells its own story—a vivid brushstroke in the portrait of Hue's soul. Enjoy lunch at Madam Thu, Hue restaurant located in the Western Quarter
Above Madam Thu captures the culinary essence of Hue in a setting both charming and inviting (photo: Madam Thu Restaurant)
Above The scent of beef noodle soup drifts through the air, mingling with the subtle elegance of banh beo chen and the vivid freshness of local herbs (photo: Madam Thu Restaurant)
In the vibrant heart of the Western Quarter, Madam Thu captures the culinary essence of Hue in a setting both charming and inviting. The scent of beef noodle soup drifts through the air, mingling with the subtle elegance of banh beo chen and the vivid freshness of local herbs. Each dish from spicy mussel rice to delicately grilled spring rolls is prepared with quiet precision, telling tales of a regal past and the finesse of Hue's famed gastronomy. Explore Hue Imperial City and experience wearing traditional costumes
Above Step into the Imperial City and find yourself transported to the golden days of the Nguyen Dynasty (photo: Discover Hue)
Above Don a traditional ao dai ngu than or a royal ensemble and feel the silk settle gracefully against your skin (photo: Discover Hue)
Step into the Imperial City and find yourself transported to the golden days of the Nguyen Dynasty. Moss-covered walls seem to murmur stories of centuries gone by. Don a traditional ao dai ngu than or a royal ensemble and feel the silk settle gracefully against your skin in a quiet transformation into another time. Stroll beneath parasol trees, past Ngo Mon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace. With the breeze catching the fabric's flow, and Hue's signature purple in the air, this is an encounter with the living spirit of the ancient capital.
Read more: Are heritage retreats poised to become a new 'revolution' in Vietnamese tourism? Cozy dinner at Alma restaurant and sip with Aura Mixology
Above Alma Restaurant has earned its place among Hue's most esteemed dining destinations (photo: Melia Vinpearl Hue)
Above Alma is ideal for intimate dinners, romantic occasions, or moments worth marking (photo: Melia Vinpearl Hue)
Alma Restaurant has earned its place among Hue's most esteemed dining destinations. Located on the 33rd floor, it offers panoramic views and a refined ambience that lingers in the memory. Step inside and be welcomed by contemporary interiors and the soft murmur of music setting the tone for an elevated dining experience. Known for its premium steaks and warm atmosphere, Alma is ideal for intimate dinners, romantic occasions, or moments worth marking.
Above After the meal, make your way to Aura Mixology, where each cocktail is a story in itself (photo: AURA - Mixology & Karaoke)
Above The ambience offers a perfect close to a day rich in discovery (photo: AURA - Mixology & Karaoke)
After the meal, make your way to Aura Mixology, where each cocktail is a story in itself. Sip on a 'Hue Mong Mo', delicately infused with lotus tea and warm ginger, and watch as the Perfume River shimmers into view. The warm, refined, and luxurious ambience offers a perfect close to a day rich in discovery. Day 3 Rowing and watching the sunrise on Tam Giang lagoon
Above At dawn, Tam Giang Lagoon stirs to life beneath a wash of golden light (photo: vivuvietnam)
At dawn, Tam Giang Lagoon stirs to life beneath a wash of golden light. A wooden boat glides across still waters, reflecting a sky brushed with soft pink and amber. Morning mist drifts gently, carrying a fresh breeze and the rhythmic sound of paddles, steady and serene, echoing the quiet soul of the city. In the distance, the silhouettes of fishermen casting their nets flicker like living brushstrokes on a mirrored canvas. Cradling a cup of warm ginger tea, you may find yourself entirely at ease, your spirit woven into the timeless hush of Hue. Enjoy delicious local seafood
Above Amid the cool morning air of Hue, a local seafood spread awakens the palate with the essence of the sea (photo: lagunalangco)
Amid the cool morning air of Hue, a local seafood spread awakens the palate with the essence of the sea. Begin with a crisp river shrimp pancake that is golden, fragrant, and paired with a broth that dances between spice, sweetness, and savoury depth, conjuring the essence of the Perfume River itself. Then, a modest bowl of mussel rice reveals its quiet complexity: the sweetness of fresh shellfish mingled with herbs and the distinctive edge of shrimp paste. Finally, a steaming bowl of clam porridge infused with ginger brings warmth to the stillness of morning—a gentle, satisfying close to a soulful meal.
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