Top Things To Do In Hue

Not only known by the long-lived history, Hue currently boats a variety of attractions and activities. If you don't believe Hue is one of Vietnam's greatest cities, you haven’t encountered all the best of culture, cuisine and shopping which this little city offers.

Visit ancient architecture

Tomb of Khai Dinh

It’s such a disappointment if you miss the historical sites in Hue. These attractions play a vital role in reflecting a remarkable phase of Vietnamese history, the settlement of Nguyen Dynasty. The Citadel, Purple Imperial, Gia Long Tomb and Khai Dinh Tomb are irrefutably the most well-known destinations. More specifically, the Citadel and Imperial which are both built by Gia Long Emperor are the massive ancient construction. It’s like turning back the old days when you go under these ancient architectures. They all offer a unique insight into Vietnamese antiquity. The most appealing aspect of these sites is the education. You can learn more about how the royal family in an Asian country led their lives and citizens in the old days. All the interactive informative features will keep people interesting for hours.

Learn about religion

Thien Mu pagoda

The most innovative addition to Hue scene is its religious life. Temples all around the city are coming up with unique programs catering to travelers. The places are where the locals visit daily for their worship.  Thien Mu pagoda with an open view over the Perfume River is a good choice for a relaxing day. The name Thien Mu has its origin from a story about an old woman who had predicted Hue would become a capital in the time of Nguyen Dynasty. Also, you can take a beautiful and easy walk to Tu Hieu pagoda, a religious temple built from 1843 in a pine forest. Dragging around these spiritual scenes, you will have chance to get intrigued and amused at Vietnamese religion.

Take delight in beaches

Thuan An beach

Thuan An is a public accessible beach in Hue, which is located 15 km away from the city center. The mile-long stretch of silky, powder-white sand slopes gently into a shallow emerald lagoon, and is backed by a thick curtain of palms and tropical foliage.
Lang Co beach is another place that’s a little far for a day trip but it’s well worth a mention. It is long and broad with velvety sand and shocking blue water, and it's fringed with swaying palms and leafy trees. Lang Co is by far the most photographic beach in Hue as well as the central of Viet Nam. Besides lying lazily on the “sand”—actually made up of tiny lava pebbles—there’s plenty to do as joining some beach sports or exploring local seafood.

Relish Local Cuisine

Bun bo Hue

Hue cuisine has long become a pride of the local people. The fusion food results from the combination of royal and local dishes. 

Hue Royal-style cuisine

When it comes to royal foods, it’s the beautifully decorated dishes which are made from high quality ingredients. These foods were used to serve the royal family. In terms of local foods, the possibilities are endless. That mouth - watering list has everything from popular banh bot loc, banh nam to toothsome banh canh Nam Pho (Nam Pho noodles).

Go shopping

Dong Ba market

Hue has emerged as the most stylish of the non-brand boutique-studded town with many shopping spots from the local market to high end shops. For a local experience, Dong Ba market is truly a place to be. There are plenty of souvenirs and specialties with the minimal prices if you are a good bargainer. No one can guarantee for the quality of these stuff but you pay what you get so don’t be stressful for this term.

Night-market

Hanoi's best boutique hotels

Located in Hanoi's Old Quarter -- a network of 36 streets, organized by trade -- these quaint addresses combine modern amenities with historic atmosphere for an authentic base while exploring the city.

Hotel de l'Opera | 29 Trang Tien Street, Hanoi.

Hotel de l'Opera

As its name suggests, Hotel de l'Opera is just a few steps from the beautiful Hanoi Opera House, which regularly hosts ballet, music and folk performances. The largest of its kind in Vietnam, the theater features a magnificent neo-classical French facade, imposing pillars, balconies and opulent interiors. On the same leafy boulevard, the 107-room Hotel de l'Opera is set in its own white colonial-era building. Inside the stately doors, guests will find high ceilings, silk drapes, classic furniture, theatrical pops of color and big-name designer boutiques downstairs -- think Max Mara, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Each room has a slightly different layout and design. Rest assured, however, that all four l'Opera Grand Suites offer views of the Opera House. Within minutes of leaving the hotel, guests will discover the city's central lake, bustling Old Quarter and countless bars and restaurants.

La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa | 1 Cau Go Street, Hanoi.

La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa

A new address in Hanoi, La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa opened earlier this August in the historic Old Quarter, near photogenic Hoan Kiem Lake. The 27-bedroom property showcases lake views from 19 of its rooms, and also features a fine-dining restaurant, a sunset rooftop bar and a spa that emphasizes Vietnamese therapies. The building itself is newly constructed in the colonial style. Inside, the hotel pays tribute to the city's French heritage -- picture dark-wood paneling, black-and-white patterned tiles, wrought-iron furniture, romantic balconies and classic monochrome artwork peppering the hallways. With the Old Quarter just steps away and the peaceful lake at your doorstep, this is one of the best locations in Hanoi.

O'Gallery Premier Hotel | 22 Hang Bong Street, Hanoi.

O'Gallery Premier Hotel

Conveniently located inside Hanoi's Old Quarter, the O'Gallery Premier Hotel can be spotted by its narrow, colonial-style facade awash in green paint.
The green accents continue inside where pops of emerald bring classically furnished rooms to life. Each of the 55 rooms and suites include sophisticated touches, such as wood-paneled walls, velvet furniture, leather stools and generous amenities -- such as complimentary early check-in. The suites also offer private balconies, accessed via arched French doors.
Elsewhere in the hotel, travelers will find Thang Long Deli Vietnamese restaurant and a Vietnamese-style spa facility.

Maison d'Orient | 26 Ngo Huyen, Hanoi.

Maison d'Orient 

Hidden down a quiet alleyway in the heart of the Old Quarter, this design-forward gem is home to eclectic furniture, funky mosaic tiles, vintage prints and local artwork.
The hotel's communal open-air terrace serves as a dining area with an east-meets-west feel, where wooden tables mingle with Asian plants and motifs.
Though cozy -- ranging from 182 to 400 square feet -- each of the 10 rooms has its own idiosyncratic charm, but all are awash with natural light and pretty bamboo touches.
From the hotel, main attractions like St Joseph's Cathedral and Hoan Kiem Lake are just minutes away by foot.

Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa | 22 Ta Hien Street, Hanoi.

Essence Hanoi Hotel & Spa

Another gem in the Old Quarter, the Essence Hanoi is located right next to the city's famous Beer Corner -- where travelers and locals like sit on tiny stools and enjoy drafts of light bia hoi late into the night. It's also a stone' throw from Dong Xuan market, which is frequented for its snacks, souvenirs and silk crafts. A mid-range hotel, the property provides 30 rooms. Each marries contemporary Vietnamese-inspired decor with tech-savvy touches, such as complimentary laptops to use during your stay. Adding to the stylish ethos, the hotel also offers convenient tailoring services from its partners Kitonali Bespoke Tailor and Heydi Boutique should you be in the market for a lasting souvenir.

The Chi Boutique Hotel | 13 Nha Chung Street, Hanoi.

The Chi Boutique Hotel

The first thing you'll notice at the sleek new Chi Boutique Hotel is a wall full of fresh flowers and leaves. The contemporary style and atmosphere continues in the 42 guestrooms, where travelers will find spacious bathrooms, lotus-inspired artwork and leafy street views. Want a private balcony with wrought-iron details? Ask for a room at the front of the hotel.
There's also a Vietnamese-Cantonese fusion restaurant on site, as well as a photogenic Garden Sky Lounge on the rooftop -- perfect for sunset cocktails with views of the Old Quarter.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi | 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hanoi. 

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi |

Though hardly a boutique hotel with 364 rooms, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is packed with French colonial charm. Formerly the residence of the French Governor of Tonkin (the historic name of northern Vietnam), the hotel is conveniently located right around the corner from the Hanoi Opera house and the neo-Gothic St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Inside, guests will find a few destination restaurants, including the French Le Beaulieu and the romantic Bamboo Bar in the lush courtyard, by the pool. Likewise, the elegant rooms also add to the Indo-French atmosphere with vintage furniture, silk tapestries, green shutters and original wrought-iron details. Since opening in 1901, the hotel has been the go-to home base for celebrities, politicians and literary figures alike, having welcomed the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Graham Greene.

Hanoi’s Must-Visit Attractions

Hanoi, the beautiful cultural capital of Vietnam, has many things to see and do. A few days in the city doesn’t do justice, but luckily, most attractions are located within walking distance of one another. You can easily map out an itinerary for yourself and enjoy a day of wandering around, taking in the contrasting beauty between the old and new. Make sure to visit as many of these attractions as possible to fully enhance your experience in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese, who pay tribute to the man who led the fight for a unified Vietnam. Queues to see his corpse can stretch for hours, and once inside, talking, photography and hands in pockets are banned. Please behave and dress respectfully.

One Pillar Pagoda

One-Pillar pagoda

This pagoda is built on a single wooden pillar of 1.25meters in diameter. The story is that heirless emperor Ly Thai Tong dreamt that he met Quan The Am Bo Tat, the Goddess of Mercy. Soon after, he married a young peasant girl who gave him a son. The pagoda was built in 1054 to express his gratitude to the event.


Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

This UNESCO World Heritage Site, often used as a symbol of Hanoi, stands at 40 meters high. The complex comprises of the royal enclosures built during the Ly Dynasty. Close to many other attractions in Hanoi. Closed on Mondays.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

Water puppet

The ancient art form of water puppetry has long been associated with Hanoi. Watch as puppets dance elegantly, controlled by a whole troupe of puppet masters, telling a story of the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le which is about Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise.

Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Hoan Kiem lake

Hoan Kiem Lake ( Sword Lake) is a popular hangout spot for locals and foreigners alike. On an island in the center lies Ngoc Son Temple, linked by a graceful red bridge. Ngoc Son Temple or the Temple of Jade Mountain is the most visited temple in the city. It sits on an island on Hoan Kiem Lake. This serves as a beautiful background for photos, and perhaps you may even catch couples doing their engagement photoshoots.

West Lake ( Ho Tay)

West lake

West Lake is a freshwater lake with a shore length of 17km. You will find many of the upscale hotels and beautiful villas surrounding West Lake. I didn’t spend much time around here but would be keen, as it’s becoming the more fashionable area of the city. Lots of new restaurants and boutiques can be found here along with the upscale hotels.

Dong Xuan Market

Dong Xuan market

Dong Xuan Market is the largest market in Hanoi. Four storeys tall, you can find all sorts of apparel, electronic items and food. Great for some shopping or to just experience the day-to-day life of the locals. You can practice some bargaining here as it is a popular tourist market, and prices quoted may be slightly inflated.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Street Hair-cut

The buzzing heart of Hanoi for more than 1,000 years, the Old Quarter is still a hub of everyday life for locals. Its 36 streets were originally named after the goods once traded there, and a few still specialise, such as P Hang Gai, lined with shops selling textiles. It’s a fascinating area to wander around, whether you’re haggling for souvenirs or people-watching over a cool Hanoi beer.

Temple of Literature

Temple of Liturature

This charming temple complex hosts the Imperial Academy, the oldest university in Vietnam. It was originally built in 1070 by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong’s dynasty to serve as a center of learning, dedicated to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

This museum showcases the 54 different ethnic groups in Vietnam, all under one roof. It is interesting to browse through the displays and learn about the ethnic history of Vietnam.

Vietnam Women’s Museum

Vietnam Women’s Museum

The Vietnam Women’s Union decided to establish this museum (womenmuseum.org.vn), exploring women’s contribution to the country’s culture. Admire elaborate bridalwear, learn of the toil of women’s agricultural labour and discover the female fighters who played a key role in the Vietnam War.

Vietnam Military History Museum

Vietnam Military History Museum

This is one of the seven national museums in the country and is perfect for those interested in wartime artillery. There are both, indoor and outdoor displays of military-related artifacts. The exhibitions depict times as far back as the Huong Vuong Era, which is considered the start of Vietnam as a country.

Hanoi Train Street

Railways

This is a narrow street in the Old Quarter, where train tracks run right down the middle, allowing trains to pass terrifyingly close to the houses. The daily life of the locals that live there have to be packed up multiple times a day when a train is scheduled to pass. Similar to Maeklong Railway Market in Thailand.

Edelweiss to open Zurich - HCM City direct flight from Nov 2018

Switzerland’s leisure airlines Edelweiss, an affiliate of the Swiss International Airlines will open seasonal direct flights from Zurich to Ho Chi Minh City, as part of the carrier’s plan to expand its flight network in Asia.

Accordingly, Edelweiss will launch direct flights linking the two cities twice a week using A340-300 aircraft, starting from November 15, 2018.

CEO of Edelweiss Bernd Bauer said that the airline hopes to carry about 10,500 passengers to HCM City a year, raking in 32 million USD.

Besides bringing tourists from Switzerland and Europe to Vietnam, the new air route is expected to create favourable conditions for passengers to travel from HCM City to other places in Europe, with various destinations in the Swiss International Airlines’ network.

More information on Edelweiss’ flights could be found at website:
https://www.flyedelweiss.com/en/inform/travel-information/timetable/pages/ho-chi-minh-city.aspx 

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Hanoi launches double-storey bus service

The first double-decker bus was put into service on May 30 with hop-on and hop-off at 13 stops, running through 25 streets and taking tourists to 30 attractions in the capital city of Hanoi.

Each bus has 80 seats and is equipped with modern technology, including the GPS system, free Wifi, USB gates, refrigerator, a TV screen and safety cameras.

An automatic narration system in various languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean is also installed in the buses, giving visitors an overall insight of over 30 most typical tourist attractions of the city.

Route 01 departs from the Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square near Hoan Kiem Lake, passing Le Thai To – Trang Thi- Dien Bien Phu – Doc Lap – Hoang Van Thu – Hung Vuong – Thanh Nien – Yen Phu – Thanh Nien – Hung Vuong – Phan Dinh Phung - Hoang Dieu – Le Hong Phong – Hung Vuong – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam – Ton Duc Thang – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Cua Nam - Phan Boi Chau – Ly Thuong Kiet – Phan Chu Trinh – Hai Ba Trung – Le Thanh Tong – Trang Tien - Dinh Tien Hoang and ends at the bus station (starting point).

In the weekend, as the pedestrian streets open, the route changes to Hanoi Opera House – Trang Tien – Ngo Quyen – Ly Thuong Kiet – Quang Trung – Trang Thi – Dien Bien Phu – Doc Lap – Hoang Van Thu – Hung Vuong – Thanh Nien – Yen Phu – Thanh Nien - Hung Vuong – Phan Dinh Phung  - Hoang Dieu – Le Hong Phong – Hung Vuong – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam – Ton Duc Thang – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Cua Nam-Phan Boi Chau – Ly Thuong Kiet – Phan Chu Trinh – Hai Ba Trung – Le Thanh Tong – Hanoi Opera House.

The operation time of the service is from 9:00 to 18:10. One bus will depart in every 30 minutes. Ticket price is 300,000 VND (13.2 USD) for a four-hour tour, 450,000 VND (19.8 USD) for 24 hours and 650,000 (28.6) for 48 hours.

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Mandarin Oriental to manage a new hotel in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, opening in 2020

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a new hotel in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, scheduled to open in 2020.

The property, which will be called Mandarin Oriental, Saigon, will form part of Union Square Saigon, a commercial building in the heart of the city, that is currently under renovation. The hotel will be situated on the upper floors of this mixed-use complex, which will also house a variety of international luxury retail outlets. The project owner is Union Square Company Limited.

Mandarin Oriental, Saigon will comprise 227 guestrooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, a range of meeting and banqueting spaces, a fitness centre, a Spa at Mandarin Oriental and an outdoor swimming pool.



“Ho Chi Minh City is the leading commercial hub in Vietnam and at the heart of the country’s rapidly growing economy. We are delighted to be opening a hotel in such a prime location in the city. We look forward to working with our partners to create a world-class experience and to bringing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned level of service excellence to Vietnam for the first time,” said James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental.

“With its exceptional design, locale, history and culture, Union Square Saigon is destined to become a landmark destination. We are delighted to welcome Mandarin Oriental to this project, which will not only raise the level of luxury hospitality in the city, but will also increase awareness of Vietnam internationally,” said Jonathan Au, General Director of Union Square Saigon.

Mandarin Oriental, Saigon is adjacent to the Saigon Opera House and the People’s Committee Building and within walking distance of most of the key landmarks in the city. Its position is ideal for guests wishing to enjoy the city’s vibrant dining and shopping areas.

About Union Square Saigon
Union Square Saigon is located in the heart of the city, and at the centre of local and international art activities. On completion, the property will successfully combine a mix of Vietnam’s historic aspects with contemporary facilities, and will be the perfect place in which to experience the best of the city’s culture and values.

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Vietnam extends visa waiver for five European countries from until 30 June 2021

( Hanoi ) - Vietnam extends visa waiver for five European countries from until 30 June 2021

Recently Vietnam Government has decided to extend visa waivers program for visitors from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

This information was announced by the Minister, Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung announced at the meeting on 03 May, 2018. Thus, visitors from 5 Western European countries (including: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and Germany) are exempt from visa from 01 July, 2018 to 30 June, 2021, if the stay is less than 15 days, applicable to all kinds of passport and travel purposes.

Besides, citizens from 40 countries can apply for the Vietnam e-visas at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

List of Countries that allowed E-visa issuing.

1. Azerbaijan 2. Argentina 3. Armenia 4. Ireland 5. Poland 6. Belarus 7. Bulgaria 8. Brunei

9. South Korea 10. Germany 11. Chile 12. Colombia 13. Czech Republic 14. Cuba

15. Denmark 16. Timor Leste 17. United States of America 18. Hungary 19. Greece 20. Italy

21. Kazakhstan 22. Russia 23. United Kingdom 24. Luxembourg 25. Myanmar 26. Mongolia

27. Japan 28. Panama 29. Peru 30. Finland 31. France 32. The Philippines 33. Romania

34. Spain 35. Sweden 36. China (not applicable to Chinese e-passport holders)

37. Uruguay 38. Venezuela 39. Norway 40. Slovakia

List of International Airport allowed foreigners enter and exit Vietnam by E-visa.

1.      Cat Bi Int Airport (Hai Phong)

2.      Cam Ranh Int Airport (Khanh Hoa)

3.      Can Tho International Airport

4.      Da Nang International Airport

5.      Noi Bai Int Airport (Ha Noi)

6.      Phu Bai Int Airport

7.      Phu Quoc International Airport

8.      Tan Son Nhat Int Airport (Ho Chi Minh City)

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