How to get to Hue from Hoi An?

To travel from Hoi An to Hue, you have several options depending on your preference for convenience, speed, and budget:

By Bus

1. Direct Bus:
   • Several bus companies operate direct routes between Hoi An and Hue.
   • Travel time: Around 3-4 hours.
   • Cost: Approximately $5-15 USD.
   • Book tickets online through websites like Baolau or 12Go Asia, or purchase them at local travel agencies in Hoi An.

By Train

1. Train from Da Nang:
   • Take a bus or taxi from Hoi An to Da Nang (30-45 minutes).
   • Board a train from Da Nang to Hue.
   • Travel time: Around 2-3 hours for the train ride.
   • Cost: Approximately $5-20 USD depending on the class of service.
   • Book tickets on the official Vietnam Railways website or through travel agencies.

By Private Car or Taxi

1. Private Transfer:
   • Hire a private car or taxi for a direct transfer from Hoi An to Hue.
   • Travel time: Around 2.5-3 hours.
   • Cost: Approximately $60-100 USD depending on the type of vehicle and negotiation.
   • Arrange through your hotel, local travel agencies, or online services.

By Motorbike

1. Motorbike Rental:
   • Rent a motorbike in Hoi An and ride to Hue.
   • Travel time: Around 3-4 hours, depending on stops and the route taken.
   • Cost: Approximately $5-10 USD per day for rental, plus fuel costs.
   • Note: Ensure you have a valid motorbike license and are comfortable with long-distance riding in Vietnamese traffic conditions.

By Tour

1. Guided Tours:
   • Join a guided tour that includes transportation from Hoi An to Hue.
   • Options may include scenic stops, such as the Hai Van Pass and Marble Mountains.
   • Cost: Varies depending on the tour package.

Each mode of transportation has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

Traveling by bus from Hoi An to Hue with Anh Khoa Hoi An is a convenient and popular option. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps to Book and Travel with Anh Khoa Hoi An:

1. Booking:
   • Visit www.hoianit.com to check schedules and book tickets online.
   • Alternatively, you can visit their office or a local travel agency in Hoi An to book your ticket in person.
   • Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
2. Departure:
   • The bus typically departs from a designated pick-up point in Hoi An. Confirm the location and time of departure when you book your ticket.
   • Arrive at the pick-up point at least 15-30 minutes before departure.
3. Travel Time:
   • The journey from Hoi An to Hue usually takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
4. Arrival:
   • The bus will drop you off at a central location in Hue. Confirm the drop-off point when you book your ticket.

Benefits of Traveling with Anh Khoa Hoi An:

• Comfort: Anh Khoa Hoi An offers comfortable buses with air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes WiFi.
• Convenience: Direct service between Hoi An and Hue without the need to transfer.
• Affordable: Competitive pricing for budget travelers.

Contact Information:

• Website: www.hoianit.com
• Phone: (+84)0935.439.306
• Email: hoianit@gmail.com

This option provides a comfortable and hassle-free way to travel between Hoi An and Hue, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Which are some sites – seeing in Hue?

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is rich in history and culture. Here are some must-see sights in Hue:

1. Imperial City (Citadel)

• Description: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City is a walled fortress and palace complex that was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors.
• Highlights: Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, Forbidden Purple City, Royal Theater.

2. Thien Mu Pagoda

• Description: One of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Hue, located on the banks of the Perfume River.
• Highlights: 7-story pagoda, historic car used by a monk during the self-immolation protest in 1963.

3. Tombs of the Emperors

• Description: Hue is famous for its royal tombs, each with unique architecture and landscaping.
• Notable Tombs:
  • Tomb of Minh Mang: Known for its traditional Vietnamese design and symmetry.
  • Tomb of Khai Dinh: A blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles.
  • Tomb of Tu Duc: A large complex with temples, pavilions, and a lake.

4. Perfume River

• Description: The river flows through Hue and is a central feature of the city’s landscape.
• Activities: Boat cruises, especially at sunset, offering views of the city’s key landmarks.

5. Dong Ba Market

• Description: The largest and oldest market in Hue, where you can experience local life and cuisine.
• Highlights: Fresh produce, local delicacies, handicrafts, souvenirs.

6. Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts

• Description: Housed in Long An Palace, this museum displays a vast collection of royal artifacts.
• Highlights: Ceramics, clothing, furniture, and personal items of the Nguyen emperors.

7. Thanh Toan Bridge

• Description: A traditional wooden bridge with a tiled roof, located in a rural setting.
• Highlights: Scenic views, traditional architecture, nearby village activities.

8. Hon Chen Temple

• Description: A temple dedicated to the worship of the Holy Mother Thien Y A Na, located on Ngoc Tran Mountain.
• Highlights: Colorful festivals, religious ceremonies, scenic location.

9. Bach Ma National Park

• Description: A protected area known for its biodiversity and natural beauty, located about 40 km south of Hue.
• Highlights: Hiking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, diverse flora and fauna.

10. Truong Tien Bridge

• Description: An iconic bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, spanning the Perfume River.
• Highlights: Night-time illumination, pedestrian walkway.

11. An Dinh Palace

• Description: The private residence of Emperor Khai Dinh, showcasing European-style architecture.
• Highlights: Ornate interiors, historical exhibits.

These sites provide a comprehensive experience of Hue’s historical significance, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.

How about the cuisine in Hue?

Hue is renowned for its distinctive and flavorful cuisine, which reflects its imperial history and unique regional ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes in Hue:

1. Bún Bò Huế (Hue Beef Noodle Soup)

• Description: A spicy and flavorful noodle soup made with beef, pork, and rice noodles.
• Ingredients: Beef shank, pork knuckles, congealed pig blood, lemongrass, shrimp paste, chili oil.
• Serving: Topped with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.

2. Bánh Bèo (Water Fern Cake)

• Description: Small steamed rice cakes topped with savory ingredients.
• Ingredients: Rice flour, shrimp, pork cracklings, scallions, mung bean paste.
• Serving: Served with a side of fish sauce for dipping.

3. Bánh Khoái (Hue Pancake)

• Description: A crispy pancake similar to banh xeo but smaller and thicker.
• Ingredients: Rice flour, turmeric, shrimp, pork, bean sprouts.
• Serving: Served with lettuce, herbs, and a special dipping sauce made from peanut, sesame, and soy.

4. Nem Lụi (Grilled Pork Skewers)

• Description: Grilled minced pork wrapped around lemongrass stalks.
• Ingredients: Minced pork, lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce.
• Serving: Served with rice paper, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.

5. Bánh Nậm (Flat Rice Dumplings)

• Description: Steamed flat rice dumplings wrapped in banana leaves.
• Ingredients: Rice flour, shrimp, pork, scallions.
• Serving: Served with fish sauce.

6. Cơm Hến (Clam Rice)

• Description: A dish made with rice, baby clams, and a variety of herbs and toppings.
• Ingredients: Rice, baby clams, peanuts, fried pork skin, herbs, chili.
• Serving: Served with a side of clam broth.

7. Chè Huế (Hue Sweet Soup)

• Description: A variety of sweet soups and desserts, often enjoyed as snacks.
• Ingredients: Beans, glutinous rice, fruits, coconut milk, jelly.
• Serving: Served either hot or cold.

8. Bánh Canh Nam Phổ (Thick Noodle Soup)

• Description: A thick noodle soup originating from Nam Pho village.
• Ingredients: Tapioca flour noodles, shrimp, crab, pork, and a thick broth.
• Serving: Garnished with scallions and chili.

9. Bánh Lọc (Tapioca Dumplings)

• Description: Chewy dumplings made from tapioca flour and filled with shrimp and pork.
• Ingredients: Tapioca flour, shrimp, pork, scallions.
• Serving: Served with fish sauce.

10. Hue-style Spring Rolls

• Description: Fresh or fried spring rolls with a variety of fillings.
• Ingredients: Pork, shrimp, rice noodles, herbs, rice paper.
• Serving: Served with dipping sauces.

Dining Recommendations:

• Street Food Stalls: Explore the street food scene for an authentic and affordable experience.
• Dong Ba Market: A great place to sample a wide variety of Hue’s specialties.
• Local Restaurants: Look for popular local restaurants or eateries recommended by locals.
• Imperial Cuisine Restaurants: Some restaurants offer a royal dining experience with dishes inspired by the imperial court.

Hue’s cuisine is characterized by its use of bold flavors, fresh herbs, and intricate presentation, offering a unique and delicious culinary experience.