Hue: Citadel, Music and Cuisine

Hue brings together an impressive imperial history, river scenery, music and a distinctive cuisine. The Perfume River runs through the city; together with Ngu Binh Mountain, it shapes the landscape and symbolic setting of its historic monuments. If you are looking for a destination where a range of cultural discoveries meet a striking cityscape, Hue offers plenty of ways to explore.

Imperial history in the Citadel

From 1802 to 1945, under the Nguyễn dynasty, Huế was Vietnam’s political, cultural and religious centre. This era can be explored especially well at the Citadel, which includes the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and other royal palaces. Visitors can explore the complex’s palaces, pavilions and theatres. The Imperial City itself is a walled area with tree-lined avenues, parks and canals crossed by old bridges. The Citadel is therefore more than a single attraction: its different parts offer distinct insights into the history of the royal centre.

One striking structure is the seven-storey Phước Duyên Tower at Thiên Mụ Pagoda. King Thiệu Trị had it built between 1844 and 1846; the tower is 21.24 metres high. Its precise dimensions and construction dates provide a concrete link to this part of the city’s history. The Thiên Mụ, or Heavenly Lady, complex is also one of the most revered religious sites in Huế. Those interested in religious sites and the history of the Nguyễn dynasty will find here a different way to experience the city than in the palaces of the Citadel.

Nhã nhạc: Court music and theatre

Nhã nhạc, Vietnamese court music, is an art form of the Imperial City of Huế recognised by UNESCO. Under the Nguyễn dynasty, it was performed at important royal family ceremonies. This connection between music and court life makes Nhã nhạc a distinctive subject for a visit, not just another aspect of architectural history. Visitors can experience this refined music during a boat trip on the Perfume River.

Duyệt Thị Đường Theatre is also part of the history of court music. It is located within the Imperial City and was built during the Nguyễn dynasty as the first theatre to open for royal music. Together with the palaces and pavilions, it shows that the city’s historic life can be understood through more than monumental buildings alone: music and performance also had a place in the royal setting.

River scenery and cuisine in Hue

The Perfume River and Ngu Binh Mountain are part of the landscape and symbolic setting of the historic monuments. A boat trip on the river can also be an opportunity to experience Nhã nhạc. This brings a specific cultural experience together with the river scenery, without having to combine several attractions into a supposed shared route.

The cuisine also gives the trip its own focus. Bánh khoái is a pan-fried crêpe from Huế made with shrimp, quail egg, bean sprouts and pork belly. It is served with fresh salad and a thick dipping sauce made from peanuts and pork liver. Its ingredients and accompaniments make this dish a distinct discovery for anyone who wants to enjoy regional cuisine as more than a side note to a city visit.

Bánh nậm is a steamed parcel made from thin rice-flour dough. It contains fresh shrimp and dried shrimp flakes stir-fried with garlic, spring onions and onions; the parcel is folded in banana leaves for steaming. Bánh bèo, meanwhile, are small rice cakes from Huế, steamed in little ceramic bowls and topped with dried shrimp, pork crackling, shallots and spring onion oil. Đông Ba Market offers fresh produce and a culinary introduction to Huế cuisine.

When planning your trip, consider whether you would most like to focus on the history of the Imperial City, Nhã nhạc, the river scenery or local cuisine. If you are travelling with family, the variety of topics can also provide plenty to talk about together—from the royal palaces to the ingredients in the dishes.

Also discover Lang Co, Phú Bai, tx. Hương Trà and Phong An.

For the broader travel overview: Thua Thien-Hue.