Hue, the former Imperial Capital, has always possessed a serene and captivating charm. As September arrives, Hue enters a transitional season, widely considered the most beautiful and ideal time of year for a visit. A Hue travel experience in September is the perfect opportunity for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the city’s poetic, ancient beauty and find a true place of peace. This comprehensive guide by Laguna Lăng Cô will help you plan your journey to explore Hue.
Index
September: The Ideal Time for Hue Travel and to Experience the Imperial Autumn
As September begins, Hue welcomes the first pleasantly cool days of autumn. This period marks the transition between the scorching summer and the cold, rainy season. Consequently, the weather is incredibly pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 30 – 33°C.
Moreover, September casts a poetic scenery over Hue. The leaves begin to turn golden, and the tree-lined streets become even more romantic. A morning mist often blankets the Perfume River, adding to the tranquil mystique of the ancient temples and palaces. As you stroll through the Complex of Hue Monuments, you can admire its historical grandeur while soaking in the city’s uniquely peaceful rhythm.
Top Places to Visit for Your Hue Travel in September
Hue Imperial City – The Golden Legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty
The Imperial City is the first stop that anyone on a Hue travel journey should make. This was once the center of power for the Nguyen Dynasty, preserving over 100 majestic architectural works. Every wall, roof tile, and intricate carving recalls a golden era of Vietnamese history. Additionally, you can rent traditional royal costumes to dress as princes and princesses for impressive photos.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery – Serenity Amid the Mountains
Nestled in the Bach Ma mountain range, Truc Lam Zen Monastery offers a rare sense of tranquility. It is surrounded by the crystal-clear Truoi Lake, its surface as still as a mirror. This makes the monastery a perfect destination for those seeking peace amidst nature. The traditional Vietnamese pagoda architecture will surely make you want to linger longer.
Perfume River – Hue’s Romantic Symbol of Hue Travel
Mentioning Hue travel in September without the Perfume River would be an oversight. This gentle river winds through the heart of the city, creating a poetic, watercolour-like landscape. In September, the autumn colours make the river even more romantic, especially when you are on a dragon boat listening to Hue Royal Court Music (Nhã nhạc cung đình) – a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Hue Beef Noodle Soup – A Hot and Hearty Taste of the Imperial Land
Once a resting place for kings, Vong Canh Hill offers a panoramic view of the entire city. From here, you can see the winding Perfume River, the mossy rooftops, the green mountains embracing the city, and the whispering pine trees. It is also an ideal picnic spot to capture stunning autumn photographs in a dreamy setting.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village – The Traditional Scent and Colour of Hue
Located about 7km from the city center, Thuy Xuan Incense Village is famous for its colourful bouquets of incense sticks arranged like vibrant flowers. More than just a long-standing traditional craft village, it is also a “viral” check-in spot on social media. You can experience making incense yourself, learn about the production process, and bring home authentic Hue souvenirs.
Thien Mu Pagoda – A Spiritual Icon of Hue Travel
Thien Mu Pagoda sits on Ha Khe Hill, overlooking the poetic Perfume River. The pagoda is renowned for its 7-story Phuoc Duyen Tower, an iconic symbol of Hue. The tranquil atmosphere and the echoing sound of the temple bell in the autumn air make it a beloved spiritual destination for many visitors.
Savoring the Culinary Essence of the Imperial Capital
When it comes to Hue travel, cuisine is an essential part of the region’s allure. Especially in September, when the weather is cool and comfortable, exploring Hue through its specialty dishes becomes even more delightful. From breakfast and snacks to dessert, every flavour carries the distinct culinary mark of the imperial court and local folklore.
Hue Beef Noodle Soup – A Hot and Hearty Taste of the Imperial Land
Hue Beef Noodle Soup has long been a famous culinary brand throughout Vietnam. However, only by eating it in Hue can you experience its truly authentic flavour. The broth is fragrant with lemongrass and warm with chili, combined with beef, pork sausage, and coagulated pig’s blood, creating a bowl that is a feast for the senses.
Price: 20,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl.
Recommended places:
- Bun bo O Lieu: 05 Trinh Cong Son St, Hue City
- Bun bo Canh Van: 206 Trinh Cong Son St, Hue City (in a small alley)
- Bun bo Me Keo: 20 Bach Dang St, Hue City
- Bun bo Ba Tuyet: 47 Nguyen Cong Tru St, Hue City
Mussel Noodles – A Rustic Delicacy from Con Hen Fishing Village
Mussel Noodles is a simple dish with a very unique Hue flavour. The mussels are stir-fried with onions, fat, and spices, served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, roasted peanuts, and a light, sweet broth. The spiciness of the chili and the aroma of the mussels make this a “popular specialty” on any Hue travel itinerary.
Price: 15,000 – 20,000 VND/bowl.
Recommended places:
- Bun hen Hoa Dong: 64/7 Ung Binh, Hue City
- Bun hen Ba Cam: 49 Tung Thien Vuong, Hue City
- Bun hen Dap Da: 1 Han Mac Tu, Hue City
- Bun hen Lanh: 23 Ngo Gia Tu, Hue City
Hue Sweet Soup – A Sweet, Royal-Standard Treat
Hue Sweet Soup was once a dessert reserved for the Nguyen Dynasty kings. Today, it has become a familiar treat for tourists. From the refreshing lotus seed sweet soup and fragrant corn sweet soup to the elaborate royal sweet soup, each type has its own gentle, perfectly balanced sweetness.
Recommended places:
- Che Hem Hue: Alley 29 Hung Vuong St, Hue City
- Che Mo Ton Dich: 20 Dinh Tien Hoang St, Hue City
Grilled Pork Skewers – Fragrant Street Food for a Hue Night
Grilled Pork Skewers is made from seasoned minced pork, wrapped around lemongrass stalks, and grilled over charcoal. It’s served with rice paper, fresh vegetables, and a thick, rich, and aromatic dipping sauce. The cool evenings of September are the perfect time to enjoy Grilled Pork Skewers at popular spots.
Recommended places:
- Nem lui Tai Phu: 2 Dien Bien Phu St, Hue City
- Nem lui On Me Gia: 25 Dao Duy Tu, Hue City
- Nem lui Hong Mai: 110 Dinh Tien Hoang St, Hue City
- Nem lui Ba Ty: 81 Dao Duy Tu, Hue City
Unique Activities to Try on Your Hue Travel
Experience Royal Court Music on the Perfume River
One of the most memorable experiences during your Hue travel is gliding down the Perfume River on a dragon boat while enjoying the melodies of Hue Royal Court Music – a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage. In the vast, watery expanse, the resonant court music will transport you back in time, allowing you to feel the full elegance and sophistication of the ancient capital’s culture.
Explore the Old Town by Cyclo
A very “Hue” way to experience the slow pace of life here is to take a cyclo ride through the shady streets, across the Truong Tien Bridge, past Dong Ba Market, or through the old Gia Hoi quarter. The cyclo driver will often share stories about the city’s life and history.
Enjoy a Peaceful Bike Ride
If you love tranquility, consider renting a bicycle. Ride along lush village roads or through rice fields along the river. This serene experience will make your Hue travel adventure even more complete.
Plan Your Hue Travel Getaway
A trip to Hue is made even better with the right accommodation that is both comfortable and convenient. Located within the Laguna Lăng Cô international integrated resort complex, Laguna Parkside Lăng Cô offers modern, fully-equipped townhouse villas, perfect for families or groups of friends at a reasonable cost.
More than just accommodation, Laguna Lăng Cô offers the opportunity to discover the Imperial Capital through private tours designed to bring you closer to its ancient beauty. You can start your day with a walk to explore the tombs and temples, then return to your villa to relax in a peaceful space. Or, you can spend the morning resting before embarking on an afternoon tour to experience Hue’s gentle rhythm.
To make your trip even more perfect, consider these two special offers:
Vibrant Summer
Book a stay of 2 nights or more and receive a gift voucher valued at 1,199,000 VND (deducted directly from the villa price), along with other attractive benefits at Laguna Lăng Cô.
Family Bliss Getaway
Deals starting from only 1,450,000 VND/guest. This promotion is applicable for stays from August 30th to September 2nd, promising guests many unique experiences at Laguna Lăng Cô.
Important Notes for Your Trip
To ensure your Hue travel in September is smooth, keep these tips in mind:
- Weather: September can have sudden rain showers. Always carry an umbrella or a light raincoat. Evenings can be cool, so a light jacket will be useful.
- Transportation: Book flights, trains, and hotels at least 2 weeks in advance to get the best prices and ensure availability, especially if your trip falls on the National Day holiday (September 2nd).
- Attire: When visiting spiritual sites like pagodas and the Imperial City, choose respectful, modest clothing to show reverence.
Your Hue travel in September promises to bring unforgettable emotions, from being awestruck by majestic heritage sites to feeling at peace while immersing yourself in the slow-paced life of the Imperial Capital’s people.
Conclusion
Hue travel in September is an opportunity to experience a gentler side of Hue, as the autumn breeze weaves through every street corner, adding a touch of romance to the scenery and its people. Let Laguna Lăng Cô accompany you on this journey, with our comfortable accommodations, attractive packages, and dedicated service. We look forward to welcoming you this coming autumn.
