These reviews are based on my September 2024 travels to Hue, Vietnam.
TRANSPORT
The best way to access this area is by local taxi, usually Grab [the equivalent of Uber]. You can download the app, and if you find a driver that you like to go with, they will generally opt to communicate with you via WhatsApp. Along the way you’ll pass rivers, graveyards and lots of local cattle.
MAUSOLEUM OF EMPEROR KHAI DINH
A series of steep steps lead upwards towards the mausoleum [if that isn’t accessible for you, note there did not appear to be any other way up]. Along the way you can pick up a traditional Vietnamese hat to shade you from the sun.
You’ll reach stone warriors and horses guarding the higher levels. This spot also serves as an amazing vantage point to the green fields and mountainous surrounds.
At the top is the actual mausoleum, which is incredibly ornate and amazing to see. The entry way walls are lined with the written history of the various emperors, and we witnessed tours taking place in different languages. While you’ll no doubt encounter other tourists here, in our experience it is quiet, allowing you to take in the information and experience more fully for yourself.
THE IMPERIAL CITY
When first entering the gates a little box of fish food on the left caught my eye. No one else seemed to be using it, but I guess happy childhood memories were triggered and I couldn’t resist. A swarm of Koi and a couple of Catfish emerged, much to the delight of us and all the other tourists.
The grounds of this ancient walled city are quite vast, so you could spend a long time here exploring if you’d like. The architecture is intriguing, at times it evoked a Wes Anderson film for me. Inside some of the palaces was preserved beautiful historical furniture and decor once owned by the Nguyen Dynasty.
THE GARDEN CAFE & VEGETARIAN FOOD
Just across the street from the Imperial City is this delightful little place to stop for lunch.
As we wandered into the garden we were greeted by lovely staff and two charming dogs. Lucky’s [pictured left] back leg doesn’t work too well, but that doesn’t stop him from coming to say hi and exploring. His adorable little companion [pictured right] also stopped by the table; the staff told us they acquired him so Lucky wouldn’t be lonely.
One of the favourite local things I tried on this trip was the bottle of Dragonfruit wine that we had here. I’m no sommelier, so excuse my lack of apt descriptors, but it had a bright and unique flavour, refreshing and not too sweet. I’d highly recommend sampling it.
The food here is a delicious too. They have healthy and fresh vegetarian offerings which we enjoyed a lot.
It’s a tranquil place to sit, made even better by the cheerful conversation and little anecdotes from the staff. This place is definitely a hidden gem.
