This my third time in Hue and our second together. We had seen a lot of the sights before and so our time was spent walking around one afternoon and the second day hiring some bikes and getting out into the countryside.
Day 1: Walking around Hue
Hue is a remarkably walkable city compared to Hanoi or Saigon. By walking, we discovered hidden cafes and local life that you’d miss from a taxi window.
We began our journey by wandering the area around the historic Citadel. The wide, tree-lined boulevards and ancient architecture are perfect for a slow-paced afternoon. The warm weather only added to the charm as we took in the sights that make Hue a UNESCO World Heritage gem.
We spent an afternoon walking around Hue enjoying the warm weather.
Renting bikes and visiting the countryside
Bikes go for 50,000 VND a day, about $2 USD and the ones we had were in goodish condition. The tyres had air in and the brakes more or less worked.
We cycled about 40 km in total, venturing far from the tourist crowds. Following the curves of the Perfume River, we discovered narrow dirt paths through lush green fields and small local villages. Surprisingly, we didn’t see a single other tourist all day. If you want to see the “authentic” Vietnam, this is how you do it.
Bia Hoi Hanoi
After a long day of cycling, nothing beats a cold beer. We tracked down a hidden gem: what we believe is the only place in Hue serving Bia Hoi Hanoi.
This fresh, light craft beer is a staple of Northern Vietnam, and finding it here was a treat. They serve it in massive 2-litre “bombs” for only 50,000 VND. It’s incredibly refreshing and easily the best value drink in town.
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