HUE |
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OUTDOORS
Positioned at one of Vietnam ’ s narrowest points , Hue enjoys the best of both worlds , with unfettered access to the coast and the rugged mountains that define the western frontier . Formed where the Perfume River spills out into the South China Sea , Tam Giang is part of Southeast Asia ’ s largest lagoon system . Make a pilgrimage to one of the many viewpoints to watch the sun set , or explore the Ru Cha littoral park , where the arced arms of ancient mangroves shade the boardwalks . White-sand swimming beaches edge the entire isthmus , with Thuan An a crowd favorite for its seafood restaurants and traditional fishing boats picturesquely arranged along the shore .
Traveling inland , the Truong Son mountains can be reached in less than an hour . Burrowed in the foothills , the Thanh Tan Hot Springs were first discovered in the 1920s by French military doctor Albert Sallet . Plunge into the network of pools that snakes through the forest , fed
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Boats on Thuan An Beach
by magnesium and calcium-rich thermal waters . Other adventure activities in the area include a zipline and a highwire .
HOTELS
Facing the citadel from the opposite bank of the river , the twin districts of Vinh Ninh and Phu Hoi offer local restaurants and easy access to the old city via lively Le Loi Park .
To immerse yourself in Hue ’ s colonial charms , reserve a room at striking hotel Azerai La Residence , the former French Resident-Superieure ’ s villa whose rooms preserve 1930s art deco flourishes . There ’ s also a saltwater pool overlooking the Perfume River . For modern luxury , the Melia Vinpearl is located in a 34-story building and sports a heated rooftop pool , sky terrace and suites with panoramic city views . Travelers seeking the royal treatment should book inner-city Alba Spa Hotel , where the wellness center uses mineral waters sourced from the Truong Son geothermal springs .
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ESSENTIALS
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When to go : Thanks to its coastal location , Hue experiences relatively mild temperatures year-round . The months of October , November and December see typhoons , monsoonal rains and flooding , and are best avoided as a result . Currency : Vietnamese dong .
$ 1 = VND 24,700 Language : Vietnamese . English is
widely spoken in the city center and among tourism operators in rural areas around Hue . Getting around : Central Hue ,
including the Imperial Citadel , is best navigated by foot . Traditional cyclos ( three-wheel bicycle taxis ) are available for traveling short distances , while farther-flung attractions including the royal tombs can be reached by taxi .
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BOOK IT NOW
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Once you ’ ve explored Hue , extend your stay in Vietnam on a river cruise . Join the 7-Night Riches of the Mekong River sailing aboard the AmaDara and receive a $ 150 Shipboard Credit per person as a special gift from our agency . Departs Kampong Cham , Vietnam on November 25 , 2024 .
CALL US
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To book your trip to Vietnam , contact our travel agency .
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IMAGE : Awl images . ILLUSTRATION : LIS WATKINS |
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