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Hue, the tranquil ancient capital, always holds a strange allure for those seeking ancient beauty and serenity. 24 hours in Hue may not be long, but it's enough time to experience the slow pace of life, admire unique architectural heritage, and fully enjoy the distinctive flavors of Central Vietnamese cuisine.
24 hours in Hue isn't long, but it's enough time to experience the slow pace of life.
6 AM - Sunrise over the Perfume River
Along the Perfume River, the sounds of oars, engines from boats crisscrossing the waterways, and a few elderly people strolling early in the morning create a city that appears both familiar and unfamiliar. Sunrise on the banks of the Perfume River is like a silken ribbon embracing Azerai La Residence Hue. From the Superior Garden View room, the lush green garden space bathed in golden sunlight highlights the refined design, a harmonious blend of classic French beauty and the vibrant spirit of Vietnam.
Start your day with relaxing yoga exercises specially prepared by Azerai La Residence Hue for beginners, to rediscover balance, connect with nature, and forge a connection with like-minded souls.
The sunrise over the Perfume River is like a silken ribbon embracing Azerai La Residence Hue.
8 AM - A Glimpse of History Amidst the Contemporary
Leaving the riverbank at dawn, visit the Imperial Citadel – the seat of power of the Nguyen dynasty for over a century. Passing through the Ngo Mon Gate, moss-covered walls, curved tiled roofs, and horizontal plaques carved with Chinese characters appear in the early morning sun, like a slice of time in the heart of Hue. Stepping into the Thai Hoa Palace, where the emperor once held court – the feeling is not one of awe, but of profound emotion. This heritage site does not flaunt its glory; it quietly tells its story through its enduring strength and solemnity.
Passing through the Ngo Mon Gate, moss-covered walls, curved tiled roofs, and horizontal plaques carved with Chinese characters appear in the early morning sun.
10:00 AM - A return to the essence of Indochina at Azerai La Residence Hue
Hue's midday hours are more leisurely and peaceful than in other cities. And if you choose Azerai La Residence Hue as your accommodation – a French architectural masterpiece situated right by the romantic Perfume River – you'll understand what it means to "wake up amidst history." This place was once the residence of the French governor in the 1930s, boasting over 2.5 hectares of grounds and 122 elegant guest rooms.
And if you choose Azerai La Residence Hue as your accommodation – a French architectural masterpiece situated right beside the romantic Perfume River – you will understand what it means to "wake up amidst history".
Art Deco beauty shines through graceful curves, high ceilings, red-tiled corridors, and cinematic decorative details, making the space feel like it stepped right out of a film from the Indochina era. Not overly ostentatious, it is calm, restrained, and embodies the spirit of Hue – proud, understated, and full of character. It's no surprise that Azerai La Residence Hue was recently featured by The Times (UK) as one of the 16 most worthwhile hotels to experience in Vietnam in 2025.
1 PM - Enjoy a meal at Le Parfum restaurant.
Le Parfum restaurant at Azerai La Residence Hue serves Vietnamese and Western dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also enjoy outdoor dining on the terrace with views of the picturesque Perfume River.
Located in a colonial-era building, Le Gouverneur Bar offers an elegant and sophisticated space to enjoy cocktails, drinks, light meals, and snacks. French doors open from the indoor lounge area onto a covered outdoor patio, perfect for intimate afternoon tea gatherings.
2 PM – Explore the bustling Dong Ba Market.
Our exploration of Hue continues with a visit to Dong Ba Market – the oldest and busiest market in the city. It's not only a familiar shopping destination for locals but also a treasure trove of traditional Hue cuisine and specialties.
Stepping into the market, you'll immediately feel the bustling atmosphere and the alluring aroma of local dishes. The fragrant fermented shrimp paste, crispy and sweet sesame cakes, translucent tapioca dumplings, and soft and chewy rice flour dumplings are all beautifully displayed, making it hard to look away. In addition, fresh seasonal fruits like star fruit, lychee, and plums are also on display.
Dong Ba Market – the oldest and busiest market in the city.
Don't miss the chance to enjoy signature snacks like fragrant roasted pork sweet soup, soft and smooth steamed rice cakes, or flavorful grilled pork skewers right on the spot – all creating a rich, diverse, and unique culinary experience. This is also an opportunity to buy Huế specialties as gifts for your loved ones, preserving sweet memories from the ancient capital.
4 PM – Wandering through Kim Long, experiencing the rhythm of old life.
As evening falls and the sun's rays soften, Kim Long becomes more tranquil and poetic than ever. A ride along the tree-lined road, once the residence of the Nguyen dynasty's princes, is enough to fully appreciate its ancient beauty without needing any explanation. On either side of the road are rows of tea plants and betel nut trees, interspersed with the moss-covered tiled roofs of centuries-old traditional houses nestled quietly behind wooden fences.
The atmosphere here seems to whisper tales of the past, occasionally punctuated by the sound of temple bells emanating from a small temple hidden behind the foliage. On the veranda, an old man sits sipping tea, his gaze calmly following the passersby, a look that seems to have witnessed countless seasons of changing leaves in this land.
The ancient beauty of Kim Long from above.
Kim Long doesn't flaunt nostalgia, nor does it cling to the past like a living museum. Everything here, from the shadows of the trees, the streaks of sunlight, the vibrant red bougainvillea trellis in front of the yard – is an embodiment of living memories. Perhaps that's what makes Kim Long, and Hue in general, so special: a quiet yet resilient rhythm of life, where memories are not forgotten but remain present in every breath of daily life.
6 PM – Watching the sunset in the ancient capital.
The sunset in Hue isn't as vibrant as the sea, but gentle like an ancient poem. From the veranda overlooking the riverbank, the last rays of sunlight cast a golden glow on the water, reflecting off the art deco arches of Azerai La Residence Hue. A few dragon boats drift silently by, soft music playing in the background. You don't need to go far; just sitting there, watching and breathing slowly, is enough to appreciate Hue's unique beauty.
Dragon boats, a distinctive feature of Hue.
7 PM – An evening steeped in Hue's culinary traditions that awakens the taste buds.
When the city lights up, Hue takes on a unique charm. Evenings here are the ideal time to leisurely explore the cuisine, not just to eat, but to feel. A worthwhile option is a traditional Hue meal with a full spread of savory dishes, soup, stir-fries, fresh vegetables, and a bowl of savory fish sauce. At renowned restaurants like Tinh Gia Vien, Huong Xua, or Cung Dinh, the meal is not only delicious but also presented with ritual, from the tableware to the arrangement of the dishes, all reflecting the sophistication of the ancient capital. Fragrant braised goby fish, sweet and savory braised meat, boiled vegetables with fermented fish sauce, light and refreshing sour soup… All combine to create a rich and cozy dinner, just like at home.
If you enjoy the atmosphere of street food, banh khoai (fried rice pancake), nem lui (grilled pork skewers), and bun thit nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli) are appealing choices. Banh khoai is crispy, with a generous filling of shrimp and meat, served with fresh vegetables and spicy fish sauce. Nem lui has a fragrant charcoal-grill aroma, wrapped in rice paper with vegetables and pickled cucumbers, then dipped into a rich, creamy broth with a strong peanut and liver flavor.
In Hue, food isn't meant to be eaten in a hurry. Whether you're sitting in a quaint restaurant or a small eatery in a dark alley, the overall feeling is one of tranquility.
8 PM – A relaxing evening by the Perfume River
Take a stroll along Nguyen Dinh Chieu pedestrian street, where the Perfume River bank is dotted with rows of warm yellow lights. Street vendors sell sesame candy and ginger candy, and a few street artists perform gentle Trinh Cong Son songs… all creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and relaxing.
If you want a private and poetic experience, you can choose a dragon boat trip on the river. Sitting on the boat, listening to Hue folk songs amidst the vast expanse of water is a way to deeply feel the tranquility and serenity that the ancient capital still preserves. The melodious singing blends with the sound of water lapping against the boat, the lanterns swaying on the water's surface – that moment makes one forget about time.
And if you choose to stay at Azerai La Residence Hue, simply returning to the veranda, ordering a cocktail, gazing at the river, and listening to the gentle jazz music from the garden corner is enough to fully appreciate the beauty of Hue at night.
24 hours in Hue isn't long, but it's enough to see that this city doesn't need to please anyone with a glamorous appearance!
Azerai La Residence Hue, along with Azerai Ke Ga Bay in Binh Thuan, are two hotels under the Azerai brand of legendary Adrian Zecha. Discover a summer getaway at Azerai La Residence Hue and receive exclusive privileges for a more complete vacation experience, including a 10% discount for Vietnamese nationals.
Booking period: From now until June 30, 2025
Stay period: From April 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025
For more information or to make a reservation, please call 0234 3837 475, email reservations.laresidence.hue@azerai.com or visithttps://azerai.com/vi/offers/summer-sense-escape-in-azerai-la-residence-hue/
