About the ride from Dong Hoi to Hue
No trip to Vietnam is complete without a few days in Hue. It is the perfect stopping point to break up your trip between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, and Hue is a mere 166km (~100 miles) south of Dong Hoi. Once you’ve had your fill of the stunning Phong Nha Caves and the beautiful beaches along the coast, head down to Hue to fill up on stunning architecture and learn about Vietnam’s intriguing past. Even though the journey between Dong Hoi and Hue is only three hours, there are still gorgeous landscapes to take in. If you haven’t had enough of the beaches yet, make sure to watch them as you leave Dong Hoi, but pay special attention to the jaw-dropping rice terraces as you wind through the countryside.
You’ll want to come to Hue to take in all of the impressive architecture and enjoy all that this riverside town has to offer. One of the most popular things to do in Hue is to visit the Tombs of the Ancient Emperors. They were built in the 19th and 20th centuries in order to honor the emperors of Hue, and they are absolutely gorgeous. You could spend an entire day wandering around, exploring the carvings all over these impressive buildings. Each carving tells a story of a different Buddhist legend. It’s no wonder that the tombs are the most visited places in all of Hue and is a must-see for history and architecture lovers alike.
The Imperial Citadel is another fantastic set of buildings that you can explore. It was the previous center of government in Hue and a vast complex of beautiful buildings. It sits right along the Perfume River, and the Instagram shots of the carved gates and pavilions are to die for.
Walking along the Perfume River is another great way to spend your time in Hue. There is a waterfront promenade to take it all in with perfect spots to snap photos along the way. They also often have food vendors selling tasty snacks to keep you energized throughout your day of sightseeing. It is argued that Hue has the best food in Vietnam, which is no surprise because it used to be one of the most important royal cities, famed for producing impressive banquets. Make sure to leave time to sample the food and compare it to other stops in Vietnam.
The trip from Dong Hoi to Hue takes about 3 hours, no matter how you choose to travel. There is a flight from Dong Hoi to Hue, but because you have to connect in Hanoi, it will take twice as long. Because of this, you should focus on the three main options to get you to Hue: train, minivan or private car. Which is the best? That really comes down to your comfort level, budget, and sense of adventure.
How to Get from Dong Hoi to Hue
Taking a Train
Taking a train in Vietnam is the most eco and budget friendly option to get from Dong Hoi and Hue at the moment. There have been several new trains that have launched in the past few years, equipped with bathrooms, comfortable seats, charging points, AC and occasionally, WiFi. Most trains provide water and snacks for your journey and have a few departure options between Dong Hoi and Hue per day. Make sure to check the timetable to ensure the times will work with your schedule.
Taking a Minivan
A minivan is essentially like hiring a private car, but with more space. These vehicles typically have space for up to 8 people, and you pay by the car, not by person. This would be a great option if you are traveling with a larger group of friends/family, or if you want a bit more space to spread out or have more privacy so you do not have to share a car with strangers.
Taking a Private Car
Until as recently as 2014, foreigners were not permitted to drive in Vietnam. Even now, you have to have a valid International drivers license to rent a car, so most car rental companies provide a chauffeur with their rental cars to make it easier for tourists to get from A to B. When driving from Dong Hoi to Hue, taking a private car may be the luxury option you are after.
This is a great option if you like the freedom of making your own schedule or would like to stop to admire the views more often that the bus would. This is obviously the more pricey option, but very affordable, especially if you are splitting the cost with a few friends. Most cars can take two or three passengers, depending on how much luggage you have. Because options are limited for getting into Hue at the moment, and because the scenery is so stunning along the way, this may be your best bet.