Often skipped by travelers on a temple hunt but perfect for those on a budget

Most travelers are on a tight timeline and are in a hurry to get up to the north, however we found it was one of our favorite places in Vietnam. This could be due to the fact that we hit a streak of warm sunny weather in the middle of a cold rainy spell, but either way we really enjoyed the city and mostly exploring the countryside just outside the center.

MOTORBIKE AROUND THE COUNTRYSIDE

Without a doubt a place you can spend a few days wandering around the city and it's outskirts. If motorbiking is your thing, it's a really cheap and easy way to get around. There is a particularly nice drive through the rice paddies of Thuy Thanh, a small village which is home to the popular, but not overly touristic, Thanh Toan Japanese covered bridge. The locals hang out on the bridge during the day to keep cool from the afternoon sun. Driving into town there are a couple local restaurants to eat situated right on the rice fields. This makes the perfect place to spend an afternoon drinking some beers and relaxing.

WATCH A SUNSET

About 20 minutes ride out of the city you'll find Thuan An, a local beach town, and a well known lagoon, Tam Giang. The beach is nothing particularly special, especially if you came via the Hai Van Pass and had the chance to stop in Lang Co, but it is a nice trip if you have time or are going to check out the lagoon. Tam Giang Lagoon is the largest fresh water lagoon in Vietnam and is surrounded by a number of small fishing villages which serve as a great spot to watch the sunset.

Coming from Hoi An, where everything is very touristy and busy, Hue is a nice stop over after the Hai Van Pass or en route to Hanoi.

MORE PHOTOS AROUND HUE