Discover Azerai La Residence Hue and Its Unique Cultural Adventures

Set on a stunning two-and-a-half-hectare site with 200 meters of picturesque frontage on the fabled Perfume River, Azerai La Residence, Hue features 122 luxurious rooms and suites. At the heart of the hotel lies a colonial mansion, constructed in 1930 as part of the residence for the French Resident Supérieur. Its distinctive façade, showcasing long horizontal lines and nautical flourishes, exemplifies the streamline moderne style of art deco architecture. Complementing the mansion, two contemporary wings built in 2005 echo art deco aesthetics while embracing an expansive tropical garden and a stunning saltwater swimming pool. In December 2018, this luxury hotel joined the esteemed Azerai portfolio, founded by the legendary hotelier Adrian Zecha.

Experiences at Azerai La Residence Hue

Discover the exquisite charm of Azerai La Residence Hue, a luxurious hotel situated along the enchanting Perfume River. The property features stunning art deco architecture and lush gardens that perfectly complement its rich cultural surroundings. Guests can immerse themselves in a variety of unique experiences, including:

A Day Exploring Hue by Bicycle

Guests can embark on an unforgettable biking trip along the northern bank of the Perfume River, leading to the historic old town of Bao Vinh. This immersive tour includes visits to iconic attractions such as the Citadel, the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, a typical Hue garden house, and the ancient Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in the region.

The adventure begins at 8:30 AM with a scenic bike ride from the hotel to Dong Ba Market, where participants can discover the local foods that form the foundation of daily meals for the people of Hue. Continuing along the northern bank of the Perfume River, the biking excursion leads to Bao Vinh, a town steeped in history that recalls the trading activities that once thrived between Hue, the royal capital, and neighboring nations.

The tour also offers insight into the lifestyle of the royal family and the aristocrats of the Nguyen Dynasty at the Citadel and the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the Tha Om garden house, known for its traditional Hue architecture, before concluding their cultural journey at the majestic Thien Mu Pagoda.

A delightful late lunch will be arranged at a charming garden house, featuring specialty dishes from Hue, allowing guests to interact with the landlord and immerse themselves in the local culture. The cycling trip wraps up with a leisurely ride back to the hotel in the mid-afternoon, creating an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Hue’s heritage and natural beauty.

Explore Hue Cuisine

Visitors to Hue can enjoy a memorable cyclo ride along the ancient walls of the “Great Enclosure – Dai Noi,” setting the stage for an exciting Hue Food Trail. The culinary journey begins in Kim Long, where guests can savor the fresh rice rolls with grilled pork at the renowned Huyen Anh restaurant—an essential stop for anyone exploring Hue’s famous cuisine.

The adventure continues with the discovery of Banh Khoai, a delicious Hue pancake filled with shrimp and pork. This dish is served at a restaurant run by an inspiring deaf family known for their innovative bottle openers, which has gained popularity among the expatriate community in Vietnam.

Next, at Hanh Restaurant, guests can indulge in Beo, Nam, Loc, which are some of the most popular specialties of Hue cuisine. The culinary exploration doesn’t stop there; sweet lovers will find delight in the local dessert, Hue sweet soups. The next stop will be Che Hem on Hung Vuong Street, famous for its historical significance as a provider of special desserts for the Nguyen Royal families. Visitors will encounter over 15 different types of Hue sweet soups, each challenging their taste buds with unique flavors.

Princess Ngoc Son’s Garden House

Princess Ngoc Son’s Garden House is a well-known garden house located in Hue, nestled in the ancient Gia Hoi landscape east of the imperial city. This significant site is dedicated to Princess Ngoc Son, the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh (1885 – 1889). She was married to Nguyen Huu Tien, the head of the Nguyen military and the son of the high-ranking mandarin, academician Nguyen Huu Thang.

In 1921, Nguyen Huu Tien constructed a charming garden house covering 2,400 square meters to honor Princess Ngoc Son, his first wife. This location also served as a family residence for him, his second wife, and their seven children. For over 90 years, the descendants of Nguyen Huu Tien have committed themselves to protecting and preserving this historic garden house, even amidst the ongoing changes in Gia Hoi and Hue city.

Currently, the owner of the house is Mrs. Nguyen Thi Suong, the granddaughter of Prince Consort Nguyen Huu Tien. Her husband, Mr. Phan Thuan An, is a well-known historian in Hue. Their profound understanding of Hue’s history and culture ensures that the Princess Ngoc Son Worship House is meticulously preserved. This commitment to preservation and heritage is also instilled in their three children, who actively contribute to the fields of preservation and heritage in Hue.

Visitors to Princess Ngoc Son Worship House will not only appreciate the architectural beauty of a traditional Hue garden house but will also gain insight into the traditional lifestyle of Hue’s residents and explore the deeper cultural aspects that embody Hue’s rich heritage.

Half-Day Craft Villages Around Hue

Guests will embark on a memorable journey from their hotel with a local guide to explore the vibrant craft villages around Hue. The adventure begins with a scenic drive to Thanh Toan, home to a unique tile-roofed bridge built two centuries ago, one of only two such bridges in Vietnam (the other is located in Hoi An). This bridge was constructed as a tribute to the villagers by the wife of a high-ranking Mandarin and has served as a shelter for disadvantaged people during the winter, surviving numerous storms, floods, and wars. Adjacent to the bridge, visitors can explore the bustling morning market, showcasing local produce and traditional crafts.

Continuing further into the picturesque countryside outside Hue City, guests will arrive at the small village of Thanh Tien, traditionally known for its skilled craftsmen who produce exquisite paper flowers using techniques that have been passed down through generations for hundreds of years. These delicate flowers are commonly used in religious ceremonies and as offerings during traditional occasions, including the Tet Lunar New Year festival, a significant celebration in Vietnamese culture.

A short distance away lies the traditional woodblock printing village of Sinh, located along the lower section of the Perfume River. This charming village overlooks stunning temples and pagodas, and the vibrant prints created here are typically used during the Lunar New Year period as burning effigies for ancestor worship. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to tour family homes in the village where this cherished craft has been preserved for generations and meet the talented artisans to learn more about their time-honored techniques.

A Day Trip from Hue to Hoi An

Travelers will set off from their hotel for an exciting day trip to Da Nang City, traveling via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, which offers spectacular coastal views. The journey continues south to Da Nang, where guests will visit the Cham Museum, renowned for housing the finest collection of Cham sculptures. Next, they will explore Marble Mountain, featuring five sacred hills adorned with numerous Buddhist shrines. Afterward, the tour proceeds to the charming town of Hoi An. Lunch is included, followed by a leisurely walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, where visitors will explore significant sites, including former merchants’ homes, the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Tile-roof Bridge, a traditional Chinese communal hall, and the lively local market. Guests will return to Hue in the late afternoon, filled with unforgettable memories.

A Day of Cycling to Ancient Tombs

Departing from the hotel at 8:30 AM, guests will embark on a cycling adventure along Le Loi Street, passing by the impressive French-built Quoc Hoc High School, where many of Vietnam’s notable statesmen, including the founding father Ho Chi Minh, once studied. The ride continues to Quoc An Pagoda, one of the oldest Buddhist foundations in central Vietnam and a representation of the Mahayana sect in Hue. Here, visitors will have the chance to stop at a local kindergarten, fostering community engagement. Following scenic country lanes, cyclists will enjoy views of various Buddhist pagodas and shrines.

The cycling journey proceeds toward Khai Dinh Tomb, famous for its intricate mosaic tiles and European-influenced Oriental design. After exploring the tomb, cyclists will visit the craft village of Da Khe, which specializes in traditional bamboo handicrafts. From there, a short boat trip across a reservoir leads to Gia Long Tomb, celebrated for its distinctive architecture and stunning natural setting.

After leaving the tomb, guests will cycle along the northern bank of the Perfume River, surrounded by lush, aged pine trees, before boarding a local ferry to cross to the other side of the river. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine, before continuing to the tomb of Emperor Thieu Tri, the third emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, who inherited a stable and robust administration from the previous ruler, Emperor Minh Mang.

The cycling adventure concludes at Tu Duc’s Tomb, where Emperor Tu Duc, considered a Sino-Vietnamese scholar and poet, chose a romantic pine tree hill as his final resting place, complemented by beautifully romantic architectural styles. Guests will then visit nearby villages specializing in incense stick making and bronze casting before returning to Hue, enriched by the cultural and historical experiences of the day.

Half Day in Hue – Discover the Garden Houses of Hue

Hue’s garden houses, which harmoniously blend traditional architecture with the beauty of nature, represent a unique expression of the cultural values of Vietnam’s former imperial city. In recent years, these charming garden houses have gained significant popularity among tourists eager to experience the rich heritage and history of Hue.

During this half-day tour, visitors will have the opportunity to explore some of the most renowned garden houses in Hue. Highlights include Ngoc Son Garden House, the former residence of Princess Ngoc Son, the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh. Guests will also visit the Ben Xuan Garden House Theatre, famous for its cultural performances, and the picturesque Tha Om Garden House, known for its stunning natural surroundings.

While admiring the traditional lifestyle and lush landscapes of these locations, visitors can indulge in authentic Hue tea and delightful Hue sweets offered by the welcoming landlords, providing an immersive experience in local culture and hospitality. This unique exploration of Hue’s garden houses is a must-do for anyone looking to connect with the region’s cultural heritage.