A long layover in Hue is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Phu Bai Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 75 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of HUI:
- Can you legally enter Vietnam? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 75-minute journey each way by Taxi / Grab, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the VND. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Exploring Hue on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Hue, two standouts are:
- Imperial City (Dai Noi) — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Thien Mu Pagoda — It’s a popular stop for visitors with limited time in Hue.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Not every layover calls for a city trip. If you’re staying at HUI, check out HUI Business Lounge or Souvenir & Local Products Shop to keep yourself occupied.
Where to Eat
For food in Hue, local travelers recommend Quán Cơm Hến Dì Cam. If you have time for a second stop, Hanh Restaurant (Nhà Hà ng Hạnh) is another popular pick.
Back at HUI, HUI Airport Restaurant is the go-to. Airport Coffee Shop rounds out your in-terminal options.
How to Get Into Hue
From HUI, the Taxi / Grab gets you to Hue in around 75 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 95 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Grab offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Hue Side Trip
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Hue, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
Storing Your Luggage at Phu Bai Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at HUI may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Hue’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and HUI is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Hue and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Taking a Break at HUI
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at HUI.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Final Thoughts
Whether you spend your layover in Hue exploring the streets or relaxing at HUI, the key is to make the time feel worthwhile. A quick city visit can turn a tedious wait into the highlight of a long travel day.
Just keep your boarding pass handy and leave plenty of time to get back. Happy travels.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.