Hue Cyclo Tour: Citadel & Ngu Ha Canal Ride Review

So, you want to discover Hue, that old capital of Vietnam, and really want to do something, maybe a little different? Forget about walking distances or, well, those cramped buses! Thinking about a cyclo ride that takes you around the Citadel and next to the Ngu Ha Canal? Well then, here’s my rundown of what that’s actually like, some good things and even a few things to look out for, too, it’s almost a friendly warning.

What is a Cyclo, Anyway?

Alright, just in case you’re wondering, a cyclo is that three-wheeled bicycle taxi thingy you’ll see all across Vietnam, that’s a fact. Instead of the rider sitting behind you, like on a motorcycle, that person peddles you from the front. It can feel slightly strange at first, almost a bit like being pushed around in a fancy baby stroller! That said, it gives you that unobstructed view of everything going on, which is actually what makes it really fun.

Why Choose a Cyclo Tour in Hue?

Why should you do a cyclo tour in Hue, you ask? The Imperial Citadel there, it’s pretty big. And also the weather in central Vietnam, it’s super hot and also pretty humid a lot of the time, very true. Instead of being worn out from walking that distance in that heat, hopping on a cyclo allows you to really chill out, that’s a definite perk. You get to watch the surroundings just amble on by, all while a person gives your legs a rest. Plus, really, you get closer to everything happening around you more or less, in some respects it’s quite like a slow-motion movie.

The Route: Citadel and Ngu Ha Canal

Basically, many tours will begin at the Citadel’s entrance. What used to be the home of emperors now stretches right out, and the cyclo then lets you zigzag all around this historical location. It’s more or less quite something, you see, these ancient walls that were once witness to a bunch of royal goings-on, those temples where prayers rose to the heavens, and courtyards too, those places where plots were hatched. The Ngu Ha Canal too, well, that sort of winds around the Citadel like it’s giving it a friendly hug. And the views you see while you are riding next to this water, those little boats floating and reflections dancing, can feel a bit magical, that’s quite likely the best way to put it.

Citadel Highlights

Prepare yourself! You might find that there is plenty to see inside the Citadel, alright. And of course your driver, well that person will likely pause at a few spots so you can get photos and listen, just for a bit, to the tales of times past, of course! Places, maybe like the Noon Gate, that grand old entrance, or the Thai Hoa Palace, where emperors did their emperor-ing! And too, consider the Imperial Ancestral Temple; those places, they almost pulse with stories of those bygone days. It will most likely get your imagination running, yeah?

Ngu Ha Canal Scenery

There are many peaceful moments during the ride right alongside that Ngu Ha Canal, for certain! You might very well watch local people going about stuff in their everyday lives. Perhaps you catch fishermen throwing their nets and kids playing near where the water edges are, so lovely! This canal-side view really lets you get an unedited, almost you-are-there feel, too it’s almost like you’ve walked straight into someone’s life.

What to Expect During Your Ride

Keep in mind, traffic in Vietnam can get rather lively. Well then, don’t expect it to always be this super-silent, smooth glide. Yet, most cyclo riders do tend to know the side streets and also slower routes to make the entire ride more pleasurable for you, usually. That said, communicating just slightly beforehand can usually help a great deal. So you might decide, beforehand, exactly how long you would like the journey to be, plus where you absolutely want to stop.

The Cyclo Rider Experience

You’ll be surprised that cyclo riders often tend to be more than simply drivers, it’s true. They can have plenty of info concerning Hue’s spots. They’re able to usually point things out and really, almost, answer all those burning questions that you might have. You can, so too it’s almost likely, use their knowledge. Like if you wish to discover some brilliant spots for food, just maybe ask!

How Long Does the Tour Usually Take?

How long is the tour usually, you ask? Many cyclo tours typically last from, just a bit, around an hour and a half to, yet, maybe even three hours, that is possible! The span depends largely on just how much you really wish to see. Are you planning to just snap some pics or are you wanting longer stops inside spots along the way, really?

Potential Downsides and Things to Keep in Mind

Let’s be genuine; nothing’s just perfect! From time to time, cyclo riders can unfortunately get, just slightly, overly pushy attempting to take you somewhere like, a souvenir shop they know of! Of course, it’s generally a friendly gesture to help, though it’s understandable that you’d prefer setting off on your own, for sure! So always say so clearly, also respectfully.

Negotiating the Price

Alright, agreeing on a cost beforehand is wise. Do your homework, it’s true. Really learn what that typical cost would be regarding a cyclo ride. Either check a hotel worker who seems friendly or even someone in a cafe you visit. Always agree what amount you pay right before that ride takes place, you may as well. This then removes any possibly bad feelings, in a way!

Being Aware of the Heat

Hue can seriously become hot, I kid you not. Particularly smack dab in the middle of the day, that is correct! Think about, possibly, planning that tour either during those morning times or also that later day, it’s actually just that much better! Put some sunscreen onto that skin, yes. Too, drink lots from that water bottle! When that sunlight beats on you, it beats really hard. Trust me when I state that.

Making the Most of Your Cyclo Experience

Okay, to have this genuinely nice experience, you could do something, maybe just a bit strategic. Have that tour occur either during the cooler hours, maybe when sunrise appears, and too right prior to whenever it disappears once more, perhaps then. Carry a bottle which can contain fluids. Be very brave, and maybe speak just a bit from that Vietnam language, yeah!

What to Bring With You

Are you wondering regarding what you should be taking with you right on this fun cyclo sightseeing trip? That is a fair thing to think, for certain. Obviously some kind of sunscreen. That light scarf, just right for, perhaps, preventing any kind of sun, too. A phone, that then will allow those pics and also the keeping in touch to occur.

Interacting with Your Cyclo Rider

You will find this a bit interesting! These cyclo drivers may not always understand that speech. Just learn one or two Vietnamese terms perhaps, and maybe greet and just maybe also thank. Not merely that. It usually generates good feelings. Furthermore can allow some great touring suggestions. Really, I am genuinely not fooling you.

Would I Recommend It?

Yep, so long as you can certainly negotiate, be cognizant to prevent this overheating, and do a bit talking with that rider, too! Riding inside that cyclo really then shows that location off to you. As long as everything, too, could get organised, this almost guarantees that you might, too, get all of that culture, and also enjoy any vistas of that beautiful location that exists.

A Unique Perspective on Hue

And what truly allows such excursions to actually have importance? It could well remain what such bicycle-trips supply. Such can really permit an experience which then differs against the other trips. And these little spots of beauty might not become noticed from inside some automobile!