Explore Hue with Brad Hirsch!

This is me Niall Mackay, The Podcast Guy. I am the host of A Vietnam Podcast, where my guests and I share our stories and insights about Vietnam. I first fell in love with Vietnam during a vacation in 2015, traveling along the country. 

In this episode, I’m thrilled to chat with Brad “Bao” Hirsch, a seasoned traveler who has called Vietnam home for over a decade. His life here is nothing short of inspiring—he’s an actor, a TV host who’s appeared in over 20 travel shows on VTV4, and a self-taught linguist fluent in seven languages.

In this conversation, we explored the wonders of Central Vietnam, with a special focus on Hue. From its natural beauty and bike tours to its unique advantages compared to Vietnam’s bigger cities, Brad paints a vivid picture of why Hue deserves more recognition.

The Journey to Vietnam – A Sweet Spot

I’ve talked about this so many times on the podcast—it’s hard to put into words, but Vietnam just has this pull. It’s why so many of us who visit end up staying for years, even decades. Brad explained what captivated him: the raw friendliness of the people. He described sitting on a street corner, with no money and knowing no one, and within 10 or 30 minutes, making new friends and enjoying the day. That’s a rare vibe in this world.

Of course, not everyone falls for Vietnam right away. Brad and I laughed about how some people find the country overwhelming. I shared a story about an English teacher who left Saigon within days of arriving, unable to handle the chaos. Brad understood but pointed out that it’s a natural reaction to big changes, especially when traveling somewhere new. For him, though, Vietnam’s balance of growth, community, and hope sealed the deal.

Hue – An Underrated Destination

I asked Brad how he ended up in Hue because, like most people, I assumed he didn’t land there first. It turns out I was right—he started his Vietnam journey in Saigon and then moved to Vung Tau. Brad vividly remembered his first visit to Hue. It was December, and the weather wasn’t ideal—it was pouring rain. He didn’t know anyone in the city at the time, but after getting off his motorbike, he grabbed a Huda beer and stood under the rain near a beautiful bridge. Despite the less-than-perfect conditions, the city left an impression on him. There was something about Hue’s charm, even in the rain, that made him fall in love. In that moment, he knew it was home.

We then got onto the topic of Huda beer. I told Brad how it’s become a staple in Saigon over the past couple of years. I’d first tried it during a trip to Hue, but back then, you couldn’t find it in Saigon. Now, it’s everywhere. Brad already knew what I was about to share—that “Huda” comes from combining “Hu” for Hue and “Da” for Denmark, a nod to the Danish recipe behind the beer. 

I was struck by his pride for Central Vietnam, especially Hue. He made a great point right off the bat: Hue is often underrepresented in conversations about Vietnam. Sure, it’s on the main tourist trail, but so many people just breeze through, like I did on my first trip. Back then, we skipped Hue entirely, heading straight from Da Nang and Hoi An to Hanoi. Looking back, I realize how much we missed out, and I agree with Brad—Hue deserves more attention and love.

He’s watched Hue transform over the years—from a sleepy town with abandoned buildings to a vibrant city full of promise. Seeing families rise out of poverty, with kids graduating college and building better futures, gives him hope. And that hope is what makes him love living there.

Hue is definitely on my list to revisit. It’s been seven or eight years since I was there, and I’d love to see how it’s changed. Brad’s stories reminded me why Hue is such a special place—and why it deserves more than just a quick stop on a rushed itinerary.

Listen More: Da Lat: Underrated, overrated, properly rated?

Discovering Hue’s Natural Beauty

Hue’s compact size means you can hop on a bicycle, ride 10 or 15 minutes in any direction, and find yourself in the middle of breathtaking scenery. To the west, you’ve got mountains; head 15 kilometers, and you’re at the beach. In between, there are rice fields and serene lagoons. Brad mentioned that you can rent a bicycle for as little as 50,000 VND per day (around $2), and with no fixed agenda, just set off to explore. Thanks to modern conveniences like GPS, getting back is easy, so it’s a stress-free way to immerse yourself in nature.

Bach Ma National Park

One highlight Brad mentioned was Bach Ma National Park, a short trip from Hue and a must-see for nature lovers. Brad has cycled the 40 kilometers to the park himself, calling it one of the most stunning places in Asia. The park’s towering mountains, misty trails, and incredible waterfalls—including one that’s over 900 feet tall—make it a paradise for adventure seekers. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Da Nang and Hue from the highest points.

Brad suggested booking a guided tour, which costs about $20. These tours often include swimming in natural pools, trekking along waterfalls, and learning about the park’s unique biodiversity. He spoke passionately about meeting the park’s forest rangers, many of whom are former poachers who’ve turned into conservationists. One ranger stood out: a man who knows every bird species in the park—there are 27 in total, 15 of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The ranger could mimic their calls and even summon them with his voice, creating what Brad called “a moment of rapture.”

Hidden Natural Gems

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, Brad recommended the Rú Chá Forest and Hue’s unique waterways. Hue’s location gives it access to three types of water ecosystems: saltwater from the ocean, freshwater from rivers, and brackish water, a mix of the two. The Rú Chá mangrove forest is a fairytale-like landscape of twisting trees and wildlife, including mudskippers—fish that can climb trees. A viewing tower overlooks this unique ecosystem, and nearby, floating restaurants let you dine on fresh seafood while being ferried across the water.

Surprisingly, the brackish water areas are often left off tourist itineraries, but Brad urged visitors not to skip them. They’re a side of Vietnam that you won’t find elsewhere and are perfect for anyone wanting a peaceful, immersive experience.

Another activity Brad recommended is hiring a boat for a sunset cruise along the Perfume River. At about $10 per hour, you can spend a few hours gliding along the river, enjoying a barbecue on board or simply soaking in the quiet. It’s a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life.

While the city itself is flat—ideal for growing rice and easy cycling—the mountains rise just 10 kilometers to the west. Brad pointed out that Laos is only about 50 kilometers away, as the crow flies. One notable feature is the Tam Giang Lagoon, one of Southeast Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons, making it a haven for biodiversity and a great spot for a relaxing day trip.

Wildlife in Hue

Hue is a paradise for bird and butterfly enthusiasts. Around the Bach Ma area, butterfly migrations can create mesmerizing scenes, with clouds of colorful wings filling the air. Brad explained how, even from his home, he can hear the calls of various bird species, especially at dusk.

Unfortunately, wildlife in Vietnam has suffered due to years of poaching, leading to the extinction of some species. However, Brad highlighted how conservation efforts are now stronger than ever, with government initiatives and local passion helping protect what remains.

I brought up a recent guest on A Vietnam Podcast, James Jalokia, a photographer and conservation advocate who’s starting an NGO to support environmental initiatives. James highlighted some of the amazing work the Vietnamese government is doing to preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species.

Listen to this episode: Hidden Wildlife to Conservation Wins

While there’s always room for improvement, it’s encouraging to see environmental issues being recognized and addressed, even as Vietnam experiences rapid development. Hue, with its mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage, is a great example of how conservation and development can coexist. It’s a city that’s not only preserving its past but also looking ahead to a more sustainable future.

Talking to Brad made me realize how underrated Hue is as a destination for nature lovers. The city’s accessibility to mountains, rivers, lagoons, and beaches means there’s always something to explore. Whether it’s the grandeur of Bach Ma, the quiet magic of Rú Chá, or a peaceful sunset on the Perfume River, Hue offers a side of Vietnam that’s both stunning and unique.

I’ve always been more of a city person, but hearing Brad’s stories about Hue’s natural beauty and wildlife made me want to pack my bags and head there again. It’s a place that deserves more than a quick stop, and after this conversation, I can’t wait to return.

Conclusion

Hue is a city that offers so much more than meets the eye. It’s not just the historical landmarks or the delicious food—it’s the incredible mix of nature, culture, and community that makes it special.

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, don’t just pass through Hue—take the time to truly experience it. Follow us for more episodes about insights and experiences about Vietnam.