Quang Dien District
Hue, Thua Tien Hue
Sitting just north of the imperial city of Hue, the Quang Dien District is where locals and travelers go to get a simple slice of rural life. Defined by water—the Sia and Bo rivers, the Tam Giang Lagoon, and the South China Sea—Quang Dien is an excellent spot for slow adventures, like bike rides along the riverbanks and through the rice paddies.
The basics
Technically, Quang Dien is part of the Hue-Thua Thien province. Its population—some 100,000—largely relies on the Bo River and the wetlands and fertile farmlands surrounding it, perfect for harvesting rice and growing vegetables. Overall, the 62-square-mile (163-square-kilometer) region has seven villages, all congregating on the waters, plus the district capital of Sia.
Beyond taking slow moments and the bucolic vistas, head east, and you’ll run into long, golden-sand beaches stretching for miles. They’re quiet and can be accessed from spots like RUOC Village or the few restaurants spreading plastic chairs on the sand.
Things to know before you go
A local favorite, unsurprisingly, is seafood. Stop at least once at just about any restaurant on Tam Giang Lagoon.
Though this area is known for its rurality, plenty of hotels, cafes, restaurants, and general traveler amenities exist.
Head to beachside restaurants at nightfall for a great dining experience as the sun sets and the moon rises.
How to get there
Most visitors will wind up in the Quang Dien District on a countryside tour out of the nearby city of Hue—many include bike rides through the verdant rice paddies. Otherwise, you can drive here from the city via personal vehicle, taxi, or motorbike. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Hue.
When to get there
When to explore Quang Dien depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. The rainy season typically falls between September and December—but that can also mean smaller crowds, easier-to-book tours, lower hotel rates, and less sweltering temperatures. Besides that, there’s no real bad time to visit the area.
A river runs through it
If you’re here in spring, check out the traditional boat races on the Bo River out of Sia. Roughly eight rowers fit in the long, narrow vessels, often striped and colorful, with each team matching and carrying their flag high. It’s a highlight of the season.
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