Former capital of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, the royal city of Hue is situated on the country’s central coast, midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
It is a serene place, a small city of canals boasting splendid historical sights, and is dominated by its massive Citadel, and the former Forbidden Purple City.
The Tomb of Minh Mang in HueVeterans coming back to Vietnam might remember that most of its beautiful imperial architecture was destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive, yet despite a tumultuous history it retains much of its cultural identity and has been recognized as a Cultural World Heritage Site. Some of the buildings have been refurbished or managed to escape damage.
The Chinese-inspired architecture and the remaining statues and walls create an interesting look into the past. Some of the museum exhibits are quite informative, giving visitors more than a cursory summary of historical events. Relics and exhibits on the clothing and culture of Vietnam’s imperial past are worth more than a glance. There are several entrances, the southern-most being the best, and nearest to the palace.
Hue is also an important center for Buddhism and hundreds of temples and pagodas exist around the city, such as the Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most famous structures in the country. The Perfume River lies between the city and the remains of the mighty Citadel with many attractions along its banks. Sampan boat trips on the river offer an enchanting way to see the main sights in and around Hue, including the splendid tombs of the Nguyen emperors a few miles south of the city. The tomb of Tu Duc and tomb of Khai Dinh are the most impressive of these compounds, the former overflowing with idyllic gardens, pavilions, and bridges. These are well worth an afternoon’s activity. Hue also host a huge festival every other year, the Hue Festival is a major tourist attraction to the central Vietnam region.
Along with its historical sights, Hue is also the main starting point for day tours to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), a historical area spanning both sides of the former border between North and South Vietnam, and the Vinh Moc underground tunnels.
To explore this charming Vietnam destination, contact More Fun Travel to get your vacation started.
