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Destinations: Hue
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Hue or the official name Thua
Thien Hue is one of the most popular destinations
for visitors to Vietnam. Straddling the Perfume
River, this mysterious, somber city is a historian's
dream come true, with numerous 19th century ruins,
royal tombs and an excellent museum.
The Imperial City of Hue was
the capital of Vietnam during the reign of the
Nguyen dynasty, the last dynasty in Viet nam.
Even today, the Vietnamese regard Hue with awe
and respect. Hue also has the distinction of being
one of the rainiest cities in Vietnam, receiving
more than 120 inches each year.
Hue is dominated by the Citadel,
a moated, walled fort, constructed during the
early 19th century. Within these walls lies the
forbidden Purple City, former home of the royal
family. The Citadel was also the scene of brutal
fighting and staggering casualties during the
1968 Tet Offensive, when the North Vietnamese
held the fort for 26 days before being driven
out by American forces. The damage inflicted to
the architecture is still being repaired and the
Citadel may never be fully restored. In somewhat
better shape are the various royal tombs of the
Nguyen emperors, which can easily be reached by
boat, car or motorbike. The historical museum
is one of the best in the country.
We, the Vietnamese regard Hue
as the pinnacle of Vietnamese fashion, language
and cuisine. The women of Hue, wearing the traditional
ao dai and non bai tho, are reputed to be the
most beautiful in all of Vietnam. The Hue accent
is regarded as the most distinct and pleasing
to the ear. The food, including local dishes such
as banh khoai, is said to be the tastiest. Some
of this is surely legend rather than fact, but
who am I to argue?
Visiting Hue, you won't be alone.
At any time of the year this small city is bustling
with tourists. Hue is on almost every tour itinerary
and it is the northern terminus of the infamous
"open tour" bus route. Lots of tourists
also means lots of hawkers, cyclo drivers and
children selling chewing gum. It sometimes seems
impossible to walk more than 10 feet without being
accosted by someone wanting to sell you something.
Smile a lot, say thank you (preferably in Vietnamese)
and go about your business and you will be left
alone.
Hue can easily be visited as
a day trip from Danang which has the international
airport, or as an overnight stop on the way to
Hanoi or before returning to Saigon.
Weather Hue
History: The best time to visit
Hue is from May to August, when it tends to be
dryest. Bring a raincoat anyway, as it's still
likely to rain.
Current weather: Click
here
Hue maps
Option
tours to visit Hue & the surroundings.
- Hanoi:
- Hanoi:
[ Weather
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Hue ]
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