Hue Vietnam

May 6, 2008

Hue teems with architectural masterpieces including citadels, royal palaces, mausoleums and pagodas of the Nguyen dynasties (17-19th century) on the banks of the Perfume river. It was the among the first two sites in the country to achieve World Heritage status.

Area: 67,77 sq km
Population: 297,565
Tel. code 054

Geography and climate

Located on a narrow delta on the central coast, Hue is bordered by mountains to the west and by the sea to the east. Hue records the highest rainfall in all of Vietnam. The wet season starts in August and doesn’t finish until January. Don’t be discouraged by the monsoon though, as the region’s beauty shines through the raindrops. The best time for visting Hue is between November and April.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle Hue is quiet and peaceful, the people friendly, gentle and elegant. Hue women are said to be the most gentle of all of Vietnam. Budget About JS20 to JS30 per day per person. Backpacker accommodation and cafes can bring down
the costs significantly.

Transport

The best means of transport is a bicycle. Motorbikes and cyclos are the other options, and the hotel can book a ticket for boat rides on the Perfume River.

Cuisine

Hue cuisine is characterised by well-decorated, sophisticated meals reminiscent of the city’s royal past. Food is typically presented in many small vessels. Service is formal and seating arrangements are paid more attention to some of the most famous dishes include: corn hen (rice with mussels from the Perfume river), banh khoai (a crisp taco-like affair filled with meat and sprouts), banh xeo, me xung (a sweet with sesame seeds), and vegetarian food.

Shopping

Dong Ba market on Tran Hung Dao street about 100m” from Trang Tien bridge is the biggest business centre in the region. All kinds of high quality goods and handicrafts made inside and outside the city can be found here. Hue is famous for its conical hats which include silhouettes that can only be seen when the hat is held to the light.

Sightseeing

The Citadel A small, self-contained city of about 2sq km with about 100 buildings within the massive stonewalls. One side otthe perfectly square fortress is edged by the river. Within the outer wall lies the Imperial City and inside, the Forbidden City. the forner living quarters of the imperial family.

Revolutionary museum Opposite the An museum on Le True street. Depicts Hue’s historical past.

Hon Chen temple On the bank of the Perfume river, the only way to get there is by boat. Literature temple is dedicated to Confucious. It has a stone stele bearing the engraved names of laureates who passed the Nguyen examinations Nam Giao platform 3km south of the Palace’s main gate, is where the emperor performed sacred rituals and secular ceremonies. Thien Mu pagoda on the banks of the Perfume river is famous for its seven-storey Phuoc Duyen tower.

Bach Ma National Park 50km south of Hue, the park covers 220sq km and is home to rare plants and animals. Guesthouse with 21 beds (Tel: 871-330).

Restaurant can seat up to 50 people (Tel: 871-330)

Canh Duong beach 60km from Hue, this crescent shaped 8km long beach is the most beautiful in Don’t expect to find ghosts or something about death here. More than simple graves, Hue royal tombs are great artworks of architecture with decorations inspired by the Oriental spirit.

Tu Duc’s tomb Located amidst pine trees on the south bank of the river, is one of the finest legacies of the Nguyen’s dynasties. Khai Dinh’s tomb with its stone mandarins, horses and lifesize elephants, is the most famous of all the tombs.

Due Due’s tomb is the closest of all the royal tombs to the city of Hue. Gia Long’s tomb on the north bank of Perfume river has a majestic simplicity as it rests amongst a picturesque 2,875ha of parkland and forest.

Minh Mang’s tomb 11 km from Hue, is set amidst pine trees and wild grass. The 3m high enclosure includes a grand court with stone staircases leading to a two-tiered terrace which in turn leads to the Square Pavilion and stone stele. the region. Its sands are white and soft and there is teually a mild breeze, making it a favourite spot for and surfing and sailing.

Lang Co beach lies 70km south east of the (Sty, near Hai Van pass and 24km from Bach Ma.He beach is 10km long with an average water depth of 1m. The best time to swim here is from April to July.

My An mineral spring in Phu Vang district, east of Hue, is believed to have healing powers.

Photo CC by ptoutain