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Hue Imperial Citadel

Hue The Imperial City of Hue was the capital of Vietnam during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty, the last dynasty in Vietnam. 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 one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Vietnam. Straddling the Perfume River, this mysterious, somber city is a historians dream come true, with numerous 19th century ruins, royal tombs and an excellent museum. 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.

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?

You won be alone when you visit Hue. 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, or as an overnight stop on the way to Hanoi or before returning to Saigon. The best time to visit Hue is from May to August, when it tends to be driest. Bring a raincoat anyway, as its still likely to rain.

Major Tourist Destinations

BA BE LAKE: (240 km from Hanoi)
CAO BANG: (280 km from HANOI)
CAT BA
DIEN BIEN PHU (474 km from Hanoi)
Bach Ma National park
Can tho city
Da nang city
Da lat city
Demilitarization zone
Hanoi (capital)
Halong bay
Hoa lu - tam coc
Hoi an ancient town
Hue imperial citadel
Mai chau valley
My son holy land
Nha trang beach
Phan thiet beach
Phong nha cave
Perfume pagodas
Phu quoc island
Quy nhon
Saigon/Hochiminh
Sapa