Hue

Hotels In:

• Ho Chi Minh City
• Dalat
• Do Son
• Halong Bay
• Hanoi
• Hue

Once the capital city of Vietnam, Hue has a vibrant history that can still be seen and appreciated today. Between 1802-1945 it rose to prominence as the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last Vietnamese Dynasty. In 1945, Emperor Bao Dai abdicated and a Communist government was established in Hanoi. During the Vietnam War, much of Hue was damaged. Although scarred, Hue remains a historians dream, housing gorgeous monuments, breathtaking tombs and stunning architecture to feast the eyes on.

The city is located about 438 miles south of the national capital, Hanoi and 690 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City, the country's largest city formally known as Saigon. The Perfume River splits the city into two distinct parts. One bank of the river houses the monuments and relics from its fascinating history and the second part contains the more modern and luxurious hotels, cafes and restaurants. Visitors of Hue stay on the south bank and most likely spend their days touring the 'outdoor museum' that is the north bank. The best time to visit Hue would be between May-August, when it is the driest. It's not a bad idea to bring a raincoat regardless of what time of year, it is known to rain quite a bit.

The Sights

Hue is best known for its magnificent monuments, earning it a place in the UNESCO's World Heritage Site. The Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty lived in the grand Citadel, a large enclosed fort surrounded by moats containing the Forbidden Purple City. Because this is where the royal family lived, roaming guards would made sure that only certain people with granted access could enter. Many of the Kings spent their time writing poetry, experimenting with architecture, specifically in designing their own tombs, or fathering children (Minh Mang had 102 wives!!). While taking a break from the above, the Kings would often demand 52 course meals, making the Chef the most nervous of all staff members. The palace is an exact replica of the Forbidden City built in Beijing. Today, little of the Forbidden City remains in tact though reconstruction efforts are in progress.

The absolutely stunning royal tombs lining the southern bank of the Perfume River contain Emperors such as Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc and Gia Long. Like mentioned before, each King would design their own tomb, revealing a lot about their tastes, personality and the state of Vietnam at the time. Also along the river is the official symbol of the city, Thein Mu Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Hue. 7 stories high, perched on a hill, it was built for Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844, after a fairy woman appeared to the people and prophesized that a lord would build this pagoda for the kingdom's prosperity.

Other must see monuments include the Hien Nhan Gate, the Imperial Cannos, Emperors Throne in the Thai Hoa Palace, as well as the Nine Dynastic Urns in front of the The Mieu (Temple of Generations).

The People

Buddhism is prominent here, more so than in any other Vietnamese city, containing both the most monasteries and the nation's most famous monks. In 1963, Thich Quang Duc famously drove from Hue to Saigon to protest anti-Buddhist policies and actually set himself on fire on a street in Saigon. Hue people are also said to be the most beautiful in Vietnam and the Hue accent is said to be most pleasing to the ear of all the dialects.

At any time of year, this city is bustling with tourists. With that, there will be people trying to sell any and all things so one should be aware and simply say thank you or no thank you (in Vietnamese if possible). The current population is a little over 1,119, 800 as compared to Hanoi which is over 3,398,889.

The Food

The cuisine is similar throughout Vietnam, although it's said that Hue has indeed THE BEST food in Vietnam. Interestingly, there is a prominence of vegetarianism in the city. In the Buddhist faith, one must eat two vegetarian meals a month and so this perhaps helps facilitate that ritual. The best veggie friendly restaurant is Timh Tan Restaurant (24 Chu Van An St). It is run by a Buddhist couple that serves cheap and delicious fake meats (among other dishes). If you're not a vegetarian, a typical breakfast for locals is of a bowl of com hen. This is an unusual, crunchy and spicy cool-rice dish with river clams, peanuts, pork rinds, green onion, mint, peppers and fish sauce. Apparently this dish is hard for visitors to handle. In fact, even residents from Saigon and Hanoi have trouble keeping this dish down.

Bon bo Hue is one of the more well known and liked dishes and is often found on US Vietnamese menus. It's a beef noodle soup served with hardy doses of chili, shrimp paste, and a round slippery noodle. You can get this dish and more delicious options at popular Bun Bo Hue, located at 17 Ly Thoung Kiet St. The bowls of soup are prepared at the front, you order and go sit at one of the aluminum tables and wait for the bowl. It's about 50 cents, there is trash on the floor and perfectly charming.

Reasons to go

Hue has not been phased by the current economic chaos of other Vietnamese cities and has kept up its own unique identity, in spite of it's tormented history. It is a relatively small city, with beautiful lakes, green mountains, meandering rivers and canals and a lush vegetation. A rich and fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, interestingly delicious vegetarian food and the prettiest women in Vietnam? A no brainer.

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Vietnam Travel Guide Want cities? Slurp down steaming pho in a street stall, toff up in a tailored suit, negotiate head-on traffic in a flimsy cyclo. Want nature? Get your fill of green in endless rice paddies, cool down in the mountains, laze on South China beaches. Want the best on Vietnam? Get yourself this guide.