Hue: An Introduction
Hue remained Vietnam’s capital until 1945, when Bao Dai, the last of the Nguyen emperors, abdicated from the throne. Many of Hue’s attractions are found along the banks of the Perfume River that flows through the centre of the city. On the north bank of the river is the Imperial Citadel, built in a similar style to Peking’s Forbidden City, enclosed by 10-metre thick walls and surrounded by a moat. A few km's further up the river is perhaps Hue’s best-known religious site, Thien Mu Pagoda, with its distinctive seven-storey octagonal tower. The elaborate mausoleums of the Nguyen emperors, more like palaces than tombs, are scattered around the countryside on the outskirts of Hue. The mausoleums of Vietnam Emperors Tu Duc, Khai Dinh are particularly impressive being extravagant complexes of pavilions, temples, courtyards and lakes.
We say: 'Certainly one of the highlights of Central Vietnam, Hue has a wealth of cultural highlights. Despite this a full day, or ideally a day and half, will be sufficient time for most visitors, often eager to head further south to charming Hoi An.'
Often overlooked in favour of a few extra days in Hoi An - perhaps forgivable until you get to grips with what Hue is all about. Watch a country's history unravel before your eyes; from the emperors of old to some of the toughest battles of the Vietnamese-American war.