In Hue, you might have to decide if you want to be in the city center, with bars, restaurants, and a Ballerman-ish party scene, including the noise and the big-city nuisances like dust and Smog, or if you want to live at the waterfront, 30 minutes away via cab.
As Hanoi already had a lot of Smog, and I am not a party animal, I decided on the calm area at sea. The only drawback is that you must take a cab to the city center. The beach could be cleaner, and the water could be better…
I made this extra effort for two things (besides walking and eating): A river cruise and the “Imperial City Tour.” For the river cruise, I can keep it short and crispy: don’t do it; it’s not worth it, even if the nature is nice to see, but also even only nice….
Coming to the more excellent part, the “Imperial City Tour”.
The Thien Mu Pagode
Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, is a historic Buddhist temple overlooking the Perfume River in Huế, Vietnam. Its iconic seven-story pagoda is considered the unofficial symbol of the city. The temple’s origins date back to 1601 and remains an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
The imperial Citadele – the home of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty
The Imperial Citadel of Hue was the seat of power for the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last ruling family. Constructed in the early 19th century, this sprawling complex was modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City. The Citadel encompasses palaces, temples, pavilions, and residences, all within massive fortified walls. Sadly, the Citadel suffered significant damage during the Vietnam War, with many structures destroyed or severely harmed. Despite these losses, the Imperial Citadel remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich imperial history. Today, visitors can explore the remaining buildings and grounds, learning about the dynasty’s traditions and the architectural beauty of the complex. With the guide, it was nice to hear the stories about the royals of Vietnam. We spent almost 2 hours here before heading to the next station.
The Dong Ba Market
The biggest market is in Hue, and there’s no difference between that and Hanoi’s. You can buy everything dead or alive, and some smell “funny”.
The Minh Mang Tomb
The Minh Mang Tomb, located near Huế, Vietnam, is the majestic resting place of Emperor Minh Mang, an influential 19th-century Nguyen Dynasty ruler and the 2nd emperor of this dynasty. The expansive tomb complex reflects the emperor’s conservative personality, featuring a symmetrical design and adherence to traditional Confucian principles. With over 40 monuments, including palaces, temples, and gardens, the Minh Mang Tomb is known for its harmonious blend of architecture and natural beauty.
The Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh Tomb, located outside of Huế, Vietnam, is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is known for its unique and elaborate architecture, which blends traditional Vietnamese elements with European influences, such as the Gothic and Renaissance styles. Construction took 11 years and resulted in a lavish, detailed tomb that still stands out among the other royal tombs of Huế. The emperor raised taxes enormously to obtain all the expensive materials needed for building his tomb. At least what he obtained is beautiful.
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