Top 7 things to do in Hue, Vietnam
Somewhat
surprisingly Vietnam’s central cities aren’t on every traveller’s radar even
though they are home to some of Vietnam’s most interesting architecture and
history. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, Hue is home to a variety of
war-torn temples, tombs and palaces, many of which were the homes and places of
worship of Nguyen-era emperors. Many of the buildings and structures in Hue are
still quite damaged, giving it the feel of a modern-day Pompeii, despite mass
tourism. However, there have been some efforts to restore buildings in Hue
since 1990 when the area was declared a World Heritage site.
With so many things to
do in Hue Vietnam, it's tough to decide on what to start with. While you are
here, taste the local fruits from one of the floating markets, indulge in a
range of water sports, marvel at the diverse wildlife or enjoy exquisite dining
experiences. Here are some recommendations to help you make the most of Hue on
Vietnam tours
1. Imperial Citadel
Built
in the early 19th century, circa 1804, by thousands of labourers at the request
of Emperor Gia Long, the Imperial City and Citadel was a massive structure,
large enough that a 10 kilometer moat was constructed to surround and protect
it. Modelled after the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Imperial City and Citadel
was designed to be the royal quarters of Emperor Long. When the last Emperor of
Vietnam stepped down the structure had expanded to include hundreds of rooms.
While quite grand in scale, many of the buildings were in a state of disrepair
due to typhoon and termite damage. In 1968 the Imperial City and Citadel were
bombed by American forces during the Vietnam War, demolishing most of the
buildings. In 1993 the Imperial Citadel and the collective ‘Complex of Hué
Monuments’ was declared a UNESCO site, and some of the buildings have been
restored for historical preservation.
2.Tu Duc Tomb
Emperor
Tu Duc, the longest reigning Emperor in Vietnamese history isn’t actually
buried at the site of the Tu Duc Tomb, pictured above. Completed nearly 20
years before his death in 1883, the building of the Tu Duc tomb required so
much funding and labor that there was actually a coup against Tu Duc in 1866.
Near the site you’ll find his epitaph, inscribed on a piece of stone brought
from a quarry over 500 miles away from the site. The journey took workers four
years to complete. Tu Duc had to write his epitaph himself because he was
unable to father a son before he became sterile because of smallpox, despite
his many wives and concubines. While the Tu Duc tomb is recognized as the
Emperor’s official resting place the actual burial site is still unknown. The
200 labourers who prepared the actual burial site were beheaded by the King
after burying the body.
3.Minh Mang Mausoleum
Take
a boat ride up the Perfume River to the Minh Mang Temple which is a fine
example of an emperor’s tomb. The Minh Mang Temple is located about 12km
outside of Hue City, on the West Bank so the Perfume River in Cam Ke Hill.
Construction began in 1840 and during the build Minh Mang actually passed away.
Hi son completed the works and his father was interred in the temple as
requested. The temple is also part of the UNESCO-recognised Hue complex.
4. Perfume River Tour
Hire
a boat for a day and take a trip along the Perfume River to explore the various
Tombs of the Emperors. Dating from the 19th century, the best preserved examples
are the Tomb of Tu Duc and The Tomb of Minh Mang already listed above. In
addition there are wonderful examples of Vietnamese architecture including the
Tomb of Khai Dinh, the remote ruins of the Tomb of Gia Long and the Tomb of
Thieu Tri which was built in 1848. There is also the Tomb of Dong Khanh which
was constructed in 1917 and the Tomb of Khai Dinh which is the best preserved
tomb along the river.
5. Dong Ba Market
Dong
Ba is the biggest commercial center of Thua Thien Hue Province and the adjacent
regions. It stands along the north bank of Huong River, on Tran Hung Dao Street
of Hue City and stretches from Trang Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi Bridge.
Before
the opening of Dong Ba Market, there was a grand market named Qui Gia Thi
outside of Chanh Dong Gate in the reign of King Gia Long. The name Qui Gia Thi
referred to the return of Nguyen Dynasty to Phu Xuan (Hue nowadays). In the
summer of 1885, the capital city was attacked and Qui Gia Thi Market was burned
to ashes. Not until 1887 did King Dong Khanh rebuild the market and rename it
as Dong Ba Market. Since then, the market has functioned as the main resource
of food for the palaces, hospitals, army camps and dormitories of the national
universities such as Quoc Hoc, Dong Khanh, Binh Linh, Thien Huu, etc. in 1899,
during the Western-style reconstruction project of King Thanh Thai, the market
was moved to the nowadays position. Even though Dong Ba Market has undergone
several projects since the beginning of the 20th century, nowadays, it still
embraces many old features.
When
visiting Dong Ba Market, tourists can easily spot the old bell tower standing
proudly amidst the complex of buildings. With nine new buildings and four new
sections ranging from seafood to clothes, the market reaches an area of up to
16,000 m2.
However,
the architecture is not really a highlight but the atmosphere and the daily
pace of the market itself. Similar to most of Vietnamese markets, this one is
divided into different sections, depending on the types of products. The whole
floor upstair is for garment and clothes.
6. Thien Mu pagoda
The
pagoda is located at the end of Kim Long Road, in Huong Long Ward, on the
northern bank of the Perfume River.
There
are many legends about Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda). Once
upon a time, local residents saw an old lady in red appear every night on top
of the hill. She foretold that: one day, the Lord would pass by and build
something of great importance. From then on, the hill was named Thien Mu Son
(Mountain of Lady from Heaven). When Lord Nguyen Hoang actually went pass the
hill, he heard the legend and decided to build a pagoda and named it Thien Mu.
Having gone through a lot of eventful phase, damages as well as renovations,
today the pagoda still exists and remains the unofficial symbol of the ancient
city Hue.
As
tourists approach the pagoda, what seizes their attention first is the
seven-storey octagonal tower named Phuoc Duyen Tower (formerly Tu Nhan Tower).
Built in mid-19th century by King Thieu Tri, the tower was to commemorate the
80th birthday anniversary of his grandmother.
Passing
the 3-door gate are 12 huge wooden sculptures of fearsome temple guardians and
then in the middle of the area is where Dai Hung Palace – the main sanctuary of
Thien Mu Pagoda, is located. Here, Buddha is worshipped with impressive
sculptures and a giant bell, measuring 2.5m in height and 2 tons in weight,
created since early 18th century. Fragrant incense smoke fills the air there
all day long, making the praying for blessings calm and peaceful.
A
building near the rear of the complex houses a national relic: the car which
carried the monk Thich Quang Duc to the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Le
Van Duyet streets in Saigon on June 11th 1963, where he burned himself to death
in opposition to the anti-religion policy of Saigon’s regime at that time.
Coming
to this prestigious sightseeing, visitors can enjoy both the scenery landscape
and the typical traditional architecture of Hue pagodas. Thanks to its high position
upward a charming curve of Perfume River, the pagoda offers a mind-boggling
view of both the flow and the surrounding areas. Covered with pine trees,
bonsai and delicate manmade pond, this religious site brings about a peaceful
feeling which is hard to find anywhere else.
7. Royal Dinner
Imperial
court cuisine also has many influences of the royal way: eat lightly, and
deliberate, the taste delicious dishes in addition to light and sound, the
presentation must also beautiful, eye-catching.
Phu
Xuan was the capital of our country during the 143 years from 1802 to the
Nguyen Dynasty in 1945, Hue ancient heritage left many extremely important from
the architecture to the cultural production of the intangible. In particular,
food culture Hue – consists of two parts: the royal cuisine and traditional
cuisine, as well as one of the important cultural features should be conserved
and preserved and promoted.
Hue
was the capital along time ago , speechless voice dining, etiquette, walking
softly and knowledge. Imperial court cuisine also has many influences of the
royal way: eat lightly, and deliberate, the taste delicious dishes in addition
to light and sound, the presentation must also beautiful, eye-catching.
Numerous
studies and books .. also mentioned the meal picky king of the Nguyen Dynasty.
From raw materials to cook, how to cook, how to use spices, decorations for
dishes, as well as how to eat, how to enjoy all ceremonial heavy, regal and
luxurious.
Hue royal feast was held successfully and quickly known, became
the cultural tourism products popular in Hue. The restaurants, cafes and fast
in Hue this fundamentalist organizations served to the guests.
The
menu also progressively richer. In addition “the ball rolls phoenix”, there are
many other dishes heard expressed picky: Bach Ngoc topical delivery, Crab surf
boat, lotus rice Pure lake .. more familiar dishes, the crab soup mushrooms
have , Cake refreshing soups, rice with lotus seed pasture, bread leaves shrimp
rolls, steamed fish mushrooms .. Preliminary statistics show that currently
there are about 8 menu style popular in Hue often made to serve tourists in the
restaurant.
In essence, the dish is also familiar with the
dishes of Hue cuisine. However, the presentation is placed on the stage of high
demand. From the familiar fruits such as carrots, turnips, squash, peppers ..
Can cook peeling trimming of the dragon, the phoenix very cleverly, put on a
plate, making the dish looked very nice and solemn. The decoration is also
quite picky table from job to napkins, put utensils, cups .. also need
beautifully.
Many
restaurants also prepare costumes for disguise as Kings, Queens, officials,
guests, messenger .. to serve the delegations to enjoy a fuller air royal
feast. The restaurant will guide Preliminary work “ritual” of stars for guest
starred in the view from the king to enjoy a meal. Bar staff will serve the
women of the party. It was a pleasant experience.
In
addition, guests enjoy lunch Imperial court cuisine can enjoy a meal just
enjoying royal court music, a kind of culture also comes from the Nguyen
dynasty.
Listen
court music, enjoying food court furnished, learn and listen to the stories of
the court of Hue, the guests also so that repair themselves eating behavior
very slowly , deliberate, talk and bland .. This is an opportunity to
understand more about the culture of Hue cuisine, culture and cuisine is
featured on our country Vietnam.
Planning your Hue visit
How many days to
spend in Hue?
Two
to three days is a perfect length of
time to visit the city and see all the main attractions and sights, while still
having time to relax and soak up some of the local culture and cuisine! Consult
Vietnam tours
expert for suggestion of activities in Hue.
Where to stay?
Rather
developed among other destinations in Vietnam, Hue offers plenty of
choices travellers can stay at guesthouse
if having small budget, higher scale hotels located by the Perfume River or inside the
old quarter. Some of the most preferred
hotels are Pilgrimage resort, Saigon
Morin, Hue Residence,…
See more Vietnam
travel trips
Post Your Ad Here
Comments