Thứ Ba, 6 tháng 1, 2015
Hue is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to
Vietnam. Straddling the Perfume River, this mysterious, somber city is a
historian's dream come true, with numerous 19th century ruins, royal tombs and
an excellent museum.
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 2,200 mm each
year.
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?
One will not be alone when visiting 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 dryest. Bring a
raincoat anyway, as it's still likely to rain.
