Welcome to Hue (pronounced Hu way). Hue is located at the midway point between Ha Noi and Saigon. The easiest ways to get here are either on a train or by tour bus from Ha Noi or Danang.
Hue is the traditional capital of Viet Nam. Hue was made the Capital by the Emporer Gia Long after he defeated the Tay Son rebellion in 1802. There are a number of inexpensive places to stay, near the Citadel. It was virtually destroyed by the Americans during the Tet offensive in 1968. Today it is a robust and thriving city on the Perfume river.
There are basically two main tours that are offered. The first is a guided boat trip along the Perfume river. This is a nice tour that is very leisurely and relaxing. You will have the chance to see several Pagodas as well as tour the Royal Tombs.
The second tour offered is called the DMZ Tour Tour. This tour will take you to some of the old American firebases along the former DMZ. This tour is very expensive and not really worth the money. You'd be better off going to the cafe. Note: This Tour is Dismal and very overpriced.
Another really wonderful place to visit is the Citadel. The Citadel is the ancient palace for the Emporer of Viet Nam. It actually is a very large area. During the Tet offensive of 1968 it was virtually blown apart brick by brick by the Americans in thier effort to push the North Vietnamese back across the DMZ.
The original moated Citadel was begun by Emporer Gia Long and later the earthen breastworks were covered in a layer of bricks 2m thick. The Citadel has 10 gates, each of which is accessed by footbridge. Because of the destruction of the Citadel in 1968, areas of the Citadel are now used for agriculture.
The 37 metre Flag Tower was originally constructed in1809 and is Vietnam's tallest flag tower. The Flag of National Liberation flew from the tower for 3 1/2 weeks in 1968.
The Holy Cannons are just inside the Citadel gates and flank both sides od the Flag Tower. They are symbolic protectors of the Palace and were cast from brass that was captured from the Tay Son Rebels. They are purely symbolic and were never intended to fire.
The Ngo Mon Gate is thr principle entrance to the Emperial enclosure. It is open from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND. Youy can also hire a Tour guide here if you wish. It was here that Viet Nam's last Emporer Bao Dai, abdicated his throne on 30 August, 1945 to Ho Chi Minh's Revolutionary Government.
Thai Hoa Palace was built in 1803 or the Emporer. It is accessable from the Mon Gate.
Halls of the Mandarins are where the Mandarins prepared for court ceromonies in the Can Chan Reception Hall. It was restored in 1977. The buildings are directly behind Thai Hoa Palace, on either side of the courtyard.
Dynastic Urns
The central passageway was reserved for the Emporer's use. All others were requiredto use the side passageways.
Today much of the Citadel has been rebuilt and is open to the public. It is possible to hire a tour guide to give you a guided tour, or you may just want to explore it on your own, as I di for a whole day. It really is quite beautiful. The Vietnamese have done a marvelous job of preserving it's original beauty without the comercialism that you would find in the West. Even Today, the Citadel is still under reconstruction. The entry fee is a bit high for foreigners, but it is money well spent.
When you are ready to move on you have several options. If you are going to Ha Noi You can take one of the Sinh Cafe or Kim Cafe tour busses, these are cheap and leave Hue at 6 in the evening. You'll be in Ha Noi for breakfast the next morning.. You can fly, very expensive, or you you can catch a train. Note: In Asia, when taking a train it is best to get s lepper. These are far more comfortable thsn either hard seat or soft seat.
If you decide to go the other way to Saigon it is reccomended that you take one of the busses to Hoian. Flying there is too expensive and trains don't stop there.
The bus is very cheap and only takes about 4 hours. If you take the bus you'll go over Hai Van pass, so just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Hoian
