Visiting Hue in Vietnam

For two hundred years Hue was the capital of a feudal dynasty that controlled most of southern Vietnam. In 1802 this dynasty gain control over the entire country of Vietnam and Hue became the national capital. Hue continued to be the national capital until 1945, when the communist government took control of Hanoi in the north.

The Vietnam War took its toll on Hue. The American forces just about leveled the city, destroying most of the buildings that had been there for centuries. After the war the Vietnamese government did little to restore the city, but slowly they have put Hue back together again.

Hue sits on the banks of the Song Huong River and is 690 miles north of Ho Chi Minh City and 438 miles south of Hanoi. Hue has a reputation for its monuments and it has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Citadel which was the home of emperors and their entourages is a walled compound which contains what is known as the Forbidden City within its walls. No one was allowed in the Forbidden City unless they were approved by the emperor. Trespassers faced death if they were caught. That compound is being reconstructed so that tourist can visit and learn the history of its existence. As you travel along the Perfume River there are a plethora of monuments, and tombs of past emperors to visit. The Hue Museum of Royal Fine Art displays a collection of artifacts and collectables from Hue that represent its colourful history of conflicts.

Hue is one of those cities that can be visited in a day or two as you travel across the country of Vietnam. The people come from a time when there was no other world but the one they experienced each day in Hue. There is an innocence and humility about them that is noticeable almost immediately. They are a spiritual people who work hard and enjoy visitors and accept them as new friends. The Hotels in Hue are clean and offer exceptional service and amenities. The staffs in all the hotels are trained to put the guest first and they focus on assisting in any way possible.

The restaurants in Hue are mainly local ones that serve traditional Vietnamese food, but Hue also offers Chinese and other Oriental restaurants as well. The food is a treat no matter what style of cuisine you choose. All the restaurants are affordable and clean.

Hue is a historic city in an ancient country that will captivate and entertain you. When you visit Hue you feel the graciousness and appreciation of a culture that believes everything is significant. A holiday in Hue is a step back in time with all the modern Eastern conveniences. It's a place to experience the simple things in life and enjoy them.