Hue - The city of world cultural heritage

Hue citadel - Kinh thành Huế

Contents

A/ Overview and Brief history of the Nguyen dynasty

B/ Highlights: 
                      1/ Hue citadel’s vestige complex - The World’s Cultural Heritage
                          Pictures: Outside to inside of citadel 
                          Video: Royal palace by night
                          Attention

                      2/ Royal tombs

                      3/ Hue's court music - The World's Intangible Cutural Heritage
                          Where to enjoy Hue's court music




                       4/ Lang Co – One of the world’s most beautiful bays. 
                           Where to stay in Lang Co

                       5/ Spectacular sunrise at Tam Giang lagoon
                           My sunrise with the friends
                           
                       6/ Thuan An beach

                       7/ My An hot spring
                           Where to stay 

                       8/ Thien Mu and Tu Hieu pagodas 

                       9/ Quoc Hoc Hue high school: Our fairy tale
                           1 hour in Quoc Hoc Hue high school 

                       10/ Huyen Khong pagoda

                       11/ Bach Ma national park
                        
                        

C/ Where to stay in center of Hue city

D/ Hue's food and drink

E/ Bars 

F/ Getting there 

G/ Best time to visit 

H/ One day in Hue with motorbike.
                        
I/ Tours

J/ Hue's romantic songs

K/ Hue country songs

L/ Websites

M/ Other photos

N/ Entrance fees of Citadel, Royal tombs etc

O/ News
     Hue festival 2014

P/ Learn Vietnamese For Hue


A/ Overview and brief history of Hue


Overview

For almost 400 years, from 1558 to 1945, Hue was the capital for nine generations of Nguyen Lords in the southern part of Viet Nam (Dang Trong). It was the headquarters of the Tay Son dynasty, then the capital of a unified country during the reigns of thirteen Nguyen kings. Present day Hue still preserves tangible and intangible cultural heritage reflecting many typical values of the Vietnamese concerning the mind and the soul. For centuries the essence of the whole country was concentrated in Hue as a particular culture set in a romantic landscape of mountains and river. In hearing the name Hue, people often think of its ancient Citadel, splendid palaces and solemn royal mausoleums together with many old temples and pagodas.

 Thus Hue was based on both a physical and a spiritual foundation from the turn of 19th century.  It began when king Che Man, of the Champa kingdom, offered the territory of O and Ly prefectures as his gift for the wedding with princess Huyen Tran of the Tran, continued with the Nguyen Lords during the 17th and 18th centuries, the Tay Son dynasty during the late 18th century and ended with the thirteen kings of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945.  All of these left a priceless cultural property in the process of construction and development of Hue. Typical of this rich heritage is the complex of Hue monuments that was inscribed in the UNESCO List of the World Cultural Heritage in 1993.

Located in the centre of Hue, along the Perfume (Huong) River’s north bank, the complex of royal architecture represents and demonstrates the power of Nguyen monarchical dynasties. Contained in this complex are the Capital, the Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City clustered together, symmetrically placed along the longitudinal axis and facing south. 

The system of walls combines both eastern and western architectural styles placed in natural harmony with Ngu Binh Mount, Perfume River, Gia Vien and Boc Thanh islets.

 Surrounded by a square wall, almost 600 metres in length on each side, the Imperial City has four gates, of which the south gate (Ngo Mon) is most typical in construction and is widely seen and recognised as the symbol of Hue Citadel. It served not only as the main entrance but was also the place where important events of the dynasty took place. Within the area of the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City was the area reserved for daily activities of the royal family. 

The main north-south axis, called Than Dao, runs through the three walls of the Citadel, Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City and was marked with the important constructions of Hue Citadel. Hundred of small and large buildings were built symmetrically along this axis in harmony with their natural surroundings.  These buildings include Nghinh Luong Dinh, Phu Van Lau, Ky Dai, Ngo Mon, Thai Hoa Palace, Can Chanh Palace, Can Thanh Palace, Khon Thai Residence and Kien Trung pavilion.
   To the west of Hue Citadel, along the Perfume River, are the Royal Tombs, masterpieces in landscape architecture built by the Nguyen dynasty. Each Royal Tomb aimed at creating a living place for royal pleasure before becoming an eternal resting place after the king’s death. This resulted in the architecture of Royal Tombs in Hue being distinguished by unique characteristics.
   Each tomb reflects its owner’s life and character: the magnificence of Gia Long’s tomb in the immense landscape of mountains and jungles represents the spirit of a general in war; the symmetry and majesty of Minh Mang’s tomb combiners both man-made and natural mountains and lakes and reveals the powerful will and solemn nature of a talented politician who was also a poet; the peaceful and sombre qualities of Thiệu Trị’s tomb reflects the innermost feelings of an outstanding poet who made few achievements in political life; the romance and poetic atmosphere of Tu Duc king’s tomb  evoke the elegant and subtle tendency of a poet rather than the strong characteristic of a politician.

 Apart from the magnificent buildings of the Citadel, palaces and tombs, architecture all set in harmonious natural landscapes, Hue also preserves a system of defensive buildings.  These include the fortress at the northeast corner of Citadel (Tran Binh Dai) to protect the Citadel from the river-way, the fortification of Tran Hai Thanh to protect the Citadel from the seaside, the Hai Van Quan gate which controls the road to the south and  the wall defence system surrounding the Citadel. Amongst this landscape architecture are many monuments including Nam Giao Esplanade where the king sacrificed to heaven and earth; Xa Tac Esplanade where the king worshipped the Spirits of Cereals and the Land; the Royal Arena (Ho Quyen) where fights between tigers and elephants took place; the Temple of Confucius with stone steles inscribed with the names of those who held national doctorates under the Nguyen; the Temple of Military Generals with stone steles inscribed with the names of national military doctorates; and Hon Chen Shrine where Thien Y A na Goddess is worshipped. With the natural arrangement of mountains and rivers, beauty spots along the Perfume River, Royal Mount, Belvedere Hill, Thien Thai Mount, Thien An monastery, Thuan An beach all provide wonderful vistas. 

In the past, Hue used to embrace many well-known royal gardens, such as Ngu Vien, Thu Quang, Thuong Mau, Truong Ninh and Thieu Phuong. It is very likely that the style of these royal gardens influenced the folk gardens which surround with traditional, wooden-framed houses and to be known as garden houses. Each garden house consists of manmade features including a small screen that represents a natural screen mount like the Royal Mount in the Citadel, a small pond or water tank which refers to the Perfume River, some rockeries and bonsais play the role of left and right protecting islets in the river in front of the Citadel. These symbols form the typical characteristics of Hue traditional garden houses. Therefore, Hue can also be seen as a place  of garden houses each with a peaceful atmosphere, a place of poets and performaners of Hue traditional chamber music. 

After 143 years under the control of Nguyen monarchy and based on  Confucian political institutions and principles, Hue presents splendid royal architecture. Moreover, Hue was also a centre for Buddhism center with and contains hundred of Buddhist pagodas. In relation to this aspect, Amadou Mahtar M’bow, the former General Director of UNESCO, commented in the application for safeguarding Hue heritage: “as well as being an architectural gem, Hue is also a spiritual shrine and vital cultural centre, where the intermingling of Buddhism and Confucianism with local traditions has given rise to religious, philosophic and ethical thought of great originality”  

In the context of a Confucism-based monarchy, festivities and music were strongly developed as part of the national identity. Ceremonies played an important part in the court. These included the ceremony of sacrifice to the Heaven and the Earth, the ceremony of sacrifice to the Spirits of Cereals and the Land, New Year ceremony, Doan Duong (in the summer) ceremony, Birthday Anniversary, Grand Audience ceremony, Ordinary ceremony, New Calendar Delivering ceremony, ceremony for the proclamation of successful candidates after national examinations and royal parades. Each ceremony had its own rituals and was accompanied by music.
 In the wider society, ceremonies were also diverse and included the ceremony of Hon Chen temple, ceremony for a good fish-catching season, wrestling contests, boat racing, ceremony at the communal house, Buddhist pagoda ceremony and temple ceremony and all were accompanied by ritual folk music.  In addition to the ritual music, music for pleasure in Hue consisted of Hue traditional dance, Hue classical theatre and Hue chamber music, all known as the essential spiritual food for visitors from different places. These treasures have been well preserved in Hue for generations. 

With the distinction of both tangible and intangible culture heritages, Hue is a unique cultural phenomenon, both in Vietnam and across the world. In 2003, Vietnamese Court Music was listed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This listing underlines the outstanding value of the traditional music of Hue.  

Nowadays, Hue has become the Festival City of Vietnam. Hue Festival is held every two years to display an ancient capital embued with the abundant values of culture, architecture, music, festivities and traditional gastronomy. 

 These values of Hue culture will be preserved and enhanced according to world heritage international standards for the pride of Vietnamese and the appreciation of all nations in the world.


Brief history of the Nguyen dynasty

The Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) began with the reign of king Gia Long, who was the dynasty’s founder, and ended with the reign of king Bao Dai who was the last monarch time of Vietnam. Prior to the Nguyen dynasty, were the nine Nguyen Lords, who deserve credit for extending the territory southwards.

In 1558, the first Lord Nguyen, Hoang, came to be the garrison chief of Thuan Hoa, and opened a new page in this territory’s history. The more developed and consolidated the regime of the Nguyen became, the more fierce was the struggle with the Trinh from the North. This situation resulted in a civil war lasting more than 200 years. Simultaneously, the process of widening their terrritory southwards was also strongly promoted. By 1757, the Nguyen Lords had established their sovereignty over all the south region.

In the process of establishing and developing the government over the southern region (Dang Trong), the Nguyen Lords had moved and set the capital from Ai Tu  (1558-1570) to Tra Bat (1570-1600), Dinh Cat (1600-1626), Phuoc Yen (1626-1636), Kim Long (1636-1687), Phu Xuan (1687-1712), Bac Vong (1712-1738) then returned to Phu Xuan again (1738-1775). In 1775, as the result of many socio-political factors, the last Nguyen Lord lost Phu Xuan into the hands of the northern Trinh. This was followed by the complete collapse of the Trinh regime to the power of Tay Son forces. The Nguyen did not recover until one of their descendants retrieved their fortune and established the  Nguyen dynasty.

The nine Nguyen Lords included:

Lord Nguyen Hoang (1558-1613)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Nguyen (1613-1635)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Lan (1635-1648)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Tan (1648-1687)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Thai (1687-1691)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu (1691-1725)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Thu (1725-1738)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat (1738-1765)
Lord Nguyen Phuc Thuan (1765-1777)

In 1802, after he defeated the forces of Tay Son, Nguyen Anh, who was a descendant of Nguyen Lords, unified the country and established the Nguyen dynasty. During his reign he took the name Gia Long.
Phu Xuan became the capital of the country for the next 143 years. Succeeding Gia Long, twelve kings of the Nguyen dynasty built up Phu Xuan as the powerful political and cultural centre of a unified Vietnam. It reflected the enhancement of the country’s territory and concentrated the cultural values of a vast territory. The Nguyen also left a huge heritage including a number of national historical books, national gazetteers, repertory of the administrative regulations, epitaphs, royal edicts, land registers, family records and suchlike.

Most importantly, the tangible cultural heritage of not only this dynasty but also of the earlier dynasties were all well restored and preserved during the Nguyen dynasty. Due to this policy, many heritage buidlings from Ly dynasty to the later Le dynasty, such as Mot Cot pagoda, Tran Quoc pagoda and Dau pagoda, remain until the present day.

The greatest achievement of the Nguyen is the outstanding cultural values represented by three cultural heritages that have been recognized by the UNESCO. They are two World Cultural Heritage Sites including Hue Monument Complex and Hoi An Ancient Town, together with Vietnamese Court Music, listed as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

13 Nguyen kings include:

Gia Long king (1802-1819)

Minh Mang king (1820-1840)
Thieu Tri king (1841-1847)
Tu  Duc king (1848-1883)
Duc Duc king (1883, 3 ngày)
Hiep Hoa king (30.7.1883-29.11.1883)
Kien Phuc king (2.12.1883-31.7.1884)
Ham Nghi king (1884-1885)
Đong Khanh king (1886-1888)
Thanh Thai king (1889-1907)
Duy Tan king (1907-1916)
Khai Đinh king (1916-1925)
Bao Dai king (1926-1945)

(Hue Monuments Conservation Center)

B/ Highlights

1/ Hue citadel’s vestige complex - the world’s cultural heritage

The Citadel (Kinh thanh) is situated in Hue where the climate is hot and sunny in summer and very wet in October and November. The site is charming as well as commanding with magnificent scenery stretching along the north bank of the Huong (Perfume) River 

The Citadel is the most grand structure built in recent Vietnamese history. Its creation required ten of thousands of builders; millions of cubic meters of soil and rock; dangerous activities such as building wall embankments and digging the moat while the river was in full flow; removing and re-locating graves; and so forth lasting from 1803 under Gia Long’s reign until 1832 during Emperor Minh Mang’s period.

 The Citadel site was chosen on the advice of geomancers. Based on geomancy principles, Nguyen kings linked available features of the natural terrain such as rivers, mountains, islands, together with man-made additions and alterations.  The added features included filling in several parts of such rivers as Bach Yen, Kim Long and and digging a series of canals and moats within and around the Citadel to implement their grand plan.

The Citadel lies on an “imperial island” created by the Huong River’s flow at the front and from two tributaries named Bach Yen and Kim Long flowing behind the present walls and joining together. Huong River plays the role of “ming-tang” and the two small islands, named Con Hen and Con Da Vien, are in the positions of Left Blue Dragon and Right White Tiger guarding the Imperial city. Near the river there is Bang Mountain, which was renamed as Ngu Binh, sitting in front of the capital and providing a natural screen. The Citadel and all the architectural structures of the Citadel, including those of the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City, face the south, following the prophet’s direction in the Book of Changes (I Ching)  “the ruler faces the south to rule the nation”.

Built for defence purposes, the Citadel consists of a square of fortified walls with the wall situated along Huong River having a slight outward curve to follow the bend in the River. The external walls total almost 10 kilometres in length and are about 2 metres thick.  Spread evenly around the walls are 24 bastions which enabled the use of an arsenal of rockets and cannons.

 In addition, the moat system surrounding the wall is about ten kilometers in length. Outside the moat is seven kilometres of canal which flows in to the Huong River at two points. The moats and canals served both as a defence system and as waterway transportation. The west waterway is Ke Van canal, to the north is An Hoa canal, to the east is Dong Ba canal and on the south is the Huong River.

In the external walls there is a total of ten entrance gates, each topped by a covered observation post or watch tower, and reached by crossing a bridge over the external moat (The bridges are quite small, just only one car can pass at a time). There is an additional gate on Phu Binh at the north-east of the Citadel.

   - Chinh Bac Entrance, also called Cua Hau entrance, is on the North wall, furthest from the Huong River.

   - Tay Bac entrance, also named Cua An Hoa entrance after the name of a local village, is also on the Norhtwest wall.

   - Chanh Tay entrance is on the Southwest wall.

   - Tay Nam entrance, also called Cua Huu entrance, is on the Southwest wall.

   - Chinh Nam, also called Cua Nha Do entrance since it is situated close to the arsenal built up by Emperor Gia Long, is in the Southeast corner facing the Huong River.

   - Quang Duc entrance is slightly Southwest of Cot Co, the huge Flag Tower at the front of the Citadel.

   - The Nhon Gate is also known as the Ngan Gate because it was surrounded by a high wall creating a path reserved for the king to walk to the river (ngan) bank.

   - Dong Nam entrance is also called Thuong Tu Gate as the royal stables were behind this entrance and it was used as a Citadel entry point for horses.

   - Chinh Dong entrance, also named Cua Dong Ba entrance after a local village, is on the east wall.

   - Dong Bac entrance, also called Cua Ke Trai entrance, is in the Northeast corner of the Citadel.

   - Tran Binh Mon, also known as Cua Tran Binh, provides an external entrance link to Phu Binh island, at the northeast corner of the Citadel.  

Two water gates, Dong Thanh Thuy Quan and Tay Thanh Thuy Quan, cross the water flowing out of the Citadel from the Royal Canal.

Standing in the center of external wall facing Perfume rive is the 37m-high flag pole (Ky dai). It was erected in the year 1807, extended in the years 1929, 1931, 1940. In the year of dragon (1904), it was knocked down by a typhoon. In 1947 it was destroyed again by France. The current incarnation was erected in 1948. Politically speaking, on 30th August 1945, the current Vietnam flag flying in the autumn wind. Thats the end of the historic role of Nguyen dynasty.

Located just behind the external wall, near the gates The Nhon (on the left) and Quang Duc (on the right)  to either side of the Flag pole are the Nine holy Cannons. Among thousands of bronze canons cast under the reign of Nguyen’s lords and emperors, the Nine Holy Canons, cast in the reign of Gia Long, are the largest and the most beautifully decorated. After conquering the Tay Son dynasty and taking the throne, Emperor Gia Long ordered all bronze wares of this dynasty to be collected and melted into nine big canons as “everlasting souvenirs”. The canons are named after the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter and the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. In 1816, these canons were renamed “the Nine Holy Matchless Generals” by Gia Long.Each canon is 5.1 m long with the barrel diameter of 0.23m and 0.105m thick.  The heaviest canon weighs 18,400 kg and the lightest is about 17,200kg. Total nine cannons is 140,300kg. All are positioned on elaborately inscribed wooden brackets. Both sides of the canons have four wooden wheels, each encased in iron for their convenient manipulation.Besides their historical values, the Nine Holy Canons are works of great art. The casting technique, decorative art and carving on the bronze canons and on the nine wooden brackets are very skilled and elaborate.

Inside the Citadel, the Imperial City (Hoang thanh) and Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh) are generally called Dai Noi (or the Great Enclosure). The Imperial City was used to protect the most important ritual and political bodies of the Court and temples. The Forbidden Purple City was a daily working and living place of the Emperor and his family.

Constructed from 1804 to 1833, the Great Enclosure is almost square in shape with the front and rear sides measuring 622m in length and with right and left sides spanning 604m. The surrounding protective wall was built by bricks (4.16m high and 1.04m thick) with a system of defensive moats outside called Kim Thuy Ho. Four entrances, piercing each side, include the Noon Gate (front), Hoa Binh Gate (back), Hien Nhon Gate (left) and Chuong Duc Gate (right). The main entrance of the Noon Gate was reserved only for the Emperor.

With over 100 monuments of beautiful architecture, the Great Enclosure is divided into various quarters:

• Quarter of Noon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony) is a site for the important court ceremonies.
• Quarter of Trieu, Thai, Hung, The and Phung Tien temples are places for worshiping the Nguyen monarchs.
• Quarter of Dien Tho and Truong Sanh Residences are private apartments reserved for the Queen Mother
• Quarter of Home Affairs is a royal factory and treasury.
• Quarter of Co Ha Park and Kham Van Palace is for the princes’ studies and entertainment.

The Forbidden Purple City is also almost square in shape, measuring 3.7m high. The front and rear sides of this enclosed city are 324m long with left and right sides of 290m long with ten entrances. Dai Cung Gate, now completely damaged, was the main gate at the front side - reserved only for the Emperor. The big screen constructed behind Can Chanh Temple (place of daily work of the Emperor) separated the private world of the kings and their families from the other areas. Within this City, hundreds of imperial maids and tens of eunuches resided to serve the Royal family. Here exists nearly fifty resplendent architectural works, including Can Thanh Palace (the Emperor’s residence), Khon Thai palace (the Queen’s residence), Duyet Thi Duong (the Royal Theatre), Thuong Thien (the Royal Kitchen), Thai Binh Lau (the Royal Reading Pavilion), Quang Minh palace (princes’ residence), Trinh Minh palace (royal concubines’ residence), Kien Trung palace, Cam Uyen Garden, and many others.

The architectural system of the Great Enclosure was planned in accordance with the strict and well-proportioned principles. All locations in the front, back, left, right, top and bottom are consistently divided. This division shows the concepts of the Confucian political philosophy of the Orient. Most of the architectural works here are made of precious wood. However, because of severe climate and natural calamities, as well as fierce wars, some of them have been unavoidably damaged. At present, the government is investing in gradual restoration and embellishment of these precious monuments.

Noon gate

Noon gate is both the main gate and the face of the Great Enclosure and was constructed in 1833, when Emperor Minh Mang had the whole of architectural works inside the Great Enclosure planned and completed.

The Noon Gate is a diversified architectural work with the Belvedere of the Five-Phoenixes located on the upper part, which functions as a stage for the court’s solemn ceremonies, such as Troops Parade, Proclamation Ceremony of successful candidates in national examinations, and the promulgation of the lunar calendar. The Belvedere of the Five-Phoenixes is also the place where Emperor Bao Dai, the last Emperor of Vietnam, abdicated on August 30, 1945.

In accordance with the Book of Changes, kings have to face the South to rule the world. Therefore, under the reign of Emperor Gia Long (1802-1929), upon building the Hue capital city, architects put the system of walls and royal palaces in the direction of Northwest and Southeast. For example, the South-North direction is in the axis of the first and seventh Earthly Branches. Accordingly, Emperor Minh Mang named the newly built gate, located in the middle of the front of the Imperial City, as ‘Noon Gate’ in lieu of the old name of Nam Khuyet Estrade (“Noon” also means the South).

The foundation system constructed on the U-shaped area is nearly 5m high with a base of 57.77m long and sides of 27.06m long. The middle part of the foundation has three entrances. The central passageway, Noon Gate, was reserved for the Emperor and the Ta Giap and Huu Giap Gates for civil and military mandarins in the royal procession. Ta Dich and Huu Dich Gates, located in the wings of the Noon Gate, were reserved for the military, elephants and horses.

The Belvedere of the Five-Phoenixes has two storeys, including nine roofs covered with yellow and green enameled tiles. This Belvedere stands 1.14m high on the foundation. On the top storey, the roof is divided into nine different parts. 

On the side of the road passing the Noon Gate stand two stone steles inscribed with "Tilt Your Hats and Dismount" reminding passers-by to tilt their hats and get off horses when passing this sanctum.

Noon Gate was seriously damaged during the wars and underwent several restorations.

Thai Hoa palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony)

Within the complex of the Nguyen Dynasty’s imperial palace, Thai Hoa Palace is the most important architectural work in all its aspects: function, location, historical significance and cultural and artistic values.

This is also seen as the most prominent quarter of the Nguyen Court. Here the emperor’s official receptions and other important court ceremonies such as anniversaries, coronations and national celebrations were organized on the first and the fifth day of the lunar calendar. Such ceremonies were arranged with the participation of the Kings, the members of the Imperial Family and high-ranking mandarins.

Historically, the construction of this palace was divided into three main periods; each introducing their own modifications and improvements in terms of ornamental architecture.

Under Gia Long’s reign, the construction of Thai Hoa Palace was begun on February 21, 1805 and completed in October of the same year. When the imperial architectural system of the Citadel was renovated by Minh Mang, the palace was then moved onto a large and grandiose foundation which was a little slanted to the North. This occurred in the first month of the lunar year Quy Ty, i.e. March, 1833. Later, in 1923, in the reign of Khai Dinh, Thai Hoa Palace was restored by the emperor himself to prepare for his fortieth birthday anniversary. In this large-scale renovation process, some architectural parts of the palace were restored and rebuilt.

Nine dragons were ornamented on the palace’s roof by exceedingly skillful artisans. The throne, which was elaborately carved and gilded, lies at the end of the palace’s central compartment with a splendidly decorated canopy above. Eighty ironwood columns, which line in the palace were lacquered and beautifully adorned with red and gold dragons and clouds.

Through the architecture and decoration of Thai Hoa Palace, one finds that the ancients have inspired many deep thoughts interwoven with the traditional philosophy of the Orient in its construction. Beside the philosophical architectural language, the palace is also noted for its many literal languages with some 297 bas-reliefs, which have been engraved with poems in Chinese characters. The beauty of these words within the structure itself displays one of the specialties of Phu Xuan culture in the early 19th century.

In front of Thai Hoa Palace stands the Great Rite Courtyard (or Esplanade of Great Salutation), the Thai Dich Pond and the Trung Dao Bridge. The Great Rite Courtyard, which is divided into three terraces, was reserved for mandarins from the first to ninth grade. The order of mandarins was marked in two rows of small stone steles set up on either sides of the court.

Thai Hoa Palace (1805) is one of the best examples of these early monuments that reflect the unique motifs of the locality of Hue. It is also the largest and most majestic of the imperial architecture system that remains in Hue to this day.

Dien Tho palace (The Residence of everlasting longevity)

This is the largest-scale monument that still remains in the ancient city. The Palace consists of over 10 compartments arranged in a square-shaped foundation of 100m wide and approximately 150m long.

The main house, standing in the center, is reserved for the Emperor Mother’s residence and guest receiving. Here only remains Dien Tho Palace, Tho Ninh Hall, Truong Du Pavilion, Phuc Tho Shrine and Tinh Minh Mansion. The Palace of Dien Tho was built in 1804 and renamed several times since.

The Mieu (The temple)

In 1804, Hoang Khao Temple was built by Emperor Gia Long at its present-day site within the complex of The Temple. It was built to worship his father, Nguyen Phuc Luan. Then in 1821, Hoang Khao Temple was moved several meters behind The Temple and renamed “Hung Mieu” by Emperor Minh Mang.

The Temple was again shifted to its original location in the latter part of 1821-1822 to honor Gia Long and succeeding kings.

The Temple was built in an area of 1,500 m2. Up until the middle of the 20th century (1954), only seven altars of Nguyen’s emperors were placed at this temple: Gia Long (1802-1819), Minh Mang (1820-1840), Thieu Tri (1841-1847), Tu Duc (1848-1883), Kien Phuc (1883-1884), Dong Khanh (1886-1888) and Khai Dinh (1916-1925). Three emperors, namely Ham Nghi (1884-1885), Thanh Thai (1889-1907) and Duy Tan (1907-1916), who had the spirit of opposing French colonialism, were listed in the rank of “Emperor rejection”. These kings, therefore, were not officially dedicated at this temple until October of 1958.
In front of The Temple stands several different monuments: the Nine Dynasty Urns, the Pavilion of Splendor and others.

Cuu Dinh (Nine Dynastic Urns)

Placed in front of The Temple courtyard, they are unique and skillful works of Bo Cong (or Ministry of Public Works) cast towards the end of 1835 to early 1837 in Hue. Nine Dynastic Urns manifest the dream of everlastingness of the Nguyen Dynasty and the country’s beauty and prosperity.

These are obviously illustrated in their naming, dimensions and designs. Cao Urn (Gia Long) stands in the center and the other urns are symmetrically placed on either side: Nhan Urn (Minh Mang), Chuong Urn (Thieu Tri), Anh Urn (Tu Duc), Nghi Urn (Kien Phuc), Thuan Urn (Dong Khanh), Tuyen Urn (Khai Dinh), Du Urn and Huyen Urn.

The Nine Dynastic Urns are primarily valued for their immense dimensions and in the skillful casting of Hue craftsmen. The Cao Urn (2.5m high, 2,601 kg) is the greatest and heaviest, while the urn named Huyen Dinh (2.31 high, 1,935 kg) is the smallest and lightest. Each side of the urns are chiseled with 17 reliefs. Accordingly, 153 scenarios, including mountains, rivers, the moon, stars, trees, flowers, animals, weapons, vehicles and boats, etc are carved in the Nine Dynastic Urns. It can be seen that the 153 reliefs are 153 pictures in themselves. Within them, one can see the Hong River on the Tuyen Urn, the Cuu Long River on the Huyen Urn and the Huong River on the Nhan Urn.

The Nine Dynastic Urns are lined up under the terrace of Hien Lam Pavilion, in accordance with the altars in The Temple. Only the Cao Urn stands in the front of the other by about 3m because Emperor Minh Mang believed Gia Long was the Emperor who had greatest contribution to the Nguyen Dynasty.
 

Hien Lam Cac (Pavilion of Splendor)

The Pavilion of Splendor was built between 1821 and 1822, at the same time as The Temple in the reign of Minh Mang.  
    The pavilion stands on a 21m by 13m square-shaped foundation. The area amounted to 300 sq. m including the roof overhang. It consists of three stories. The lower story has three compartments, the middle one, two, and the top floor, only one. 
    In front, on the stairs (9 steps each) joining the court, each flight is divided by two slithering dragon designs into three passages, the middle one being exclusively reserved for the Emperor.          

  Hien Lam Pavilion can be considered as a memorial to those who had devoted their lives to the establishment of the Nguyen dynasty. The Nguyen Emperors are honored in the The Temple while meritorious mandarins are honored in the Left and Right Houses on either side of the Hien Lam Pavilion. Because of the holiness of the Pavilion, the Nguyen Emperors had decreed that no other construction built in the Citadel should be higher.

Phu Van Lau (Pavilion of Edicts)

The Pavilion of Edicts was built in 1819 in the reign of Gia Long. It was the building where the Emperor’s and the Court’s important edicts and lists of successful candidates in the regional and national examinations were publicized.

In 1829, there had even been a duel between a tiger and an elephant on the pavilion grounds to entertain Emperor Minh Mang. In 1830, a three-day feast was also held there to celebrate the anniversary of Minh Mang King’s birthday.

The Pavilion of Edicts is a two-storied delicate house with a view to the South. Under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri, two stone steles were erected on both sides of the pavilion inscribed with Chinese characters meaning “Tilt Your Hats and Dismount” reminding passers-by to tilt their hats and get off their horses when passing this monument.

 In the front of the Pavilion of Edicts standing nearby the Huong River is a house called Nghinh Luong Dinh. This place was reserved for the King’s swimming, enjoying the fresh-air and viewing the landscape.

Now step by step, come with me from the outside of citadel into the inside of it with pictures

Where the kings enjoyed swimming on Perfumre river: Nghinh Luong Dinh

 

Then comes the Pavilion of Edictsin front of flag-pole

Hue flag-pole and outer wall of Royal citadel with moat

The Nhon gate of outer wall. Get through the gate into Imperial City

Behind The Nhon gate is four holy canons (other 5 canons are behind Quang Duc gate)

Next is Noon gate

 

The moat at both sides of the Noon gate 

Thai Hoa palace

Just outside of Thai Hoa palace

 

Queen and Emperor's costume

Coming next is Dien Tho palace

 

Then We come to The Mieu

In front of The Mieu is Nine Dynastic Urns

                                                      My Chinese name!

The last stop is Hien Lam pavilion

Pics: vietnamguidebook

Video: Royal palace by night
Please see: http://www.hueworldheritage.org.vn/?catid=231

Attention 
Because of severe climate and natural calamities, as well as fierce wars, many parts of the citadel have been unavoidably damaged.
 The golden period of the Hue's citadel was over. To many people with a non-trained eye, what they did see in present citadel made them felt dissapointed. 
The restoration has been carried out but it really takes time to give the present citadel its past glorious image.


2/ The royal tombs of Nguyen's emperor
 Over eighty years ago, a Westerner, Ph. Eberhard wrote “Hue is an attractive tourist center. There lies the Citadel, Royal Palaces and several royal tombs, which attracts the special attention of not only tourists but also fine art creators. The royal tombs of Nguyen’s Emperors are especially worth visiting”.

The Dynasty of Nguyen (1802-1945) consisted of thirteen emperors. However, due to various historic reasons, only some royal tombs remain in Hue City such as Gia Long tomb, Ming Mang tomb, Tu Duc tomb, Khai Dinh tomb, Thieu Tri tomb... Those tombs are about 7km - 18km from Hue city center.

 
  The architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty conforms to the rules of geomancy. In order to create the best last resting place for the kings, each royal tomb followed strict regulations relating to natural environment and geographical objects, such as sun, moon, rivers, mountains, ponds and lakes, streams...

 From the point of view of  a tourist with "normal eyes"  like me, most of the tombs are quite small but eleganttly beautiful thanks to nice arrangement and to the "support" of nature's beauty: They are located on leafy  hill with a lot of pine tress, near the river/stream and in a quite vast quiet area with blue sky...

   The surface arrangement of every tomb was divided into two main parts: The sepulchral area and the temple area. The sepulchral area was reserved for burying the King’s corpse and the temple area was a place where many palaces, mansions, pavilions, lotus ponds and others were built for the king’s entertainment while they were alive. 
And in general, from outside to inside, most of the tombs have five basic elements: The first, an honour courtyard with stone elephants, horses, civil and military Mandarins. Second, a stele pavilion in which the virtues, exploits of deceased king were engraved on a marble tablet. The third is a temple for worshipping the emperor and empress (some with king's mother).The fourth is the last rsting place of the king. The fifth is some lotus ponds, leafy hills and pine forests.

   Since Hue’s royal tombs have their own unique artistic and cultural features, they have been included in the list of World’s Wonders in “Les Merveilles du Monde” by the French Academician, Jean Cocteau (published in 1957 by a group of fifteen Western authors).

Its easy to visit about 3 royal tombs in 1/2 day with motorbike from Hue.

                                  (Hue Monuments Conservation Center, other sources and my point of view)

 Khai Dinh tomb (Ung Lang)

Location: Thuy Bang ward, Huong Thuy district, Thua Thien Hue province. About 10km from Hue city center. It is located on Chau Chu mountain slope
Last tomb of Nguyen kings: Khai Dinh was 12th king of Nguyen dynasty. He was the last king had tomb built
In comparison with other tombs: Khai Dinh tomnb was quite small but it was unique thanks to its flamboyant design and a combination of Western, Oriental, Vietnamese architectural style.

Under Khai Dinh, Western culture vigorously infiltrated into Vietnam. Khai Dinh himself made a tour to France in 1922. As a result, in his tomb, several elements of the Western architecture have been intermingled with the nation’s traditional art

 Emperor Khai Dinh (1885-1925) ruled the country for 9 years from 1916 to 1925. His tomb, however, was built within 11 years, from 1920 to 1931, much longer than his reign.

 In order to raise funds for the construction, Emperor Khai Dinh asked the protectorate government to increase the land tax by 30%. It was critically condemned in the history of Vietnam. 

Despite its limited size (117m x 48.5m), Khai Dinh’s Tomb exhibits labour-intensive and time-consuming works. The tomb, on a whole, is on a rectangular block, which is reached via one hundred and twenty-seven steps up the hillside. 

The introduction of various architectural styles of India, Buddhism, Romanesque and Gothic can easily be found at every corner of the tomb: The columned gates influenced by Indian architecture. The towers in the shape of stupas from the Buddhist style. The fence resembling a series of Holy Crosses, a stele pavilion supported by octagonal pillars with Romanesque-styled arch and so on. The synthesis of two architectural styles and the two cultures of the East and West reflect the historical transition and the Emperor’s character as well.

Atop this structure is Thien Dinh, the main building of the tomb. Thien Dinh consists of five parts attached to one another: 1 &2/ The Right and Left Guards’ Chambers are on either side. 3/ In the middle is the place called Khai Thanh which shelter the altar and portrait of Khai Dinh. 4/ Further behind Khai Thanh, under the royal canopy, stands the actual-sized bronze statue of Khai Dinh (made in Fance in 1922). His remains were interred below the statue. 5/ The last hall is reserved for the Emperor’s altar and funerary tablet. 

The inside walls of Thien Dinh are decorated with murals of the “Four Seasons”, the “Eight Precious Objects”, the “Five Blessings”, and many others. These are made out of colorful bits of broken porcelain and glass embedded in cement. From normal materials, local artists creatively produced vivid and supple objet d’art. Particularly, the royal canopy above the bronze statue with its graceful decoration give viewers an impression of a silk canopy, rather than a one-ton concreted one.

The person who was in charge of arranging the masterpieces at Khai Dinh’s tomb, was the artist Phan Van Tanh. His three massive paintings can be seen on the ceiling of Thien Dinh building, the most prominent being “Nine Dragons Hiding in Clouds”.

In spite of various criticisms, Khai Dinh’s tomb still displays an invaluable artistic architecture, which enriches the beauty of royal tombs in Hue.


Now come from outside to inside of Khai Dinh tomb

 Pics: vietnamguidebook

Tomb of Minh Mang (Hieu Lang)
Location: Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district, Thua Thien Hue province. About 12km from Hue city center. It is located on Cam Ke mountain, near Bang Lang confluence where Perfume river is formed from two tributaries, Ta Trach and Huu Trach, and flows into Hue city. You can get there by road or take a boat trip upstream on the Perfume river.

 Visiting Minh Mang’s Tomb, many people will be astonished to find a place of art, poetry and philosophy. The solemn and quiet architecture set in a poetic landscape demonstrates both the Emperor's strictness and deep beliefs. Twenty years on the throne, Minh Mang brought Dai Nam country (the former name of Vietnam) and the Nguyen royal family a strong and prosperous future. This man was laid to rest within an ''earthly paradise'' full of bird songs and flowers.

 In February of 1820, Emperor Gia Long passed away.  His fourth son, Nguyen Phuc Dam, succeeded him and was known as Minh Mang. Emperor Minh Mang contributed greatly to the expansion of the Dai Nam and made it the strongest country in Southeast Asia at the time. 

After seven years on the throne, Minh Mang had his mandarins search for land suitable for building his tomb. The geological mandarin, Le Van Duc, chose a site in the Cam Ke mountain area, near Bang Lang confluence, where the Huong River is formed from two tributaries, Ta Trach and Huu Trach. However, it took nearly 14 years of planning, considering and choosing before Emperor Minh Mang decided to have his tomb built in this location. He also named the mountain as Hieu Son instead of Cam Ke, and named his tomb as Hieu Lang. The King himself examined and ratified the drawings designed and submitted by mandarins Bui Cong Huyen and Truong Van Que and eunuches.

In April of 1840, the construction of the tomb started. The King ordered the mandarins Le Dang Danh, Nguyen Trung Mau and Ly Van Phuc to conduct and supervise the workers. In the August of 1840, Minh Mang went to check the construction. He demoted the supervisors and suspended construction because the digging of lake Trung Minh was not to his satisfaction. One month later, when the work was just re-commencing, Minh Mang became ill and passed away suddenly in January 1841.

 Only one month after succeeding to the throne, in February 1841, Thieu Tri ordered the mandarins Ta Quang Cu, Ha Duy Phien, Nguyen Tri Phuong to instruct nearly 10,000 soldiers and other workers to continue the work, based on his father's drawings. On August 20 1841, Minh Mang's body was buried in Buu Thanh, although the construction of the tomb still continued until 1843. Thanks to human labour and creative minds, this desert mountain area became a solemn site of tomb and temple, both brilliant and harmonious in its combination of architecture and nature. The entire design and ambience of the tomb reflects the depth of the Emperor's thought.

Within the area surrounded by a 1,750 metre long wall is an architectural complex including palace, pavilion and lake-side pavilion. These were symmetrically arranged along a 700 metre axis, the "Than Dao" line running from Dai Hong gate to the foot of the surrounding wall behind the king's grave. The tomb topography ressembles a  person lying in a very free posture with the head pillowed on Kim Phung mountain, the legs extending toward the river confluence and the two halves of Trung Minh lake look like two naturally extended arms.

 The other structures were distributed on three parallel axis of which "Than Dao" is the central one. Among these architectural features are a lake suffused with lotus perfume and hills covered with green pine, creating a poetic and spectacular landscape. Dai Hong Mon, the main entry gate to the tomb, is considered to be typical of Nguyen times. It was built of brick and lime, 9 metres high, 12 metres wide, with three entrances and 24 roofs with decorations such as carp turning into dragons, dragons rolling into clouds. It was opened only once to bring the emperor's coffin to the tomb and has been tightly closed ever since. Those who want to enter the tomb have to use two side gates - Ta Hong Mon (left gate) and Huu Hong Mon (right gate). Behind Dai Hong Mon is Bai Dinh (salutation yard 45 x 45 metres in area), paved with Bat Trang bricks and two lines of carved stone mandarins, elephants and horses. At the end of the yard is Bi Dinh (stele house), located on Phung Than Son mount, in which was set a memorial stone stele inscribed with the deceased Emperor's biography and merits by his successor, Thieu Tri.  Next is a court yard, divided into four steps in order to relieve the human feeling of giddiness at the vastness of the scale and the architecture.
Hien Duc is the main gate of the temple area, located within a square wall that symbolizes the earth, in accordance with the concept of circular heaven and square earth. Sung An palace in the middle is considered as the centrepiece, with its surroundings of Ta Huu Phoi Dien (front left and right temples) and Ta Huu Tung Phong (back left and right houses) functioning as satellites. The inside of the palace is dedicated to worshipping the King and the Queen.

 Hoang Trach gate is the last structure of the temple area.  All the practical structures seem to stop at the temple area. From here a new unbounded world of leisure and freedom opens out.  Seventeen "Thanh" stone steps take visitors to green trees set against an open sky and to the perfume of wild flowers. Three bridges, Ta Phu (left), Trung Dao (middle) and Huu Dat (right) crossing over Trung Minh     lake look like a blue silk sheet leading visitors to Minh Lau.  Minh Lau means bright pavilion and there the Emperor often went to enjoy a pleasant breeze and bright moon nights. This square pavilion with two storeys and eight roofs is a representation of Eastern philosophy. Two obelisks standing on Binh Son and Thanh Son hills behind Minh Lau show that the emperor did well in both virtues and merits before leaving this world for eternity.

Tan Nguyet lake is a half-moon shaped lake embracing Buu Thanh and provides an image of an endless world. The lake functions as the Yin element protecting the Yang one, Buu Thanh, a symbol of sun. The composition of this structure shows the ancient  concept of the evolution of all things.

Passing by Thong Minh Chinh Truc bridge across Tan Nguyet lake, 33 steps lead visitors to the Emperor's tomb which is located on the centre of Khai Trach mount surrounded by circular Buu Thanh wall. This circle is within other symbolic circles created by Tan Nguyet lake, La Thanh surrounding wall, mountains and the horizon line that represent the deceased Emperor's desire to be the holder of the earth and universe.  On both sides of the tomb's main axis, many sub-structures were built in symmetrical pairs, such as Ta Tung Phong (left room at the back) on Tinh Son mount, Huu Tung Phong (right room at the back) on Y Son mount, Tuan Loc house on Duc Hoa mount, Linh Phuong pavilion on Dao Thong Son.  Sadly, these structures were destroyed by time and weather.

 Beside the many, highly valuable artistic structures, nearly 600 panels with carved poems in Bi Dinh (Stele pavilion), Hien Duc gate, Sung An temple and Minh Lau pavilion are also considered to be priceless masterpieces.

This "poetic museum" shows Vietnam in the early 19th century in a setting which displays the  knowledge, understanding, beliefs and wishes of an earlier generation of  people.

 

Now come from outside to inside of Minh Mang tomb

 

 Pics: vietnamguidebook

Tomb of Tu Duc king (Khiem Lang)

 Location: The tomb is located in the narrow valley of Thuong Ba Hamlet, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City. Its about 7km from Hue city center.

 Tu Duc (1829 - 1883) came to throne in 1848 and had reigned the kingdom for over 35 years, the longest reign among the emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. His tomb, with some 50 constructions surrounded by a 1,500 m long wall, was built during 1864 – 1867.

 Emperor Tu Duc was expert at philosophy, Oriental history and particularly literature (he left 4,000 verses and 600 prose works) yet failed to successfully rule the country. He was the ruler in a chaotic period. The country was under constant attack by invaders, the on-going conflict of royal rivals endangered his throne, and the Emperor himself suffered from illness, which ultimately resulted in his sterility. Simply put, Emperor Tu Duc was undergoing an extremely intricate situation. To seclude himself from such a severe life, Tu Duc had this tomb built as his second palace for relaxation and for his “unanticipated death”.

As the construction began, Emperor Tu Duc named the complex Van Nien Co, but after the coup plot led by the Doan Huu Trung brothers, the Emperor changed the name to Khiem Cung. Later after his death, it was called Khiem Lang.

Overall, Tu Duc’s Tomb looks like a huge park. The harmonious features of the works can be observed everywhere in the tomb complex. Almost fifty monuments of the two areas - the temple and the graveyard - were named with the word “Khiem”, which means modest. 

First of all, a path from Vu Khiem gate leading to Luu Khiem lake on the right. Luu Khiem was once a small stream and later was ordered to dig bigger to become the lake. In the middle of the lake stands Tinh Khiem small island for planting flowers and raising precious animals. On the lake there are Xung Khiem pavilion and Du Khien pavilion where the king came to contemplate flowers, read books and compose poetry. I came here in summer 2012 and there were a lot of lotus flowers in the lake blooming.

On the left of the path, opposite Luu Khiem lake, is Khiem Cung Mon which leads to the area where the Emperor stayed during his visits to the complex. In the middle lies Hoa Khiem Temple, once was the working place of the Emperor, and now houses the Emperor and Empress’ funerary tablets. To either side of Hoa Khiem Temple, stands Phap Khiem and Le Khiem Pavilions, which were reserved for the accompanied civil and military mandarins. Behind Hoa Khiem Temple is Luong Khiem Temple, once used as the Emperor’s palace during his visits and later became a worshipping temple dedicated to the Emperor’s Mother - Tu Du. To the right of Luong Khiem Temple is On Khiem Pavilion - a storehouse for royal belongings. To the left of On Khiem Temple stands Minh Khiem Chamber, considered to be the oldest theatre of Vietnam. There was one passage from On Khiem pavilion leading to Tri Khiem pavilion and Y Khiem pavilion which were used to stay by accompanied royal concubines.

Out of the main temple area, the path leads to the graveyard area. Right behind the Honour Courtyard with stone elephants, horses, civil and military Mandarins, stands a stele pavilion in whichthe biography of Tu Duc were engraved on a 20-ton marble tablet. Althought the king had 103 wives but he had no offspring. 4,935 words on tablet telling the life story of the king, what he did for both right and wrong, and what he suffered.

Next are the half-moon-shaped lake called Tieu Khiem and the king tomb surrounded by green pine forest.
Across the lake are the tombs of Tu Duc's adopted son, Emperor Kien Phuc, who ruled for only 8 months before dying at the age of 16, and the Tu Duc's empress Le Thien Anh


 

 

 Pics: vietnamguidebook

The tomb of Gia Long

Emperor Gia Long was born in 1762 and died in 1819. His tomb is a complex of several royal tombs including the tomb of his mother, the tomb of himself and his wives, and tombs of other royal family’s members. This complex was mainly built in 6 year, from 1814 to 1820.

 Being a man of strong will who had spent his life on battlefields for almost a quarter of a century (1775 – 1801), he finally unified the country and came to the throne in 1802. His tomb consequently bore witness to a military commander’s unflinching character.
When his first queen died in 1814, he ordered the construction of a double-grave tomb, one for her and another for himself.
The site chosen for the purpose was an extending hilly region, some 20 km by road or by water south of the Citadel of Hue. Earlier, in the area, there had been tombs of his family members. When his second queen died later in 1846, her tomb was also constructed not far from his.
Amid a vast and magnificent natural environment, Gia Long tomb has about 20 monuments arranged in 3 groups:
-    Central group: Double-grave tomb of the Emperor and Queen.
-    Left group: Main monument is the Stele House sheltering the stele inscribed with the Emperor’s life story and achievements.
-    Right group: Main monument is the Minh Thanh Temple dedicated to the Emperor and Queen.

 A long distance from Hue, Gia Long tomb was seriously damaged by war. Some basic architectural elements remain however almost intact giving us concepts of the tomb’s value. Recently, HMCC has conducted a restoration project to rehabilitate main components of Gia Long tomb’s complex.

The tomb is about 20km from Hue city center

 

      

The tomb of Thieu Tri king 

 Born in 1807 and died in 1847, Emperor Thieu Tri could hardly expect his death at 40, after a seven - year reign. In his dying breath, he had enough time to advise his successor on his tomb construction.

 Soon after having come to the throne, Tu Duc ordered his father’s tomb to be built on his taste of art within only ten months.
      With some 10 monuments, Thieu Tri tomb is divided into two parts, 100 m from one another: the tomb area on the right and the temple area on the left. Figuratively, constructors had made Thieu Tri tomb by cutting off the middle part of the Minh Mang tomb and then joining the two ends together. Most of the monuments are similar to those of Minh Mang tomb yet surrounded by no wall. It is likely that Emperor Tu Duc had made use of the surrounding mountains as a natural wall, larger than that of brick.
    Monuments in Thieu Tri tomb are in close relation with natural environment. Water of the lakes is conducted by a network of underground tunnels.

  As nature-loving disposition of the Emperor when he was still alive, the tomb harmonizes well with the landscape of which view from the tomb seems almost unobstructed.

   The tomb of Dong Khanh king (Tu Lang)

 Emperor Dong Khanh was born in 1864, crowned in 1886 and breathed his last only 3 years later in 1889 at the age of 25. He was also Emperor Tu Duc’s nephew and foster-son.
   Since the reign of Dong Khanh, in other words, after the fall of the capital city of Hue (5 July 1885), Vietnam completely surrendered her independence to France. In his daily life, the Emperor took to wine, perfume, using alarm-clock, etc. imported from France.
        Dong Khanh died young, having no time to start his tomb construction. Most of the monuments of the tomb were simply planned and built during the first year of Emperor Thanh Thai’s reign (1889), repaired, improved and completed in the years 1916, 1917, 1921 and 1923 under Emperor Khai Dinh (Dong Khanh’s son).
       The tomb has 20 monuments. Like those of three preceding Emperors (Thieu Tri, Tu Duc and Duc Duc), Dong Khanh tomb is divided into two areas, the tomb and the temple, 100m apart.
        The Ngung Hy temple, dedicated to Dong Khanh and his two Queens, is the monument of greatest value of art. Most noteworthy are the building materials and decoration. Aside from the elaborate exterior decoration, the interior is lacquered red gilded and richly adorned. It is the best conserved and most splendid monument of Hue.

         As a whole, Dong Khanh Tomb is pretty, delicate and bears to some extent the cross – cultural stamp of European and Asian civilizations in late 19th-early 20th centuries.

 3/ Hue's court music - The World's Intangible Cutural Heritage

Vietnamese court music (Nha Nhac Vietnam) had a history of nearly one thousand years since the Ly dynasty (1010-1225) to the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945). It reached the maturity under the Nguyen dynasty and nowaday is well known as Hue's court music (Nha Nhac Hue)

  

The Vietnamese court music is often understood as types of music, dance, singing and Tuong (Traditional drama theatre) performed in Vietnamese palaces for emperors and royalty. Nha Nhac Hue is known as the most sacred music performed in important ceremonies and events of the court including the coronation ceremony, birthday anniversaries of the Emperor, royal funerals, official reception ceremony of ambassadors and the important ritual ceremonies, of approximately one hundred ceremonies per year. Especially, music performed in ritual ceremonies were often accompanied with songs and dances, seen as the means of communicating with the respect for the gods and kings; on the other hands, it represented the philosophical concept of the root of the universe of the Vietnamese.

 The examining council of the Intangible Heritage Board belonging to UNESCO realized that Nha Nhac is a characteristic, creative and diversified art source of Vietnam. To recognize the importance of Nha Nhac, UNESCO acknowledged this kind of performing art as one among the twenty eight Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity (present day the Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity) in the second proclamation dated November 7, 2003 under the name Nha Nhac – Vietnamese Court Music.

Where to enjoy Hue's court music:  

Hue Royal Theatre of Art 

Address: Duyet Thi Duong theatre (Inside citadel)

Tel: 054 3514 989 - 054 3522 070

Web: www.nhanhac.com.vn

Performance schedule: 

              Morning: 9:00AM - 9:30AM and 10:00AM - 10:30AM 

              Afternoon: 2:30PM - 3:00PM and 3:30PM - 4:00PM

Price: 120,000VND (include Royal tea)

Program and video: http://nhanhac.com.vn/?act=show

 

                                                                  Pics: nhanhac.com.vn

 4/ Lang Co – One of the world’s most beautiful bays

    Lang Co – the beautiful bay of Thua Thien Hue province has been officially a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays Club. Together with Ha Long and Nha Trang bays, Lang Co is the third bay of Vietnam which is honourably admitted to this Club. 

 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

     Sunset on Lang Co bay (Pic: Tuoi Tre newspaper)

Where to stay in Lang Co

With 13USD, you can stay in a guesthouse with nice A/C room

With 30USD, you see yourself in a seaside resort with beautiful and large room, artful design, swimming pool...

 1/ Khu Nghi Duong Lang Co resort

    Address: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province

    Tel: 080 54555

    Fax: 080 54556

    Email: langcot26@gmail.com

    Overview: nice and large room, LCD Tivi, swimming pool, friendly

     Room rate: 30USD up. Book online

    

    Photo: 

 

                                                           Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

2/ Lang Co beach resort

    Address: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province

    Tel: 0543 873 555

    Fax: 0543 873 504

    Email: langco@dng.vnn.vn

    Overview: Large and nice room with beautiful garden, A/C, LCD Tivi, fridge, swimming pool

    Book online

    Photo: 

                                                              Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

3/ Lang Co resort

    Address: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province

    Tel: 0543 874 426

    Fax: 0543 875 527

    Email: langcoresortlangco@gmail.com

   

   Overview: nice design room, basic bathroom, Tivi, fridge, popular with open tour Hue - Hoi An buses which stop here everyday for tourists having lunch

    Room rate: 30USD up. Book online

    

    Pictures:

                                                      Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

4/ Thanh Tam seaside resort

    Address: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province

    Tel: 0543 874 456

    Fax: 0543 873 762

    Email: info@thanhtamresort.com.vn

   
    Overview: nice room, Tivi, fridge, friendly

  

    Room rate: 45USD up. Book online

    Photo:

                                                      Pics: vietnamguidebook

5/ Minh Nguyet guesthouse

    Address: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province

    Tel: 0543 269 217 - 0985 115 690

     

    Room rate:  13USD up

    Overview: basci and clean room with A/C, Tivi, friendly

    Pictures: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

6/ Champa hotel

    Address: Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province

    Tel: 0543 676 777 - 0944 28 28 25

    Fax: 0543 676 599

    Email: champawhite@yahoo.com.vn

    

    Overview: big hotel, nice and large room, LCD Tivi, fridge

    Room rate: 20USD up. Book online

   

    Photo: 

                                                  Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

5/ Spectacular sunrise at Tam Giang lagoon

  With  5,200 hectares of water surface, Tam Giang lagoon is the dating place of three big rivers, O Lau, Huong and Bo, before they run into the sea through the Thuan An estuary.

 The most beautiful moments on the lagoon are at sunset and sunrise when they turns into many colours, especially purple, orange and red. I can say thats the magic show of light. You are sure to be deeply impressed and always say "so beautiful".

Coming to lagoon during sunset and sunrise, you also see the daily activities of local people such as fishing, selling and buying sea products on immense water surface.

The lagoon has an average depth of 2 - 4m, in some places, of 7 -10m, running 26km along three districts of Phong Dien, Quang Dien, Huong Tra of Thua Thien Hue province. From Hue city center, its about 15km.

My sunrise with the friends
The mobile phone woke me up at 2:45AM. Oanh, the Sales executive of Asian Travel Mate came to pick me up to her office. Here, I met some of her colleagues and three Hue television reporters and camera man. 3:30AM, the van took us through the quiet city streets with yellow streetlight and then came into darkness of countryside road. Our group had one friend from Swiss. I forgot his name... ah ha... Maybe, I was so sleepy when Mr Thuy, the manager of Asian Travel Mate, introduced the members...

About 4:15AM, we arrived in Ngu My Thanh village of Tam Giang lagoon. And there, I and everybody "woke up" again. It was so beautiful when the purple, orange and red colours reflected on the water. It was just like the colours playing in the darkness of night. Not far away, We could see many small fishing boats standing on the water. They and the colours cut the sky, devided it half half... I took so many pictures like I never take pics before... I just wished the time stop moving to this this moment

The sky was getting a little bit clearer and on the shallow water surface, there appeared the small images of fishermen. Their shadows on water with fishing boats "burn" my camera. It was still really quiet. All of us almost kept saying nothing. We just watched the magic scenery in front of us. Should I call it the holy time?

Then a reserved boat came to the shore. Our group devided into two small groups to get onboard. The fisher men pushed the small boats slowly to the big motorised boat as the water was so shallow at shore. I caught a beautiful pic of this.

Sun slowly camed out and many fishermen came back after one night fishing. Their boats were full of fishes, shrimps and crabs. Here, on the water surface, I saw the lively floating fish market. It made me missing the colourful floating markets in Mekong delta. Some boats with a happy family: father were smoking, mother were selling fishes, the children were still sleepy, the clothes flying in the light wind...

Far away, the water and the sky now were in beautiful orange colour. I almost "burn myself" !

Then when the sky was totally clear, the motorised boat took us to the raising fish, shrimp and crab area. The water surface was immense and on it there were countless "bamboo walls" with some stilt cottages where the fishermen stayed inside to take care of his raising aquaproduct area. Some of us thought of a honey moon here, haha...

Time came to say good bye to the lagoon and We headed to the village nearby where local people planting water melon, chilly, sweet potato and tapioca...

We enjoyed to full with sweet water melons and came back to the city center at about 8:00AM

I would come back to the lagoon next time to see the sun slowly come down and sleep with the full moon!

4:15AM

4:20AM

 

4:25AM

4:45AM

5:10AM

5:45AM

 

6:10AM

                                      Pics of Tam Giang lagoon: vietnamguidebook

 6/ Thuan An beach

Thuan An beach with clear and blue sea water is just 12km from Hue city. While most tourists enjoy Hoi An and Da Nang beaches, Thuan An beach is forgotten. So if you look for a place to hide away, Thuan An is one of the best choices.

There are just some restaurants and very few hotels/resorts in Thuan An. What you have is just only the beach and relaxation as there is almost no activity. Well, if you are like me, watching fishing boats and fishermen at work along the beach,  or seeing others playing in the water are interesting activities too...

You should combine the trip to Thuan An beach with Tam Giang lagoon 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

7/ My An hot spring

My An hot spring lies about 160m depth with its temperature from 35oC to 42oC when running out to the pools. The minerals in the waters are said to have positive therapeutic effects on skin disease, neuralgia, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism and shoulder, neck, wrist pains...

The hot spring is managed by My An resort which is about 10km from Hue city. 

If time permitted, you could enjoy staying in the bungalo designed in Hue traditional architecture. 

Combine the trip to My An hot spring with Tam Giang lagoon and Thuan An beach. 

My An resort

Address: My An hamlet, Phu Duong commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province

Tel: 054 3869 704 - 3623 442

Email: sales@myanonsenspa.com.vn

Overview: Hue traditional design, friendly staff

      Room rate: 45USD up with breakfast. Book online

                                                      Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

8/ Thien Mu and Tu Hieu pagodas  

    

 Thien Mu pagoda

 Together with Royal citadel, Thien Mu pagoda is the symbol of Hue city. The pagoda is about 5km from center of Hue, on Ha Khe leafy hill, faces the beautiful Perfume river.

The pagoda was built in the year of 1601. In 1710, a 2.5m high and 3285kg bell was ordered to cast by Nguyen Phuc Chu Lord. In 1715, the Lord ordered to build a 2.58m high stone stele placed on the back of a turtle made of marble.

During Nguyen dynasty (1802 - 1945), Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Thanh Thai kings also ordered to restore the pagodas many times.

The most famous tower of this pagoda, Phuoc Duyen, was ordered to build by Thieu Tri king in the year of 1844. Its a 7 floor (21m high) octagonal tower. Each tower worships a Buddha.

In the pagoda, there are many bronze Buddha statues and a horizontal lacquered board engraved with Chinese characters by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu.

Pay attention at the car which took Thich Quang Duc Bodhisattva to the center of Sai Gon city to burn himself to protest Ngo Dinh Diem president regime

Many tourists go to this pagoda by bus/motorbike and come back to Hue city center by dragon boats parking along Perfume river in front of the pagoda.

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

Tu Hieu pagoda

 The pagoda dates back from 1843 and is located on a beautiful pine hill. In general, the name "Tu Hieu" means:  mercy (Tu) and filial piety (Hieu)

The story was Nhat Dinh monk's mother got illness. She used medicines for long time but didnt get better. Nhat Dinh was advised to buy fish and meat to feed her. No worry about sneering at him as a monk,  he walked through the forest to the market which was 5km from the pagoda to buy fish and meat. Tu Duc king knew the story and gave the name "Tu Hieu" to the pagoda.

The pagoda was contributed by Buddhist followers, Tu Duc king and many eunuches. There were some eunuches' altars in the pagoda.

Today, Tu Hieu is one of the most beautiful pagodas in Hue. There is a small spring running in front of the pagoda,  a semicircular lake full of fishes and a small lake with many lotuses. Come to Tu Hieu and forget the busy life outside...

                                                         Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

    9/ Quoc Hoc Hue high school: Our fairy tale

    Walk back to our high school stage of life, live again our life's first beautiful and innocent emotions with "Our fairy tale" clip made by Quoc Hoc Hue high school past pupils

     Not only a lovely high school, Quoc Hoc Hue is also one of the most famous and oldest high schools in Vietnam where president Ho Chi Minh studied in the year of 1908

    

                                  

1 hour in Quoc Hoc Hue high school  

I walked back to my high school stage of life at Quoc Hoc Hue. The school brought me back to Le Quy Don high school in Sai Gon where I had a great unforgettable pupil time

I saw her standing at the window looked at the falling leaves. Yes, the school were full of big trees and when autumn came, it was a world of romance. She loved composing poetry...

Summer in Quoc Hoc Hue with closed classes, just only some pupils reviewing the lessons for coming Univeristy exam. I walked to the first floor of the school and there the phoenix flower burn the sky. I miss a lot!!! She was far away from me, really far!!!

3 years in my life. Just wished the time to come back like the song "If you have a wish in your life, wish for the time to come back when we are the high school pupils"!

  

 Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

10/ Huyen Khong pagoda (I havent visited this pagoda yet. Information and pictures from Vietnam newspapers and other sources)

Address: Huong Hoa commune, Huong Tran district, Hue city

Overview: Built in 1978, Huyen Khong is one of the most famous Theravada pagodas in Hue city. Lovely orchid flower and bonsai gardens. Many photographers come to this pagoda to take pictures of monks receiving alms...

      

 Pictures:

  11/ Bach Ma national park  
 Bach Ma national park is about 40KM from Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province.

From the national park's gate to the top of Bach Ma mountain is 16KM. Take about 45 minutes by car. 

Pictures and Vietnamese text: Pham Quang Tuan

(I haven't been here yet)


(http://dulich.vnexpress.net/photo/anh-video/ve-dep-nhu-tranh-cua-nui-rung-bach-ma-3002712.html)

C/ Where to stay

Most of standard hotels, guesthouses are located on the streets of Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hung Vuong and Nguyen Cong Tru. With 200,000VND, in low season, you see your self in a nice standard hotel with good room coming with A/C, Tivi, fridge, bathtub and Internet access. With 300,000VND you can stay in a huge room coming with private Internet. The rooms are withour breakfast.

Nguyen Tri Phuong, Hung Vuong and Nguyen Cong Tru streets are just some minutes walk to the Perfume river.

TheSinhTourist (Sinhcafe), the famous tour and bus operator has two offices on Nguyen Tri Phuong and Hung Vuong streets. 

Doi Cung street is for tourists looking for a 2 or 3-star hotels. With 25USD up, you can stay in a nice room, some artful design, A/C, Tivi, fridge, lift, Internet access, and some with small swimming pools. Breakfast is usually included.

Le Loi, the mian street, along Perfume river has many deluxe hotels. You also can find many standard hotels along this street.

Note: The research was done in low season. Room rate will be increased in weekend, high season and holiday. Expect to pay more 50,000VND or 100,000VND for standard and mid range hotels during these periods.

List of hotels on Nguyen Tri Phuong street

1/ Binh Duong I hotel 

    Address: 17/34 Nguyen Tri Phuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3829 990/ 0913 495 663

    Email:binhduong1@dng.vnn.vn

    Website:www.binhduonghotel.com

    Room rate: 10USD (without breakfast)

   Overview: Clean and big room with bathtub, A/C, Tivi, fridge; friendly and English and Japanese speaking staffs

   Bonus: 2 computers with free internet access on first floor; travel info; bus ticket booking; Hue city map in Japanese

    Minus: no lift.

    Pictures: 

 

Pics: vietnamguidebook

2/ Binh Duong III hotel 

    Address: 4/34 Nguyen Tri Phuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3830 145/ 0913 495 663

    Email:binhduong1@dng.vnn.vn

    Website:www.binhduonghotel.com

    Room rate: 15USD (without breakfast)

  Overview: Clean and big room with bathtub, A/C, Tivi, fridge; In room computer with Internet access; friendly and English and Japanese speaking staffs; lift

   Bonus: travel info; bus ticket booking

   Pictures: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

3/ Phong Nha hotel 

    Address: 10/10 Nguyen Tri Phuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3827 729/  054 3931676

    Email: phongnha_hotel@yahoo.com

    Overview: Nice room with bathtub, A/C, Tivi, fridge; friendly

    Bonus:  free internet access 

    Minus: no lift.

    

    Room rate: 10USD up (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo:

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

  List of hotels on Hung Vuong street

 1/ Vong Canh hotel 

    Address: 51 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3824 130/ 0935 757 317

    Email: vongcanhhotel@dng.vnn.vn

    Overview: Nice and big room with bathtub, A/C, LCD Tivi, fridge; friendly staffs

    Bonus: free internet access

    Minus: no lift.

    Room rate: 13USD (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

 2/ Gem hotel  

    Address: 25 - 27 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3936 355/ 054 3936 356

    Email: gemhotelvn@gmail.vn

  

   Overview: Nice and big room with bathtub, A/C, Tivi, fridge; friendly staffs

    Minus: no lift.

    Room rate: 13USD (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

 3/ Thang Long hotel  

    Address: 18 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3826 462/  3826 463

    Email: thanglonghuehotel@yahoo.com.vn

   Overview: Basic, big room with bathtub, A/C, Tivi, fridge

    Bonus: A free pick up from the train/bus station if booking was made by phone/mail

    Minus: no lift.

    Room rate: 13USD (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

4/ Hai Dang hotel  

    Address: 43 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3824 755

    Email:contact@haidanghotel.com.vn

   

    Overview: Basic and big room, A/C, Tivi, fridge

    Room rate: 13USD (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo credit: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

5/ Gold 2 hotel  

    Address: 41 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3816 916 - 3816 917

    Email: khanhdatcttnhh@yahoo.com

    Website: www.goldhotelhue.com

  

    Room rate: 17USD up (without breakfast)

    Overview: Big and nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge, bathtub, lift, internet access

    Pictures: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

6/ Saigon hotel  

    Address: 44 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3821 007 - 3821 008

   

    Room rate: 13USD up (without breakfast)

    Overview: Big and nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge, bathtub, lift, internet access, friendly

    Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

7/ Duy Tan hotel 

    Address: 12 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

    Tel/Fax: 054 3825 001 - 3826 479

    Overview: Big hotel with nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge, small bathtub, lift, internet access, friendly

    Room rate: 25USD up (with buffet breakfast). Book online

  

    Pictures: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

 List of hotels on Doi Cung street

1/ River view hotel  

    Address: 15 Doi Cung street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3827 403 - 222 0456

    

  Overview: Big and nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge, lift, internet access. Great city view from 9th floor. Small swimming pool. English friendly speaking staff

    Room rate: 30USD up (with breakfast). Book online

  

    Photo: 

                                                              Great city view

                                                        Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

2/ Truong Giang hotel  

    Address: 25 Doi Cung street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3826 827 - 3829 323

    Email:tghotel@dng.vnn.vn

   

   Overview: Big and nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge, bathtub, lift, internet access, English friendly speaking staff

    Room rate: 23USD up (with breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

3/ New Time hotel  

    Address: 23 Doi Cung street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3822 765 - 3822 766

    Email: info@newtimehotel.com.vn

  Overview: Big and very nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge, bathtub, lift, internet access, English friendly speaking staff

    Room rate: 25USD up (with breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

List of hotels on Le Loi street

 1/ Dang Tuan hotel  

    Address: 92 Le Loi street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3817 161 - 3837 827

    Email: dangtuanhotel@gmail.com

    Overview: Big and nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge; internet access

  

    Room rate: 15USD up (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

2/ Lam Bao Long hotel  

    Address: 80 Le Loi street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3822 804 - 3837 688 - 0903 599 727

    Email:lambaolonghotel@gmail.com

    Overview: Small and nice room, A/C, Tivi, fridge; basic bathroom, internet access

    Room rate: 15USD up (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

3/ Tran Ly hotel  

    Address: 78 Le Loi street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3830 894

    Email: tranlyhotel@yahoo.com.vn

    Overview: Basic and big room, A/C, Tivi, fridge, internet access

    Room rate: 13USD up (without breakfast). Book online

    Photo: 

 List of hotels on Nguyen Cong Tru street

 1/ Hoa Thien hotel  

     Address: 08 Nguyen Cong Tru street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 383 0014

          

      Room rate: 15USD up (without breakfast)

      Overview: Very nice and big room, A/C, Tivi, fridge

      Minus: no lift

       Photo: 

 Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

2/ Phuong Loan hotel  

    Address: 5/14 Nguyen Cong Tru street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3830 119 - 0905 013 569           

    Room rate: 15USD up (without breakfast)

    Overview: Very nice and big room, A/C, large LCD Tivi, fridge, lift, internet access

3/ Bao Son 1 hotel  

    Address: 39 Nguyen Cong Tru street, Hue city

    Tel: 054 3812 979 - 0914 006 775 - 0912 651 090           

    

    Overview: Basic room, nice bathroom, A/C,  Tivi, fridge, internet access

    Room rate: 13USD up (without breakfast). Book online

     Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

4/  Tigon Premium hotel  

     Address: 09 Nguyen Cong Tru street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 3834 597    

     Email: info@tigonpremium.com

     

      Overview: Beautiful and big room, A/C,  Tivi, fridge, lift, Englsih friendly speaking staff

      Room rate: 20USD up (with buffet breakfast). Book online

      Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

List of deluxe hotels

1/  Imperial hotel (5-star)

     Address: 08 Hung Vuong street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 388 2222

     Email:cmb@imperial-hotel.com.vn

  

     Overview: Hue artful design, beautiful room, great city view

     Book online

      Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

2/ Saigon Morin hotel

     Address: 30 Le Loi street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 3823 526

     Email:info@morinhotel.com.vn

    

   Overview: The first deluxe hotel in central Vietnam, established in the year of 1901. Excellent location. 

      Minus: Some rooms are getting old

      Book online

      Photo: 

                                                        Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

3/ Premier Indochine Palace

     Address: 105A Hung Vuong street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 393 6666

     Email: info@bwp-indochinepalace.com

   

   Overview: Artful design, beautiful room, friendly staffs, Japanese and English speaking Director of Sales

     Book online

      Photo: 

Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

4/ Gerbera hotel (Muong Thanh Hue hotel)

     Address: 38 Le Loi street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 393 6688

     Email: resa@gerberahotelhue.com.vn

                salesa@gerberahotelhue.com.vn

    Overview: Artful design, beautiful room, great location, nice city view

    Book online

       

    Photo: 

 Photo: vietnamguidebook

Pic: Gerbera hotel

5/ Century Riverside hotel

     Address: 49 Le Loi street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 3823 390 - 3823 391

     Email: res@centuryriversidehue.com

  

    Overview: 4-star hotel with great location, best riverside view

    Book online

       

    Photo: 

 Pic: vietnamguidebook

6/  Huong Giang hotel

     Address: 51 Le Loi street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 3822 122

     Email:info@huonggianghotel.com.vn

     Overview: 4-star hotel with great location, best riverside view

      Book online

     Photo: 

 Photo: vietnamguidebook

7/  Cherish Hue hotel 

     Address: 57 - 59 Ben Nghe street, Hue city

     Tel: 054 3943 943

     Email:info@camelia-hotels.com.vn
     Overview: Nice room, buffet breakfast, internet access, small swimming pool, lift, friendly staff

     Room rate: 50USD up (low season), 90USD up (high season). Book online

           

    Photo:

 Photo credit: vietnamguidebook

Others

1/ Vedana Lagoon resort & spa (5-star)

Zone 1, Phu Loc town, Phu Loc district, Hue
      Tel: +(84 54) 3 681 688; +(84 54) 3 819 397

Faz: +(84 54) 3 819 398
      info@vedanalagoon.com

"Vedanā lagoon resort & spa is nestled on the shore of a peaceful and serene lagoon, with stunning views across one of the largest lagoons in southeast asia. it lies between two cities which are well-known as world heritage sites: Hue and Hoi An. The resort embodies the subtle connection of modern art concept and high-end lifestyle. Vedanā lagoon resort & spa is the first over water villas in vietnam

The nearest airport is Hue airport - just 30 minutes away, whilst Danang international airport is 90 minutes by car. 

The resort is 45 minutes from hue city center, 90 minutes from danang city center and 25 minutes from Lang Co by car."

Book online

D/ Hue's food and drink

There are many restaurants serving Hue's food and drink, especially Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup); Com hen (Hue mussle rice); Bun thit nuong (Rice vermicelli eat with fried pork/beef and fish sauce, vegetables); Che Hue (Hue sweet)...

Here comes the list of the most popular eateries in Hue. Most eateries are run by small families which are loved by local people for many years. If you really want to discover Hue food, dont miss them!

Hue food is spicy. If you dont want to have chilli in your food ask them:" Vui long toi khong an cay". "Cay" is spicy

1/ Che Hem eatery

Address: number 01 of 29th alley of Hung Vuong street (So 1 kiet 29 duong Hung Vuong)

Famous: Beef, pork noodle soup (breakfast, 30,000VND) and Hue sweet (evening)

 Pics: vietnamguidebook

2/ Huyen Anh restaurant

Address: 52/1 Kim Long street (on the way to Thien Mu pagoda)

Tel: 054 3525 655

Time: lunch

Famous: rice vermicelli served with fried pork (18,000VND), fish sauce and vegetables

                                                           Pics: vietnamguidebook

3/ Com hen Da Huong (Da Huong mussel rice)

Address: Vy Da (ask local people show you. Have to cross a small bridge near Vy Da market)

Time: lunch

Famous: Mussle rice (7,000VND) and corn sweet 

Pics: vietnamguidebook

4/ Dong Tam bakery

Address: Le Loi street (opposite Huong Giang hotel)

Famous: Hue bread (7,000VND. Its spicy)

5/   Chao bo Dap Da (well done rice cooked with beef)

Address: 5 Nguyen Cong Tru street

Time: evening

Price: 25,000VND up

Pics: vietnamguidebook

6/ Quan bun Ba Tam

Address: Nguyen Cong Tru street

Time: morning

Famous: Hue beef noodle soup

Price: 25,000VND up

Pics: vietnamguidebook

7/ 02 beef noodle soup shops recommended by Tuoi Tre news paper (http://dulich.tuoitre.vn/tin/am-thuc/20140203/nhung-quan-ngon-o-xu-so-bun-bo/591825.html):

* Bún bò mẹ Kéo ở Gia Hội (Ms. Keo beef noodle soup) - Recommended by TuoiTre newspaper

Address: Bach Dang street (near Gia Hoi bridge)

 Photo credit: Thai Loc

* Bún bò mẹ Gái (Ms. Gai beef noodle soup) - Recommended by TuoiTre newspaper

Address: Chi Lang street 

 Photo credit: Duc Tri

E/ Bars

 1/ DMZ bar

     Address: 60 Le Loi street
     Tel: 054 3823 414

     Overview: The most popular bar for backpackers with great location

2/ Octopussy bar

     Address: Nguyen Cong Tru street
    

     Overview: Nice music with pool. Drinks start at 3USD up

My sunrise tequila: 65,000VND

                                                 

Pics: vietnamguidebook

F/ Getting there 

Hue is about 1080km from Sai Gon, 660km from Ha Noi capital city, 140km from Hoi An, 110km from Da Nang

 

By air
Vietnam airlines has 4 daily flights from Sai Gon to Hue and 4 daily flights from Hue to Sai Gon

The return economy ticket is about 3,000,000VND (or 150USD)

Check and book ticket online at  www.vietnamairlines.com

By bus

There are many open bus operators serving daily seating and slepping buses from Hoi An, Da Nang and Ha Noi to Hue. Among them, TheSinhTourist open bus company (Sinhcafe) has a good reputation

Beside TheSinhTourist, you can use the services of Hanhcafe and An Phu

One way ticket from Hoi An to Hue is about 70,000VND - 80,000VND. The bus comes with A/C. TheSinhTourist offer a  bottle of water and fresh tissue while you have to take your own water when using the services of  Hanhcafe and An Phu

Most of hotels and guesthouses have bus ticket booking service. The bus will come to pick you up at the hotel

The bus takes about 4 -5 hours from Hoi An to Hue; 3 to 4 hour from Da Nang to Hue. Bus usually stop at Lang Co beach resort for 30 minutes break. Lang Co is one of the most beautiful bays in the world (See Lang Co beach)

TheSinhTourist offices 
www.thesinhtourist.vn (Booking online)
Office 1

12 Hung Vuong St., Hue

Tel:  +84.54.3845022

Fax:  +84.54.3826867

Email: hue@thesinhtourist.vn

Office 2

60 Nguyen Tri Phuong St., Hue

Tel:  +84.54.3848626

Fax: +84.54.3826867

An Phu office
Address: 11 Nguyen Tri Phuong street
Tel: 054 3833 897

By Train

Hue train station
      01 Bui Thi Xuan street - Hue city
      Tel: (054) 3822 175

G/ Best time to visit

January to March is the best time to visit as the weather is cool and rarely see rain

April to August is the dry season and is really hot. There are some small rains during this period

September to December sees big rains. There are some storms in September to November

H/ One day in Hue with motorbike.

  Price: One day in and around Hue with motorbike taxi charged me 200,000VND (Or 10USD). 

 The main destinations: Kings' tombs (Khai Dinh, Minh Mang, Tu Duc); Vong Canh hill; Elephant temple (Dien Voi Re); Conical hat and incense stick making village; Lunch paid by myself; Thien Mu pagoda; My An hot spring; Tam Giang lagoon and Thuan An beach

Departure: 7:00AM

Finish: 4:00PM

Motorbike taxi: Mr Hoa, nice friendly driver in the age of about 45 with good knowledge about Hue tourism. Call him 0948 740 827

Entrance fees for Royal citadel and 3 tombs of Khai Dinh, Minh Mang and Tuc Duc kings: 155,000VND (For Vietnamese);  320,000VND (For foreigner)

Free to visit:  Elephant temple (Dien Voi Re); Conical hat and incense stick making village; Thien Mu pagoda; My An hot spring; Tam Giang lagoon and Thuan An beach

Itinerary:

* The friendly motorbike taxi driver picked me up at Binh Duong 1 hotel at 7:00AM. We started the day with famous Bun Bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) in Che Hem eatery which is one of the most popular destinations in Hue for breakfast. The eatery was in a small alley of Hung Vuong street and was full of motorbikes parking as we arrived. The reason: They sold the best Hue beef noodle soup. I have tried this kind of soup at many places, but nowhere can compare with it. Excellent, delicious. The price: 30,000VND/big bowl

* Then the bike came out of the city center to a leafy street with green hills. The first destination was tomb of Khai Dinh, then tombs of Minh Mang and Tu Duc king

* Finished visiting 3 tombs, the bike took me to the Tiger arena and Elephant temple. 

   This arena was built in 1830 under Ming Mang king's reign with the inner wall of 5.90m high and outer wall of 4.75m high surrounding it. The wall itself enclosed a stadium. The King’s seat, which was built higher, faces to the south, opposite five tiger cages.

  This used to be the place where duels between trained elephants and tigers were organized for the entertainment of the Nguyen Court and the public. It was also the main training site of fighting elephants. Before combat, all at the tiger’s sharp teeth and claws were cut off. Therefore, it was the tigers that were always trampled and killed by the elephants in those fights to the death. The triumph of the elephants was likened to the power of the Emperor and the Court.
 

 Pics: vietnamguidebook

* Then We headed to conical hat and incense stick village. Actually this is just a "tourist village". Anyway, you will have an idea about making the famous Hue conical hat and incense stick

   Here comes some information about Conical hat village from www.huefestival.com

  Making conical hats has been a traditional craft for many generations in Hue city. One of the best-known places for making conical hats in the city is the Phu Cam village (Phuoc Vinh ward), where most villagers live from the craft.

Hue city conical hats often consist of 16 brims and are made from palm leaves and bamboo, which are readily available in the area. Unlike the hats made in some other areas, Hue city conical hats are attractive, delicate and durable thank to the makers’ excellent skills.

Hue city is famous throughout Vietnam for its special hats made of high-quality palm leaves with pink paper pictures and famous poems between the two layers of leaves. The picture often show scenes from Hue city like Truong Tien bridge, Thien Mu pagoda, Ngu Binh mountain, a boat on the Perfume river, or the charming girls of Hue city.

These hats not only protect the wearers from the sun or rain, but also help make the girls of Hue city even more charming, which have made them an endless source of inspiration for poets and writers.

 Pics: vietnamguidebook

    * Then the bike climbed up to the high pine hill - Vong Canh which gave one of the best views of Perfume river. Vong Canh is also the place the young couples dating

 Pics: vietnamguidebook

    * It was almost noon and the bike came to the Kim Long street, the beautiful street along Perfume river and We decided to have lunch in one restaurant (Rice noodle with fried beef come with fish sauce and vegetables: 18,000VND) and one eatery (Hue mussle rice: 7,000VND!). They were very tasty, especially the Hue mussle rice. Dont miss it if you visit Hue

* After lunch, the bike continued to Thien Mu pagoda. I have been here for many times and still love it very much. One of the most beautiful pagoda in Vietnam with great location on a leafy hill with green garden and facing the romantic Perfume river. As I once enjoyed cruising along Perfume river from the pagoda to Hue city center so I decided to continue by motorbike to other destinations. Note: There are a lot of dragon boats waiting in front of the pagodas.

                                                                  Pic: Wiki network

* The sunlight was strong at noon making me feel a little bit tired. Thats why when the bike stoped at My hot spring resort, I just wanted to jump into the cool swimming pool and then enjoyed the hot spring which is 42oC! Well if have time and money too, I would stay in this resort with beautiful bungalo designed in Hue traditonal architecture

* From My An hot spring resort, it was just some kilometers to be in Tam Giang lagoon. Well from the top of the bridge crossing the lagoon, I had a nice general view of this biggest lagoon in Southeast Asia (It was said that). In the afternoon, the lagoon was not excellent but I did have a great sunrise on lagoon for next day (See "Spectacular sunrise on Tam Giang lagoon)

* The final destination was Thuan An beach where I enjoyed the cool sea air (eventhough under the hot sun), watched some poeple swimming and some fishermen at work. Well, I did have my photos taken on a fishing boat too!

I/ Tours and rent motorbike

Its easy to travel around Hue by yourself with motorbike

* Rent motorbike and bicycle

Most hotels and guesthouses offer this service

3USD/day for normal motorbike

5USD/day for automatic motorbike

1.5USD/day for bicycle

* Motorbike taxi

One day around Hue city including Royal citadel, tombs, Vong Canh hill, Conical hat and incense stick making village, Thien Mu pagoda, lunch time will charge about 10USD

Some famous tour operators in Hue

1/ Asiana Travel Mate

    Address: 45 - 47 Le Loi street, Hue city

    Tel: 0543 942 233

    Info@asianatravelmate.com

    www.asianatravelmate.com

    Overvieew: Young and dynamic team; famous for bicycling tour, cooking class, Tam Giang lagoon...

2/ TheSinhTourist

www.thesinhtourist.vn (Booking online)

Office 1

12 Hung Vuong St., Hue

Tel:  +84.54.3845022

Fax:  +84.54.3826867

Email: hue@thesinhtourist.vn

Office 2

60 Nguyen Tri Phuong St., Hue

Tel:  +84.54.3848626

Fax: +84.54.3826867

Overview: popular with one day Hue vity tour

J/ Hue's romantic songs

Mong cho 

Singer: Hoang Oanh

Composer: Xuan Tien

Producer: Thuy Nga Paris By Night

Ai ra xu Hue (Who goes to Hue)

Singer: Quang Le - Ngoc Ha

Composer: Duy Khanh

Producer: Thuy Nga Paris By Night

Thuong ve co do
Composer: Thanh Son
Singer: Trieu Trang

Nguoi em Vy Da (Vy Da little girl)

Singer: Quang Le 

Composer:

Producer: Thuy Nga Paris By Night

Nho Hue (Missing Hue)

Singer: Van Khanh
Composer:

K/ Hue country songs 

      

L/ Websites

The offical websites of Hue city and Thua Thien Hue province

www.hueworldheritage.org.vn

http://www.huefestival.com

M/ Other pictures

                                                    Hue Royal Vestige Preservation Center

N/ Entrance fees of Citadel, Royal tombs etc

Unit: VND/person/turn I. Admission: No. Sites Foreigner Vietnamese Adult Children ( 7 - 11 years of age) Adult Children ( 7 - 11 years of age) 1 Imperial City 80.000 20.000 55.000 10.000 2 Hue Museum of Royal Antiques 40.000 30.000 3 Gia Long Tomb Free Free Free Free 4 Minh Mang Tomb 80.000 20.000 55.000 10.000 5 Thieu Tri Tomb Close for restoration Close for restoration Close for restoration Close for restoration 6 Tu Duc Tomb 80.000 20.000 55.000 10.000 7 Duc Duc Tomb Free Free  Free Free 8 Dong Khanh Tomb Close for restoration Close for restoration Close for restoration Close for restoration 9 Khai Dinh Tomb 80.000 20.000 55.000 10.000 10 Hon Chen Temple 40.000 30.000 11 Thien Mu Pagoda Free Free Free Free 12 Ho Quyen (Arena of Tigers & Elephants) Free Free  Free Free 13 Van Mieu Temple Free Free Free Free 14 Nam Giao Esplanade Free Free Free Free 15 An Dinh Palace 40.000 30.000 2.000 16 The House at 79 Phan Dinh Phung Free Free Free Free II. Package tour ticket No. Package tour Foreigner Vietnamese Adult Children ( 7 - 11 years of age) Adult Children ( 7 - 11 years of age) 1 Imperial City– Hue Museum of Royal Antiques 105.000 đ 75.000 đ 2 Imperial City –  Khai Dinh Tomb – Minh Mang Tomb 180.000 đ 45.000 đ 125.000 đ 20.000 đ 3 Imperial City – Tu Duc Tomb – Khai Dinh Tomb – Minh Mang Tomb 225.000 đ  55.000 đ 155.000 đ 25.000 đ
(HUE MONUMENTS CONSERVATION CENTRE)

O/ News

80kg turtle released into sea in Vietnam 

Tuoitrenews

Updated : 03/25/2014 16:13 GMT + 7

A sea turtle, 1.2 meters in length and 0.7 meter in width, has been released back into the sea after it was found Monday being stuck in the net of a fisherman in central Vietnam.

Nguyen Van, a fisherman in Thua Thien-Hue Province, saw a large creature that looked like a turtle stuck in his net while he was fishing in the Tam Giang lagoon yesterday morning.

Van then reported to local authorities and relevant agencies later confirmed that the creature is a sea turtle.

He said this is the largest turtle, weighing 80 kilograms, that he has ever seen while fishing in the lagoon so far.

The man added that the turtles he had caught before only weighed several kilos each.

The provincial Aquatic Resource Exploitation and Protection Sub-Department later transported the turtle to the Vinh Tu sea mouth and let it loose.

Earlier on March 7, two other locals also found a sea turtle, which was 75 cm long and 40 cm wide and weighed about 24kg, near the same lagoon and notified local authorities.

Concerned agencies set it free in the sea afterward.

Hue festival 2014

Pictures: Thuathienhue.gov.vn

 Hue city: Truong Tien bridge brilliantly illuminated 

 Compagnie Carabosse, a group of French fire exhibitionists, lit up the Truong Tien Bridge in Hue with 4,000 oil lamps, Friday night, as part of an international festival that's underway in the imperial city.

( ThanhNienNews)

P/ Learn Vietnamese For Hue:  http://vietnameseconversation.blogspot.com/