Hue Imperial city Destination Information
 Hue is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to
Vietnam. Straddling the Perfume River, this mysterious, somber
city is a historian's dream come true, with numerous 19th century
ruins, royal tombs and an excellent museum.
The Imperial City of Hue was the capital of Vietnam
during the reign of the Nguyen dynasty, the last dynasty in Vietnam.
Even today, the Vietnamese regard Hue with awe and respect. Hue
also has the distinction of being one of the rainiest cities in
Vietnam, receiving more than 120 inches each year.
Hue is dominated by The Citadel, a moated, walled fort, constructed during
the early 19th century. Within these walls lies the forbidden Purple City,
former home of the royal family. The Citadel was also the scene of brutal
fighting and staggering casualties during the 1968 Tet Offensive, when the
North Vietnamese held the fort for 26 days before being driven out by American
forces. The damage inflicted to the architecture is still being repaired
and the Citadel may never be fully restored. In somewhat better shape are
the various royal tombs of the Nguyen emperors, which can easily be reached
by boat, car or motorbike. The historical museum is one of the best in the
country.
The Vietnamese regard Hue as the pinnacle of Vietnamese fashion, language and
cuisine. The women of Hue, wearing the traditional ao dai and non bai tho, are
reputed to be the most beautiful in all of Vietnam. The Hue accent is regarded
as the most distinct and pleasing to the ear. The food, including local dishes
such as banh khoai, is said to be the tastiest. Some of this is surely legend
rather than fact, but who am I to argue?
You won't be alone when you visit Hue. At any time of the year
this small city is bustling with tourists. Hue is on almost every tour itinerary
and it is the northern terminus of the infamous "open tour" bus route.
Lots of tourists also means lots of hawkers, cyclo drivers and children selling
chewing gum. It sometimes seems impossible to walk more than 10 feet without
being accosted by someone wanting to sell you something. Smile a lot, say thank
you (preferably in Vietnamese) and go about your business and you will be left
alone.
Hue can easily be visited as a day trip from Danang, or
as an overnight stop on the way to Hanoi or before returning to Saigon. The
best time to visit Hue is from May to August, when it tends to be dryest.
Bring a raincoat anyway, as it's still likely to rain.
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