With almost every other hotel in Hue, Vietnam being just recently constructed and boast of contemporary amenities, people forget the fact that the city has existed for centuries. But with a trip to these historical attractions, you're sure to be reminded of Hue's glorious past as the imperial capital:
1. The Imperial Citadel
First built in 1804, this sprawling palace complex was the home of the Nguyen imperial family. Similar in style to Beijing's Forbidden City, the citadel is the grandest symbol of Hue's status as the former imperial capital. While heavily damaged because of the fighting between the French and the Viet Minh in 1947, and during the Tet Offensive in 1968, parts of the citadel are still standing. These include the Thai Hoa Palace, or the emperor's coronation hall; and Ngo Mon, the southern gate to the city built in 1833. With the assistance of your hotel in Hue, booking a tour of the Imperial Citadel is easy, and a must to learn more about the country's history.
2. Tombs of the Emperors
Located along the Perfume River, these magnificent mausoleums were mostly built from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. While some tombs, such as that of Emperor Gia Long, have fallen into ruin, others have been well-maintained or restored. The most opulent examples are the tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh, which was constructed in 1925; and that of Emperor Tu Duc, built from 1864 to 1867. Many cruises along the Perfume River include a stop here. Alternatively, just hire a taxi or rent a bike to get here from your hotel in Hue City.
3. Thien Mu Pagoda
This temple complex, first built in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, first of the Nguyen Lords, includes the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. This pagoda, the Phuoc Duyen Tower, was built in 1844. An icon of Hue, this 7-story octagonal tower is 21 m tall and overlooks the Perfume River.
4. Quoc Hoc - Hue High School for the Gifted
Not only is this school known for being the alma mater of Ho Chi Minh, or for its rank as one of the top 25 high schools in Vietnam. Being the first and oldest high school in the country, the Quoc Hoc campus is also a recognized historical site in the city. Built on the former site of the Admiral's Palace, this campus - the largest of its kind in Vietnam - is known for its French colonial style buildings.
5. Hue Royal Antiquities Museum
Housed in the newly restored Long An Palace, near the Imperial Citadel, is this massive collection of artifacts that once belonged to the Nguyen Dynasty. Showcasing over a thousand pieces, ranging from 14th-century ceramics to royal robes, the opulence of these items will surely eclipse even the modern-day amenities of any hotel in Hue, Vietnam.
1. The Imperial Citadel
First built in 1804, this sprawling palace complex was the home of the Nguyen imperial family. Similar in style to Beijing's Forbidden City, the citadel is the grandest symbol of Hue's status as the former imperial capital. While heavily damaged because of the fighting between the French and the Viet Minh in 1947, and during the Tet Offensive in 1968, parts of the citadel are still standing. These include the Thai Hoa Palace, or the emperor's coronation hall; and Ngo Mon, the southern gate to the city built in 1833. With the assistance of your hotel in Hue, booking a tour of the Imperial Citadel is easy, and a must to learn more about the country's history.
2. Tombs of the Emperors
Located along the Perfume River, these magnificent mausoleums were mostly built from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries. While some tombs, such as that of Emperor Gia Long, have fallen into ruin, others have been well-maintained or restored. The most opulent examples are the tombs of Emperor Khai Dinh, which was constructed in 1925; and that of Emperor Tu Duc, built from 1864 to 1867. Many cruises along the Perfume River include a stop here. Alternatively, just hire a taxi or rent a bike to get here from your hotel in Hue City.
3. Thien Mu Pagoda
This temple complex, first built in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, first of the Nguyen Lords, includes the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. This pagoda, the Phuoc Duyen Tower, was built in 1844. An icon of Hue, this 7-story octagonal tower is 21 m tall and overlooks the Perfume River.
4. Quoc Hoc - Hue High School for the Gifted
Not only is this school known for being the alma mater of Ho Chi Minh, or for its rank as one of the top 25 high schools in Vietnam. Being the first and oldest high school in the country, the Quoc Hoc campus is also a recognized historical site in the city. Built on the former site of the Admiral's Palace, this campus - the largest of its kind in Vietnam - is known for its French colonial style buildings.
5. Hue Royal Antiquities Museum
Housed in the newly restored Long An Palace, near the Imperial Citadel, is this massive collection of artifacts that once belonged to the Nguyen Dynasty. Showcasing over a thousand pieces, ranging from 14th-century ceramics to royal robes, the opulence of these items will surely eclipse even the modern-day amenities of any hotel in Hue, Vietnam.