Hue

Hue is Vietnam’s most culturally and historically significant city – a deposed but once glorious capital which lost its sovereignty, saw its prestige melt away and then found itself brutalised on the frontline of modern warfare.

Hue’s complex history’s most significant period was as Vietnam’s Imperial City, built in 1803 by Gia Long on a former royal site. Hue then remained Vietnam’s capital until 1945, when Bao Dai, the last of the Nguyen emperors, abdicated from the throne. These Emperors modelled their capital on the Forbidden City in Beijing, but unfortunately Vietnam’s imperial palaces have not fared well over the years.

The ruins of the Citadel are on the banks of the Perfume River, with many of the city walls battle scarred from fighting with the French as far back as 1873 and later with the Americans during the notorious ‘Battle of Hue’ which was part of the 1968 TET offensive.

A peaceful boat ride down the Perfume River brings you to the most famous of these tombs: the imposing Minh Mang Tomb and the serene Tu Duc Tomb

Hue cuisine is almost unique in Vietnam, with many recipes being handed down from past chefs to the emperors and therefore sought after by most locals and many visitors.