Hué

The huge red flag with the single yellow star emblazoned in the centre waved majestically against the cloudless blue sky over the Hué Citadel. Its massive, seven metre high, walls and moat extend two kilometres on each side enclosing, encompassing and protecting the ancient city of Hué.  The dark walls exude power and stability. Inside this bulwark the Imperial City protected by its own set of mighty walls and moat glitters in past splendour. Here successive Emperors built magnificent red and gold reception halls, palaces, theatres and temples. There were also residential areas for mandarins, soldiers and the staff needed to organise and run the city.   It’s not hard to imagine the rows of red robed mandarins on one side of the palace square and army officers in disciplined ranks on the other side kow towing to the Emperor on his golden throne. 

Fortunately many of the important buildings have survived Vietnam’s recent turbulent history with most damage occurring during the Second World War. Neglect during the French war and the American wars also added to the decay.  Today however the surviving buildings are being repaired and renovated and these attract millions of visitors every year. Here are some pictures of the buildings in the Imperial City.

Away from the Imperial City the Emperors built Mausoleums and Temples in the valley of the Perfumed River.  We thoroughly enjoyed a day sailing up the romantically named Perfumed River stopping off to wander around the extensive and beautifully landscaped grounds of several of the Mausoleums. Some were a little distance from the river but local motorcycle taxis were happy to take us the few kilometres to the sites. Surveying the macho male drivers gunning their throttles with some misgivings Margaret opted to ride pillion with a slight girl with pony tails.  This slim maid however transformed into a banshee who took off in a shower of dust and stones overtaking all the men on the road.  Click here for pictures.

Outside the Hué Citadel there were two distinct areas. An old Chinese Quarter where the Chinese merchants settled a few hundred years ago and the more modern French Quarter. Hué is not a huge city but too big to cover conveniently on foot. So we sometimes took a cyclo to cover the ground in more comfort. 

We enjoyed Hué and its people so much we extended our stay and lingered for a week relaxing in the grounds of the Citadel more than once.  If you ever get the chance to visit Hué don’t miss it.

Pictures of the Imperial City, Perfume River Mausoleums, Chinese and French Quarters