Hue: The Royal Roots of Vietnam

Sitting in the central region of Vietnam, Hue city was the imperial capital of the country from 1802 to 1945. The city is situated along the Perfume River and is marked by its grand citadel and Forbidden City. The former home to Vietnam’s royal family, the citadel today sits largely in ruins due to severe carpet bombing by the Americans during the American War. There are still, however many aspects of the citadel  that retain its regal air, and a walk through the massive complex is a must-do for anyone touring Hue.

In addition to the citadel, Hue’s religious sites (the Thien Mu Pagoda being the most famous in the region) and royal tombs are excellent visits. The country’s former emperors were buried inside grand, individual mausoleums, which still stand strong today. OF these royal tombs, the Tu Duc and Khai Dinh are of particular note. Another thing that often stands out to visitors to Hue is the atmosphere of the city. Much more laid back compared to the rest of the country, Hue is a great destination to visit for those seeking a bit more of a slow pace and tranquility. Pop into one of its many coffee shops alongside the river, grab a glass of strong, slow-dripping Vietnamese coffee and watch as the world goes by.