Highlights
Garden Houses
Unique to Hue, the garden houses are some of the finest remaining examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Built for families who had the patronage of the royal family, these homes have striking similarities to the imperial palaces of the citadel and are set in beautiful landscaped gardens. Many open for visitors, exclusive cooking classes are taught in garden houses, using the pineapples, jackfruit and herbs that grow in the lush grounds. Preparing traditional dishes in these beautiful, historic houses is an unforgettable experience.
Cuisine
With nearly two-thirds of Vietnam’s culinary specialities created in Hue, the food here is not to be missed. The royal families famed taste for gastronomic innovation and the regions fresh ingredients has established some of the finest Vietnamese food. Signatory local dishes must be tried- keep an eye out for banh khoai (yellow rice pancakes) and banh loc goi (steamed dumplings) whilst exploring this fascinating city.
Imperial Enclosure
Housing the emperor’s residence, temples and palaces, what you see of the magnificent Huang Thanh is only a fraction of the original citadel. Of the 148 buildings, only 20 survived the Vietnam War, there is lots of rubble and broken masonry in this extraordinary site. Starting at the Ngo Mon Gate, work around to the beautifully restored To Mieu Temple Complex, featuring shrines to former emperors and the imposing three tiered Hien Lam Pavilion. Local artists and craftspeople restored much of the citadel- amongst the striking architecture and rubble find tranquil water-lily ponds and authentic food stalls.
Thien Mu Pagoda
On the bank of the Perfume River, this iconic pagoda is one of the most beautiful and well preserved religious sites in Vietnam. Established first by Nguyen Hoang in 1601, this is the oldest pagoda in Hue and has since been rebuilt and developed many times. The most striking feature of the pagoda is the Phuoc Dien Tower at the entrance of the complex: with seven storeys and at 21 meters, it is the tallest such structure in Vietnam and the unofficial symbol of Hue. Take a dragon boat on the Perfume River for an incredible journey, reliving the steps of emperors to this exquisite Pagoda.
Emperor's Tombs
The Emperors who ruled Vietnam from the Imperial Citadel in Hue left a collection of atmospheric mausoleums, scattered along the countryside around the town. Each reflects the period and individual tastes of the emperor’s, but all feature pavilions of eulogies, temples and the tomb itself. A fascinating insight into the royal history of Hue, some of the most iconic tombs are that of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, both ideal for visitors. Tu Duc’s grand mausoleum was completed in 1867 and was designed by the emperor himself, with enormous luxury and extravagance. Khai Dinh’s tomb very much reflects the colonial period of the 1920’s in Vietnam, with Vietnamese and European influences, taking eleven years to complete. Accessible by car and bicycle, the most exciting way to visit the tombs is by cruising the beautiful and atmospheric Perfume River.
Hon Chen Temple
On the bank of the Perfume River, the beautiful Hon Chen Temple sits on the slope of Ngoc Tran (Jade Cup) mountain. Originally constructed by the minority Cham people to worship the goddess Po Nagar, this is one of the only ancient sites that is still important in the spiritual life of the people of Hue. Hidden under tall trees, the temple is a collection of ten buildings all in a different architectural style, in a place where fine décor reached its peak in the 19th century. Not only is this historically and religiously significant, the Hon Chen Temple is also in a beautiful spot by the Perfume River, being a lovely place to spend an afternoon in Hue.