Vietnam - Hue

If art and architecture matter more to you than beaches and beer, Hue will be high on your Vietnam must-visit list. Hue is the capital city of Thua Thien Province, which is located in a narrow landing strip in central Vietnam. Traditionally, the city has been one of Vietnam's cultural, religious and educational centers.

Once served as the capital of Vietnam during the feudal rule from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen dynasty, the city thus contains many magnificent architectural relics, which are the reflection of the life of emperors and mandarins under Nguyen’s reign. Citadels, palaces, royal tombs, pagodas and temples can be easily found in Hue. Various structures are laid out in harmony with nature and in accordance with the principles of geomancy. Besides, the city has plenty monuments reminding its past glories. Hue consequently became Vietnam’s first World Cultural Heritage site recognized by UNESCO in 1993.

Some architectures as well as cuisines in Hue indicate it also an important Buddhism center. Tens of pagodas, which were constructed 300 years ago still exit in Hue and its surrounding. A hundred of temples and pagodas were built in the early century. What’ more, though the cuisine of Hue is rich, one of the most striking differences is the prominence of vegetarianism in the city. Several all-vegetarian restaurants are scattered in various corners of the city to serve the locals who have a strong tradition of eating vegetarian twice a month, as part of their Buddhist beliefs.

Besides, Hue is home of royal music. Originated from 8 kinds of ritual music under Le and Nguyen dynasties, it has improved into 2 kinds, i.e. Dai nhac and Nha nhac, which are really magnificent and skillful. The Royal Refined Music was proclaimed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 1993.

There are two distinct seasons in Hue: dry season and rainy season. The dry season is from March to August, during when it is hot and muggy. The rainy season lasts from August to January, in these months heavy rains often happen, lasting all day even all week long.