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Hue Travel guide & Tourist inforamation

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Complex of Hue Monuments Hue Imperial City Construction of the Imperial City started in ; 1805, under the reign of Emperor Gia Long, ; and was completed in 1832, under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. Built on the northern bank of the Perfume River, the Imperial City was influenced by the style of French architect Vauban. The city comprises three sections: | the Royal Citadel, the Imperial Enclosure and | the Forbidden Purple City. Royal Citadel Enclosure: The outermost boundary of the citadel has a perimeter of 9,950 m. The citadel has ten entrances: Nha Do Gate, Sap Gate, Ngan Gate, Thuong Tu Gate, Dong Ba Gate, Ke Trai Gate, Hau Gate, An Hoa Gate, Chanh Tay Gate, and Huu Gate. Imperial Enclosure (Hoang Thanh): The Imperial Enclosure is the second rampart with a perimeter of 2,450m. It is accessible through four gates: Ngo Mon to the south, Hoa Binh (Peace Gate) to the north, Hien Nhon (Humanity) to the east, and Chuong Due (Virtue) to the west. Ngo Mon is the main entrance gate to the city and was formerly reserved for the passage of kings. Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh): The third and innermost fort of the royal complex has a perimeter of 1,225m and is accessible through seven gates. It was formerly reserved for the private use of the kings and their fami¬lies, as well as the numerous concubines. The Forbidden Purple City is almost isolated from the outside world. Located inside the three high ramparts and deep moats, is a large cluster of smaller structures built along a main axis that runs from south to north. The first structure is Ky Dai (Flag Tower). It is followed by Ngo Mon Gate, Dai Trieu Nghi Yard, Thai Hoa Palace, Can Chanh Palace, Khon Thai Palace, Kien Trung Palace and Hoa Binh (Peace) Gate. Ngo Mon (Gate): This three-story structure is 58m long, 27.5m wide, 17m high, and serves as the main entrance to the Imperial City. Ngo Mon comprises five gates, with the cen¬tral gate being reserved for the kings only. The two adjacent gates were exclusively for court officials, and the two other outer gates were used for servants and members of the royal entourage. On top of the arch is the Five Phoenix Pavilion where the king sat during festivities. This was also where ceremonies were organized to announce the names of successful candidates of royal examinations. During the reign of the Nguyen Kings, Ngo Mon was only opened when the kings were passing by or receiving foreign ambassadors. Palace of Supreme Harmony (Dien Thai Hoa): Thai Hoa Palace was built in 1805 according to 19th century architectural designs for palaces and temples. It is composed of two buildings, the anterior palace and the main palace, which are joined together This is where the golden throne of the king is located. Thai Hoa Palace was the most important building of the capital used for important court ceremonies. Dynastic Temple (The Mieu): This was one of the many shrines and temples dedicated to the kings and royal members of the Nguyen Dynasty. It was built in 1921 to worship King Gia Long and was later used to worship his successors as well. Up to now ten kings are worshipped in The Mieu. The Mieu is comprised two separate halls, each furnished with an ornamented bed made of ironwood and covered with golden glaze and red lacquer, an altar, funerary tablets and precious military weapons used for worshipping purposes. This was where the court organized grand funeral services headed by the late king\'s successor. The Temple is said to be the largest shrine of this kind ever built in Viet Nam. Nine Dynastic Urns: The Nine Dynastic Urns were cast between 1835 and 1837, and weigh between 1,900 to 2,601kg each. The whole row of urns represents the power and stability of the Nguyen Dynasty. These urns are the greatest achievements of the 19* century bronze casting in Viet Nam. Traditional ornamentation was chiselled on the sides of the urns, each dedicated to a par¬ticular emperor. The 17 designs, based on classic motifs, include the sun, the moon, clouds, moun¬tains, rivers, and scenes from everyday life. Many consider the nine urns to be a real encyclopedia of the landscapes, farm prod¬ucts, and animals of Viet Nam. Pavilion of Splendour (Hien Lam): Hien Lam Pavilion is a memorial pavilion built to remind younger generations of the merits and contributions of members of the Nguyen Dynasty. Like the Nguyen Kings who were worshipped in The Mieu, other memorable people and mandarins were worshipped in the two halls located on either side of Hien Lam Pavilion. Hien Lam Pavilion was built within the site of The Mieu and was made of wood. The three-story building, which is 25m high, is the tallest building in the whole Imperial Enclosure. Royal Residence (Cung That): Cung That was reserved for the private use of kings and their families. This area was an important component of the Hue Imperial City, which included several palaces: Can Chanh Palace (King\'s Residence), Khon Thai Palace (Queen\'s Residence), Dien Tho Palace (King\'s mother\'s Residence), and Truong Sinh Palace (King\'s paternal grandmother\'s Residence). Unfortunately, most of the palaces were destroyed in the wars, with the exception of the Dien Tho and Truong Sinh Palaces. Dien Tho Palace was built in 1804. A special feature of this architectural structure is the roofed corridor that links Dien Tho Palace to the king\'s residence to facilitate the King\'s visits to his mother. It was restored as its old design. Perfume River (Huong River) A visit to Hue would not be complete without a boat excursion on the Perfume River. This 80km-long river owes its name to the fact that it flows through many forests of aromatic plants before reaching Hue, bringing with it a pure and fresh aroma. Boats take visitors to every corner of the cap¬ital: under Da Vien, Phu Xuan, and Truong Tien Bridges, to the Tomb of Minh Mang, Hon Chen Shrine, Thien Mu Pagoda, and finally to Thuan An to bath in the sea. Upstream, at the Tomb of Thien Tho, you can hear the rustling of the pine trees. When the night comes, the surface of the river glistens under the moonlight, and the songs of the boat rowers can be heard break¬ing the silence. Thien Mu Pagoda This pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is one of the most beautiful and ancient archi¬tectural structures of worship in Hue. The pagoda is situat¬ed on Ha Khe Hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, 7km south-west of Hue, in Huong Long Commune, Hue City. It was built in the 17* century, according to a legend about the prediction of a fairy lady and was, therefore, named Thien Mu (fairy lady from heaven). The most striking feature of the pagoda is its Phuoc Duyen Tower. The tower was built by Thieu Tri King in 1844, and has become the unofficial symbol of Hue. Each of its seven stories is dedicated to a Buddha who appeared in human form. There is a Buddha statue placed on each story, in a small arched door. To the left of the tower is a pavilion sheltering an enormous bell. The bell, called Dai Hong Chung, was cast in 1710. It weighs 3,285kg and is 1.4m in circumference. It is considered to be an outstanding achievement of 18th cen¬tury bronze casting. To the right of the tower is a pavilion contain¬ing a stela dating from 1715. It is set on the back of a massive marble turtle, a symbol of longevity. Thien Mu Pagoda can be reached either by car or by boat. Entrance is free. Tiger Fighting Arena (Ho Quyen) This structure was formerly reserved for tiger and elephant fights to entertain kings and high ranking officials. The last animal fight held at the arena was in 1904, during the reign of King Thanh Thai. Constructed in 1830 during the reign of Minh Mang, the arena consists of two concentric rings built with a special kind of brick called gach vo. This unique structure is 4km from the centre of the city on the southern bank of the Perfume River. To go there, follow Bui Thi Xuan St. about 4km, then turn left. The Royal Arena is about 100m further on the right. Royal Tombs There are eight royal tombs in Hue that are the final resting places of the Nguyen Kings. The construction of each tomb was very meticulous and usually started while the respective king was still alive. Most of the tombs face the south-west, the direction of the Imperial City, and they are built according to similar architectural designs. Each tomb consists of two complexes. The first is reserved for funeral services and the second one is exclusively for the tomb. Generally, each tomb is enclosed by a sur¬rounding rampart called la thanh. However, each tomb\'s internal configuration is different, since these particular arrangements reflected the tastes and personality of monarch. Tomb of Gia Long The Tomb of Gia Long is located 16km from the centre of Hue, on top of the Thien Tho Mountains, on the left bank of the Perfume River. Construction of the tomb began in 1814 and was completed in 1820. Located in a vast land covered with a wide canopy of old pine trees, the mausoleum was built according to a monumental but simple design. In front, is a lotus pond. Behind the pond, is a large terraced yard divided into three different levels. The first level was used as the waiting area and is bordered by two rows of elephant and horse statues. The second level, San Te (praying yard), is where worship services were organized. The last level, Buu Thanh, is the actual sepulchre that houses the remains of King Gia Long and that of Thua Thien Cao Hoang Hau. The Tomb of Gia Long is 2km from the bank of the Perfume River and is accessible by boat from Hue. To go by road, you must stop at Kim Ngoc Wharf, cross the river, and then walk about 2km. It is open from 6.30 am to 6 pm in summer; and from 7 am to 5 pm in winter. Tomb of Minh Mang The construction of the Tomb of Minh Mang started in 1840 and was completed in 1843. It is located in an enclosed hilly area of about 20ha in Cam Khe. Village, Huong Tra District, 12km from the centre of Hue. The surrounding rampart has three entrance gates and is comprised of approximately 30 structures arranged along an imaginary axis. The Tomb of Minh Mang has an air of mag¬nificence and formality, and its architectural design harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings. It is accessible to cross the river by boat (docked at Tuan Wharf). The tomb is also accessible by car (by the way to Thien Mu Pagoda). It is open from 6.30 am to 6 pm in summer; and from 6 am to 5 pm in winter. Tomb of Tu Due The Tomb of Tu Due is situated on Duong Xuan Mountain, in Thuong Ba Village, Xuan Thuong Commune on the bank of the Perfume River. The construction started in 1864 and was completed in 1867. Also called Tomb of Modesty, the necropolis complex is enclosed by a thick wall following the con¬tours of the hill, among a pine tree forest. Tu Due\'s tomb is 8km from the centre of Hue. Starting from Le Loi Street toward the train station, cross the bridge, then turn right on Bui Thi Xuan St. Go along this street for about 3km and then turn left for about 100m to the Royal Arena. From there, go another 2km and then turn left. Tomb of Khai Dinh The tomb was built between 1920 and 1931. It is located on top of the Chau E Mountains, 10km from Hue. Located in a vast expanse of wilderness, Khai Dinh Tomb looks like a mag¬nificent palace perched on the slope of a limestone mountain. It is accessible by climb¬ing 109 stone steps. Unlike the construction materials used for the other tombs, Khai Dinh mausoleum was built with modern materials, such as steel and reinforced concrete. The peculiar feature of the tomb is the magnificent porcelain decora¬tions on the walls, columns and ceilings. From Le Loi St., turn left to Dien Bien Phu St., at the end, turn left along Minh Mang Road to the Tomb of Khai Dinh. It is open from 6.30 am to 6 pm in summer; and from 7 am to 5 pm in winter. AROUND HUE Ngu Binh Mountain Also known by the name Bang Son Mountain, Ngu Binh Mountain is located 3km from Hue. It is 105m-high and, seen from a distance, Ngu Binh Mountain looks like a screen pro¬tecting Hue. Along with the Perfume River, it is a significant symbol of Hue. The old capital is sometimes called Huong-Ngu City, refer¬ring to the beauty of the mountain and the river. Duong No Village Duong No is the village where President Ho Chi Minh spent his childhood, in Phu Duong Commune, Phu Vang District. It is on Thuan An Road, approximately 8km from Hue. Duong No has always been a prosperous and industrious village, where many literary and military traditions originated. In 1898, Mr. Nguyen Sinh Huy, President Ho Chi Minh\'s father, was invited by a Law Ministry official to come to Duong No and pre¬pare his children for provincial examinations. Young Nguyen Sinh Cung (Ho Chi Minh) began to study Chinese with his father\'s pupils. He stayed with his father in Duong No until 1900. When Mr. Huy went to Thanh Hoa and was promoted to Provincial Examiner, Ho Chi Minh returned to Hue and lived with his mother, Hoang Thi Loan. After the country\'s reunification in 1975, the local people restored the house according to its former architecture. Nowadays, it can be visited. It exhibits interesting artifacts and pic¬tures. In Duong No, visitors will also enjoy the river, the boat landing and Am Ba Temple.