HUE, VIETNAM
Huế is a city that symbolizes the strength and imperial majesty of past Vietnamese dynasties. Founded as a royal city in 1687 (the original citadel city of Phu Xuan was built on the same site), Huế is your gateway to the treasures of Vietnam’s royal past. Legacies of the city’s dynastic past are everywhere and keep visitors busy with visits to elaborate tombs and pagodas, mausoleums and assembly halls. Threaded along the beautiful Perfume River which flows through the city, the unique and extraordinary monuments serve as a guide to the lives of Vietnam ’s last emperors.
HALF DAY HISTORIC LANDMARKS ( 4 HOURS )
Hue is a city steeped in rich history, particularly during the Nguyen Dynasty. The city boasts magnificent architectural works, temples, and Royal tombs with outstanding cultural and architectural values as a former capital city.
This excursion commences with an interesting boat ride along the Perfume River to the Thien Mu Pagoda with octagon shape with 7 floors. Seven is a sacred number according to Vietnam Buddhism.
The pagoda was founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the first lord of the Nguyen dynasty. According to legend, a celestial lady appeared on the hill where the pagoda now stands and instructed Nguyen Hoang to build a temple there. The pagoda was originally named Linh Mu Pagoda, but it was renamed Thien Mu Pagoda in 1844 by Emperor Thieu Tri.
Take a leisurely walk to a private museum housed in a beautiful ancestral temple filled with pieces collected by a Vietnamese-born German professor who teaches East-West comparative philosophy at the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. After more than 50 years of living abroad, she followed her heart and returned to her hometown of Hue to contribute to the preservation and promotion of Hue’s traditional cultural values. This museum is the first and only private museum dedicated to ancient artifacts fished out of the Perfume River.
Next, visit the Imperial Citadel. Built between 1804 and 1833, this heavily fortified structure remains the heart of modern-day Hue, despite its tumultuous history. The fortress is still remarkably wellpreserved and provides an incredible insight into the grandeur of Vietnam’s past. (Remarks: advanced notice is required to visit the private museum)
NOTES
* OPERATES: 08.00 – 12.00 or 13.00 – 17.00
* INCLUSIONS: Transportation, Mineral water on car, English-Speaking guide, Boat trip, Entrance fee.
* EXCLUSIONS: Meals and Drinks at meal, Tips and Gratuities.
* REMARKS: Advanced notice is required to visit the private museum and the owner is not always present
at the museum.