Hue, Vietnam: attractions, climate, photos and reviews

The luxurious resort of Hue (Vietnam), which until 1945 was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, is recognized as an important historical and cultural monument of the state. Each of the 13 rulers tried to leave a good memory of themselves, and therefore in the city on their orders were erected architectural structures that amaze with amazing beauty. The most valuable national treasure, which stores about 300 objects under the protection of UNESCO, allows all tourists to touch history.

The long-suffering city

Colorful Hue (Vietnam) is one of the most interesting cities in the country. The administrative center of the province of Tua Thien, built on the bend of the Huong River, whose name translates as "fragrant", belonged to the Champ kingdom until the beginning of the XIV century. And two centuries later it was owned by the Nguyen dynasty, which turned the city into the main cultural, commercial and religious center of the state. Emperor Zia Long at the beginning of the XIX century moved the capital here to unite the country.

Huế is an amazing city whose inhabitants desperately resisted the French colonialists and fought against the pro-American regime. More than 70 years ago, the Communists overthrew the last emperor, and in 1968 the long-suffering Hue was captured by the troops of North Vietnam, and the occupation lasted almost a month. For that time, 10 thousand people died among the peaceful citizens. The city was seriously damaged by the bombing and lost its former importance, and many historical objects will never be restored. The communist government, dissatisfied with the fact that Hue's main attractions belonged to the overthrown monarchs, did not care about the cultural heritage, and only in 1990 monuments were declared a national treasure.

The climate of the resort

In recent decades, the resort is gaining popularity among European tourists, but the Russians about it, unfortunately, almost do not know anything. For those who are going to visit Hue (Vietnam), one must remember that the tropical climate here is significantly different from other regions. The mountains surrounding the resort contribute to frequent precipitation, and the rainy season falls between September and November. At this time, even floods are possible. The temperature often drops to eight degrees, and so tourists need to take care of warm things and an umbrella.

If the rains appear suddenly in the summer, then in the autumn they go for weeks. From March to August, dry weather keeps with an average temperature of about 30 degrees.

The Citadel of the Emperor

Tourists who arrived in the hot city of Hue (Vietnam), will never be bored: in the excursion plan, he has no equal. The sightseeing begins with historical sights within the city, and then vacationers take buses to the vicinity of Huế, where the famous tombs of the rulers of Vietnam are located. Those who wish can reach them by moving on boats along the river, whose waters exude a pleasant fragrance.

The main residence of the emperors is a historical monument, and it is with him that the acquaintance with the many-faced Hue (Vietnam) begins. Photo of the citadel, which was damaged during the wars, is decorated with all the city guides. And to this day, the restoration works of the complex, which began 20 years ago, are underway.

The citadel, built in the XIX century, built on the orders of Zia Long, consists of three complexes: external, imperial and "forbidden." Inside the powerful fortress of the irregular quadrangular form is a whole city of rulers with palaces and temples, gardens and museums. Behind the gates of the citadel with an area of more than 10,000 square meters. M guns are installed, which never shot.

The Gate of Ngo Mont

The main entrance to the fortress is the two-level gate Ngo Mon built in 1833, with the balustrades of which were read out the decrees to the inhabitants of Hue (Vietnam). Attractions led to the fortress and served as an observation point for the imperial family, who was watching military parades. It is a whole architectural ensemble, which consists of the base and the upper pavilion. The gates were opened only during the solemn events held in the palace.

Hue (Vietnam): what to see in the imperial citadel?

The most complex object in the architectural plan is the royal "Palace of Higher Harmony," where the ruler collected important individuals. 80 iron columns of the structure are decorated with images of golden dragons - symbols of the imperial power. In addition, the residence of the ruler served as a library: on the walls were cut verse lines in Chinese.

Surprisingly, the emperor sitting on his throne could hear all the conversations that took place in other halls, and modern scientists do not understand how the ancient masters working in Hue (Vietnam) could achieve such an acoustic effect. Sights, photos of which convey the atmosphere of past centuries, are the object of admiration for all tourists who are taking a rest at the resort. Here is the palace of Zien Tho - the mother of the king. A feature of the structure is the system of corridors that connected it with the residence of the emperor.

Inside the fortress there is a complex called "Forbidden City", the entrance to which was allowed only to monarchs, their concubines and servants-eunuchs, and all the infringers who penetrated into it, awaited a painful death. The structure of the architectural ensemble included 130 buildings, but now they have very little left.

Royal tombs

Of course, the rich history of Hue (Vietnam) can not be imagined without the imperial mausoleums. On the shore of the fragrant river there are ancient tombs, which were erected during the lifetime of the rulers, prudently concerned with the construction of beautiful tombs for themselves. Unique facilities deserve to be seen and spent here all day. Luxury complexes do not resemble burial places at all.

The architectural ensemble of each tomb is a whole city, which is dedicated to a separate king. In the Nguyen Dynasty there were 13 monarchs, but only seven of them built the mausoleums. The graves are surrounded by sculptures of spirits guarding kings in the afterlife. Embodied features of Vietnamese and Buddhist cultures, the mausoleums are decorated with bizarre drawings and patterns.

Tomb of Khai Dinh

The best is the shrine of Khai Din, who ruled the country for nine years. The King, who visited France, was delighted with her amazing masterpieces of architecture and ordered the erection of a tomb with elements of Western architecture. Striking with grace and special beauty, it is built of concrete, slate and iron. The interior decorates the guests: the interior is decorated with pieces of colored glass and ceramics, and resembles a refined oriental mosaic. High ceilings are painted with images of dragons and clouds.

Mausoleum of Tu Duca

Emperor Tu Duk, who reigned on the throne for 35 years, erected a real city, consisting of 50 buildings. It is known that he was a great romantic, and in the place of his tomb was plunged into dreams. A huge complex with temples and numerous tombs once aroused admiration, and now the guests of Hue (Vietnam), whose sights reflect its rich past, observe the ruined walls overgrown with grass. The side where the numerous wives and concubines of the king are buried is completely wiped off the face of the earth, and the modest tomb of the ruler is well preserved to our time. The illustrious poet rests in the mausoleum, next to which are erected a reading and theatrical pavilions.

City Bridge

The Truong Thien bridge, which connects the historical part and the modern resort, is not a historical object on the iron pillars, but it is of interest because it was designed by the famous Eiffel engineer. The Frenchman designed a construction of more than 400 meters in length using the most modern technologies of that time. Opened in 1899, the bridge suffered from storms and was destroyed by American troops, and only 22 years ago it was restored.

The central part is given for the travel of bicyclists, and on the side walk pedestrians. Especially beautiful Truong Thien in the evenings, when the color lighting starts to work, emphasizing his graceful silhouette. This is a delightful sight, which you can admire until the morning.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Visiting card of Hue (Vietnam) is the Thien Mu pagoda, seven tiers of which symbolize Buddha's reincarnation, and the ringing of a huge bell weighing more than two tons is heard even in the farthest corners of the resort. At the foot of the monument towering above the river, a turtle sculpture is installed - a symbol of longevity and wisdom.

In the 60s of last century, authorities tried to ban Buddhism, which caused discontent among the population. In a protest, monk Thih Kwang Duk made a self-immolation in Saigon, and in the pagoda a car was displayed on which he went to South Vietnam.

Hue: traveler reviews

Guests of the resort admit that this is one of the most mysterious cities in the country. For those who are interested in history and appreciate the Asian architecture, the former capital will be a real discovery. They do not go here to luxuriate on white beaches. The city where everything breathes history, keeps unique sights, it is simply impossible to get acquainted with. And spend only a few days here is very little.

Tourists admire the local cuisine, considered the best in the country, and even assure that it has something in common with the French. Skilfully cooked and beautifully served dishes will delight even the most sophisticated gourmets.

Dissatisfaction with the resort's guests cause torrential rains, which can spoil the plans. And even if the day is reeking heat, then in the evening the sky is tightened by gloomy clouds.

Guests of the exotic resort dream of returning here again to learn all the secrets that remained unsolved, and to enjoy the special atmosphere of the genuine pearl of Vietnam.