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Hue City
Area: 70.99 sq. km
Population: 311,641 habitants (2002)
Administrative Division:
- Wards: Phu Nhuan, An Cuu, Truong An, Phuoc Vinh, Vinh Ninh, Phu Hoi, Xuan Phu, Vy Da, Tay Loc, Thuan Loc, Thuan Thanh, Thuan Hoa, Kim Long, Phu Hoa, Phu Cat, Phu Hiep, Phu Hau, Phu Binh, Phu Thuan and Phuong Duc.
- Communes: Thuy An, Huong Long, Huong So, Thuy Xuan, Thuy Biều.
Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh)
Introduction: Principal Gate, Hue Garden Village.
Attraction: (click to see)
- Historical & Cultural Vestiges: Dieu De Pagoda, Dynastic Temple (The Mieu), Hermitage Bien Duc Thien An, Hien Lam Pavilion, Ho Chi Minh Museum (Branch in Hue), Ho Quyen (Tiger Arena), Hon Chen Temple, Hue Citadel, Hue National School (Quoc Hoc Hue), Hue Royal Fine-arts Museum, Tomb of Tu Duc, Tu Dam Pagoda, Tu Hieu Pagoda.
- Scenic Landscapes: Bach Ma Mountain, Bach Ma National Park, Canh Duong Beach, Lang Co Beach, Mineral Stream of My An, Ngu Binh Mountain, Perfume River (Huong River), Tam Giang Lagoon, Thuan An Beach, Vong Canh Hill.
- Cultural Travel: An Truyen Festival, Chi Long Village Festival, Co Bi Village Festival, Gia Lac Spring Fair Festival, Hon Chen Temple Festival, Minh Huong Festival, Phong Son Sacrifices-offering Ceremony, Phu Cam Conical Hat Village, Phu Xuan Communal House Festival, Thai Duong Festival, Thanh Phuoc Festival, The wrestling competitions Festival of Sinh Village.
- Ecological Travel: An Hien Garden House.
Principal Gate
 Hue City is one of places which have many cultural heritage. Up to now, there is no place like Hue remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges as in this ancient Capital City.
On the northern bank of Perfume River has relics consisting of palaces, which were constructed as arc defensive ramparts with 11km length. This valuable construction includes more than 100 architectural works which were extremely reflected the life of Emperors and mandarins under reign of Nguyen. 
Situated in the middle of hills on the southern bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Kings Nguyen. Among these tombs are the four famous ones with the name and the arrangements of the tomb reflected each Emperor’s points of view, personality and tastes. This is majestic Gia Long Tomb, imposing Minh Mang Tomb, poetic Tu Duc Tomb and magnificent Khai Dinh Tomb.
Hue is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and its surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and a hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early century. Besides, Hue is a place where the royal music is  originated, and a place with traditional famous dishes and sophisticated handicraft.
Hue Garden Village
As a unique city of Vietnam still remains its form of City under Middle Age and the constructions of monarchic, Hue has become a big and invaluable museum. Therefore, vestiges in Hue ancient capital have been classified by the government as a very precious property and on December 1993 Hue has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Attraction
1)Historical & Cultural Vestiges
Location: Dieu De Pagoda is located at 100 Bach Dang Street, Phu Cat Ward, Hue City, between Dong Ba and Gia Hoi Bridge.
Characteristic: The pagoda includes a main sanctuary with two statues of the Deity Eight Vajra.
Dieu De Pagoda was built by King Thieu Tri in 1844 on the platform of 5,000m² in his old residence, where he was born in 1807. It was constructed on a large scale, but was badly damaged during the successive wars. In 1889, Bonze Tam Truyen was granted fund by King Thanh Thai to restore the pagoda, but once again, it was badly damaged during a storm, in 1904. The present construction was made in 1953. Behind the pagoda is a guest-room and a kitchen. In the courtyard stand a stele house and a bell tower. The two-storey entrance gate is topped with Dhamma Guardian's pavilion.
Dieu De Pagoda was the third site listed by King Thieu Tri in the 20 beauty spots of Hue.
Location: Dynastic Temple (The Mieu) is situated southwest of the Hue Citadel and facing south.
Characteristic: It's dedicated to ten Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, built by Emperor Minh Mang in 1821, it presents a 9 - compartment main building and a 11 - compartment front building, together connected in the "double" architecture with two bays on east and west sides.
 The Mieu is roofed with yellow enameled tiles and on the ridge rests a wine gourd decorated with Phap Lam enamel. It once had seven red and yellow lacquered altars (one in the middle, three on either side). -The middle altar was dedicated to Emperor Gia Long and his two Queens (Thua Thien and Thuan Thien).
-The first altar (left) was dedicated to Emperor Minh Mang and Queen.
-The first altar (right) was dedicated to Emperor Thieu Tri and Queen.
-The second altar (left) was dedicated to Emperor Tu Duc and Queen.
-The second altar (right) was dedicated to Emperor Kien Phuc.
-The third altar (left) was dedicated to Emperor Dong Khanh and Queen.
-The third altar (right) was dedicated to Emperor Khai Dinh.
East of The Mieu is the Canh Y Palace. West of it is a square-shaped chapel for the worship of the God of Earth. A wall runs all around The Mieu with the Khai Dich Gate (Gate of Bringing Up) on the east, the Sung Thanh Gate (Gate of Peace Honoring) on the west, the Hien Huu Gate (Gate of Recognizable Assistance) (left) and Doc Huu Gate (Gate of Genuine Assistance) (right) at the back. In the yard of The Mieu stand the Nine Dynasty Urns. Behind them is a wall with the Hien Lam Pavilion (Pavilion of Glorious Coming) in the middle. Left of this pavilion is the Tuan Liet Gate (Gate of Grandness) topped by a belfry and right of it is the Sung Cong Gate (Gate of Honorable Achievements) with a drum-tower atop (The temple is  architecturally similar to Thai Temple). Outside of the Hien Lam Pavilion are the Left and Right Houses, dedicated to meritorious mandarins who had devoted themselves to Nguyen Anh (later known as Emperor Gia Long) and his successors. The Left House honors the four royal family members Ton That Man, Ton That Dien, Ton That Huy and Ton That Hoi. The Right House is dedicated to Vo Van Tanh, Ngo Tung Chau, Chau Van Tien, Vo Di Nguy, Nguyen Van Truong, Pham Van Nhon, Nguyen Huynh Duc, Tong Phuc Dam, Nguyen Van Man, Do Van Huu, Nguyen Van Nhon, Mai Duc Nghi and Truong Dang Que, accepted by Emperor Minh Mang in 1827.
On January 25th, 1959, at the request of the royal family and the people, a ceremony was held to admit to The Mieu mortuary tablets of Ham Nghi, Thanh Thai and Duy Tan, three anti - French Emperors. So today there are three additional reddish-lacquered altars for them in The Mieu.
Many personal paraphernalia of great value which belonged to the Nguyen Emperors are kept in The Mieu. On each altar were once dozens of gold ingots. Fortunately, The Mieu has suffered the least damage through the numerous wars and today visitors can see it as it was originally built.
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Hermitage Bien Duc Thien An
Location: Hermitage Bien Duc Thien An is situated on the Thien An Hill, between the tombs of Thieu Tri and Ming Mang, about 6km from the southwest of Hue ancient capital.
Characteristic: The Hermitage Bien Duc Thien An, usually name Thien Duc  Hermitage, has been founded in Summer 1940 by the Bien Duc French hermits with the name of Thien An (Peace from Heaven).
The hermitage is formerly managed as an infirmary and a school. To day the hermitage is only a place for religious formation.
The hermitage is surrounded by a quiet pine forest. Walking in this Thien An pine hill, the tourist would think he is somewhere in the forests around Da Lat. Here is the Thuy Tien Lake, and there the Luu Ly Lake, all this contribute to enhance the charm, the poetic and dreamy spell of the Thien An Hill, making it a tourism and entertainment site.
The hermitage with this quiet and silent environment helps its members to deepen in their religious meditations, and also creates more favourable conditions to all those who come here to fray and search for peace of mind.
Location: Hien Lam Pavilion (Pavilion of the Glorious Coming) is situated in the center of the Dynastic Temple’s courtyard, southwest of the Hue Citadel.
 Characteristic: Built in 1824 by Emperor Minh Mang, at the same time as the Dynastic Temple, Hien Lam Pavilion consists of three stories.
The pavilion stands on a 21m by 13m square-shaped foundation. The area amounted to 300m² including the roof overhang. In front, on the stairs (9 steps each) joining the court, each flight is divided by two slithering dragon designs into three passages, the middle one being exclusively reserved for the Emperor. The ground floor is paved with Bat Trang bricks. It has three compartments and two bays surrounded with plastered brick walls. These are ventilated by windows similar in shape and decorated with enameled open-work bricks. The three compartments are left open and garnished with ornamental wooden banisters. Systems of rafters and panels are exquisitely engraved with floral designs.
Hien Lam Pavilion can be considered as a memorial to those who had devoted their lives to the establishment of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Emperors Nguyen are honored in the Dynastic Temple while meritorious mandarins are honored in the Left and Right Houses on either side of the Hien Lam Pavilion. Because of the holiness of the Pavilion, the Emperors Nguyen had decreed that no other construction built in the Citadel should be higher.
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Ho Chi Minh Museum (Branch in Hue)
 Location: Ho Chi Minh Museum is arranged in a two-storey building on No.6 Le Loi Street looking over the lovely Perfume River.
Characteristic: Many exhibits and pictures about the life and revolutionary activities of President Ho Chi Minh are displayed here, especially introduce the ten years He lived in Hue.
A visit to Ho Chi Minh Museum will help tourists to understand more about the life and the career of President Ho Chi Minh, the venerable leader of Vietnam, to understand more about the unlimited esteem of the people of Thua Thien-Hue to Uncle Ho.
Location: Ho Quyen is located on the south bank of the Perfume River and 4km from the Hue Citadel.
Characteristic: Ho Quyen was built in 1830. It is a unique construction, open air and solidly built as a citadel. The coliseum consists of two concentric circles built with bricks and mortar.
Ho Quyen was the arena where duels between elephants and tigers were arranged for the entertainment of the Emperor, the royal family and mandarins. In the old time, the duels Ho Quyen were held once a year. The last one was organized here in 1904 in the reign of Thanh Thai.
The first staircase with 20 steps was exclusively reserved for the Emperor and royal family leading up to the rectangular tribune with the surface of 96m², the height of 1.5m. Looking down from the tribune, people can see the cavity with the coliseum. The second staircase, with 15 steps was used by the soldiers and the common people leading up to the earthen part. Between the two staircases is a big entrance 1.9m wide and 3.9m high for the elephants to enter the coliseum.
The way running around above this curved door is narrowed into a small bridge across the curved door. Under it is a big two-wing wooden door with stone hinges which still remain undamaged. Opposite to the tribune for the Emperor on the other side of the arena are five cages for tigers and leopards. Above the middle cage is a stone sign inscribed the two Chinese words "Ho Quyen".
Ho Quyen is a unique architectural work rarely found in South East Asia. Though it is not as huge as the arenas of the Emperor Romance but it still bears an outstanding figure and creates a martial and imposing atmosphere.
Location: Hon Chen Temple is standing just on the bank of the Perfume River inclined to poetic dreams and 10km upstream of Hue City.
Characteristic: Hon Chen Temple for cult of Po Nagar, the Goddess of the ancient Cham minority. After then, the Vietnamese continued the cult and name the Goddess as Heaven Goddess Y A Na.
This temple for Goddess appeared in this place centuries ago, but with a very simple design, and after then, reconstructed with a larger and more beautiful architectural scale in 1886.
Hon Chen Temple is situated at a lovely site seated on the slope of the mountain Ngoc Tran (Jade - cup) with sheer cliff and mirroring in the deep blue water of the Perfume River.
Location: Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River.
Characteristic: With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). 
Hue has chosen to be the capital city of the Southern Kingdom by all Lords Nguyen and officially became the capital under Tay Son Dynasty. For approximately 400 years, Hue has become a great landscape and architectural site. Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Ngu Binh Mountain in the south is used as a front screening elevation. Two sand dunes of The Con Hen and Con Da Vien on the Perfume River are chosen as geomancy condition "dragon on the left, tiger on the right" to protect the capital city.
Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel)
This construction stared in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang. Under Nguyen Dynasty, the Kings had ordered to build ramparts, palaces and constructional works for royal. Over 200 years to now, it is still original with nearly 140 small and large constructions.
The Citadel, square in shape, is almost 10km in circumference, 6m high, 21m thick and 10 entrances. On the top of the walls that surround it, 24 bastions are established for defensive purposes. Besides, the Citadel has an ancillary gate connecting the Tran Binh Bastion called the Thai Binh Mon (Peace Gate).
Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel or Imperial City)
The Imperial City is located in the centre of the Citadel where established highest offices of Vietnam's feudalism and sanctums honouring the cult of decreased Emperors. The Citadel, also has a nearly square form, with more than 600m long for each side, built of brick 4m high, 1m thick, around which is ditched a system of protection trench. Access to the Imperial City can be made by four entrance gates. Ngo Mon Gate is only used for the King. Royal Citadel consists of more 100 beautiful constructional works divided many sectors:
- Sector for the Ngo Mon Gate and the Thai Hoa Palace: This is the place for setting up various grand ceremonies.
- Sector for worship shrines of the Kings Nguyen: Trieu Mieu, Thai Mieu, Hung Mieu, The Mieu and Phung Tien Temples.
- Sector for internal affairs office: Storehouse for precious objects, workshop for manufacturing various useful articles.
- Sectors for the Kham Van Palace and the Co Ha Garden: place where the princes are studying or enjoying.
Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel)
Located inside the Imperial City, behind the Throne Palace, the Forbidden Purple Citadel is reserved for Emperor and his family. Constructed early under reign of Emperor Gia Long in 1804 with brick walls of 3.72m high, 0.72m thick,  about 1,230m in circumference. Its front and back sides are 324m each while either left and right side is more than 290m including 50 architectural constructions of different sizes and 7 gates for facilities of entrance and exit. Dai Cung Mon (the Great Palace Gate) is in the front side for the Kings. Can Chanh Palace (the place for daily working of Emperors). Can Thanh (Emperor's Private Palace), Khon Thai Residence (Queen's Private Apartment) reserved for the Queen. Duyet Thi Duong house (Royal Theatre), Thuong Thien (the kitchen for the Kings' food), Thai Binh Lau (King's reading room)...
In addition, there are also famous royal tombs and temples of Kings Nguyen outside Hue Citadel. Seven tombs with different aspect are not only a wonderful arch but also combining beautiful, imposing nature and poetic of Hue. Ancient Hue including Perfume River and Ngu Mountain, palaces and citadels, tombs and temples with hundred of historic years are being embellished and recovered by material contribution of Vietnamese and International community in order to keep Hue City as World cultural heritage.
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Hue National School (Quoc Hoc Hue)
Location: The school was built on the site of a former squadron headquarter - a royal navy headquarters (1806 or the 5th year of Gia Long's Reign).
Characteristic: Hue National School was founded pursuant to the royal decree dated September 17, 1896 (the 8th year of Thanh Thai Reign) and the decree on November 18, 1896 of the French Resident-Superior in Indochina.
Hue National School was founded in order to train those who would serve the feudal colonial government, so in the study curricula French was the main subject. The conditions of the students accepted by Hue National School:
- The sons of the King's relatives.
- The sons of royal families.
- The mandarins’ sons.
- The students of Thanh Nhon School and Quoc Tu Giam School.
In 1915, when the decree annulling Emperor ancient exam in the province and the ancient exam of the capital in the North was issued, Hue National School was rebuilt. The rows of thatch roofed apartments were torn down and replaced by two rows of buildings, the walls made of brick, the roof covered with tiles. It was solid, and comfortable according to the western European architecture. Most of the architectures are still extant.
In 1932, the school opened many specialized classes and its name was changed into Khai Dinh Lycee. During the resistance against French Colonialists on December 19, 1946, the school was moved into two places and followed the resistance:
- One branch: the 1st stage with the name "Binh Tri Thien School" was situated in Huong Khe, Ha Tinh Province.
- The branch of 2nd stage school with the name "Huynh Thuc Khang School" was situated in Duc Tho, Ha Tinh Province. The branch returned to Hue after ten years of interruption, and was occupied by colonialists as a barrack on April 29th, 1955, the school was restored and has resumed normal operation.
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Hue Royal Fine-arts Museum
Location: Hue Royal Fine-arts Museum is located on 3 Le Truc Street, Hue City.
Characteristic: The Hue Royal Fine-arts Museum is a gallery of antiques displaying collections of bronze, pottery, chinaware, Phap Lam enamel, court robes, head-gear and personal belongings of former Vietnam Emperors.
It is a 7-compartment, 2-bay building constructed in the "double" architecture, originally called the Long An Palace (Emperor's Security) in the Bao Dinh Residence of Tay Loc precinct. When French troops took Bao Dinh Residence for their headquarters in 1885, Long An Palace was removed and materials were stored. But, in 1909, by order of Emperor Duy Tan, they were moved to the present-day site (3 Le Truc St.)
It served later as the Khai Dinh Museum in Emperor Khai Dinh's time, in 1923. The building (former Long An Palace) housing the museum is a monument of remarkable value. The wooden panels are covered with 35 poems and essays composed by Emperor Thieu Tri.
Location: Tomb of Tu Duc is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong Village (currently Thuong Ba Village, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City).
Characteristic: It is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. The tomb lies in a boundless pine forest, 8km from Hue city-centre. Its construction started in December 1864 and finished in 1867.
On an area of about 12ha wide, nearly 50 constructions were built on terraces of various levels (about 10m difference). All constructions include the word Khiem (Modesty) in their names.
The tomb is divided into two main parts:
The temple area:
 Entering Vu Khiem entrance, there is Luu Khiem Lake. On the lake are Xung Khiem Pavilion and Du Khiem Pavilion where the Emperor used to come to admire flowers, compose poems, read books, etc. Then, three Thanh stone steps to Khiem Cung Gate lead to Hoa Khiem Palace, which used to be the Emperor's working place, and is now the altar devoted to the Emperor and the Queen. On both sides are Phap Khiem House and Le Khiem House for the military and civil mandarins.
Behind Hoa Khiem Palace is Luong Khiem Palace, which was also the Emperor's resting place, and was later used to worship Mrs. Tu Du (Tu Duc's Mother). On the right of Luong Khiem Palace stand On Khiem Palace, where the royal utensils are kept. On the left of Luong Khiem Palace is Minh Khiem Theatre. Then, comes Chi Khiem, the altar to worship the Emperor's wives, Tri Khiem Palace and Y Khiem Palace were the accommodations of the Emperor's concubines.
The tomb area:
On the left of the temple is the necropolis itself slopping upward with the Honour Courtyard, the Stele Pavilion, and the sepulture. Right behind Bai Dinh (Honour Courtyard), with two rows of magnificent military and civil mandarins, is Bi Dinh (Stele Pavilion) with the biggest stone stele in Vietnam. It is inscribed with Khiem Cung narrative, composed by the Emperor himself, writing about his life and imperial cause as well as his misadventures and diseases, etc. On the hill, opposite the semi-circular Tieu Khiem Tri Lake is the Buu Thanh brick wall, in the middle is a stone house, where the Emperor was buried.
Tu Duc’s tomb is not only one of the most beautiful works of the Nguyen Dynasty, but it is also romantic scenery of mounts and lakes.
Location: Tu Dam Pagoda is located in the Truong An Ward, 2km from the centre of Hue City, along Dien Bien Phu Street, across Nam Giao Bridge up to the end of the first slope.
Characteristic: Tu Dam Pagoda was designed following the model of a Conference Pagoda (Chua Hoi). The old and new architectures blend together creating spacious and harmonious elements.
 Tu Dam Pagoda is one of the biggest and oldest pagodas in Hue. The pagoda was founded at the end of the 17th century (in about 1695) by the Venerable Minh Hoang Tu Dung, a Chinese who belonged to the 34th sect of the Lam Te school of Zen. He was the high-ranking monk who taught and gave the certification to monk Lieu Quan, the Buddhist initiator of Vietnam in the south. Tu Dam Pagoda is famous and nationally known for its important role in the process of development of Buddhism, and the struggle for peace and for freedom of religion.
Tu Dam Pagoda is on a beautiful piece of land: high, wide and flat. It has a south-east orientation. Kim Phung Mount in the front served as a natural wind-screen. Linh Quang Pagoda and the temple dedicated to respectable patriot Phan Boi Chau stand on the left and Thien Minh Pagoda in the back. The three main parts of the pagoda are the three entrance-gate, the main sanctuary and the conference House. The gate is high and wide with a tiled roof. Just inside the gate is a big bodhi tree, providing shadow all year around. As a branch, this bodhi tree was taken right from the bodhi tree under which Buddha reached Nirvana. Mrs Karpeies, Head of the French Buddhist Association, brought it back from India as a present offered to the pagoda and planted it there in 1936. The pagoda yard was built on a very large surface so that it can provide enough space for thousands of people. Every year, on Buddha's birthday, it is a gathering place where many important and most crowded festivals of Hue’s Buddhists take place.
The main sanctuary consists of a service hall and an ancestors' altar. The service hall was built on a marble foundation 1.5m high with an old style roof forming a towering and impressive Pagoda. On the edge and top of the roof are many curving, gentle, symmetric pairs of dragons creating a well-balanced and harmonious beauty. Under the ancient roof are frescoes telling Buddha’s stories. Many long couplets are hung on the pillars of the Service hall. The building is flanked by two stele and drum towers.
Tu Dam Pagoda worships one Buddha only, so that its appointments are rather simpler than that of other pagodas in Hue. In the temple, there is a Buddha Sakyamuni sitting on a lotus pedestal. There are an ancestors’ altar house and a monks’ house behind the main temple. The two storeys Conference Hall is large and wide building with 10 rooms to meet the requirements of a Conference Pagoda.
Location: Tu Hieu Pagoda is located at Duong Xuan Thuong III Hamlet in Thuy Xuan Village, 5km southwest of Hue City.
Characteristic: Pagoda was built in the shape of the Chinese character "Khau" (mouth), with the main building consisting of three rooms and two wings. It faces the southeast and uses Ngu Binh Mount as a front screen.
The pagoda was originally a small hut built by Nhat Dinh in 1843, who was formerly recognized by royal authority as the monk of Giac Hoang Pagoda. In 1848, the pagoda was restored by monk Cung Ky with the help of the king's eunuchs and courtiers. Tu Hieu hence became a large pagoda.
In 1894, it was rebuilt by Cuong Ky with the support of King Thanh Thai and the King's eunuchs created the half-moon lake. In 1962, the pagoda was renovated by Most Ven Chon Thiet. And in 1971 the three-entrance gate and the staff houses were rehabilitated by senior monk Chi Niem.
The main sanctuary is devoted to the worship of Buddha. Behind there is a room honoring former monks of the pagoda. Across a courtyard, the Quang Hieu Duong Hall houses an altar dedicated to local Buddhist devotees on the right, another to the deity Quan Cong in the center, and a third to eunuchs on the left. A separate altar in this hall honors Le Van Duyet, an outstanding mandarin during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. On the left side of the courtyard is the living quarters of the monks (Ta Lac Thien) and to Tu Hieu right is the guest-house (Huu Ai Nhat).
The entrance gate to the pagoda is a curved two storey structure. On the second storey, a statue of the guardian spirit Ho Phap protects the pagoda. Inside the gate is a crescent-lotus pond. On both sides of the courtyard are stele houses engraved with the history of the pagoda.
2)Scenic Landscapes
Location: Bach Ma (White Horse) Mountain is located in Phu Loc District, 60km from the south of Hue City.
Characteristic: It is about 1,450m above sea level in a transition zone of the northern and southern climate, so it bears a temperate climate, similar to Sa Pa, Tam Dao, Da Lat, etc.
There, the green vegetation is abundant all the year round. The animals are also rich with chirps and calls all days and nights which sound both wild and familiar... Bach Ma Mount also has many limpid brooks and picturesque waterfalls. At the 16th kilometer on Cau Hai - Bach Ma road, turning left and walk for 20 to 30 minutes, tourists will also find 400m high, 20m wide Do Quyen Waterfall which suddenly appears as if it were suspended in the sky... In the summer, rhododendron flowers are blooming on both sides of the fall like two huge flowery silk carpets. In the centre of the resort is Bac (Silver) Waterfall, only 10m high and 40m wide and look like a spotless white curtain swayed by the wind.
More than half a century ago, the French recognized the beauty of Bach Ma and began to develop it. Within 5 years (1942-1946), 139 villas were continuously built under the foliage of old trees and by sheer cliffs. From the top of Bach Ma, people can view landscapes of Hai Van Pass, Tuy Van Mount, Cau Hai Lagoon with heaving fishing boats and even the shimmering electrical lights of Hue city at night as well as the huge and boundless Eastern Sea.
Location: Bach Ma National Park is approximately 50km south of Hue City.
Characteristic: It has a temperate climate much like that of Dalat, Sapa and Tam Dao. However, since it is located so close to the sea, the temperature in winter never goes below 4°C (39.2°F) and the highest temperature in summer never exceeds 26°C (79°F).
Given these advantages, the French transformed Bach Ma into a summer resort in the early 1930s. The area comprises 139 villas and auxiliary buildings, such as the post office, bank, tennis court, etc. Unfortunately, the war and lack of maintenance have significantly affected these constructions.
In 1986, after 10 years of reunification, the State established a network of 87 natural reserves including Bach Ma. On 15 July 1991, the Bach Ma National Park was officially founded.
Bach Ma has breath-taking natural landscapes. The highest peak is Hai Vong Dai (Sea Observation Post), 1,450m high, where people can have a panoramic view of the immense sea and surrounding scenery. Do Quyen Waterfall is astounding and huge in the wooded mountain. It is more than 300m high and 20-30m wide. It is amazing to watch the silver water running into the bright red of water-rail flowers. Bac Chi Waterfall, about 20m high, roars all year round. Five lakes - a system of large lakes - has clean and cool water, created by the block of black granite stretching along Kim Qui Spring. This is a good place for camping, bathing, and outdoor activities.
Still, the beautiful National Park houses 931 species of animals of which 83 wildlife species, including tigers and monkeys. It is also home to 333-odd species of birds known to inhabit Vietnam. More than 1,406 species of plants have also been identified. Apart from ecotourism, the Bach Ma National Park has an advantage of being close to Vietnam’s three world cultural heritage sites (Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Cham Towers).
So, tourists usually add the park to their itinerary. With highly-valued natural resources, Bach Ma does not only gratify thousands of visitors but also attract scientists. The best time to visit Bach Ma is from February to September. Admission is 10,000VND. It is open from 7 am to 5pm.
Location: Canh Duong Beach is located about 60km from Hue City, between the two mountains: Western Chan May and Eastern Chan May.
Characteristic: Canh Duong is one of the most beautiful beaches of Thua Thien-Hue Province with the length of 8km, 200m wide, bended in arc shape.
Gradually sloping beach, white and fine sand, transparent and limpid sea water and fairly windless, the beach is ideal for all activities of tourism and sport.
 Location: With its 10km in length, Lang Co Beach bordered a section of the National Highway No1A, nearly Hai Van Pass, and 24km from Bach Ma Area.
Characteristic: In Lang Co Sea, there are various kind of shrimps, lobster, sea shrimp, crab, butter-fish, mackerel fish, oysters...
With its gradually slopping, white sand beach, the average depth of less than 1m and the average temperature in the bathing season of 25°C, Lang Co is an ideal beach for tourists.
Not far from the beach, there is Chan May scenery, Lang Co fishing Village.
Location: My An is located in Phu Duong Commune, Phu Vang District, 7km east of Hue, on the way to Thuan An Beach.
Characteristic: This stream can be compared to various well-known mineral streams, such as Koundour (former Soviet Union) or Pavel Banis (Bulgaria).
In June 1979, geological and meteorological expedition No.79 discovered this natural stream. After multiple scientific studies and experiments, the project “Studying medical qualities of the mineral stream in My An” came to the conclusion that the mineral water in My An includes every micro-element necessary for the human body.
Tests concerning the medicinal value of the mineral water have had positive results. The water of this stream can be used to successfully treat several skin and venereal diseases, rheumatism, digestion, mental, respiratory and other chronic diseases.
At present, many local and foreign patients come to My An for self-treatment. Huong Giang Tourist Company and related administrative bodies of Thua Thien - Hue have begun to take advantage of this mineral source by developing what will be the first tourist resort in Central Vietnam to focus on medical treatment by mineral water.
Location: Ngu Binh Mountain is located in Hue City
Characteristic: Ngu Binh Mountain was called Bang Son (Even Mount) and renamed Ngu Binh by Emperor Gia Long. It was chosen as a screen in front of the Hue Capital City. 
The 105m Ngu Binh has a striking and symmetric figure. On both sides of the Bang Son (Even Mount) are 2 small mounts called Ta Bat Son (Left Mount) and Huu Bat Son (Right Mount). Its top is flat with pine trees every where. The Nguyen Dynasty was established and decided to build up the Hue Capital City.
Together with the Perfume River, Ngu Binh Mount is the second invaluable gift endowed by Nature to Hue. These two mingle with each other creating the Romantic Mountain and river beauty of Hue. For a long time, this beautiful mount and the blue limpid Perfume River have become the symbol of Hue City. Therefore, people often call Hue "The land of the Perfume River (Huong River) and Ngu Binh Mount" or "Huong-Ngu Land".
For many centuries, many generations of poets and travelers have recognized it a wonderful place to admire nature. On fine days, from the top of Ngu Binh Mount, people can view all the sights of Hue City with magnificent palaces, ancient pagoda roofs and the blue limpid Perfume River winding in and out... Right in front of people's eyesight stretch boundless pine forests on the hills and large plains of Huong Thuy, Phu Vang, Huong Tra Districts with green plants and trees. In the distance is the endless dark purple Truong Son range hidden behind silver clouds...  Towards the east is a dim white sand strip and Thuan An Estuary in the distance with the deep blue Eastern Sea.
Some kilometers away from Ngu Binh Mount is Vong Canh Hill, another beautiful spot of Hue which reflects itself charmingly in the Perfume River, opposite to Ngoc Tran Mount. From the Vong Canh Hill, people can behold green fruit gardens with areca palm, longan, orange, mandarin, grape fruit shades, etc. Mingling with pine trees, grey roofs of pagodas and temples, as well as the ancient and meditative tombs... The Perfume River looks like a soft silk strip winding at the foot of the hill. Once tourists come here at mist fading dawn or in sunset, they will understanding and are heartfelt the romantic beauty of a hill, a river, a corner of Hue's sky...
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Perfume River (Huong River)
Location: Deriving from Truong Son Mountain, the two springs Ta Trach (Left Tributary) and Huu Trach (Right Tributary) meet at the junction of Bang Lang fork and create the Perfume River.
Characteristic: Looking like “a silver sword upright to the sky”, Perfume River is really an invaluable godsend to Hue City.
From Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary, the Perfume River is 30km long (The river level is not much above that of the sea) so that the river runs very slowly. The colour of the Perfume River is darker when it runs along the foot of Ngoc Tran Mount - the Jade Cup Temple (Dien Hon Chen) - where there is a very deep abyss.
The Perfume River is beautiful sight from its source, and runs among mountains, forest trees, plants, etc, bringing with it fragrances of tropical flora. The river runs slowly through the verdant and shady villages of Kim Long, Nguyet Bieu, Vy Da, Dong Ba, Gia Hoi, Dinh market, Nam Pho, Bao Vinh, mingling with the odors of flowers of Hue... The river with the shimmer blue limpid colour is like a pearl in the sun. Boats are rowed up and down with remote, meditative and deep folk melodies at deep night. It is an eternal pleasure for many generations of tourists who go boating to behold the poetic landscape, to listen to the folk melodies of Hue in tranquil nights.
 The views on both sides of the river with the citadel, town, gardens, pagodas, towers and temples, etc. and their reflections in the waters make the already loveable river even more poetic and musical. Many people think that Hue city has peaceful, gentle and tranquil landscapes mostly thanks to the Perfume River. This river brings to the city a meditative poetic characteristics and the harmonious limpidity exhaling from a land of age-old culture.
Together with the Perfume River, 105m Ngu Binh Mount is the second invaluable gift endowed by Nature to Hue. These two mingle with each other creating the Romantic Mountain and river beauty of Hue. For a long time, this beautiful mount and the blue limpid Perfume River have become the symbol of Hue city. Therefore, people often call Hue "The land of the Perfume River (Huong River) and Ngu Binh Mount" or "Huong-Ngu Land".
Location: Tam Giang Lagoon is located in Huong Tra District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Characteristic: Tam Giang Lagoon has a depth of 2 - 4m, in some places, of 7m, the immense water surface is an area of important economic activity bringing high income with its sea products.
Thua Thien-Hue Province plain along the sea coast has many lagoons, such as those of Tam Giang, Thuy Tu, Lap An, into them are converged the water of almost all the rivers of the province of Thua Thien Hue before going to the sea, through the mouths of Thuan An, Tu Hien, or through the great lagoon of Lang Co.
Tam Giang and Cau Hai are the 2 biggest lagoons with fresh water, the 2 most representative lagoons in Vietnam with a length of 70km for the whole of the two, they form an ideal habitant for many sea species all along the province.
Yearly thousands tons of sea products are brought on here (fish, shrimps and others). In the recent years, the cultivation and raising of sea products, mainly the raising of shrimps and cultivation of "gracilaria" has developed in this zone of lagoons.
 Location: Thuan An Beach is situated in Phu Vang District, near by Thuan An Mouth, where Huong River runs to Tam Giang Lagoon and then to the sea... far from Hue 15km.
Characteristic: Only 15 minutes by car, tourists are able to reach the beach. Plenty small boats, junks drift up an down the river in the left of the route, and on the right there are houses, temples, pagodas, rice field, and gardens successively spread out...
In the beginning of the 19th century, King Minh Mang named the place as Thuan An, assigned to build Tran Hai frontier post for the defense of the Capital.
Thuan An is a very enjoyable place for all tourists after a full day to visit Hue Citadel, mausoleums, pagodas, and Hue scenery... Thuan An is also the place, where Hue people gather to enjoy the fresh air and sea-bathing in summer time. Intensive activities of the beach lasts from April to September, while Hue temperature being fairly hot.
Sometimes, tourists are very crowded, and there are not enough places for their camping. Besides sea bathing, tourists are able to visit Thai Duong Temple, where Thai Duong Goddess is very esteemed by villagers or visit the temple devoted to the whale, the sacred animal of the local people.
Location: Vong Canh hill is 600m from the tombs of Tu Duc and Dong Khanh, 7km from the center of Hue City.
Characteristic: It is not so beautiful and well-known as Mount Ngu. However, as it is called, Vong Canh Hill is a place where tourists can enjoy the lovely panorama of Hue especially the Kings Nguyen’s tombs.
3)Cultural Travel
Time: 16th day of the seventh lunar month.
Place: Phu Vang District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Objects of worship: God of opening rice paddies Ho Quang Lanh and families Nguyen, Huynh, Doan.
Characteristics: Procession of god, chess playing, cock fighting.
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Chi Long Village Festival
Time: 12th to the 13th day of the sixth lunar month. The main festival day on the 13th day of the sixth lunar month.
Place: Phong Chuong Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien Hue Province.
Objects of worship: Lady Dai Cang (in the 15th century), who had merit of escorting 4 heads of clan (Le, Nguyen, Vo, Tran) reclaimed wasteland and set up the village.
Characteristics: Ky phuoc ceremony, procession of heads of clan's votive tablets, túc yêt ceremony (includes: reading funeral oration, bong dancing, incense offering). The offerings include the whole pig and ox. After worshipping, some offerings are put on paper boat and floated on river. The custom of avoiding going to the forest and no fire from morning to evening.
Time: 23rd day of the fifth lunar month
Place: Co Bi Village, Phong Son Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Objects of worship: God of the opening rice paddies.
Characteristics: Procession of worship-conferring diploma from Dinh Shrine to the communal house, chess playing, cock fighting.
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Gia Lac Spring Fair Festival
Time: 1st to the 3rd day of the first lunar month.
Place: Phu Thuong Commune, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien-Huê Province.
Objects of worship: Dinh Vien Cong, 6th son of King Gia Long.
Characteristics: Spring festive holiday, organized only in 3 days of Tet every year.
The festival was organized during Minh Mang Dynasty, but at first it was confined inside the royal families and later it became the spring fair for everyone. The market opens from the first day morning of Tet in Gia Lac, 3km from the center of Hue City, toward Vi Da. Goods are abundant and change every year, from household utensils to toys for children, cakes, fruits and food, especially barbecued beef (or veal) - an indispensable dish in Tet holiday at Gia Lac.
Many games take place in the festive days, including sing the songs of bai choi, bai ve, gia gao (sing while pounding the rice), repartee songs... People go to Gia Lac Spring Fair Festival pray for lucks and entertainment.
Time: The 3rdday of the third lunar month (spring festival) and the seventh lunar month (autumn festival).
Place: Ngoc Tran Mountain and Hai Cat Communal House, Huong Tra District, Thua Thien Hue Province.
Objects of worship: The Holy Mother Thien Y A Na (Mother of homeland), who created the land and the tree, the forest and taught people the art of growing these trees.
Characteristics: Having a procession on the Huong River.
This is the traditional festival in Hue with many rites. The Holy Mother procession takes place on the Huong River at night which starts from Hue Nam Temple to Hai Cat Communal House with a long line of boats bound together into a big rafts. In the festival night, everyone wears court dress look like prince and princess in the Nguyen Dynasty. At the end of the festival are ceremonies of releasing and floating anterns.
Time: From the 14th to the 16th day of the seventh lunar month.
Place: Minh Huong Village, Dien Hai Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Objects of worship: God of the opening rice paddies.
Characteristics: Procession of god, boat racing, great worshipping is held in once every 3-year.
Time: 7th day of the first lunar month.
Place: Phong Son Commune, Phong Dien District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Objects of worship: God of stone.
Characteristics: The opening ceremony of the year: During this day, people cast a net or go to the forest by waterways for hunting.
Location: Phu Cam Village is also known as Phuoc Vinh Ward, lying right in Hue inner city, south of An Cuu river bank.
Characteristics: Hue conical hat or Phu Cam conical hat has not only a beautiful form but also modest color. It is light and so thin that light seems to pierce through it. Through natural light, one can see Hue landscapes with verses engraved on paper placed between two layers of leaves.
The conical hat form depends primarily on its frame, ensuring the technique of shaping the top, and of keeping equal distance between brims and roundness of brims. After the frame, comes the selection of hat leaves which should have a greenish white color. Leaves should be neither too young nor too old, only 8-9 are enough for making one hat. Following the choice of leaves is the process of drying and treatment.
The Hue graceful conic hat has a frame of 16 big and small brims. Brims are curved into circumferences with the two ends skillfully tied by a small cotton thread. Handicraft workers carefully place and stitch greenish white leaves on the frame with a special thread made of transparent resistant silk.
"Non Bai Tho" - Conical hat with inscribed verses - is an integral part of Hue culture. The production of hats in Hue is not only a handicraft but also an art which provides the society with artistic products.
Time: 5th to the 6th day of the sixth lunar month
Place: Thai Phien Street, Tay Loc Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
Objects of worship: The genies of founding the village.
Characteristics: Tam sinh sacrifice (use three animals: ox, pig, and goat as offerings to sacrifice to the god).
Time: 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month.
Place: Thai Duong Village, Thuan An Commune, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province.
Objects of worship: Goddess Thai Duong (miraculous mystical stone).
Characteristics: Procession of the Goddess to Thai Duong Shrine for making sacrifice gian.
Time: 22nd day of the sixth lunar month.
Place: Thanh Phuoc Village, Huong Phong Commune, Huong Tra District, Thua Thien-Hue Province.
Objects of worship: Village's tutelary god Phan Niem, who followed King Le Thanh Tong to Binh Chiem fighting invaders and his wife, Lady Ky Thach (stone goddess). People worship them in the shrine.
Characteristics: Procession.
Time: 9th to the 10th day of the first lunar month.
Place: Lai An Village, Phu Mau Commune, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien Hue Province.
Characteristics: Traditional wrestle festival.
The festival is not only attract the youths of the village but also thousands of young boys and girls coming here from various districts and Hue City. It takes place in animated and crowded context. The wrestling competition Festival of Sinh Village symbolizes for the martial arts of the inhabitants of Hue in the past centuries.
4)Ecological Travel
Location: An Hien Garden House is located in Xuan Hoa Village, Huong Long Commune, Hue City on an area of 4,608m²..
Characteristic: An Hien Garden has been described as a fine, sharp, and unique work by many writers. In the garden, many kinds of flowers grow. There are popular kinds of flowers such as jasmine, pergularia, pomegranate, sunflower, climbing rose and indigenous roses.
This was originally the residence of the 18th daughter of Duc Duc Emperor. After 1895, it was transferred to Mr. Pham Dang Thap, a son of a high-ranking mandarin under Gia Long reign. In 1920, this house was transferred to Mr. Tung Le. The last owner of this house was Mr. Nguyen Dinh Chi, a province chief. He moved into the residence in 1938. When he died, his wife, Mrs. Dao Thi Yen continued to live in this house. She was the person who led the school boycott of Dong Khanh students against the French colonialism in 1927. She then became the Principal of Dong Khanh High School, member of the sixth and seventh National Assembly, and a commissioner of Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee. Accordingly, An Hien Garden House is closely connected with the name, age, life and cause of an active nationalist who had a great contribution to Hue City.
The gate of the house has an ancient arch design. The gate roof is decorated with a tiger-face figure and stylized designs on both sides. In the middle of the gate, from the outside, under the roof is a book-shaped panel embossed in the wall. A brick board of two Chinese characters meaning An Hien is inlaid with pieces of green and white terracotta in the black background. Above the panel, there are symmetrically two bats spreading their wings and looking down the gate. Right under the book-shaped panel is a colorfully and elegantly tiger-faced figure in a semicircular shape.
Aristocratic flowers consist of all kinds of orchids and land orchids. Besides the modern roses imported from the European GauJard and Meilland companies, visitors can find wild tomatoes roses. Particularly, the garden has a big camellia presented by a Japanese Flower Association. In addition to the flower abundance, the garden also has many precious fruit-trees yielding year-around sweet fruits, namely mangos teen, durian, Thieu litchi, especially Tien Dien persimmon which are brought from Nghi Xuan district, Ha Tinh Province by a great-grandchild of the great poet Nguyen Du as a present for the family of Nguyen Dinh Chi. This is a precious and rare kind of persimmon; it bears very delicious seedless fruits every July.
An Hien Garden House is a special cultural characteristic contributing to the beauty of Hue. Entering the garden, visitors will have a feeling of living in a miniature universe, in a peaceful and charming world. It has an attraction which is always secret as an unfinished book.
(Source: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) |
