Hue Sightseeing

Of all Vietnamese cities, this is of the most pleasant. It's an easygoing, peaceful place with lakes and canals, tree-lined boulevards and a certain refinement thanks to its imperial past. Hué also has great cuisine and wonderful restaurants - not to mention all its historical sights. Unfortunately, many sights will have been damaged in the 1999 floods, though to what degree is not yet certain.


1. Imperial City
Despite the ravages of war, weather and time, the Imperial City still packs a powerful punch. Much has been done to restore the palaces, which gleam once more under a coating of rich red lacquer and writhing dragons.


2. Tomb of Tu Duc
Of Hué's seven royal mausoleums, this is the finest. Rather than dealing with affairs of state, Tu Duc preferred to hide in his lyrical pleasure garden. You can reach this and other Imperial Mausoleums on a boat trip down the Perfume River.


3. Hué Folksongs on the Perfume River
There's no better way to spend a balmy Hué evening than drifting gently down the Perfume River to the sound of traditional folk songs.