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Hue

Pictures by QT Luong

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Hue was unified Vietnam's capital from 1802 to 1945, during the rule of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty. It was not only the political but also the cultural and religious centre. The imperial citadel used to be comparable to Beijing's forbidden city, but most of it was destroyed during the bloody fighting which followed the Tet offensive in 1968. It is still an interesting sight, as a increasing number of buildings are being restored. The imperial tombs south of the city are well preserved. Each of them is a large complex, and has a different character. The visit can be combined with a cruise along the nonchalant Perfume river. On the way, you'll pass the Thien Mu pagoda, of which the octagonal tower is one of the most famous buildings of the country. At night, traditional music concerts on a boat drifting along the river are delights to remind that Hue is considered to be Vietnam's cultural and artistic center. The complex of Hue monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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