Hue, settled right in the middle of the narrow, sinuous nation of Vietnam, remains an ever-evolving melting pot of history and heritage, religious and cultural influences which continue to exert their color — oops, we mean its impact — all over the country.
Today, this once Imperial City and former government seat of power hosts the Complex of Hue Monuments, which is a designated United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site.
Here are five spots you must not miss in Hue:
The oldest: Thien Mu Pagoda
Reminiscent of our very own Intramuros, the Thien Mu Pagoda and its environs is a moat fort that protects a Buddhist temple. There were folkloric whispers of a mysterious woman who ominously prophesized a being who would build the temple as a good luck charm. Within the complex stood the standout seven-floor Phước Duyên Tower, where each level is dedicated to a different Buddhist deity. This structure has become synonymous with Hue as the informal representation of the city.
Royalty reigns: The Citadel
The Citadel was the residence of royalty, together with their concubines and servants through the centuries. The exterior proudly brandishes the Cot Co Flag Tower, which now flies the standard of an independent Vietnam. The several gates of the home — make that a palace — were all embellished with anti-evil trinkets. The more elaborate entrances were exclusively used by the most noble of nobles. Meanwhile, the side entrances were dedicated to the masses. Its main central area was reserved for the paramount affairs of the family.
As a defensive and strategic vantage point, we discovered the Balcony of the Phoenix Five, where expert strategists and trusted advisors observed and planned ahead against the approaching enemy forces.
The ravages of war: Hung Mieu Temple
Another sentimental sight was the Hung Mieu Temple. It largely remained fragmented, with permanent stains and damages — a testimony of the constant bombardments of wars in the past. However, with some dedicated effort, certain parts have been meticulously renovated. Soon, perhaps on the next visit, we will see the grandeur it once had.
Meditate in peace: Thái HÔa Palace
Erected at the onset of the 19th century, the Palace of Supreme Harmony was originally purposed as the rendezvous point of the emperor’s closest followers, from the Nguyễn Dynasty founder Gia Long to the last king, Bảo Đại. These halls likewise witnessed the crowning of rulers, milestones of the royalty and the visits of diplomats and ambassadors. Today, its interiors still contain Chinese poems carved into its sections. Interestingly, harmony is truly its main facet — as even in the most extreme of heat waves, its architecture ensures that the coolness stays.
A worldwide shocker: The Austin Westminster Sedan
We then headed to the iconic Austin Westminster Sedan, the blue vehicle of Thích Quảng Đức, best known as the Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk who immolated himself in a crowded Saigon intersection. He protested the persecution of his fellow Buddhists. I can recall this event due to the Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph by Malcolm Browne for the Associated Press. Years later, the image was also featured in the cover of the 1992 eponymous album of the infamous revolutionary American rock band Rage Against the Machine.
These are our five magical postcards. What’s yours?