16th November - In Hue   Geoff Brock & Bruce Gamble
         
     

 
 
 
 

Hue: Sights along the Perfume River
plus a visit to the Citadel
Thursday 16th November 2017
 

Today was our only full day in Hue and there was much to be seen and done, the highlight being this afternoon's schedued visit to the Citadel, clearly visible across the river from our hotel.
 
The view from our hotel room
 
From the hotel grounds, it was only a short walk down to where a boat (seen here on the right) was waiting to take us on our morning excursion up the Perfume River.
 
We were reliably informed that this postcard shows the true colour of the Perfume River.
 
Because of a recent typhoon, the colour of the water was, however, this colour.
 
Along with our guide, we were the only passengers today, so we travelled in style...
 
This lady did all the hard word on our boat...
...whereas on other boats some were taking less strain.
 
 
 
 
 
Twenty five minutes after setting off, our first stop was at the Thien Mu pagoda and Bhuddist monastery.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
We brought along a hotel-supplied umbrella in case of rain, but we didn't need it today. Tien, on the other hand, decided she liked it because it protected her from the sun!
 
The bizarre looking Pentacme Siamensis - we were to see it again in Phnom Penh, later in the trip.
 
 
 
After the visit, we continued our trip up river for an hour. It felt very tranquil, with lots to see.
 
Our guide told us that the words on the fan are a dedication to a mother's love... something to the effect that whatever you do in your life, nobody will love you more than your Mother.
 
 
 
 
 
 
We tried to ignore the fact that the back of the boat had been transformed into a shop as we sailed. We were impressed by the enterprise, but they needn't have bothered for us. We gave the lady a good tip when we disembarked, but we weren't interested in her merchandise.
 
Some rather sad looking swans on the river bank
 
 
 
 
Arriving at our destination, we waved goodbye to our river boat hosts. The return trip would be by car.
 
We had arrived at the Minh Mang Tomb, which is set in extensive and beautiful grounds.
 
 
 
Stele House - Minh Mang Tomb
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sung An Temple
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
After visiting the site of the Minh Mang Tomb, we drove a short distance, then stopped for a snack at a little village where incence sticks were being made.
 
 
 
Another short drive to our next stop - Tu Duc's tomb
(although he spent time here, apparently he isn't actually buried here!)
 
 
Luu Khiem Lake, Tinh Khiem Island and the Xung Khiem Pavilion
 
 
 
 
A very large fig leaf!
  
 
 
 
Inside the Hoa Khiem Temple there is the Royal theatre, which is "a reflection of Tu Duc’s poetic soul", including a ceiling carved with stars, clouds, crescent moon and sky.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inside the Xung Khiem Pavilion
 
 
Next, we drove back to the city of Hue (approx 12 kilometres) for the highlight of our stay.
 
The Imperial City, Hue
 
 
 
Meridian Gate (Ngo Mon Gate)
 
 
The Imperial City is big, very big. Tien had devised a tour which would show us some highlights, but not attempt to see everything. We were quite happy with this approach.
 
The Throne Palace, also known as the Palace of Supreme Harmony
 
 
 
 
Temple for the Worship of the Nguyen Emperors (The To Mieu Temple)
 
 
 
The Hien Lam Pavilion commemorates the lives and accomplishments of significant commoners who helped the Nguyens rule their empire. Nine Dynastic Urns in front represent the reigns of successive Nguyen Emperors.
 
 
 
 
 
The compound housing the Queen Mother's mansion: the Dien Tho Residence.
 
 
 
 
 
Garden of the residence of the imperial mother
 
 
 
After walking for most of the afternoon, we were in need of a treat!
 
 
Hien Nhon gate
 
It had been a very busy, yet enjoyable day and it was only a short drive back to our hotel, just across the river.
 
In the evening, the hotel invited us to a pre-dinner cocktail party to celebrate them winning "hotel of the year in Asia" for the 4th consecutive year. We were treated to a programme of entertainment including a traditional Lion dance.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
After last night's delicious meal in the hotel's restaurant, we decided to return there. It was another excellent meal.
 
Geoff's pomelo salad was beautifully presented
 
 
 
©Geoff Brock and Bruce Gamble