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- Destinations
- Asia
- Vietnam
- Hué
Hué
Former capital of the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, the royal
city of Hué is situated on the country's central coast, midway
between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. It is a serene place, a small
city of canals boasting splendid historical sights, and is
dominated by its massive Citadel, and the former Forbidden Purple
City. Most of its beautiful imperial architecture was destroyed
during the 1968 Tet Offensive, when the North Vietnamese launched
an attack on the south, yet despite a tumultuous history it retains
much of its cultural identity and has been recognised as a Cultural
World Heritage Site.
Hué is also an important centre for Buddhism and hundreds of
temples and pagodas exist around the city, such as the Thien Mu
Pagoda, one of the most famous structures in the country. The
Perfume River lies between the city and the remains of the mighty
Citadel with many attractions along its banks. Sampan boat trips on
the river offer an enchanting way to see the main sights in and
around Hué, including the splendid tombs of the Nguyen emperors a
few miles south of the city.
Along with its historical sights, Hué is also the main starting
point for day tours to the DMZ (Demilitarised Zone), a historical
area spanning both sides of the former border between North and
South Vietnam, and the Vinh Moc underground tunnels.
Information & Facts
Climate
Hue is renowned for being just about the wettest city in
Vietnam, having very few dry days; even during the 'dry' season
between May and August there is usually some drizzle. Average
annual rainfall is 110 inches (2, 800mm). Like the rest of Vietnam,
Hue also experiences distinct extremes of temperature between
winter and summer, sweltering mid-year and the mercury plunging in
January.
Language
The official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. Some
Chinese, English and French are spoken. Tour guides can also speak
Russian and Japanese. Numerous ethnic languages are also spoken in
parts.
Money
The official currency is the Dông (VND). There are no smaller
denominations. Currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de
change, hotels and on the black market. Visa, MasterCard and
American Express are becoming more widely acceptable, particularly
in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, but it is best not to rely on them
elsewhere. It is recommended that visitors bring travellers cheques
in US Dollars, which can be cashed at major banks in the main
cities and tourist areas. US currency acts as unofficial tender and
is useful as a back-up when banks won't cash travellers cheques
outside the main cities, but notes must be relatively new and
unmarked. Dông can be withdrawn from ATMs, which are becoming more
widespread.
Time
Local time in Vietnam is GMT +7.