Telephone code : 054

Located on the country’s central coast in Thua Thien Hue province , the area has variety of sites of outstanding nature beauty. The average temperature is about 25 degrees. The area is also notorious for its torrential rain, which can pour unabated for a week. The beauty of the area led it to be chosen as the capital by the kings of the Nguyen dynasty. It was recently recognised as a Unesco world heritage site. Hue also features a unique cuisine , combining dishes associated with the former imperial court with everyday street food, much of fairly spicy . The city is also noted for the quality of its embroidery, particularly on the traditional ao dai-a favourite sovernir for visitors to take home.

Highlights

Royal Tombs

Often built when the ruling king still alive , so they often ended up looking more like miniature palaces than simple memorial. Hue has eight notable royal tombs to the south east of the former citadel , all with their own individual characters reflecting the personality of each king. The most outstanding are Gia Long Tomb at the top of Thien Tho hill, 16km from the city; Ming Mang Tomb, covering an area of 18ha in Huong Tra distric, 12km from Hue;Tu Duc Tomb at Duong Xuan Thuong commune, 8km away; and Khai Dinh Tomb on Chau E mountain, 10km from Hue.

Thien Mu Pagoda

Seven km west of the city centre, this pagoda was built in the 14^th century in honour of a red-robed goddess.

Ancient Citadel

The fisrt king of the Nguyen Dynasty, Gia Long,began construction of the complex in 1805. The present citadel , including the Forbidden City, occupies an area of 5.2sq km on the north bank of the Perfume river.

Getting There

Air There are several flights connecting Hue with Hanoi and HCM City. Vietnam Airlines offices is at 12D Hanoi street (tel:823-249)and Thuan Hoa hotel (tel: 824-709).

Bus Hue has three bus station (see map),An Cuu, An Hoa and Dong Ba. Minibus are popular way of getting around: Hue to Hoi An via DaNang, for instance, cost just $3.Daily depatures at 8am and 1pm; tickets on sale at 12 HungVuong -DuyTan hotel.

Train Hue railway station is on the east bank at the south-west end of Le Loi road, tel: 822-175. Booking office open from 7.30am to 5pm.

Around Hue

Bach Ma National Pack

Bach Ma , known as the Dalat of central Vietnam, is 50km south of Hue . The pack covers 220sq km and it home to many rare plants and animals. Pick up a guide at the visitors centre: entrance cost $2 and guide can be hired for $12 a day. For details, call : 871-258

Lang Co Beach

70km south of the city. Go by taxi (book on 828-282)or get a bus from An Cuu bus station, tel: 823-817

Canh Duong Beach

60km from Hue , this crescent shaped 8km is the most beautyful in the region. Its sand is white and soft and there is usually a mild breeze, making it a favourite spot for windsurfing and sailing.