"Ancient, poetic, and traditional— I believe it would take many more beautiful adjectives to fully capture the charm of Hue during the last few sunny days..."
Situated on the Sa Huynh cultural foundation, Hue has undergone over seven centuries of formation and development. This city has not only inherited but also integrated unique material and spiritual values, creating a distinct identity for Hue - a character that blends the essence of both history and modernity. Therefore, when visiting Hue, one cannot help but feel both a sense of familiarity and a touch of novelty when gazing at the various versions of this city.
Hue is ancient and serene
Beyond its distinct weather with the rainy and the dry seasons, people often remember Hue for its ancient, solemn atmosphere - something that few other cities in Vietnam can match. The antiquity, solemnity, and quietness of Hue are not only reflected in the complex of imperial monuments but are also imprinted on every street, every old house, and within the very rhythm of the city's slow, peaceful way of life.
Built in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long, the Hue Imperial City has stood firm for over 200 years, exuding the grandeur and dignity of a dynasty marked by many upheavals—the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam.
After five years of restoration, Kien Trung Palace was officially completed and opened to visitors.
The structure was originally built between 1921 and 1923, serving as the residence and working place for the last two kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Bao Dai. This royal palace is unique in that it combines Asian and European architectural styles, specifically French, Italian Renaissance, and traditional Vietnamese architecture.
Scattered around the city and second only to the Imperial Citadel in scale, the tombs of seven emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty hold a unique allure for visitors from everywhere. It feels as if, by stepping through the main gate, one can journey back in time to the reign of each emperor, with every tile, column, and relief telling a story of the past.
The ancient charm of Hue is like a garment it wears through both the rainy and the dry seasons. Intricately stitched by time, this wide cloak drapes over the rooftops of Thien Mu Pagoda, spans the Truong Tien Bridge, stretches to the old Bao Vinh town, and connects the two banks of Nhu Y River with the Thanh Toan tiled bridge... To fully feel the timeless beauty of this city, one must take the time to wander and explore, allowing the essence of Hue to reveal itself.
Hue is gentle and poetic
"Only when you come to Hue will you fall in love, and only when you leave will you miss it. Whether by chance or intention, Hue always leaves people longing..."
It may be the same early morning sunrise, the same streets gradually bustling with activity, yet Hue is unlike the noisy, hurried cities. This city welcomes everything with a soft, gentle stretch - much like the way its people converse, soothingly calm, leaving you lost in a dreamy daze.
“Perfume River flows gently with drifting boats
You hand me the waiting conical hat, and we make a date”
As the sun rises, Hue's gentle and poetic charm shines even brighter. You don't need to venture far - just take a stroll through the streets around the city center, along the banks of the Perfume River like Le Duan or Tran Hung Dao, and you'll find that Hue's tranquil beauty reveals itself in every ray of sunlight, every branch, and every boat on the river.
A walk through 3/2 Park, across Truong Tien Bridge, or watching the Hue Cultural Museum bathe in sunlight on Le Loi Street will provide endless picturesque moments that are effortlessly captivating.
“Like the tilted conical hat, like the flowing ao dai in the windy afternoon, the gentle and poetic essence of Hue is something that one can see but cannot grasp or keep for oneself.”
Depending on the time of day, Hue presents different shades of romance. Sometimes it is pristine and tranquil, other times it is deep and enchanting. As night approaches, Hue becomes increasingly stirring, with the sky shifting from pink to red and then fading into the night, disappearing unnoticed.
About 15 kilometers from the city center, Chuon reservoir is located near the sea entrance. It is not only a fishing area and a service center for tourists' boats but also an ideal destination for visitors to enjoy the sunrise and sunset.
Hue is rich in shades. Whether it is an ancient, solemn Hue or a gentle, poetic one, this beautiful city always knows how to evoke feelings of nostalgia and attachment.
We bid farewell to Hue, parting with the winding streets of the city, saying goodbye to the Perfume River, Truong Tien Bridge, the Imperial City, and the tombs, with the roofs fading behind us, only a sense of longing and regret beginning to arise. We don’t know when we will have the chance to return to this city, but the images of Hue in the sunny days will surely remain in our hearts forever.
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CREDIT:
- Photography: Luan Nguyen
- Content: Giang Huynh
- Design: Luan Nguyen
