The central region of Vietnam is rich in culture and history and incorporates the compelling towns of Hué and Hoi An.
Hué is capital of the Nguyen emperors and consequently packed to
overflowing with temples, tombs, palaces and pagodas to explore. Built
on the banks of the Perfume River this romantic town thrived in the
19th century and is the best place to explore Vietnam’s imperial past.
A UNESCOWorld Heritage Site,Hué possesses an enduring charm,which is
still intact despite the ravages of war.The Imperial City or Citadel is
a good place to start your exploration - this former imperial seat of
government is a complex of enclosures, temples, pavilions, moats and
gates and is surprisingly peaceful.TheThienMu Pagoda, built in 1601, is
another must see and the seven levels representing the seven stages of
enlightenment rise more than twenty metres above the shores of the
Perfume River.Numerous tombs line the river and the resting places of
Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh are considered to be amongst the finest
and represent excellent examples of Vietnamese Buddhist aesthetics and
architecture.
Hoi An a major trading port between the 15th and
19th centuries saw settlers from China, Japan, India and Holland
rubbing shoulders with the Vietnamese and the lasting legacy is a
vibrant and rich local culture.The Old Town, a maze of winding lanes
and small shops, is free from cars and exudes a delightful ambiance by
night when lit by the gentle glow of lanterns and the day-trippers have
departed. Ensure you leave some time to visit one of the many renowned
tailors that Hoi An is famous for and have a made to measure garment
made from the fabulous silks and fabrics available. Both Hoi An and Hué
are considered to boast some of the finest cuisine in Vietnam and there
is a wealth of choice to tempt all palates.
