Hue

Although considered part of South Vietnam, Hue’s geographically central location placed it very near the border with North Vietnam, causing considerable damage and suffering by both sides during the Vietnam War, as the city got caught in the crossfire. Known as the Hue Massacre, the city was conquered by the Viet Cong and held for 24 days, with massive slaughtering taking place of anyone who supported the South, was educated, or was Christian.

Hue features a citadel located north of Perfume River, which includes the Imperial City, a walled structure surrounded by a moat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial City features an imperial enclosure called the Purple Forbidden City, once reserved only for the Nguyen imperial family. Largely destroyed by the Vietnam War, the Imperial Enclosure, along with other remaining structures such as the Nine Holy Cannons, the Palace of Supreme Harmony, and the Halls of the Mandarins, are currently going through a major restoration.

With Hue’s old city and Citadel found on the north side of the Perfume River, including Thien Mụ Pagoda, Hue’s largest pagoda and city landmark, the more modern south side features French-style buildings, hotels, and restaurants. The banks of Perfume River themselves feature a promenade along with a park containing bizarre sculptures, all to be enjoyed on Vietnam vacation packages.