We explored Huế and its surroundings by bike (see 12 mile trip above) and boat followed by an overnight train to Hanoi.
Milder temperature now with some occasional drizzle.
Huế was the capital of the Vietnam during the Nguyễn Dynasty, 1802 to 1945.
It also saw terrible fighting during the 1968 Tet Offensive. In late January, on the first day of Tet, which had previously been observed with a cease-fire, the Vietcong attacked five of South Vietnam's cities, Huế and its citadel seeing some of the worst fighting.
...of the citadel, with walls six miles in length.
Within were the palaces and halls of the Mandarins and...
...the remains of the Forbidden Purple City, where only the emperor and his eunuchs and concubines were allowed.
An ongoing reminder of the decade of American conflict.
...museum attendants by day.
...ninjas at night.
...ninjas at night.
The citadel was an epicentre of the fighting of the Tet Offensive resulting in huge damage.
...with large attractive gardens and tasteful rebuilding of the damaged ruins.
Many walls were destroyed in 1968. Now restored.
Outdoor incense burning was common.
Lạc Long Quân, king of the dragonkind, lived near the Đông sea and married a goddess, Âu Cơ (the daughter of the birdkind king Đế Lai).
Âu Cơ bore 100 eggs, which hatched into 100 sons. The first-born son became the king of Lạc Việt, the first dynasty of Vietnam, and proclaimed himself Emperor Hùng Vương.
The First was followed by Hùng Vương The Second, Hùng Vương The Third and so on, through 18 reigns.
This is the origin of the Vietnamese proverb, "Children of Dragon, Grandchildren of Gods".
Lạc Long Quân, king of the dragonkind, lived near the Đông sea and married a goddess, Âu Cơ (the daughter of the birdkind king Đế Lai).
Âu Cơ bore 100 eggs, which hatched into 100 sons. The first-born son became the king of Lạc Việt, the first dynasty of Vietnam, and proclaimed himself Emperor Hùng Vương.
The First was followed by Hùng Vương The Second, Hùng Vương The Third and so on, through 18 reigns.
This is the origin of the Vietnamese proverb, "Children of Dragon, Grandchildren of Gods".
According to an ancient origin myth, the Vietnamese people are descended from a dragon and a fairy.
The dragon is said to bring rain, essential for agriculture. It represents the emperor, the prosperity and the power of the nation.
It is the symbol of yang, representing the universe, life, existence, and growth.
Theatre within the citadel complex.
Premier seating!
The Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc (
This is one of seven imperial tombs, 6km outside of Huế.
...with a huge and peaceful lake, stone bridges and wooden constructions.
It was used by the Emperor Tu Duc in life...
...used by the Emperor Tu Duc in life as Summer Palace and spiritual retreat.
Emperor Tu Duc was buried in a secret location by 200 workers.
These workers were then decapitated after completing the task so that they would not reveal the secret.
Posing for 'glam' photos was fairly common!
A welcome latte...
Train to Hanoi.
A welcome glass of red in makeshift severed plastic bottles.
Nikki, protecting herself from the very successful, pesky beasts! Don't click on the link if you're squeamish.
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