Just 2 hours from Danang Airport, we've arrived at Hue, a formal capital of Vietnam and the seat of Nguyen Dynasty Emperors.
Here, I have my two friends, Jin and Dieu, to show me around.
So, to enter Tu Duc Tomb, we will enter from the side gate
because the front gate or the main gate is closed forever after the King died,
and they transferred his dead body into the tomb.
So, it is closed because that gate is only used for the king.
Wow!
Yes. He is the fourth king of Nguyen Dynasty.
And, this tomb was built within 3 years.
Here is covered as it's covered in a large area, so he also has a lot of other things to entertain.
For example, like that island, he used that one to hunt. Go hunting in the past.
Talking about Tomb, it's something about death or somber,
but when you visit tombs of Nguyen Dynasty, you'll see something different.
because it's the tomb is the gate to enter the eternity and it's also the place of joy as well.
Before the King died, he was here to leave his life to work little bit and enjoyed life.
Actually, that is the whole story that was written by the King.
It's a belief that the King would build the tomb while he was living.
Yes. Actually, that is a good way for him to prepare his eternal house after he died.
OK.
And for Khai Dinh King, he ordered to build his tomb here.
But, what a pity that he died before the completion of the tomb.
Ah. Everywhere in Central Vietnam, the tomb would be the same place as the palace?
Just for the King.
So, this is...
(King) Khai Dinh. He visited France in 1922, so after his trip to France, he fell in love with Western style (of architecture).
And, that is the reason why he ordered to built his tomb this way. Kind of mix everything.
I love this place.
And Chinese architecture too?
Yeah. Yes. You see Chinese letters? And, the decoration is filmed by the topics.
It's so nice this morning.
Yes, it is!
Where is this place?
This is called 'Vong Canh Hill'.
Vam Canh Hill?
Yes, actually it means a place to enjoy the landscape.
Ahh. Wow!
This hill is one of the best places to enjoy the overview to Houng River (Perfume River).
Houng River?
Especially for sunrise or sunset.
Right. So, we're now walking towards the viewpoint?
Right.
OK. These are pine trees?
Yes. These are pine trees, and in this area, you can see, it's some kind of a bunker for soldiers.
Ah. Right.
So, this is Hue old town.
Yes, this area.
It is a large area. This is the spot that is called...?
We call it 'Citadel'.
Actually, the whole area is Citadel and this one is the great enclosure.
Where we are standing now is the main gate to the great enclosure.
It is called 'Noon Gate' or, in Vietnamese, 'Ngo Mon Gate'
OK.
So, actually, there are 5 gates - 3 main ones and two others on the size.
The middle one is for the King only and two other is for mandarins under Nguyen Dynasty,
and for the delegates who were going to visit the Kings and the royals in the past
Right. When you say mandarin, it's soldier?
Yeah. A Civil and Martial Arts Mandarins.
So, this is another gate.
Yes! This is a triple gate. Very popular among almost every temple and palace.
This is a pavilion representing...
They built this to honor their contribution of other kings.
So, this is one of the most important places.
Wow! This is a famous pagoda of Hue?
Yes.
There are seven storeys. Looks very old.
Yes. Very old.
I think I've read... it's about 400 years old.
Yes.
And, what is it called?
Thien Mu.
Yeah. From here, I think it's really good because you can see the view of Huong River.
From there until here. A very wide-angle view.
Thien Mu Pagoda is located very near Hue City Centre. You can come here by car, by boat, or by bike.
The view along perfume river is really nice.
Hue is not only a famous historical town, it's also a seaside town.
And here I am by Thuan An Beach.
If you stay here at beachfront, it's just an easy step from the beach.
And here the boat just stopped by the place called 'Ru Cha'.
We kept walking about 10-15 minutes amidst the mangrove forest until we reach here, the tower.
We climbed up a little to see this magnificent view behind me.
From here you can see the 360-degree view of the lagoon and from afar you can see the fish trap.
It's made from bamboo. Bamboo Fish Trap.
They keep growing more mangroves because mangroves are the plants that help protect the sea ecosystem.
What is the name of that bridge?
That bridge is named 'Truong Tien Bridge'.
Truong Tien Bridge.
And, name of this river?
'Hong River' in Vietnamese, and in English, it's 'Perfume River'.
Oh. Very beautiful. It is lit up at night in different colors.
Right.
For Hue people, you live by the river or how are you bonded with the river.
Actually for Huong River or Perfume River, it's the main supply of the water for the whole city.
In the past, people relied on the river much more than now.
And, for me and my generation, we also go to the river to swim every day.
Really? OK. And the name 'Perfume River' comes from something?
There are many stories explain about it, but the most reliable one is that...
In the past, in summer, at the source of Huong River,
There was a special kind of plants releasing a very nice smell,
and somehow people named it because of that reason.
Fly to HUE via Danang Airport with Bangkok Airways.
Stay tuned for the next episode.
Please subscribe!