Da Nang & Hue

We docked in Da Nang and we chose to take a long bus tour to the city of Hue (pronounce way), the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam.  It is considered one of the most significant historic and cultural centers of the country.

Along the way we passed many rice farms and impoverished villages.  (Parts of the cities in Vietnam look middle-class and even affluent; the countryside mostly looks poor.)

First stop was at the Citadel, the remains of the imperial palace and Forbidden Purple City, where the emperors female relatives, concubines and eunuchs lived.  Much of it was destroyed during fighting but some of the buildings are being restored.  It is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Main gate, Imperial Palace

Thien Mu Pagoda

Most memorable for its 3 for $10 t-shirts.

Lunch was a buffet of Vietnamese dishes; fortunately, everything was labelled!  The most exotic dish was tortoise that Bill, the adventuresome eater, claims tasted like beef.  The hotel was happy to host us, greeting us with dragons and entertaining us with tradtional Vietnames music.

Next stop was the Tomb of Tu Duc, emperor for 35 years.  It was situated in a beautiful park-like setting and is considered by many the most elegant tomb in Vietnam.

Final stop before our long bus ride back to the port was a small shop where that sold incense and the conical hats seen everywhere in Vietnam, along with many other souvenirs (which we resisted purchasing!).

Incense arranged in attractive bundles.