Day 6 - Hue

 The overnight sleeper train was a great experience.   We had a 4 berth compartment to ourselves.  The train left at 19.50 and arrived at 9.20 the following morning.  The beds were a bit hard and it was quite warm but we did manage to get some sleep despite the train mechanisms being very noisy.  It gets light at around 6 am so before arriving at Hue we saw some lovely rural scenery with rice and arable farmland and small villages.



We were met at Hue station by our new tour guide and first went to the Forbidden City where the 13 Kings of Vietnam from the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) lived with their families and concubines and where they are now remembered.   It is similar to the one in Beijing but much smaller. The last king reigned until 1945 but was overthrown by Ho Chi Min and that was the end of the monarchy in Vietnam.


The Perfume River

The Fort

Forbidden City
 
 
The Queen Mother Garden

The Water Gardens

The Water Gardens


The Royal Theatre



After lunch we went to the tomb of King Minh Mang who is buried somewhere in a big hill surrounded by lakes.  No-one knows exactly where in the hill he is because this was kept secret as many treasures were buried with him.
 
 
Path leading from the Pavilion to the Tomb
 

 
Pavilion leading to the tomb

 
One of the lakes surrounding the tomb

 
 
Gate to the tomb and surrounding wall.

Today has been International Womens Day and is highly celebrated in Vietnam.  All women get a day off work and have the right to "take it easy".  We saw many women and children in traditional clothing all around the town.




There was time for a quick swim in the hotel pool before dinner.  Afterwards we walked around the area near the hotel and along the Perfume River waterfront.  It was very crowded with local people all out enjoying themselves, maybe celebrating International Womens Day.  

 
Night Cruise Boats

 
Bridge over Perfume River (designed by Gustave Eiffel)

 
The Waterfront

 
Bandstand on the Waterfront

 
Video of the Perfume River Bridge at night


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