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March 15, 2007
Hue (Katy)
Had a bit more time to explore Hue, well I say explore, we've actually had a bit more time to get lost around Hue. We set off this morning to find the Citadel (walled city), which we did find but couldn't find the Imperial Enclosure, which is somewhere inside. It only has the tallest flagpole in Vietnam, you would have thought we would have seen that, but no. We tried asking for directions but no one will give you them without you paying to be taken there. Eventually we gave up, left the walled city and bought a map. Of course on the way out I spotted the flagpole!!
So we haven't actually visited the Citadel yet but we know where we're going now and are heading there next.
Hue was historically quite a significant city in Vietnam and was the capital city for many years (early 1800's I think). The emperor lived here during that time, hence the walled city and tombs nearby. It was only when the French took over that they made Hanoi Capital.
During the war with the America Hue was also in the firing line because it was so close to the boarder and Demilitarised Zone. Hue was the only city in the south to actually be taken by the North. In 1968 the Communists stormed the city and took it over, flying their flag from the flagpole (the tallest in Vietnam) for more than 3 weeks. At which point the Americans used their massive fire power to win back the city.
Hue was also a centre for education during the 1800's. The children of Vietnam's most powerful people were sent to Hue to get an education.
Posted by admins at March 15, 2007 4:23 AM