Stanley & Suvie : Vietnam 2015; Hue

We are back at Vietnam again! This time to the unknowns of Central Vietnam. Having been to HCM and Hanoi, Central Vietnam kind of wrap up the history and culture of Vietnam well for me!

Hanoi - History of Vietnam during Ho Chi Ming Rule.

Ho Chi Ming City - Vietnam during the war (American Vietnam War)

Hue - Imperial Age of Vietnam; the 13 Kings and their time (Pre-1945)

Hue is a little city off Da Nang, it is about 3hrs drive from Da Nang Airport which we land. And it is our first stop for our Central Vietnam trip. Based on border division Hue is still considered Southern Vietnam (because Vietnam only consider themselves to have north and south).

Our trip begin with a direct flight to Da Nang; Jetstar fly direct to Da Nang every Tues, Thurs and Sun of the week! From Da Nang, we took a private car down to Hue, It was a long ride; 3hrs, Thus, I was just sleeping on Stanley's lap throughout the journey. Whereas Stanley play games off his iPhone.

By the time we reach our Hotel it was late at night already, like 11 plus. So we quickly check in to Holiday Diamond Hotel and rest.

Unpacking!

Day 2: Hue City Tour

We had breakfast at the hotel before setting off for our city tour.

Waiting for the breakie to be serve!

Bacon Omelette! Yum!

After breakfast, our tour guide came to get us @ 8.30a.m., was suppose to be a group tour, but end up being a private tour as this season in Central Vietnam is not their perk season, thus, not too many people!

The city tour begins at the local market, which is a little village market! There, you can see stalls set up in an orderly fashion and categorize well. However, everything is on the floor, a very different sight from the Singapore Market places.

Beside the market is a little bridge, the history of the bridge is such that many years ago, villagers did not have the bridge and trouble getting from one end to the other, however, a lady decided to build one for the villagers to get across and in the bridge there are little space at both sides for villagers to rest. After which, her name was remembered and till today the villagers worship her at the alter build right in the middle of the bridge.

the bridge

A pole to remember the flooding in Central Vietnam in past. The label shows the height of the flood!

Inside the village, there is a little museum which shows the heritage and the traditional life of the villagers.

A little villager elder who is demonstrating the process of getting the rice we eat!

Rain coat made of palm leaves!

Traditional Tools!

Me trying to husk the wheat!

Mr Sim @ work!

After leaving the village, we head off to the Imperial Age, where the Kings of Vietnam use to rule from the capital city of Hue. Before, the Vietnam War, Vietnam was ruled by 13 Kings, with the last one escaping off to France, Vietnam was left to colonial rule and from there war begins as many see Vietnam as an important location of the Silk Road and Silk Trade.

The Imperial City of Hue!

Where the Kings and his family lived!

Imperial Theater!

I am the QUEEN!!

Imperial Dancer?

After a tour around the Imperial City that was real huge, we set off for local Vietnam lunch! Stanley and I always believe that we will be able to understand the country's culture better by appreciating their food!

Is like salad? with rice paper!

meat!

Vietnam Spring Roll!

Stanley with his food!

After lunch, we head to see 3 different tomb of the King, each tomb is unique and it kind of show the character of the King and his beliefs.

The first King; tomb hidden in the midst of nature with much forest and pine trees around.

old and traditions!

The "evil" King, who the Vietnam feels was not a very good King. He is the 12th King of Vietnam and he is known to spend lots of money on luxury and not his people!