Cycling the Imperial City

Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam. Although no longer the capital, the city is a popular place to visit, thanks to the temples, pagodas, and remains of the imperial palace and emperor's tombs.

After renting some bicycles and riding across the bridge over the Perfume River with all the motos, we found the Flag Tower, marking the entrance to the Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen emperors.

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

Unfortunately, the Imperial City was heavily bombed in 1968 by Americans during the Vietnam War. Most of the buildings in the Imperial City were flattened, and only a few remain.

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

Despite the fact that the ancient city was severely harmed by the Vietnam War, it was still incredibly beautiful and picturesque. There were elephants wandering around by the outside walls, and many locals flying kites nearby.

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

It was interesting to imagine living there in the 18th century. We saw the library, the opera house, some administrative buildings, and the Forbidden Purple City. The emperor lived in the Forbidden Purple City with his concubines (the only guards allowed in were eunuchs).

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

From K - Hanoi and Hue

After visiting the Citadel, we biked home after visiting the local market. At this point in the trip, I've probably seen 25 local markets. But each one is different and interesting.

From K - Hanoi and Hue

Where's Dana?