VI
EN
Like a cinematic film shot through the lens of nostalgia, every street corner, every city gate, and every tranquil stretch of the Perfume River holds subtle glimpses of culture and history. Try strolling slowly through the heart of the ancient capital to experience an "authentic" Hue – where every frame is a masterful arrangement of memory and time.
There are cities to visit, places to remember, and lands where you just want to slow down and savor the moment. Hue is one such place. Quiet and unhurried, the city by the Perfume River always possesses a serene and gentle beauty, like a slow-motion film where every frame is worth capturing.
And if there's a special way to fully "see" that film, it's to wander around Hue in your own way, or even more interestingly, along its scenic routes at a leisurely pace, just like the people of Hue themselves. There, each step opens up a new frame, each perspective a slice of culture, history, and life.
The romantic Nguyen Hoang Bridge
The journey begins at Phu Van Lau, a familiar landmark on the banks of the Perfume River, also featured on the Vietnamese 50,000 dong banknote. As dawn breaks, gentle light bathes this ancient structure, creating a scene that is both solemn and poetic. Standing here, one feels as if they are opening the first page of a film called Hue.
Continuing the journey, ancient city gates such as Cửa Ngăn and Cửa Hiển Nhơn appear majestic and solemn. The moss-covered walls and ancient arches are not only architectural relics but also witnesses to time. Passing through these gates, one feels as if stepping through layers of history, where the past and present intertwine in every frame.
Passing through the Gate of Reception, visitors are led deeper into the space of the Imperial Citadel, preserving the golden legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty. Prominent among them is the Five Phoenix Pavilion – a structure that boasts both exquisite architectural beauty and serves as a witness to a turning point in history.
On August 30, 1945, at this very spot, Emperor Bảo Đại handed over the golden seal "Imperial Seal" and sword to Trần Huy Liệu, the representative of the Provisional Government, officially ending the 143-year-long Nguyễn Dynasty. That moment not only marked the end of a regime but also opened a new chapter in the nation's history. And today, amidst the tranquil atmosphere of the Imperial Citadel, the Ngũ Phụng Pavilion still stands there, silent, majestic, and full of memories.
Leaving the heritage area, Hue unfolds into a completely different landscape – gentle, lush, and full of poetry. The tree-lined paths along the Perfume River offer a rare sense of tranquility. The early morning sunlight filters through the leaves, reflecting on the sparkling water, creating a picture that is both vibrant and peaceful.
Hien Nhon Gate
One of the most iconic landmarks is the Truong Tien Bridge. Its gracefully curved arches resemble a delicate brushstroke spanning the river. In the early morning, before the city fully awakens, the bridge reveals a unique beauty – tranquil yet evocative. This is a place that anyone visiting Hue wants to stop, even if only for a moment, to admire and remember.
Continuing the journey are rows of old French houses nestled under the green canopy of trees. European architecture blends with the Hue landscape, creating a unique beauty that is tranquil, classic, and full of cinematic charm. Within this flow, Hue Railway Station stands out as a special highlight. With its distinctive color scheme and graceful lines bearing the strong imprint of French design, the station is not only a place for arrivals and departures but also a part of the city's memory.
Small waterfront in Vy village
Old French villas nestle under the shade of green trees.
Not far away is the Monument to Fallen Soldiers, a historically significant structure, nestled quietly beside the Perfume River. Amidst the peaceful surroundings, it creates a unique moment of tranquility, like a somber frame, prompting reflection on the passage of time.
Hue is not only a city of heritage and architecture, but also a city of school memories. Two famous schools – Hai Ba Trung High School and Quoc Hoc High School – stand out with their distinctive red walls, ancient trees, and peaceful atmosphere. These are not just places of learning, but also a part of the youth of many generations, cherishing nostalgic images in the hearts of the people of Hue.
Continuing on, the saltwater intrusion dams under the early morning sun create a very serene picture. Without being overly elaborate, it is this very simplicity that creates the unique beauty of Hue – gentle, unhurried, and profound.
The saltwater intrusion dams, bathed in the early morning sun, create a remarkably serene scene.
And then, the journey leads past the Dam Da area to Vy Da village, a place immortalized in the poetry of Han Mac Tu. The lush green gardens, rows of straight betel nut trees, and peaceful atmosphere make this one of the most beautiful scenes in Hue. Coming here, one not only admires the scenery but also feels as if they are stepping into a poem.
The journey concludes at Da Vien Bridge, a vantage point offering panoramic views of both ancient and modern Hue. The pavilions bearing the mark of the Nguyen Dynasty stand silently, while in the distance, Nguyen Hoang Bridge stands, a symbol of a Hue undergoing transformation, modernizing yet retaining its unique identity.
The view from Da Vien Bridge offers visitors a panoramic vista of Hue's transformation into a modern city, yet one that retains its unique character.
Hue isn't a place that overwhelms you at first glance. But the more you walk around, the more you look at it, the more you're drawn into its unique, gentle yet profound, simple yet sophisticated scenes.
Exploring Hue is more than just a trip. It's a journey of experiencing where every street corner, every river, every building contributes to creating a film called memory. And perhaps, the most beautiful thing isn't what you see… but what remains after you've left.
The Five Phoenix Pavilion (Ngo Mon Gate) – a place that witnessed the historic moment when King Bao Dai abdicated in 1945.
Phu Van Lau, its reflection shimmering on the Perfume River in the morning light, is an iconic structure that has even appeared on Vietnam's 50,000 dong banknote.
