Indochine

Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam is almost in the centre of the long thin strip of land that makes up this once divided country. Perhaps it’s most famous landmark is the Forbidden Purple City, (also known as the Citadel) built in C19th by the Nguyen dynasty, and said to be based on its better known counterpart, the Forbidden City, in Beijing. Sadly much of the structure was destroyed by the Tet Offensive.

During our three day visit to Hue, we stayed at La Residence (below), the former house of the French Governor, built in the 1930s with the period’s distinct Art Deco style. Our room was on the opposite side of the (Huong) Perfume River, and the view from our balcony was of the Citadel, and the Flag Tower in front (above).

La Residence

Walls and moat of the Forbidden Purple City

Within the walls of the Forbidden Purple City

A building within the Forbidden Purple City

The Perfume River