Hué, Vietnam

Entrance to the Forbidden City

Vietnam means people of the South. There are 54 minority groups within the country. Hué was the capital between 1802 and 1945. We visited the Citadel built between 1802 and 1832. The thirteen kings of the Nguyen dynasty resided here. The citadel is surrounded by a moat and has three separate battlements leading in to the forbidden city where the emperor lived with his wives and concubines. Unfortunately 70% of the city was destroyed in 1947 and 1968 wars. The palace was built according to Feng Shui with a balance between water, winds and the mountains. After passing through the main gate, we came to the Harmony Palace or audience room. The red and yellow colors of royalty abounded. Throughout the grounds were brass urns commemorating victories as well as serving as a source of water in case of fire. Throughout are figures of dragons, symbolizing the power of the king. 

Dragons on the roof

We then headed to the Thien Mu Pagoda built in 1601. It is seven stories high, representing the seven steps of Buddha's enlightment. On one side was a turtle bearing a plaque and on the other, a huge bell with a water monster on top. In the back was a monastery with the tomb of the monk who built the pagoda.

Thein Mu Pagoda

We took a dragon boat across the river to have a delicious lunch and then had a short excursion down the river. We stopped briefly in an incense village where they also make the conical hats.

Minh Mang Tomb

Our final stop was the Minh Mang Tomb built in 1843 for the second emperor. He had 500 wives, 700 concubines, and 140 children. The area is shaped like a human body with major buildings at the belly, chest, and head. Then it uses water features for the arms and legs. This is considered the most majestic of the Nguyen dynasties.