Your day trips in Hue City will be more exciting if you obtain a chance to explore the most remarkable spots, such as the DMZ, The Citadel, Royal Tombs around Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, Bach Ma National Park, and Huong River. In order to get the overview of those sites for putting the journey in motion, the following details will help.
Doing the DMZ from Hue
Among things to do and see in Hue includes doing the DMZ tour. The guide will take you to explore highlights left from the Vietnam War, such as the Rockpile, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Khe Sanh, Ben Hai and Vinh Moc tunnels. Especially, it’s extremely interesting to set food on the former site of the US base at Khe Sanh and see exhibits: two crashed helicopters, a big gun, heavy artillery shells, a crashed airplane, and a bunker. There is a small museum in the heart of the display; it exhibits pictures portraying American soldiers who tried to flee from Khe Sanh, small artifacts, and diorama about tribe people who contributed to the effort of transferring weapons and supplies to Vietnamese troops. Also, it will be an unforgettable feeling to climb down into a part of the Vinh Moc tunnels.
Book now: Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) – 1 day tour from HUE price from $48
The Citadel
Similar to some other Hue’s historic sites, the Citadel is also an ancient structure which must undergo through a period of hard time. Being built in 1805, it was first ruled under Gia Long King of the Nguyen Dynasty. Throughout stages of many rulers, there were new buildings and towers added to the Citadel with the aim of strengthening the fortification against attackers. More interestingly, it used to be considered as the other version of Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Nevertheless, there was much damage it must suffer when French was allowed to enter here in 1947 and when it was bombed by Americans. Regardless of having this hard time, nowadays it’s still an amazing historic site you should not ignore in your day trips in Hue city.
Royal Tombs around Hue
The royal tombs were constructed about 200 years ago and situated on magnetic and large grounds, so it will be an outstanding historic site you are advisable to visit. Coming to this destination, you gain a chance to understand more the dynasties in Vietnam, and some of the rulers who ordered to build this type of edifice. In fact, the tombs’ first goal was to contemplate the death of those rulers who did not have the real power to take control of a country (implies the puppet emperors).
Book now: Hue Imperial City Half Tour by Cyclo price from $26
Thien Mu Pagoda
Along with Royal Tombs, Thien Mu pagoda is also one of the things to do and see in Hue. Built in 1844 and under the order of Emperor Thieu Tri, the pagoda lay in an eye-catching spot overlooking the Huong river and on the north bank; it’s around 3.5 km west away from the railway bridge. There are some golden Buddha pictures placed at the base, a stone turtle carrying a marble stele made in the 17th century, and a large bell cast in 1710.
Boat trip on Huong river
There is nothing fascinating than relishing a boat trip on Huong River or Perfume River in the attractive smell of flowers and gentle folk music. Why do people call it Perfume River? It’s because the river embraces the alluring scent from the forest near there. Sitting the boat along with relishing romantic landscapes while passing the local villages at two sides of the river will absolutely be a wonderful experience.
Bach Ma National Park
Another spot you should visit is Bach Ma National Park, which is known as a protected region near the Hue city. Its stretches in 220 square km and embraces 3 zones: a completely protected core zone of the park, an administrative zone, and a buffer zone. It’s also the wettest area of Vietnam and carries splendid scenes which you should not miss experiencing.
