Hue served as the capital of Vietnam during the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) during which The Citadel (a UNESCO world heritage site) was constructed. Originally constructed of earth, the ramparts were covered with a 2 meter thick layer of bricks in the early 19th century. We didn't have the time to make the \\$4.00 entrance fee worth it, but the citadel was beautiful from the outside and we wished we'd seen the inside as well.
Flag Tower at main entrance.
Hue was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1968 Tet offensive during the Vietnam War and was held by the communists for 3 1/2 weeks during which 3000 civilians were shot, clubbed to death or buried alive. In order to regain the city U.S. and South Vietnamese launched massive bombing raids causing much destruction to the citadel's historic buildings.
Ngo Mon Gate.
Hue is situated on the beautiful Perfume River. A popular excursion is to take a boat ride along the river to visit the Royal Tombs of the rulers of the Nguyen Dynasty.
