The historic city in Central Vietnam, Hue stands on the shores of the majestic and beautiful river, Song Huong (its name is translated as "fragrant river"). The northern bank of the river sheltered several hotels and restaurants, but most importantly - on this side there is an old fortress-town, known as Citadel which is located on the territory of more than 5 square kilometers. This is here and pulls all tourists. Most of the costhors, hotels and restaurants are located on the south coast, ranging from the river and coastal road Le Loi Street, and further south. South Beach, the same, is an excellent park area with promenade and different pleasant sculptures and decorations.
Hue is the capital of the province of Thyathyen-Hue. There are approximately 340 thousand people in the city. His good location (15 km to the west of the South China Sea and about 540 km south of Hanoi) made the city of the arena of fierce fighting during the American War, which left their mark on the face of the city. Today, the city flourishes through the production of textiles and cement, and tourism is also gradually.
The difficult story of Hue has gained a reputation between the political, cultural and religious center, but today tourists who come to Hue will detect only a light haze of the past, hiding above the city. Hue is famous for its unique attractions - tombs, pagodas and palaces, in Hue and its surroundings. These facilities are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. But for the Vietnamese and their iron character themselves, formed by the centuries of war and injustice, this legacy seems to not play a big role and in general they completely "turn off" it from the present. In general, Hue is a city that looks at Ochoms, full of hopes for a bright future. " This is somehow felt at once. And this, of course, is not bad.
But the development of tourism led to a paradoxical situation, when, in order to move forward, Citizens Hue must hack these doors in the past - they prefer to keep them closed. As a result, the tourist industry here turned into a timid attempt to give foreigners what they want and send them to the ravis. And, despite the fact that everything is not too sharpened for tourist moods, the steady flow of foreigners continues to come here and pay for excursions to the wondrous old facilities.
Therefore, although they say and write that the Hyue-leading tourist destination is mostly in theory. In practice, still under development. For example, the main attraction, the wall of the fortress - the whole thickened by trees and grass, but therefore she is still a nail. But oh well, not everything is so bad! Hue, no matter what, beautiful, dynamic city, with great places for recreation, great meal, and a number of interesting things that are well known to tourists or about which no one almost knows, and they are even more tempting. An inspection of an old city can take most of the day - he is full of beautiful structures. Some buildings are beautifully restored, some still stay in poor condition. Also on the territory of this fortress traditional holidays are held - a colorful spectacle.
In my opinion, it is best to learn the city yourself. And it will be cheaper, and you can see more. Or private excursions. It is not so expensive. One-day tour on the motorcycle costs about $ 7 per person, by car $ 40 per 2 person, and on a minibus - for $ 60 to 10 people. Such tours include, as a rule, the citadel and the three tomb: TU DUK, KHAY DIN and MIN MANG - Entrance to the territory of these attractions costs 55,000 VND, so do not forget to take into account this (although this is a dear penny!) All other places can be Visit for free.
Of course, it is better to apply for excursions to respected and more or less well-known companies, and not to guides on the street. However, even those on the street are also quite good - here it will be.
If you hired a private guide for your company, you first need to quietly sit with him over a glass of your favorite drink and discuss the details of the trip before going to the road. It does not matter that you drink - green tea is also appropriate, like beer - but the Vietnamese business is built on such friendships. Be sure that your guide will be interested in the most different things besides the tour, it's even fun. Usually the best guys are cool guys with whom you exactly want to spend more time and learn more about the city and the country as a whole.
There are, for example, good guides that work in "Stop and Go Cafe" (18 Ben NGHE ST), and also tourists, it seems, are satisfied with the guides from "Cafe on Thu Wheels" (3/34 Nguyen Tri Phuong). In addition, guides from Mandarin Cafe (24 Tran Cao Van) earned a good sustainable reputation. Some independent guides are waiting for you on Le Loy in front of La Residence Hotel. Well, most importantly, I really like the private guide Mister Chan (Mr. Thanh, its email address: [email protected]).
But you need to remember that even if you have a guide, still much depends on you. In advance, examine the sights of the city and ask the guide to take to them. Most guides will gladly behave anywhere, but if you do not know what's here and how, or just modestly silent, they will simply lead you to the most convenient places for them.
Do not hurry. Do not try to see everything - just aim to several main places. Do not expect anything to be disappointed (although everything is not so bad). All seats can be reached by car, bicycle or motorcycle - at your discretion. After viewing the sights, go to local markets - benefit, they are on every corner!
And by Hue run very cute friendly children who do not ask for money. And adults are incredibly friendly compared to residents in the rest of Vietnam, although, perhaps, sometimes this goodwill and with hidden motives.
Locals here speak very well in English, better than residents of more northern regions. In general, the pace of life in the city is quiet and measured. And it's very cool to come here for the day - another, that's for sure!