Today, we were picked up at our hotel for a day-long tour of Hue. Hue is about 2.5 hours away from Da Nang by car and nearly three when taking the Haiphong Pass (more picturesque road). Hue is further north and slightly further inland. We stopped about an hour into the journey and took a few pictures at the top of the mountain. We were able to see all of Da Nang and Da Nang city from the top of the mountain.
Afterwards, we headed to Hue. Once we arrived, we took a dragon boat up the Perfume River. The boat ride was fairly comfortable despite the heat due to the breeze.
All that changed when we arrived at the Thien Mu Pagoda. A lovely pagoda and gorgeous views completed with over 100 degree heat-- our phones said it was 101 degrees at this point!! No breeze at all! Just HOT!!
Next, we made our way to the Hue Imperial City (The Citadel). We walked around briefly and stopped by the royal palace. Again, we moved through the complex quickly as the heat was incredible and it made focusing on anything else difficult.
Thankfully, it was time for lunch where we were served some VN foods. The grilled shrimp was fresh and delicious and I fell in love with the VN pancake (stuffed with pork and shrimp). So delicious! They also had some spring rolls that were made to look like the feathers of a peacock.
After lunch, we stopped at the Tomb of Khai Dinh. This was the highlight of the visit. Amazingly beautiful and breath-taking artwork throughout. I know I say this a lot but pictures DO NOT do this justice. The colors of the mosaic tiles was so rich and the bronze statue was so eye-catching. The ceilings were painted beautifully as well (we later learned they were painted by the artist's feet!!)
Our last stop was back at the hotel- nearly 12 hours after being picked up! A LOOOOONG day in Hue but one we won't soon forget!!
That artwork is absolutely amazing!!
ReplyDeleteAll of the dragons and the teeny, tiny details were breathtaking!!
ReplyDeleteJanie, I am really loving your pictures and post. You make me wish I was there with you all.Except the hot weather! We are having our heat wave here this weekend. Tell Iyla that I am still enjoying her vegetables. Looks like you are getting some good food over there.We are looking forward to more post and pictures. Love Mimi
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi!! We would love to have you here!! You would be amazed. So much to see and experience. Miss you!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are enjoying the veggies!! Love, J
Just imagine we had newly adopted babies in that heat!LOL Love this place! What a day, Leslie.
ReplyDeleteHells to the NO!! Glad we waited to take her back to see this stuff!!
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