Huế originally rose to prominence as the capital of the Nguyễn Lords, a feudal dynasty which dominated much of southern Vietnam from the 17th to the 19th century.

Hue was still the capital of Vietnam until 1945 when Emperor Bảo Đại abdicated and a Communist government was established in Hà Nội , in the north. While Bảo Đại was briefly proclaimed “Head of State” with the help of the returning French colonialists in 1949 (although not with recognition from the Communists and the full acceptance of the Vietnamese people), his new capital was Sài Gòn , in the south.

The city is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Sông Hương (Hương River), just a few miles inland from the Biển Đông. It is about 700 km (438 mi.) south of the national capital of Hanoi and about 1100 km (690 mi.) north of Hồ Chí Minh City, the country’s largest city formerly known as Saigon.

The climate is hot and generally wet because of the angle of the central coast of Vietnam to the prevailing winds, however, Huế, like Chennai in India, receives most of its rainfall during the northeast monsoon between October and December. It is driest around March and April, but rain may still fall. The average annual rainfall of 3,000 millimetres (120 in) makes Huế one of the very wettest of Asian cities.

Huế is perhaps best known for its historic monuments, which have earned it a place in the UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.The seat of the Nguyen emperors was in the Citadel, which occupies a large, walled area on the north side of the river. Inside the citadel was a forbidden city where only the concubines, emperors, and those close enough to them were granted access, the punishment for trespassing being death. Today, little of the forbidden city remains, though reconstruction efforts are in progress to maintain it as a tourist attraction as a view of the history of Huế.

Roughly along the Perfume River from Huế lie myriad other monuments, including the tombs of several emperors such as Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc, and others. Also notable is the Thien Mu Pagoda, located not far from the city centre along the river, the largest pagoda in Huế and chosen as the official symbol of the city.

Less ancient but not less important are the French-style buildings along the south bank of the Fragrant or Perfume River, among them are the famed Quoc Hoc High School and the Hai Ba Trung High School. The Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts on 3 Le Truc Street also maintains a collection of various artifacts from the city.

Huế is perhaps best known for its historic monuments, which have earned it a place in the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites

The ancient city of Hue

Hue forbidden city, Vietnam

Some “Must-Visit” sites in Hue, Vietnam that lend it its characteristic charm are:
Imperial citadel

* Museum of Royal Relics
* Royal tombs
* King Tu Duc’s Tomb
* King Khai Dinh’s Tomb
* King Minh Mang’s Tomb
* Dong Ba Market
* Thien Mu Pagoda
* Garden houses
* Perfume River
* Hai Van Pass

According to the legend, during one of the many conflicts with China in the Viet Nam’s history, heaven sent a magical sword to Emperor Le Thai To, with which he defeated the Chinese army and regained Vietnam’s independence. One day, while sailing on the lake (then named Luc Thuy), a large turtle appeared. The king pointed his sword to the turtle. The turtle quickly grab the sword with its mouth and immediately submerged.

The king mourned the lost of his magical sword, demanded to empty the lake but even then the turtle and the sword have not been founded. The Emperor interpreted the incident that heaven must have lent him the sword only to protect the country but now it has to be returned. This is the explanation of the name Ho Hoan Kiem or Lake of the Returned Sword.

Later rulers of Viet Nam have all contributed to the beautification of the Hoan Kiem Lake. A pagoda, Ngoc Son, is a very popular place to visit, where also a shrine exists, which is dedicated to general Tran Hung Dao, a national hero responsible for many victories against the Mongols. On the southwest end of the lake lies Tháp Rùa (Turtle Tower).

Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Noi overview

Turtle Tower in the middle of Hoan Kiem lake

The huc brigde, Hoan Kiem lake

Hoan Kiem lake at night

Halong bay

1. Halong bay
2. Hoan Kiem Lake, Ha Noi
3. Phu Quoc Island
4. War Remnants Museum, Ho Chi Minh city
5. Old town of Hue
6. Nha Trang beach