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taboo5 | profile | all galleries >> Vietnam >> Hue, Vietnam (December 2008) tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Hue, Vietnam (December 2008)

Hue is the most interesting historical site in Vietnam. It is located in central Vietnam on the scenic banks of the Perfume River and has a population of about 340,000 people. Between 1802 and 1945, it was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. As a result, it is known for its historical monuments and architecture; hence, masses of tourists flock to Hue, which can be annoying. After the War in Vietnam ended in 1975, any imperialist reminders of the feudal Nguyen Dynasty in Hue were left to decay. In 1990, the local People’s Committee in Vietnam recognized the importance of Hue and declared its sites to be “national treasures.” In 1993, UNESCO designated the monuments in Hue as a World Heritage Preservation Site. Many are in much disrepair, so there is much work to be done restoring them. It is worth it, though, since Hue is Vietnam’s most fascinating destination.
Hue, Vietnam cover page.
Hue, Vietnam cover page.		 Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hue.
Map of Vietnam with the star indicating Hue.		 Tourist boats with dragon mastheads docked on the Perfume River in Hue.
Tourist boats with dragon mastheads docked on the Perfume River in Hue.		 A tourist boat like mine passed by as I cruised on the Perfume River. It was raining in Hue that day.
A tourist boat like mine passed by as I cruised on the Perfume River. It was raining in Hue that day.
An interesting Vietnamese building on the bank of the Perfume River.
An interesting Vietnamese building on the bank of the Perfume River.		 This boat is carrying sand that is dug from the bottom of the Perfume River. The sand is used for construction.
This boat is carrying sand that is dug from the bottom of the Perfume River. The sand is used for construction.		 The boat let me off at the entrance of Thien Mu Pagoda. It is situated on Ha Khe Hill.
The boat let me off at the entrance of Thien Mu Pagoda. It is situated on Ha Khe Hill.		 Me in front of the stupa. The pagoda's legend is: long ago, an old woman appeared on the hilltop.
Me in front of the stupa. The pagoda's legend is: long ago, an old woman appeared on the hilltop.
She said a Lord would come to build a pagoda for prosperity; thus, Lord Nguyen Hoang built the pagoda of the Heavenly Lady.
She said a Lord would come to build a pagoda for prosperity; thus, Lord Nguyen Hoang built the pagoda of the "Heavenly Lady".		 View of the stupa of Thien Mu Pagoda. It has seven storeys and is the tallest in Vietnam.
View of the stupa of Thien Mu Pagoda. It has seven storeys and is the tallest in Vietnam.		 Closer view of the stupa. The pagoda was built in 1601, and the stupa (the Phuoc Duyen Tower) was erected in in 1884.
Closer view of the stupa. The pagoda was built in 1601, and the stupa (the Phuoc Duyen Tower) was erected in in 1884.		 In 1715, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu erected this marble tortoise with a stele on its back. A tortoise symbolizes long life.
In 1715, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu erected this marble tortoise with a stele on its back. A tortoise symbolizes long life.
View toward the sanctuary. The monks quarters are there.
View toward the sanctuary. The monks quarters are there.		 The sanctuary has a long hall in the front, with a wall of shutter doors leading to the alter behind.
The sanctuary has a long hall in the front, with a wall of shutter doors leading to the alter behind.		 Buddhist alter inside of the sanctuary.
Buddhist alter inside of the sanctuary.		 Close-up of the illuminated Buddhist image at the alter.
Close-up of the illuminated Buddhist image at the alter.
Monks having lunch in the sanctuary where they live.
Monks having lunch in the sanctuary where they live.		 In 1963, a monk from Thien Mu Pagoda drove this Austin to Saigon and burned himself to death as resistance to the Diem regime.
In 1963, a monk from Thien Mu Pagoda drove this Austin to Saigon and burned himself to death as resistance to the Diem regime.		 One of the courtyards behind the sanctuary. Along one side are the monk's quarters.
One of the courtyards behind the sanctuary. Along one side are the monk's quarters.		 One of several small pavilions in a courtyard behind the sanctuary.
One of several small pavilions in a courtyard behind the sanctuary.
A small lily pond in one of the courtyards of the Thien Mu Pagoda.
A small lily pond in one of the courtyards of the Thien Mu Pagoda.		 On the top floor of the sanctuary, is this Buddhist statue. You could see that it was raining hard that day.
On the top floor of the sanctuary, is this Buddhist statue. You could see that it was raining hard that day.		 A happy Buddha (with a big belly) in the sanctuary at the Thien Mu Pagoda.
A happy Buddha (with a big belly) in the sanctuary at the Thien Mu Pagoda.		 There are many wonderful wooden carved figures at Thien Mu Pagoda including this one that I am standing next to.
There are many wonderful wooden carved figures at Thien Mu Pagoda including this one that I am standing next to.
These wooden sculptures depict the wooden gilded board. Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu's inscriptions are written on them (1714).
These wooden sculptures depict the wooden gilded board. Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu's inscriptions are written on them (1714).		 This is the wooden gilded board member on the right. The details are wonderful!
This is the wooden gilded board member on the right. The details are wonderful!		 This is the wooden gilded board member in the middle.
This is the wooden gilded board member in the middle.		 This is the wooden gilded board member on the left. The colors are terrific!
This is the wooden gilded board member on the left. The colors are terrific!
Another wonderful wooden carving at Thien Mu Pagoda. This one has a weapon so, he must be a temple guardian.
Another wonderful wooden carving at Thien Mu Pagoda. This one has a weapon so, he must be a temple guardian.		 This one must be a temple guardian, too, since he is carrying a sword.
This one must be a temple guardian, too, since he is carrying a sword.		 This is the main entrance leading to the main gate of the Citadel (Imperial City) in Hue.
This is the main entrance leading to the main gate of the Citadel (Imperial City) in Hue.		 You have to cross over water when entering the main gate.
You have to cross over water when entering the main gate.
The Ngo Mon Gate (Moon Gate) is the main gate and the royal viewing area of the Imperial City of Hue.
The Ngo Mon Gate (Moon Gate) is the main gate and the royal viewing area of the Imperial City of Hue.		 This large bronze bell was cast in 1710. in times past could clearly be heard in the Citadel and in the surrounding villages.
This large bronze bell was cast in 1710. in times past could clearly be heard in the Citadel and in the surrounding villages.		 Side view of the Ngo Mon Gate from the level of the royal viewing area.
Side view of the Ngo Mon Gate from the level of the royal viewing area.		 This drum (or gong) at the Ngo Mon Gate was used to summons people.
This drum (or gong) at the Ngo Mon Gate was used to summons people.
Notice the rain gear worn by these tourists at the Ngo Mon Gate. I rained that day.
Notice the rain gear worn by these tourists at the Ngo Mon Gate. I rained that day.		 Dog-like sculptures at the Ngo Mon Gate of the Citadel (Imperial City).
Dog-like sculptures at the Ngo Mon Gate of the Citadel (Imperial City).		 Inside the Citadel, I came across this wonderful unicorn sculpture.
Inside the Citadel, I came across this wonderful unicorn sculpture.		 Me posing behind the unicorn.
Me posing behind the unicorn.
Courtyard at the Dien Thai Hoa (Palace of Supreme Harmony), the largest and most majestic palace at the Citadel complex.
Courtyard at the Dien Thai Hoa (Palace of Supreme Harmony), the largest and most majestic palace at the Citadel complex.		 A dragon ceramic vase in front of Dien Thai Hoa.
A dragon ceramic vase in front of Dien Thai Hoa.		 Close-up of the dragon ceramic vase.
Close-up of the dragon ceramic vase.		 Dien Thai Hoa is important because it houses the golden throne, considered a holy relic and the seat of the monarchy.
Dien Thai Hoa is important because it houses the golden throne, considered a holy relic and the seat of the monarchy.
Interior of the Palace Supreme Harmony. If the emperor ruled with the harmony of Yin an Yang, it would bring good luck to all.
Interior of the Palace "Supreme Harmony." If the emperor ruled with the harmony of Yin an Yang, it would bring good luck to all.		 Exterior courtyard with decorative columns in the Citadel complex.
Exterior courtyard with decorative columns in the Citadel complex.		 Interesting dragon stone carving between these two lamps.
Interesting dragon stone carving between these two lamps.		 More Citadel buildings on a very rainy day.
More Citadel buildings on a very rainy day.
I was intrigued why this golden dragon sculpture was turned on its side.
I was intrigued why this golden dragon sculpture was turned on its side.		 Ceramic window decorations such as this one are common at the Citadel.
Ceramic window decorations such as this one are common at the Citadel.		 This is a reproduction that was on display of the Prince Military Gown in Nguyen Times (1802-1945).
This is a reproduction that was on display of the Prince Military Gown in Nguyen Times (1802-1945).		 The monarch was transported around the Imperial City in this royal rickshaw.
The monarch was transported around the Imperial City in this royal rickshaw.
Interior of the stage of the Duyet Thi Royal Theater. Dating from 1826, traditional operas are performed here.
Interior of the stage of the Duyet Thi Royal Theater. Dating from 1826, traditional operas are performed here.		 Dragon sculpture in front of Duyet Thi Royal Theater.
Dragon sculpture in front of Duyet Thi Royal Theater.		 Close-up of the dragon sculpture.
Close-up of the dragon sculpture.		 This pond is on the Citadel grounds near the Duyet Thi Royal Theater.
This pond is on the Citadel grounds near the Duyet Thi Royal Theater.
Landscaping in front of the pond with a Citadel building with a very elaborate roof in the background.
Landscaping in front of the pond with a Citadel building with a very elaborate roof in the background.		 A gazebo with wonderful dragons on the roof at the Citadel complex.
A gazebo with wonderful dragons on the roof at the Citadel complex.		 A temporary display at the Citadel entitled When dragon meets Phoenix, a collaboration of Australian and Vietnamese artists.
A temporary display at the Citadel entitled "When dragon meets Phoenix," a collaboration of Australian and Vietnamese artists.		 This is the dragon, which appears to be made out of paper or fabric.
This is the dragon, which appears to be made out of paper or fabric.
Close-up of the phoenix.
Close-up of the phoenix.		 I came across this interesting dragon banister sculpture at the Citadel complex.
I came across this interesting dragon banister sculpture at the Citadel complex.		 Here's another dragon sculpture on the rooftop of a Citadel structure.
Here's another dragon sculpture on the rooftop of a Citadel structure.		 A wet pathway that was leading towards some of the emperors' temples, including Hung Mieu and Thé Mieu.
A wet pathway that was leading towards some of the emperors' temples, including Hung Mieu and Thé Mieu.
Note the elaborate details on this gate. This was one many that I admired since there are so many.
Note the elaborate details on this gate. This was one many that I admired since there are so many.		 One of several entrance gates to Hung Mieu, a temple that is devoted to the worship of King Gia Long's parents.
One of several entrance gates to Hung Mieu, a temple that is devoted to the worship of King Gia Long's parents.		 Another gate at Hung Mieu with very elaborate designs on its façade.
Another gate at Hung Mieu with very elaborate designs on its façade.		 View of the Hung Mieu temple and the courtyard in front of it.
View of the Hung Mieu temple and the courtyard in front of it.
Note the potted plant in front with the beautiful dragon design on the pot.
Note the potted plant in front with the beautiful dragon design on the pot.		 Close-up of the dragon design.
Close-up of the dragon design.		 A work of 19th century Vietnamese furniture inside of Hung Mieu.
A work of 19th century Vietnamese furniture inside of Hung Mieu.		 View looking from the inside of Hung Mieu of the gates across from the courtyard.
View looking from the inside of Hung Mieu of the gates across from the courtyard.
Gate from which I left Thieu Mieu. It has very intricate Vietnamese designs on top and on its façade.
Gate from which I left Thieu Mieu. It has very intricate Vietnamese designs on top and on its façade.		 Pathway and gate leading to the second major temple in this compound called Thé Mieu.
Pathway and gate leading to the second major temple in this compound called Thé Mieu.		 Note the wonderful designs on the top of this gate leading to Thé Mieu.
Note the wonderful designs on the top of this gate leading to Thé Mieu.		 Close-up of a bird-like mosaic face on top of the gate.
Close-up of a bird-like mosaic face on top of the gate.
View of the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity (Hien Lam Cac) situated at the center of Thé Mieu's courtyard.
View of the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity (Hien Lam Cac) situated at the center of Thé Mieu's courtyard.		 Thé Mieu is located across the courtyard from the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity.
Thé Mieu is located across the courtyard from the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity.		 The courtyard separating the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity and Thé Mieu is quite big.
The courtyard separating the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity and Thé Mieu is quite big.		 This looks like an old-fashioned telephone booth, but there is a statue of a unicorn inside of it.
This looks like an old-fashioned telephone booth, but there is a statue of a unicorn inside of it.
The pavilion, which was built in 1821 by King Minh Mang, has steps with dragons on them.
The pavilion, which was built in 1821 by King Minh Mang, has steps with dragons on them.		 Standing in front of the pavilion are 9 dynastic bronze urns from the 19th century.
Standing in front of the pavilion are 9 dynastic bronze urns from the 19th century.		 Close-up of one of the urns, which weighs approximately 2 tons.
Close-up of one of the urns, which weighs approximately 2 tons.		 Beautiful dragon designs on these unusual window shades at Thé Mieu.
Beautiful dragon designs on these unusual window shades at Thé Mieu.
The interior of Thé Mieu is richly decorated in black and red with patterns in gold.
The interior of Thé Mieu is richly decorated in black and red with patterns in gold.		 View looking out from the inside of Thé Mieu to the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity.
View looking out from the inside of Thé Mieu to the Pavilion of Everlasting Clarity.		 Inside, there is an altar to each Emperor with an image, painting or photo of them.
Inside, there is an altar to each Emperor with an image, painting or photo of them.		 Another alter dedicated to one of Vietnam's emperors.
Another alter dedicated to one of Vietnam's emperors.
A very lavish and lush looking lantern adorns the ceiling of Thé Mieu.
A very lavish and lush looking lantern adorns the ceiling of Thé Mieu.		 This is one of the entrances to Thé Mieu. It needs restoration work, but it is still magnificent.
This is one of the entrances to Thé Mieu. It needs restoration work, but it is still magnificent.		 Close-up of a dragon design on the façade of the entrance.
Close-up of a dragon design on the façade of the entrance.		 Entrance to Tu Duc's tomb (which he helped design). He became emperor in 1847 and ruled for 35 years until he died at age 55.
Entrance to Tu Duc's tomb (which he helped design). He became emperor in 1847 and ruled for 35 years until he died at age 55.
Luu Khiem Lake at Tu Duc's tomb. It is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong Village.
Luu Khiem Lake at Tu Duc's tomb. It is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong Village.		 So great was the expense of the tomb's construction, that there was an unsuccessful coup attempt in 1866 to replace the emperor.
So great was the expense of the tomb's construction, that there was an unsuccessful coup attempt in 1866 to replace the emperor.		 The tomb is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty, lying in a pine forest, 8 km. from Hue.
The tomb is one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty, lying in a pine forest, 8 km. from Hue.		 Xung Khiem Pavilion, where the emperor would sit with his wives and concubines and read books, compose and recite poems.
Xung Khiem Pavilion, where the emperor would sit with his wives and concubines and read books, compose and recite poems.
Entrance to the Hoa Khiem Palace, where the emperor used to work. After he died, it became a temple to him and his empress.
Entrance to the Hoa Khiem Palace, where the emperor used to work. After he died, it became a temple to him and his empress.		 Courtyard with an incense burning urn and with Hoa Khiem Palace buildings that Tu Duc used when he was alive.
Courtyard with an incense burning urn and with Hoa Khiem Palace buildings that Tu Duc used when he was alive.		 More courtyard and Hoa Khiem Palace views at Tu Duc's tomb.
More courtyard and Hoa Khiem Palace views at Tu Duc's tomb.		 Some of Tu Duc's personal possessions on display inside the Hoa Khiem Palace.
Some of Tu Duc's personal possessions on display inside the Hoa Khiem Palace.
View of the exquisite interior of Hoa Khiem Palace.
View of the exquisite interior of Hoa Khiem Palace.		 Tu Duc's throne and his royal rickshaw were on display there.
Tu Duc's throne and his royal rickshaw were on display there.		 View from the top of the stairs of Xung Khiem Pavilion on Luu Khiem Lake.
View from the top of the stairs of Xung Khiem Pavilion on Luu Khiem Lake.		 From the Hoa Khiem Palace, you make your way to the area of the emperor’s tomb.
From the Hoa Khiem Palace, you make your way to the area of the emperor’s tomb.
You pass an honor guard of elephants, horses, and diminutive government and military officials.
You pass an honor guard of elephants, horses, and diminutive government and military officials.		 The officials were deliberately made to be smaller than the emperor (so as not to overshadow him)!
The officials were deliberately made to be smaller than the emperor (so as not to overshadow him)!		 Part of the honor guard of elephants and horses.
Part of the honor guard of elephants and horses.		 Here, you arrive at the Stele Pavilion, which houses the biggest stone tablet in Vietnam (weighing 20 tons).
Here, you arrive at the Stele Pavilion, which houses the biggest stone tablet in Vietnam (weighing 20 tons).
Closer view of the Stele Pavilion. You can see the massive stone tablet inside.
Closer view of the Stele Pavilion. You can see the massive stone tablet inside.		 Me taking a break in front of Stele Pavilion.
Me taking a break in front of Stele Pavilion.		 A side view of the Stele Pavilion through the trees.
A side view of the Stele Pavilion through the trees.		 These trees on the other side of the Stele Pavilion are magnificent!
These trees on the other side of the Stele Pavilion are magnificent!
Two stone pillars stand behind the Stele Pavilion. Not being modest, inscriptions on them give hommage to Tu Duc's power!
Two stone pillars stand behind the Stele Pavilion. Not being modest, inscriptions on them give hommage to Tu Duc's power!		 From the Stele Pavilion and pillars, you pass through this ornate ceremonial gate.
From the Stele Pavilion and pillars, you pass through this ornate ceremonial gate.		 You arrive at the Emperor’s sepulcher (it's a bit of an anticlimax)! The emperor isn't entombed there for fear of grave robbers.
You arrive at the Emperor’s sepulcher (it's a bit of an anticlimax)! The emperor isn't entombed there for fear of grave robbers.		 Detail of the wall behind the sepulcher. The tomb needs a lot of restoration work.
Detail of the wall behind the sepulcher. The tomb needs a lot of restoration work.
Next, I went to the Xung Khiem Pavilion which is one of the most beautiful spots of Tu Duc's tomb.
Next, I went to the Xung Khiem Pavilion which is one of the most beautiful spots of Tu Duc's tomb.		 View looking towards Hoa Khiem Palace from the Xung Khiem Pavilion.
View looking towards Hoa Khiem Palace from the Xung Khiem Pavilion.		 After leaving Tu Duc's tomb, I went to an incense shop where this Vietnamese girl taught me how to make incense sticks.
After leaving Tu Duc's tomb, I went to an incense shop where this Vietnamese girl taught me how to make incense sticks.		 The next stop was at Khai Dinh's tomb. He was Vietnam's last emperor, ruled for 9 years (1885-1925) and died at age 40.
The next stop was at Khai Dinh's tomb. He was Vietnam's last emperor, ruled for 9 years (1885-1925) and died at age 40.
Khai Dinh chose the slope of Chau Chu Mountain (10 km. from Hue) to build his tomb. Construction lasted for 11 years.
Khai Dinh chose the slope of Chau Chu Mountain (10 km. from Hue) to build his tomb. Construction lasted for 11 years.		 Compared to preceding emperors, King Khai Dinh's tomb is small. It is very elaborate as can be seen from this dragon stairway.
Compared to preceding emperors, King Khai Dinh's tomb is small. It is very elaborate as can be seen from this dragon stairway.		 These are the entrance gates and the first level of Khai Dinh's Tomb.
These are the entrance gates and the first level of Khai Dinh's Tomb.		 As with Tu Duc's tomb, there is an honor guard of diminutive government officials, horses and elephants.
As with Tu Duc's tomb, there is an honor guard of diminutive government officials, horses and elephants.
Close-up of one of the diminutive government officials at Khai Dinh's tomb.
Close-up of one of the diminutive government officials at Khai Dinh's tomb.		 These entrance gates are very majestic. The tomb was built with modern materials, such as steel and reinforced concrete.
These entrance gates are very majestic. The tomb was built with modern materials, such as steel and reinforced concrete.		 An unusual dragon carving on the entrance gates. There are magnificent dragon decorations everywhere in King Khai Dinh's tomb.
An unusual dragon carving on the entrance gates. There are magnificent dragon decorations everywhere in King Khai Dinh's tomb.		 Another dragon stairway leads up to the third level of the tomb.
Another dragon stairway leads up to the third level of the tomb.
Looking down from the third level of the tomb at the entrance gate.
Looking down from the third level of the tomb at the entrance gate.		 A frontal view of the entrance gate from the third level of the tomb.
A frontal view of the entrance gate from the third level of the tomb.		 View from the third level of the honor guard of diminutive government officials and one of the horses and elephants.
View from the third level of the honor guard of diminutive government officials and one of the horses and elephants.		 These magnificent stone dragons are on top of entrance gate.
These magnificent stone dragons are on top of entrance gate.
This tower is very prominent at Khai Dinh's tomb.
This tower is very prominent at Khai Dinh's tomb.		 Detail of a dragon design on the tower.
Detail of a dragon design on the tower.		 Architectural designs of the wall on the third level of the tomb.
Architectural designs of the wall on the third level of the tomb.		 Rooftop details with more dragons.
Rooftop details with more dragons.
This is the magnificent façade of Khai Thanh Palace where Khai Dinh is entombed.
This is the magnificent façade of Khai Thanh Palace where Khai Dinh is entombed.		 Close-up of the dragon stairway of Khai Thanh Palace, which is consistent with the design of the rest of the tomb.
Close-up of the dragon stairway of Khai Thanh Palace, which is consistent with the design of the rest of the tomb.		 Close-up of the main doorway of the palace.
Close-up of the main doorway of the palace.		 Golden statue in back of the interior of Khai Thanh Palace where Khai Dinh was said to be buried under it.
Golden statue in back of the interior of Khai Thanh Palace where Khai Dinh was said to be buried under it.
A story is that the French tried to open his tomb but found that to open it causes it to collapse. It remains unopened!
A story is that the French tried to open his tomb but found that to open it causes it to collapse. It remains unopened!		 This is a shrine to Khai Dinh with his photo. He looks very young and died at age 40.
This is a shrine to Khai Dinh with his photo. He looks very young and died at age 40.		 A youthful, life-like statue of Khai Dinh.
A youthful, life-like statue of Khai Dinh.		 Throughout the interior of the tomb, colored glass and ceramic chips were used to form mosaics of oriental design.
Throughout the interior of the tomb, colored glass and ceramic chips were used to form mosaics of oriental design.
These dragon designs are an example of the use of colored glass and ceramic chips in Khai Dinh's tomb.
These dragon designs are an example of the use of colored glass and ceramic chips in Khai Dinh's tomb.		 More decorative ceramic and glass dragon designs under an arch.
More decorative ceramic and glass dragon designs under an arch.		 In the book, Art Vietnamien, Khai Dinh's tomb was cited as an example of Vietnamese neo-classicism.
In the book, "Art Vietnamien," Khai Dinh's tomb was cited as an example of Vietnamese "neo-classicism."		 The ceilings were hand painted much like the ceilings of western churches, but the designs are of dragons and clouds.
The ceilings were hand painted much like the ceilings of western churches, but the designs are of dragons and clouds.
I snapped one last dragon to capture a lasting, final and quintessential impression of Khai Dinh's tomb in my mind forever!
I snapped one last dragon to capture a lasting, final and quintessential impression of Khai Dinh's tomb in my mind forever!

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Guest 26-Feb-2009 05:36
I visited those very places in '06 and truly love your pictures.... Lots of hard work for you to capture them so details. 2 thumbs up :)
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