Hanoi to Hue

---

Hanoi to Hue
Had another yummy breakfast the Sunway 4* is a very comfortable hotel a bit like a Hilton but with incredibly friendly staff. We packed up and went outside to see Rose who has been trying to sell us T shirts since we got here and contributed a little to help her and a friend live. The hotel has a kumquat tree in reception and a house with Teddy bears for the new year; Tet. We feel very privileged staying here having seen where the Vietnamese live, but as Steve said if we didn't come to Vietnam and stay in nice hotels then these people would not have jobs, I suppose that's one way of looking at it.We left the hotel and made our way to the airport. So much traffic and yet we haven't seen an accident yet! The motorbikes are often loaded up with kumquat trees and cherry trees for Tet a bit like we buy Christmas trees, we are surprised the fruits and flowers do not blow off the trees. On arrival at the airport we could be anywhere where people are travelling for the holidays and it doesn't take too long before we are drinking a juice and relaxing in the departure lounge.The flight was quick about an hour and we were soon on the road again but such a different road. Hue is a much smaller city and there are less people about 200,000 compared to Hanoi 7,000,000. There is less traffic on the roads and it seems cleaner, not just the roads but the air. The sky is not grey it's a mix of blue and a few clouds and much warmer. We are introduced to Hui pronounced we and he is our new guide. He seems very young but speaks almost perfect English and certainly knows about his country.After lunch in a lovely restaurant where the owner is a keen photographer we are driven to the Royal Citadel on the banks of the perfumed river. It's a walled city which used to house the king in the centre, and then his court in the next section and finally the outer walled area housed the people, that was in 1802 to 1945 and then it was blown up by the Americans in 1968. It is now being restored to its former glory and Hui said they hope it will be finished in 2020. It is a massive place about a square mile, all deep red and gold with huge chestnut coloured doors and inner courtyards with pools and topiary etc. There are seven entrances and we leave by the east gate. There are still people living there as we drive out of the final arch.From here we travel to Thien mu pagoda which is a Buddhist temple. There are lovely views across the river of the mountains. In the garden there are bonsai trees and it is so peaceful, with a gentle warm breeze blowing.We then went back to our beautiful hotel, Saigon Morin which is an old colonial French building and the rooms are massive. After resting and unpacking we are out for a meal with the gang. We walk along the road and it is so colourful in Hue with lots of lights everywhere but the bridge is particularly pretty with all the lights changing colour. The restaurant is like an art gallery and the food is excellent. After dinner we walked along the river and then to the night market which sells as far as I can see lots of stuff for locals, some clothes, lots of jewellery and some nice marble buddas. We then slowly walked back to the hotel which is also on the river.

---

Photos

Royal Citadel
View of pool

Comments

[Amanda & Robin]

We loved Hue
HI guys, enjoy the Nguyen history, amazing buildings, colourful markets, wonderful people and great cheap food. Get to the market and buy some very cheap clothes.... Sounds like you're having a great time and it's fun to see that you're visiting some of the places we went to and seeing completely different things. I guess alot changes in 7 years and prices go up with improved tourism. You''ll enjoy the museums and Tomb of Tu Doc ( i think that's in Hue) and then travel to Hoi An and Danang. It poured with rain when we were there but equipped with our trusy waterproof ponchos we could do anything and rain was insignificant - a bit lie Rob Roy walk!! ha ha. Anyway must dash. apologies for being awful at keeping in touch. Will look out for you on skype which I'm sure will be more avialable than you think Amanda X

[Pauline and Steve]

Hue
Thanks Amanda, the flask came in handy in Australia and the bracelets have been used a lot in Vietnam. I can't possibly carry any more clothes I just hope the last lot of stuff we sent home gets there. We think Hue is beautiful compared to Hanoi but both deserve more than a couple of days to see them properly. Halong bay was so peaceful and tomorrow we venture to Hoi An can't wait!