Huế

Huế is one of Vietnam’s most fascinating cities, carrying centuries of imperial history within its ancient walls. For nearly 150 years, this was the heart of the Vietnamese empire, home to powerful emperors who lived in a magnificent citadel packed with palaces, ornate gates, and peaceful gardens. Today that citadel is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and exploring it feels like stepping back through time. Along the banks of the poetic Perfume River, you will also find stunning pagodas and elaborately designed royal tombs nestled among pine trees and sparkling lakes.

Huế has a calm, graceful atmosphere that sets it apart from Vietnam’s noisier modern cities. It is also a food lover’s paradise. The royal court chefs who once cooked for emperors created an extraordinary cuisine, and many of those special dishes are still served in the city today. A wander through the bustling Dong Ba Market is the perfect way to taste flavours that have been perfected over hundreds of years.