Back in tourist mode this morning with our first stop the Imperial Citadel of Hue. This will in fact be our second visit to this ancient site, having previously visited back in May, when we were on our SE Asia tour.

Again it was a hot humid day and there was little shade to be had as we worked our way across the huge site, going from building to building.

The front of the citadel is surrounded by a moat which overtime has been taken over by lotus flowers creating a sea of green.

The grounds of the Imperial City are protected by fortified ramparts and ringed by the moat. The water is routed from the Huong River thus creating the enclosed citadel.

The history bit now.

The citadel contains palaces that housed the imperial family, as well as shrines, gardens, and villas for mandarins.

It was constructed in the early 1800’s under Emperor Gia Long as a new capital, although it mostly served as a ceremonial function during the French colonial period. After the end of the monarchy in 1945, it suffered heavy damage and neglect during the Indochina wars up to the 1980s. The Imperial City was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.

Severe bombardment caused significant damage to the citadel during the Vietnam War.

A number of its structures were demolished. Many of the notable buildings in the Hue Imperial City have since been repaired and survived due to conservation and restoration initiatives.

We had more time today to take in the many different parts to the citadel, which is blessed with vibrant red coloured hall building where many of the locals come to have their photos taken in traditional dress.

The citadel offers up great vistas as a result of its low level and wide open courtyards.

We came across a series of locals who were having photos taken with the citadel and royal palace acting as a backdrop.

The site was unusually quiet, with less tourists than our last visit, however this may be because of the humidity and the fact it was the weekend. Either way it meant we had plenty of opportunity to take photos and walk around the newly constructed, replica Royal Palace.

The citadel is a trapezoid-shaped structure and there are doors to enter and exit the citadel on either side.

The Imperial Citadel region includes the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is significant in size being over 1,000ft from front to back.

Alongside the many palaces systems were water gardens, one with a giant architectural lotus flower floating in the centre.

Inside one of the smaller buildings we came across an area where you could make your own Vietnamese bamboo hats. All were painted in the most beautiful colours with intricate individual designs.

Walking around the grounds we came across Japanese inspired water and rock gardens with bonsai trees and carp fish swimming in the streams. All have been beautifully maintained and make for a very relaxing experience.

We also came across handmade kites, again intricately decorated and all by hand in the most vivid of colours.

After spending a few hours in the Citadel we left in search of refreshments. We walked across one of the many bridges over The Perfume River, so named due to the local fauna nearby and where you can take cruises in Dragon inspired boats.

Having done our fair share of boat rides, we decided instead to take a walk along the riverfront and we eventually found Hue’s Bar Street where we stopped for a late lunch. Close by were banners of Vietnamese red flags, nestled above one of the many local government buildings that sit in prominent positions on the water front.

Our next stop was Dong Ba Market, one of the largest in the region where you can buy anything and everything. On the outside we found fruit and vegetable stalls, being sold almost off the street itself and were taken aback by the variety of bananas…as well as the colourful array of fruit and veg on offer. So great to see and it explains why the majority of Vietnamese people are so slim and healthy.

After taking in the sights and smells of the market, we returned back to our hotel for a well earned rest and also an opportunity to check out the pools on the hotels roof.

As it’s Saturday we decided to hit central Hue and check out the restaurant and cafes. We’d been recommended a place called Nook, which was located off a side street and as we walked down a dark alley we were having second thoughts. However it proved to be an excellent spot, frequented by many Europeans and did great veggie dishes.

We had an enjoyable evening and reminisced about the places we’ve visited to date as well as thinking ahead about our plans for when we return to the UK. We do miss the familiarity of home and our friends and family.

Post dinner we went to check out places for a final drink and found a cool spot called Cafe New Space which was busy with the young of Hue drinking iced coffees and watching the world go by. We decided to join them and ordered a very delicious Pineapple smoothie.

As with many of the cafes we were provided with chairs that in the UK would be considered to be for children under 5 (!), but here everyone sits at a low level. Fine so long as you don’t have long legs like Andy, who looked like a giant when he sat down!

We had a great hour in the cafe, watching people come and go and it was an insight into how the local people live their lives. Seeing generations of families all together is something you rarely see at home, but here it’s common to have your kids and grandparents altogether.

After our fun night out, we returned to our hotel pleased that we have been able to mix it with the young locals and stay out until beyond 10pm!

Tomorrow we are off on another tour around the city visiting Thien Mu Pagonda, Khai Dinh Tomb and Tu Duc Tomb, as well as a trip along the river.