Hue - Danang - Hoi An - My Son
From the former Royal Capital of Hue, to the ancient port town of
Hoi An and the Cham ruins of My Son, exploring central Vietnam is a
truly contrasting journey. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of
Vietnam, as you visit these three destinations boasting UNESCO World
Heritage status. In Hue, the mesmerizing tombs and mausoleums of
the last emperors of Vietnam reveal fascinating insights into the lives
of the imperial families and their subjects. The ancient citadel
reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynastic rulers as well as the
scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern (the Royal
Citadel was badly damaged in the latter stages of the war). Yet, it
still retains a sense of grace and majesty even today. Modern Hue is a
delightful city of wide boulevards and period buildings set in a
picture-postcard landscape. The university is renowned as one of the
country's finest, and the local cuisine is regarded by many as the best
in Vietnam.
Hoi An is a destination with two faces - the
charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional
houses, and the beach with its new resorts and long stretch of clean
white sand. In keeping with Hoi An's heritage as a trading port, the
town's tiny shophouses now host a range of craft shops and artisans,
including some of Asia's best bespoke tailors.
Just south of Hoi
An is the temple complex at My Son. These tower-temples served as the
seat of the Champa Kingdom for the majority of its existence between
the 4th and 13th centuries. The sanctuary is situated in an impressive
location surrounded by hills, around 35 km inland from the coast at Hoi
An. Whilst not as spectacular as the great Angkor complexes in
Cambodia, the remaining structures are atmospheric enough to conjure
images of the majesty of the Champa Kingdom and most visitors agree
that a visit is well worthwhile.
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