Hue, Vietnam-City Of Emperors, Tiger/Elephant Fights, And Historic Bridges
One of the most interesting sites I’ve ever come across in Southeast Asia let alone Vietnam is Ho Quyen, or the Tiger/Elephant fight arena in the former Imperial capital of Hue. It’s not on the same grand scale as Rome’s Coliseum but it’s an unusual and rare peak into a time in Southeast Asia when fights staged between tigers and elephants took place. Only 3 kilometers outside of Hue it was built in 1830 by the emperor at the time, Minh Manh, Research of this site revealed it was crumbling and falling apart but I was surprised that it was in better shape than I thought considering there has been little to no upkeep of the arena since the last fight took place here in 1904. There’s still enough structure including stairs to reach the top of the arena that you can imagine what it must have been like for the royal emperor and his entourage to be present during these brutal fights. Tigers were the symbol of rebellion, beasts that killed helpless villagers. Elephants were noble and represented monarchy, so it’s no wonder through the drugging, declawing and defanging of the tigers before the start of a fight who won everytime. It’s somewhat of a haunting feeling being inside the arena, on the very ground where tigers most of the time were trampled to death by elephants. If it looked like an elephant was losing a fight another would be sent in to help finish the job. All in the preservation of the pride of the monarchy. I crawled into some of the old holding areas for the tigers, some of which had claw marks scratched right into the plastered walls. A few kilometers in the other direction outside of the main town of Hue is a traditional Vietnamese countryside location complete with rice paddies, quiet roads, and a beautiful Japanese style covered bridge with a wonderful history. Thanh Toan Bridge is a cultural relic with unique architectural features but the story behind the bridge is far more interesting than the structure itself. Tran Thi Dao the childless wife of a high ranking mandarin or official in Le Hien Tong’s court in the 1700’s had the bridge constructed to help the local people communicate and travel outside of the village. When the Emperor heard of her kind deed he freed the village of taxes as a reminder of her generosity. In 1925 Emperor Kai Dinh ordered the village to build an altar in Tran Thi Dao’s memory inside the bridge. The Emperor knowing that Tran Thi Dao never had children ensured that she would always be remembered in a culture that puts a high importance on ancestor worship. This is one of two ancient bridges of Vietnam that appear in guide books world-wide. The other famous bridge of Vietnam is Hoi an’s Japanese covered bridge. That bridge was in fact built by Japanese immigrants in Hoi an but the Thanh Toan bridge is a Vietnamese bridge with similar features to the Japanese covered bridges of the time with a decorative tile roof and platforms inside to lean against. This is a lovely setting and the bridge is a great reason to leave the busier surroundings of Hue, making it a great afternoon getaway from the town. Back in Hue another bridge to admire is the Truong Tien Bridge created by the famous French architect and designer Gustav Eiffel. Completed in 1899 it’s setting over the Perfume River is atmospheric, even rising to romantic in stature. It’s had many ups and downs weathering historic storms and two wars. It’s latest renovation took 5 years from 1991-95 and in 2002 a lighting system was added. Today the bridge is mostly used for motorbikes and pedestrians and admired by all, especially in the evening with it’s colorful light display. It’s wonderful to cross the bridge North of the river where the Citadel and ancient Imperial complex is located and also to visit Hue’s largest outdoor market, Dong Ba. This is a great market to visit and buy some of the local snacks and fresh fruit and admire all of the wonderful ingredients that go into the amazing cuisine of Vietnam. These are all interesting and highly recommended places and sites to experience but the real reason most people visit Hue is to see the Imperial City where the Nguyen emperors ruled from 1802-1945. The complex is protected by the Citadel. Fortified ramparts that stretch 2 kilometers by 2 kilometers with an outer moat filled with water routed from the Perfume River. Within the Citadel is the Imperial City, inside an even more exclusive area, the Forbidden Purple City, access of which was only permitted to the Nguyen Imperial family. Much of the Forbidden Purple City had been destroyed during the Vietnam War when in 1968 one of the bloodiest battles of the conflict took place here during the Tet offensive. At first because of the cultural significance of the site, U.S. troops were ordered not to bomb the Imperial City but as fighting grew more intense those restrictions were lifted. Out of 160 original buildings only 10 remain as a result of the battle. The Mieu Temple has managed...
The Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City Emmaandpaul's photos around Hue, Vietnam (slideshow)
Preview of Emmaandpaul's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here:
This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator.
Learn more about these videos:
Hue, Vietnam: Thien Mu Temple Ancestors' Ceremony Jan 4 2011
Van Mieu, Temple of Literature, Hanoi, Vietnam
Van Mieu, the Temple of Literature, was founded in 1070 A.D. by the Vietnamese King Ly Thanh Tong and was dedicated to the sage Confucius (Khong Tu), who lived in the 6th and 5th centuries B.C. King Ly Nhan Ton founded a national university at Van Mieu in 1076 A.D. The university trained scholars for service in the government.
Vietnam - Hue - Imperial City - The Mieu - November 25th, 2013
Hanoi Temple of Literature, Temple of Literature Vietnam, Van Mieu Temple
temple of literature hanoi, hanoi temple of literature, temple hanoi, temple of literature hanoi vietnam, temples in hanoi, temple in hanoi, temple of hanoi, temple of literature in hanoi, confucius temple hanoi, temple of literature vietnam, vietnam temple of literature, the temple of literature, veitnam temple, van mieu temple
Hanoi day trips:
Vietnam multi-activity tours:
Thien Mu Visitors
Locals pray at the Thien Mu temple in Hue, Vietnam
Thien Mu Temple 3
In Hue Vietnam on June 2015
Khai Dinh's Mausoleum - Hue - Vietnam
Emperor Khải Định ruled from 1916 until 1925. During the French colonial period, western culture rapidly gained influence. Construction, which took place between 1920 and 1931, took advantage of new innovations in art, technology, material and integrated traditional and modern influences from the Orient and Europe to create a new architectural style. The most notable example of this synthesis is the interior decoration of Thiên Định palace.
Jardins du temple Hong Lo Mieu (Hué) - Vietnam
Checking out the Imperial Palace in Hue, Vietnam!
This was the home of the Vietnamese emperors after it's construction in 1833. Cool place!
Văn Thánh Miếu Huế - Hue Temple Of Letter | Huế - ViệtNam
Năm 1808 thấy chỗ đất xây dựng Văn Miếu ở Long Hồ không được rộng rãi, Gia Long cùng triều đình quyết định chọn một ngọn đồi thấp phía trên chùa Thiên Mụ, sát tả ngạn sông Hương, tức vị trí hiện tại để xây Văn Miếu mới uy nghi, đồ sộ. Bấy giờ trường Quốc Tử Giám cũng được lập ra ở đây và hoạt động mãi cho đến năm 1908 mới dời về thành nội. Công việc xây dựng Văn miếu khởi công từ ngày 17-4-1808 đến ngày 12-9-1808 thì hoàn thành...
Xem thêm tại
In 1808, when realizing the construction land for Temple of Letters in Long Ho was not big enough, Gia Long and his Imperial court decided to choose a low hill beyond the Heavenly Lady pagoda, on the left bank of the Perfume river, i.e. the current position, to built a new imposing and striking Temple of Letters. At that time, the National school was also established there and worked until 1908 before it was moved into the citadel. The construction was commenced on 17th April 1808 and finished on 9th December 1808.
Read more at
The imperial City of Hue
After wrapping up at Hoi An, Lyvonn and I hopped back onboard the Reunification Express and headed onto the ancient city of Hue. There are 2 main reasons why visitors would come to the ancient city of Hue. First, to visit the Royal tombs of the Nguyen Lords and secondly to visit the Imperial City.
Visiting Vietnam? Why not check out the imperial city of Hue?
Hue - An Ancient Citadel Of Vietnam - A Popular Destination
Hue - An Ancient Citadel Of Vietnam - A Popular Destination Được Xuất Bản Bởi Flycam 4K - Tháng 5 Năm 2016.
Nghiêm Cấm Sao Chép Dưới Mọi Hình Thức.
Được Xuất Bản Bởi Flycam 4K - Tháng 9 Năm 2016.
Nghiêm Cấm Sao Chép Dưới Mọi Hình Thức.
Nếu muốn sử dụng vui lòng liên hệ:
Email: a_g@yahoo.com
Số điện thoại: +84968009999 & +84989999333
Skype: bkromeo19111989
Fanpage:
Instagram: Flycam 4K
Watch all of our Videos:
About Hue
The Citadel Complex of Hue, set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945, is now one amongst the relics of the Hue ancient Capital – the World Cultural Heritage, capturing much of tourists’ attention.
The poetic and beautiful Hue of Vietnam was chosen to be the capital of the Southern Kingdom under Nguyen Lords’ Dynasty, and officially became the nation's capital under Tay Son Dynasty, King Quang Trung. The citadel palace complex is located on the North bank of Huong River (Perfume River), inside Hue city. It is a huge complex covering an area of 520ha and comprising three circles of ramparts, Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). It was said to be protected by the two sand dunes: The Con Hen and Con Da Vien on the Perfume River, as dragon on the left, tiger on the right. If you are in Hue, please join us in this small journey exploring the beautiful feudal palace, the inspiration for numerous artists ever stepping inside!
The very first stop-over is the exterior circle, the Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue capital citadel), which started to be constructed in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and was completed in 1832 under the sovereignty of Emperor Ming Mang. Over the past 200 years, it has still maintained original with nearly 140 small and large constructions. With a square shape, it is almost 10km in circumference, 6m high, 21m thick, with 10 entrances. On the top of the walls, 24 bastions are established for defensive purposes. Besides, the Citadel has an ancillary gate connecting the Tran Binh Bastion called the Tran Binh Mon (Peaceful protector Gate).
Now we get further into the second circle, the Hoang Thanh (Royal citadel), also the most important part of the Citadel, which was built in 1804 but totally completed in 1833, under King Ming Mang’s reign. The Citadel, which is more than 600m long for each side, was built with bricks of 4m high, and 1m thick. Around the citadel is a protecting trench system. Tourists can get access to the Imperial Citadel through four entrance gates. In the past, Ngo Mon Gate was only reserved for the King. Royal Citadel consists of more than 100 fascinating architectural works divided into numerous sections:
Section of the Ngo Mon Gate and the Thai Hoa Palace: used for various grand ceremonies.
Section for placing shrines of the Kings under Nguyen Dynasty: Trieu Mieu, Thai Mieu, Hung Mieu, The Mieu and Phung Tien Temples.
Section of internal affairs office: Storehouse for precious objects, workshop for manufacturing various useful articles.
Section of the Kham Van Palace and Co Ha Garden: is where the princes studied or relaxed.
Passing through Hoang Thanh, we enter Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel). Situated inside the Imperial Citadel complex, behind the Throne Palace, the Purple Forbidden Citadel was reserved for Emperor and his family. Built in the early 1803 under reign of Emperor Gia Long, it was initially named Cung Thanh. In 1821, it was renamed into the today’s Tu Cam Thanh.
This citadel part was built with brick walls of 3.72m high, 0.72m thick, and about 1,230m in circumference. Its front and back sides are 324m long respectively, while the left and right sides are both more than 290m long. The whole site consists of 50 architectural constructions of different sizes and 7 gates for facilitating the entrance and exit. Dai Cung Mon (the Great Palace Gate) is in the front side, only reserved for the Kings. Can Chanh Palace was the place for daily working of Emperors. Can Thanh (Emperor's Private Palace), Khon Thai Residence (Queen's Private Apartment) were reserved for the Queens. There are still many other sections, for instance, Duyet Thi Duong house (Royal Theatre), Thuong Thien (the kitchen for the Kings' food), Thai Binh Lau (King's reading room), all of which are of great architectural value, luring uncountable visitors who are interested in feudal architecture.
Should you ever come inside the citadel, taking a look into the special feudal relics of immense architectural and cultural values, you will surely more or less love the traditional and classical side of Vietnam. As time goes by, thousands of changes have occurred, the precious historical and classical beauty of the nation would never be gone!
2014.02.15 The Imperial City, Hue, Vietnam (02)
Irene and Dave visit the thai hoa temple in wonderful Imperial City, Hue, Vietnam
TP Huế Mộng Mơ - Với Vẻ Đẹp Lãng Mạn
TP Huế Mộng Mơ - Với Vẻ Đẹp Lãng Mạn
Được Xuất Bản Bởi Flycam 4K - Tháng 3 Năm 2017.
Nghiêm Cấm Sao Chép Dưới Mọi Hình Thức.
Nếu muốn sử dụng vui lòng liên hệ:
Email: a_g@yahoo.com
Số điện thoại: +84968009999
Facebook Fanpage:
Instagram: Flycam 4K
Xem toàn bộ Video của chúng tôi ở đây:
Giới thiệu về Thành Phố Huế
Nằm ở dải đất hẹp miền Trung Việt Nam, Huế là thành phố có bề dày văn hóa lâu đời, cảnh quan thiên nhiên đẹp và hữu tình cùng quần thể di tích lịch sử được thế giới công nhận. Đã từ lâu du lịch Huế đã được biết đến như một địa điểm du lịch hấp dẫn đối với du khách trong nước và ngoài nước
Ngày nay Huế được biết đến là thành phố Festival của Việt Nam, lần đầu tổ chức vào năm 2000 và hai năm tổ chức một lần. Huế ngoài nổi tiếng với núi Ngự hùng vĩ soi bóng bên dòng sông Hương thơ mộng nên thơ và các di tích cổ xưa của các triều đại vua chúa thì các du khách đi đến với du lịch Huế biết đến với nhiều bãi biển đẹp lý tưởng cho những ai thích du lịch: Bãi biển Lăng Cô là một trong những vịnh đẹp nhất thế giới mang nét hiền hòa và nguyên sơ với một dải cát trắng mịn, mặt nước biển xanh trong, bãi biển Thuận An thường có những đợt sóng mạnh, rất phù hợp cho các trò chơi trượt nước, lướt ván… với kinh nghiệm du lịch Huế thì bãi biển Cảnh Dương tương đối kín gió, có độ dốc thoai thoải, cát trắng mịn, rất thuận lợi cho việc tổ chức các loại hình du lịch và thể thao.
Huế còn là địa điểm du lịch lý tưởng không thể bỏ qua đối với những ai yêu thích tìm hiểu, khám phá những di tích lịch sử, văn hóa của Việt Nam. Ngày này các tour du lịch Huế ngày một tăng vì Thành phố Huế luôn lưu giữ và bảo tồn được những lăng tẩm, đền đài vài trăm năm tuổi của các vị vua chúa.
Ngoài ra,đến với du lịch lễ hội ở Huế du khách còn biết đến Huế là vùng đất của những lễ hội dân gian tiêu biểu như: lễ hội Huế Nam ở điện Hòn Chén theo tín ngưỡng của người Chăm pa, lễ hội tưởng nhớ các vị khai canh thành lập làng, lễ hội tưởng niệm các vị khai sinh các ngành nghề truyền thống…Trong những dịp lễ này, nhiều hoạt động sinh hoạt cộng đồng bổ ích vẫn được duy trì tổ chức như đua thuyền, kéo co, đấu vật... thu hút rất đông người xem hàng năm.
Với di sản văn hoá thế giới, cảnh quan thiên nhiên, nhiều di tích lịch sử, các sản phẩm đặc sản, nhất là nhà vườn là một nét độc đáo tiêu biểu của thành phố Huế như: nhà vườn An Hiên, Lạc Tịnh Viên, nhà vườn Ngọc Sơn Công Chúa, Tỳ Bà Trang, Tịnh Gia Viên... cùng với hệ thống khách sạn, nhà hàng, các dịch vụ phục vụ khác, thành phố đã và đang trở thành một trung tâm du lịch rất hấp dẫn khách du lịch đến Huế. Với năng lực đón khách có 3 khách sạn 5 sao, 7 khách sạn 4 sao, 5 khách sạn 3 sao và nhiều khách sạn đạt 1-2 sao.
Khách đến du lịch với Huế không những được đến với hình ảnh đẹp thơ mộng của Sông Hương, nét truyền thống cổ kính của Lăng Tẩm, di tích lịch sử văn hóa, lễ hội dân gian tiêu biểu.... mà bạn còn bị mệ hoặc bởi con người nơi đây, sự nhẹ nhàng thuẩn khiết với tà áo dài, giọng nói nhẹ nhàng đi vào lòng người. Vì vậy mà du lịch Huế luôn là nơi thu hút đông du khách cả trong và ngoài nước.
Thien Mu Pagoda Hue, Thien Mu Temple, Chua Thien Mu Vietnam
thien mu pagoda hue, thien mu temple, thien mu pagoda history, vietnam thien mu, thien mu vietnam
Vietnam - Hué - Citadel and Forbidden City
Timeline of Vietnamese War History
# 111 BC: The Nam Viet kingdom (spreading from the Red River delta to north of Canton) is annexed by the Han and becomes the Chinese district of Giao-chi. The next thousand years is marked by progress in civilization, but also in the national sentiment. Numerous uprisings most notably the Trung sisters (40-43) and Ly Bon (542-545) rebellions, are crushed. During the entire Vietnam history, China remains both a model and a threat.
# 602: Chinese rule is now a protectorate, the capital being Dai La Thanh (Hanoi)
# 939: Ngo Quyen frees the country (Dai Co Viet) by vanquishing Chinese armies at the Bach Dang River.
# 968: Dinh Bo Linh pacifies the country, and reorganizes it following the Chinese model. Mandarins are recruited by literary contests from 1075 (Van Mieu temple) to 1919. The capital moves to Hoa Lu with the Dinh and first Le dynasties.
# 1010: The Ly dynasty moves the capital to Thanh Long (Hanoi). During their reign, Chinese, Khmer, and Cham attacks are repelled (most notably by Ly Thuong Kiet). The expansion towards the South begins, with territories conquered from the Cham (this resulted in the destruction of their culture).
# 1226: Tran dynasty.
# 1288: After thirty years of periodic invasions, the Mongols are defeated by Tran Hung Dao at the Bach Dang River.
# 1407: Chinese occupation Ming.
# 1428: After his victory against the Chinese armies, with the aid of Nguyen Trai, Le Loi begins the second Le dynasty, which sees further annexations in the South.
# 1524: Beginning of a long period of political instability. While the Le governs only nominally, a feudal war rages between the Trinh from the North (Thang Long) and the Nguyen from the South (Hue).
# 1651: Jesuit Alexandres de Rhodes publishes in Roma a Latin Vietnamese catechism and creates the Ngoc Ngu, the roman-based script currently used for Vietnamese (Vietnam is only one of three countries in Asia which uses a roman-based script).
# 1771: The Tay Son brothers start a rebellion causing heavy warfare in the next thirty years. One of the brothers, Nguyen Hue, reigns as Quang Trung and defeats the Chinese army at Dong Da.
# 1802: After pushing back the Tay Son with the help of French mercenaries recruited by Jesuit Pigneau de Behaine, Nguyen Anh (the only survivor from the massacre of the Nguyens by the Tay Son brothers) changes his name to Gia Long and starts the Nguyen dynasty. The capital of the unified country is now Hue.
# 1858: The French navy attacks Da Nang.
# 1867: Cochinchina (the South) becomes a French Colony.
# 1883: Tonkin (the North) and Annam (the Center) become French protectorates.
# 1887: Creation of the Indochina Union, Cochinchina, Annam, Tonkin, Cambodia, and latter Laos.
# 1932: Bao Dai, the last emperor, begins his reign as an infant.
# 1940: Invasion of Indochina by Japan. The French administrations collaborate and continue to run the government.
# 1941: Ho Chi Minh starts the Viet Minh. Leninism is thought of as an ideological weapon to serve Vietnamese nationalism against French colonialism.
# 1945 (March 9): The Japanese end up French authority. (Aug 19): The Viet Minh starts a general popular insurrection. Bao Dai abdicates. (Sept 2): Ho Chi Minh declares independence in Hanoi. US agents stand at his side. (Sept 23): The French authorities reoccupy the South.
# 1946: After the failed Fontainebleau conference between Ho Chi Minh and the French government, notably about the question of the status of Cochinchina, and the bombing of Haiphong (6000 civilians killed), the war between the French troops and the Viet Minh for the control of Vietnam begins.
# 1954: The bulk of the French army is defeated at Dien Bien Phu. This is the first time in history a colonial power is militarily defeated, a massive decolonization follows worldwide. At the Geneva conference, the country is partitioned at the 17th parallel as an interim stage. The North becomes the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, a communist state supported by China and the USSR. The strict communist ideology began to prevail at the 2nd congress of the Vietnamese labor party in 1951.
# 1955: Refusing to implement the Geneva accords, Ngo Dinh Diem proclaims himself president of the Republic of South Vietnam with backing from the West.
# 1959: The communist party decides to start military
operations in the South. Construction of the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
# 1961: Kennedy increases US military aid to South Vietnam, first in the form of military advisors (16000 by 1965).
# 1963: Ngo Dinh Diem is assassinated in a US-initiated coup.
Vietnam is an architectural explorers dream come true
Travel to Vietnam
Vietnam is a wonderful tourist destination. Its monuments, architecture, and clean and unspoilt beaches delight visitors of all ages. There are hundreds of historical and cultural sites to visit and satisfy your curiosity. Vietnam is stunning, with its gorgeous scenery, interesting culture, and fine cuisine enhancing its beauty. There are also thousands of pagodas and churches to visit in this amazing country, and charming mountain villages like Sapa and Dalat.
Our Vietnam travel guide provides you with a wide variety of information to make your visit more appealing, meaningful, and affordable.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a fascinating blend of East and West. Hanoi retains a lot of original historical vestiges. Ho Chí Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's booming commercial center. Hue is the ancient imperial capital of Vietnam and is the home of the still recent Vietnamese kings. Hoi An is a World Heritage site and is renowned for its splendid art shops. Ha long Bay is another UN World Heritage site worth visiting.
The largest holiday of the year is Tet, and is the celebration of the New Year. It is celebrated during the months of January and March, and is mostly a private, family celebration.
Do visit the Hung Temple, the Temple of Literature in Ha Noi, Phong Nha Cave, My Son Sanctuary, and the Citadel at Hue.
Many Vietnamese dishes are flavored with fish sauce. Vietnamese use coriander, mint and basil to accompany almost every dish as it makes the food lighter and more aromatic. Vietnam's national dish is pho which is actually a broth soup with beef or chicken and served with rice noodles. Two very popular and delicious cakes in Vietnam are Banh Chung and Banh Giay. Don't miss out on bia hoi, draft beer which is made on a daily basis.
If you are fascinated by this popular tourist destination, and eager to visit it, use our travel guide to ensure you have a wonderful visit.