Hue and the Citadel

Day One
Decided to hike off across town to the citadel. This may sound straight forward but you have to remember that the temperature is rising into the mid 30's and close to 100% humidity. Its like jungle out there! You feel the need to change after 10 minutes. You also realise very few people walk they always take a scooter to feel the breeze. Walking on the footpath is problematic and the gutter is a simpler option when walking single file against the oncoming traffic.

We make it to the main bridge over the Perfume River where the roads start to become a little quieter and quieter until you venture inside the citadel walls.

Once inside the first item is the grounds of the General Museum complex which has outside some relics of the Imperialist War.

The whole area is overlooked by Stage of Flag Ky Dai which has a big flag on top which is helpful to keep you orientated once inside the citadel and to head for to get back to the river.

The citadel is the old 19th Century centre of the Nguyen Dynasty with various palaces and family members homes. Very much Chinese in style to an untrained eye.

And plenty of Bonzai

Lots of ornate interiors and landscaped gardens.

There is also an art and local crafts building.

The search for a restaurant had already been sorted as we headed off to Nina's Cafe Quán Nina Cafe which is owned by the mother of Nina who runs the Nook Eatery Both are excellent eating establishments Nina's Cafe provides for an older clientele and more authentic Hue food and the Nook for younger and possibly trendier. Don't be surprised if you find these places full as they are both very popular.

TIP Get off the main roads and search the back alleyways for quieter and quirkier establishments away from the traffic noise.