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April 18, 2012

Da Nang, Vietnam - Part I

Finally I found some free time to post up the trip to Da Nang, Vietnam in the month of Feb 2012. I’m so occupied after the trip... This is the part I which covers Hue City and Da Nang. I have tons of stories to share, finger crossed I will try my very best to share the part II and the rest in the pending box... till we meet again. Have fun with this post!

Above: The coach from Hoi An to Hue.. + beautiful scenery

Jade Hotel: The Best Hotel in Hue... you have to try it out!
Below: Overall, Hue City

Below: The making of joystick...colorful and aromatic...

Below: A visitor to Hue once remarked after his vacation here: “A visit to Hue would not be complete without a boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, or else you cannot feel the romance of Hue”.The Perfume River (Vietnamese: Sông Hương or Hương Giang) is a river that crosses the capital city of Hue, in the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien Hue. Perfume or Huong River is around 80 kilometers long, and owes its name to the fact that it flows through many forests of aromatic plants before reaching Hue, bringing with it a pure and fresh aroma.

Below: Six royal tombs are scattered across land to the south east of the citadel on the other side of the Perfume River and one on the same side. They are monuments to nine of the thirteen rulers of the Nguyen Dynasty, mostly built during the Emperor’s lifetime. Although designed individually, sometimes by the intended occupant himself, they share certain design conventions. All were built according to strict rules of geomancy, which often involved making substantial modifications to the landscape to ensure that the sight lines and orientation of the constituent elements complied with celestial and supernatural forces.

Below: Thien Mu Pagoda - perched on a bluff over the river and housing some very fine gold and silver Buddha images. The Thien Mu Pagoda overlooks the Perfume River and is the official symbol of the city of Hue. Thien Mu means "elderly celestial woman", and refers to an old legend about the founding of the pagoda. Brimming with opportunities for great photos.

Below: 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". Set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945, is now one amongst the relics of the Hue ancient capital - the world culture heritage, capturing much tourists attention.

Below: Main Train Station @ Hue

Below: Beautiful moment in the train from Hue to Da Nang

Below: Crowne Plaza, Da Nang: is centrally located between Hanoi, HCMC and the gateway to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hue - the former imperial city, Hoi An - ancient town, My Son - holy land and Phong Nha-Ke Bang. Domestic and international leisure-seekers and professional meeting organizers will receive benefits by staying at Crowne Plaza Danang, the largest international upscale hotel along Danang Beach.