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Hue will be celebrating its biennial festival in April with thousands of spectators
arriving for a chance to experience one of Vietnam’s most international events.
Joshua Zukas
, picks out some of the city’s best places to escape the crowds.
THE IMPERIAL CITY
39
T
he Hue Festival is a remarka-
bly unique occasion on which
the city opens the doors to
its impressive historic monu-
ments to stage performances from
across the globe.
From Mexican folk ballet and Is-
raeli contemporary dance to inspired
American jazz and the pounding drums
of Brazilian samba, there is something
to suit all tastes and the opportunity to
discover something entirely new.
With events such as the
ao dai
fashion show and the local handicraft
markets, the festival also gives historic
Hue a chance to show off the rich and
vibrant culture that has earned the
city a special place in the hearts of the
Vietnamese.
Outside of the festival events, visi-
tors can explore the spectacular sites
that have made Hue a must-see des-
tination. But Hue is not just a city of
tombs, temples, pagodas and palaces
- there is much more on offer.
Hue is a small city, which means
getting around on foot is easy, but its
relatively quiet streets make cycling by
far the best way to see its delights.
HIDDEN PLEASURES
With its tranquil lakes, lush
lotus ponds, ancient bridges and tradi-
tional houses, the streets of the north-
ern half of the citadel are the perfect
place for the curious traveller to have
a poke around.
The geographical and spiritual
center of the area is appropriately
named Tinh Tam Lake - the lake of the
peaceful heart. This romantic body of
water colourfully blossoms with lotus
BEYOND
THUA THIEN-HUE IN THE SPOTLIGHT