Foto: The tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh outside Hué (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Vietnam - Construction of the Citadel of Hué began in 1804 by order of Emperor Gia Long. Thousands of forced laborers were used to build the complex, which is surrounded by a ten-kilometer-long wall. The center of the Imperial City is the Forbidden Purple City, which houses the private chambers of the emperor. During the Tet Offensive in January 1968, during the Vietnam War, the Citadel was severely damaged. The Viet Cong launched an offensive against the Americans and defended themselves from the Citadel. After 25 days, the Americans recaptured the Citadel, but most of it lay in ruins. We enter the Imperial City through the Ngo-Mon Gate, the main gate opposite the flag tower. We cross the ceremonial square and visit the Thai-Hoa Palace in the Forbidden Purple City. Here stands the gilded imperial throne. We wander further through the complex and end the visit with the Hien Lam Pavilion. This temple is dedicated to everyone who gave their life for the founding of the Nguyen dynasty. In the courtyard stand nine dynastic urns, each representing a ruler of the Nguyen dynasty.
Temple of Cao Dai in Tay Ninh
Vietnam - The Great Temple of Cao Dai in Tay Ninh is one of the most bizarre places of worship in the world. It resembles a religious fairy tale land. Services are held four times a day, always at six o’clock and twelve o’clock. We arrive just in time for the ...
The Ancient Trading Town of Hoi An
Vietnam - We decide to purchase a combination ticket for Hoi An. The ticket grants access to one museum of choice, one old merchant’s house of choice, one assembly hall, the Japanese bridge, and one handicraft shop. We start at the bridge. The Japanese Bridge ...
The Cu Chi Tunnels
Vietnam - The Cu Chi tunnel complex is about an hour and a half drive away. The tunnel system is a network of 250 kilometers of tunnels and served as a hideout for the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Cu Chi was essentially one large underground city, with sleeping ...