The Forbidden Purple City found in Hue, Vietnam is more than just a tourist attraction, its living history. Built for the Nguyen Dynasty, the entire city is surrounded by a 10km moat and 10 gates. The city is laid out so that there is a citadel within a citadel within a citadel. The first citadel of the city was populated by non-royal commoners. The next was built for important ceremonies. The final citadel is where the Purple Forbidden City was located. Besides royalty, the only ones allowed in this inner sanctum were eunuchs who served the family and the emperor’s concubines.
Built in the early 19th century, the palace grounds were designed by feng shui experts to optimize the energy flow. The structures within the city were meant to resemble the Forbidden City of Beijing. The Forbidden Purple City grew to have hundreds of different rooms and became a vast property.
The Forbidden City has gone through many hardships. What termites and typhoons have not destroyed, war did. Only a few of the historic buildings remain standing after the war with the US. Much of the once majestic city is now covered with rice fields.
Currently, a handful of the structures have been restored and its possible to tour them. Efforts will continue to try and bring the city back to its former glory. A visit to these ruins gives a very hopeful yet sometimes haunting vibe. The story of rebirth for this Forbidden City is very intriguing and is definitely well worth a visit.
Thirty short years ago, it would have been unthinkable to plan a trip to Vietnam for a vacation. War, occupation, liberation and more war troubled the country. However, the chaotic past of this country has given way to a more pleasant and peaceful time. Currently, Vietnam has a thriving tourism industry and offers travelers a chance to get to know a beautiful country with a rich history. Some of the more popular destinations for travelers are Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Min City, and Hanoi. These locales are great, but there are a few less traveled destinations that beg to be explored!
1. Da Nang
Da Nang was a place that American soldiers traveled to for R&R during the Vietnam War. It’ easy to see why, as it boasts some of the most clean and dazzling beaches in the world. While Da Nang does see a decent amount of visitors every year, it largely remains a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered as most of its memorable spots are tucked away. Some great places to explore are the Cham Museum, Cham Island, Ba Hill Na Station and the Marble Mountains.
2. My Son Museum
This museum commemorates the horrific My Lai Massacre of 1968. During this event, over 500 people were killed by American soldiers. As terrible as it is to see this brutality, this museum is very educational as it has very detailed and graphic exhibits. This is one of the most emotional destinations in the world.
3. Cham Island
After the drama of the My Son Museum, a trip over o the Cham Island might be in order. This paradise is just an hour off the coast and is home to expansive coral reefs. The colorful spectacle of fish make this and ideal destination for snorkelers and divers. Visitors can chose to camp out on the beach or stay at the islands guest house.
Vietnam is filled will history and traveling off of the beaten past can feel like traveling back in time. It is definitely an experience that will provide memories that will last a lifetime.
