Hue Temple of Literature - A unique symbol of Vietnam’s past educational system

If the Temple of Literature in Hanoi is known as the first university in Vietnam and aslo called Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam in Vietnamese language, Hue Temple of Literature is regarded as a worship temple founded by the Nguyen Dynasty to dedicate to celebrated scholars of Confucianism.

During the old time, various Temples of Literature were built by the Nguyen Lords in the capital and moved to three different places: Trieu Son Village, Luong Quang Village and Long Ho Village. Hue Temple of Literature , also called Van Mieu Hue in Vietnamese language, is a worship temple founded by the Nguyen Dynasty to dedicate to celebrated scholars of Confucianism.

In 1808, Gia Long and his Imperial Court decided to choose a low hill beyond the Thien Mu Pagoda, on the left bank of the Perfume River, i.e. the current position, to built a new imposing and striking Temple of Literature. The construction of the Temple of Literature was commenced on April 17th, 1808 and finished on November 12th, 1808.

The Temple of Literature faces south. All main constructive works were built on the top of the hill, three meters higher than the surrounding land. In front of it was the Perfume River, in the back was villages, hills and mounts spreading from Truong Son Range. 

All items of Hue Temple of Literature were erected on a square surface of 160m long on each side enclosed by La Thanh (surrounding wall). There was once a complex of 50 big and small constructions including 32 steles which bore names of doctors and four other steles.

The Temple of Literature was many times renovated and many sub - constructions were built, especially in Minh Mang and Thieu Tri's time. From Minh Mang's time onwards, National Examinations were held so that steles bearing the names of successful candidates were erected here. These "Tien si de danh bia" - "Steles bearing doctors' names" were gradually erected on the yard of the main temple from 1831 to 1919, the year in which the last National Examinations was held in Khai Dinh's time.

"Steles bearing doctors' names" in Hue Temple of Literature

As destroyed by the war and weather, the remains of the Temple of Literature are now the 34 steles of great cultural and historic value. On these steles are names, ages and places of birth of 239 successful candidates in National Examinations organized in the Nguyen Dynasty.

Today, visiting Hue Temple of Literature, tourists can see the unique symbol of Vietnam’s past eductional system. They can understand more about the tradition of knowledge appreciation, scholars administration and study encouragement of our ancestors during the feudal times.

Quoc Hoc Hue - first and oldest high school in Vietnam

Founded on October 23, 1896 according to an imperial decree issued by the Thanh Thai King’s reign, Quoc Hoc Hue is known as the century old high school. It’s also the first and the oldest high school in Vietnam. In the past, the school was for children from royal and noble families.

Known as the first and also the oldest high school in Vietnam, originally Quoc Hoc (National high school) was the school for children from royal and noble families. On the site that used to be former squadron headquarter - a royal navy headquarters, French colonialists built this school to train those who would serve the feudal colonial government. 

Therefore, at that time, French was the main subject for students and the school's gate was titled “Phap tu Quoc Hoc truong mon” (French National High School's Gate). Now it's named Hue National High School and is a high-profile school that all students must pass a competitive entrance exam to get the admission.

Quoc Hoc Hue High School in the Past

Founded in 1896, after more than 100-year history, Quoc Hoc today is still a well-maintained French colonial-style construction. The school is a complex of five blocks of classrooms, big football field, basketball court, five badminton courts, a swimming pool, a medium stadium and also a block of dormitory. It's considered the largest and also the most beautiful high school campus in Vietnam.

This surrounding makes a great picture of red French designed building in harmony with green background of a lot of large shady trees and stone benches. Especially in spring, when “diep anh dao” (a kind of cherry blossoms) is in bloom, the whole picture is filled with pinky dots above red thatched tile.

Students often call that period of time “Pinky cloud season” and regard it as the most special moments of a year. These are the reasons why Quoc Hoc is also called “Pinky school beside Perfume River Bank” in the song with the same name. Lucky if one has a chance to drop by the school during that season.
 

Quoc Hoc Hue High School Today

Quoc Hoc is not only famous for its charming scene; but it also gains prominence for tradition of patriotism, industriousness, academic achievements and respect for the time-honored values of teacher-student relationships. Several Vietnam political leaders have been learning here, including: Nguyen Tat Thanh (President Ho Chi Minh), General Vo Nguyen Giap, Prime Minister Pham Van Dong, etc. 

In addtion, the school is famed for its students who are well-known poets (Xuan Dieu, Huy Can, To Huu, Luu Trong Lu etc.), scientists (Ta Quang Buu, Ton That Tung, Dang Van Ngu, etc.), musicians (Tran Hoan, Chau Ky, , Nguyen Van Thuong, etc.) or sculptor Diem Phung Thi and so on. The school also has students getting high prize in many International Competitions.

Tourists in Vietnam travel visiting Quoc Hoc High School should remember that the school doesn't allow entrances during class's time, which ends at 5.15 pm everyday (though it might be easier to go through the two side gates, in fact). What's more, the students are very eager to talk to foreigners, especially English speakers and French speakers.

That's the place for those who want to take photos of natural background, understand more about French colonial architecture and watch female students in white long traditional dress “Ao dai”, sparkling in the nice background.

Dong Ba Market – A symbol of Hue’s culture

Paying a visit to Hue city, the poetic ancient citadel of Vietnam, visitors in Vietnam travel should not miss an interesting place inside the city. It is Dong Ba Market - one of the romantic Hue’s symbols, bringing characteristics of Vietnamese ancient capital’s culture.

Dong Ba market is the preservation of ancient distinctiveness. Tourists in Vietnam travel can see all the typical features of a traditional Vietnamese market, for example, the sampan landing, the bus station and the bazaars. 

Dong Ba market is considered as a paradise for snapshots of daily activities as well as for shopping with everything from souvenir items to bronze goods, Hue sesame sweetmeat, conical poem hats, just to name a few. You’d better come to explore this market if you want to find interest in Vietnamese culture or food.

Location

 Image that you are roaming around this food market, you may find your visit to this city to be added with new colors. Around 100 kilometers north of Truong Tien Bridge, Dong Ba Market is situated near the eastern corner of the Citadel, in the north bank of the romantic Perfume River, near the place where the Dong Ba Canal merges with the Perfume River.

Story of naming and location

Visitors joining tours in Vietnam may be confused when they find several things here named “Dong Ba” in Hue city. Actually, Dong Ba is both the name of the largest market in Hue and of a small canal connecting the market with the busy river port of Bao Vinh, Lo Street and Thanh Ha. 

Dong Ba is also the name of the first steel bridge across the Dong Ba River and Dong Ba Street. The market was originally located outside the citadel's Chanh Dong Gate (also commonly called Dong Ba), where today stands a park at the end of Phan Dang Luu Street. The market was burnt down in the summer of 1885. In 1887, King Dong Khanh had it rebuilt and named it Dong Ba. In 1889, King Thanh Thai had it moved to the current location at the crossroads of the Huong (Perfume) River and the west bank of the Dong Ba Canal. 

Due to the convenient location, the market has always been very popular. In 1987, the market was under its greatest restoration, in which it was enlarged into a total area of 47,614 m² with 9 ranges of  sales houses, car parking place, motorcycles, bicycles shedding station, and so forth.

Dong Ba - the biggest market in Thua Thien-Hue

You are eager for purchasing craft products as Hue’s gifts for your dearests and fearest? Well, Dong Ba market is the right place to spend your precious time in this city. Not only being a largest-sized market in the past, Dong Ba market retains its role till now. 

It has always been providing "stage" for the traditional crafts in Hue, and sells to all those who are fond of; examples are Phu Cam conical hats, Hien Luong scissors, bronze articles of the Duc guild, Phuoc Tich pottery, Bao La rattan and bamboo products, Ke Mon jewelry, Nam Thuan sweets, Tuan tea, Huong Can mandarins, Luong Quan-Nguyet Bieu pomelos, and Tinh Tarn lotus.

Besides, for those who are interested in Southeast Asian food, the market supplies a lot during daytime, such as clam rice, beef noodles, shrimp cakes, pancakes, bean puddings, sour shrimps, and My Lai shredded lean meat, which are popular Hue’s daily dishes. If you stay here on the occasion of the Lunar New Year, you can share the custom of the locals by buying "five-color" cakes, which are small & square cakes made of bean and rice powder.

The name “five-color” derives from the cakes’ 5 colors of wrapping papers. When biting the cake, you can feel that it seems to immediately melt in the mouth, which is of uniqueness of Hue’s specialty. Hence, it’s advised that you try these as much as possible during your time in Hue, or else you will miss them so much after coming back to your country!

Cultural values

Nowadays, travelers in Vietnam tourism visit Dong Ba Market not only because they can buy myriad goods and local specialties, but because in their hearts it is a symbol of Hue's culture. 

What was the most delicate material cultural traits of the city can be found here in the local traditional products, like Phu Cam conical hat, Hien Luong scissors, etc., and the mentioned delicious specialties, such as mussel rice, rice noodle with beef, leaf cake, shrimp springroll, khoai cake, dau van pudding, etc. that people could not help tasting!

Even though Hue city has a lot of new markets emerged, and one no longer has to go far for shopping, Dong Ba remains the biggest and most significant market in both Hue and Central Vietnam. Tourists coming here may not be able to get out soon since they are so much absorbed by the interesting Hue’s typical goods.

Today, Dong Ba Market plays an important role in the field of Hue’s economic development. If you are in Hue, Dong Ba Market should not be ignored. It will help you understand more about Vietnamese food or culture in general and Hue’s food or culture in particular.

Lang Co Beach- One of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Situated on the central coast of Vietnam, which is famous for many beautiful beaches. Lang Co beach, since June 2009 has become an official member of the “World’s most beautiful bays” club. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists in Vietnam travel, especially for those who love beach so much.

Situated on the central coast of Vietnam, which is famous for many beautiful beaches. Lang Co beach, since June 2009 has become an official memnber of the “World’s most beautiful bays” club. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists in Vietnam travel, especially for those who love beach so much.

With the length of approximately 10km, Lang Co beach located in Lang Co town, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien- Hue province is next to the National Highway 1A and near Hai Van Pass. It is considered an ideal place for beach lovers. Situated on the central coast of Vietnam with many famous beautiful beaches, Lang Co with its gradually slopping, white sand, blue sea, and the average temperature of 25oC in the summer, is an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists in Vietnam travel.

Most tourists joining tours in Vietnam are attracted to this beach because of its attractive natural landscape. Lying on the most beautiful curve of the country, Lang Co has almost everything that the nature can offer: green mountains and tropical forests, smooth white sand, full of sunshine and cool, blue and clear sea as crystal. It is the 3rd bay of Viet Nam, after Ha Long and Nha Trang named in the list of 30 most beautiful bays in the global.

So stunning, in the Nguyen Dynasty, the Royal Step-over Palace named Tinh Viem (abating the hot weather) had been built here for the king's family members. The French also left their traces here, related to the name of this land. Lang Co, it is probably derived from "Lang Co" (literally means Stork Village) or L 'An Cu (An Cu - Settle down) - its original names when the French pronounced as Lang Co. Nowadays, many modern resorts has been going to build here.

It can be said that nobody can resist a nature beauty like Lang Co town. This small and peaceful town will give you the most relaxing time and many games at the beach. In addition, you will have good time to enjoy the seafood with various kinds of shrimps, lobster, sea shrimp, crab, butter-fish, mackerel fish, oysters, etc and not far from the beach are some attractions such as Lang Co fishing Village, Chan May scenery.

Lying on the "Central Heritage Road", Lang Co is very close to other famous attractions such as the Imperial City of Hue, Hoi An Ancient Town, Son Tra Peninsula where the famous Son Tra Natural Reserve and beautiful beaches located, and so many more. The beauty of Lang Co Bay, Hai Van Pass, Bach Ma National Park and a fishing village in this area always attract many tourists in Vietnam tourism by a wonderful harmonious combination between human and nature.

It’s about 60km from the centre of Hue City but about 40km from Phu Bai International Airport to Lang Co beach. If visitors drive to Lang Co from Da Nang City through Hai Van Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Southeast Asia, the distance will be about 25km. However, the longer way, about 40km, is still the choice of many adventure lovers to drive on the pass to contemplate the beauty and majestic of Hai Van Pass and Lang Co Bay from above.

If you pay a visit to Hue, you should once visit Lang Co beach where you can have the most relaxing time and admire the natural beauty of landscapes.

Hue City - Imperial City

The Imperial City is located in the centre of the Citadel where established highest offices of Vietnam’s feudalism and sanctums honouring the cult of decreased Emperors.

The Citadel, also has a nearly square form, with more than 600m long for each side, built of brick 4m high, 1m thick, around which is ditched a system of protection trench. Access to the Imperial City can be made by four entrance gates. Ngo Mon Gate is only used for the King.

Royal Citadel consists of more 100 beautiful constructional works divided many sectors:

- Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel)
Located inside the Imperial City, behind the Throne Palace, the Forbidden Purple Citadel is reserved for Emperor and his family. Constructed early under reign of Emperor Gia Long in 1804, Tu Cam Thanh includes 50 architectural constructions of different sizes and 7 gates for facilities of entrance and exit.

Dai Cung Mon (the Great Palace Gate) is in the front side for the Kings. Can Chanh Palace (the place for daily working of Emperors). Can Thanh (Emperor’s Private Palace), Khon Thai Residence (Queen’s Private Apartment) reserved for the Queen. Duyet Thi Duong house (Royal Theatre), Thuong Thien (the kitchen for the Kings’ food), Thai Binh Lau (King’s reading room)…

- Pavilion of Edicts (Phu Van Lau)
Pavilion of Edicts is situated right in front of the Flag -Tower and by the National Highway No.1A which crosses Hue City. It is a delicate pavilion with a south view. In front of the Pavilion is a large court leading to the Nghinh Luong Pavilion (Pavilion for Fresh Air) on the Perfume River bank.

It is the building where Emperor’s edicts and lists of successful candidates of Thi Hoi (National Examination) and Thi Dinh (Court Examinations) were publicized. Though built early in Emperor Gia Long’s reign (1819), it was first decided by Emperor Minh Mang to be the site to publicly display his important edicts.
The pavilion was destroyed by a typhoon in 1904 and restored later by Emperor Thanh Thai.

- The Flag Tower
The Flag Tower, also called the King’s Knight, is the focal point of Hue City. It is commonly known as a flagpole, but viewed from the Imperial City; it is really a huge structure of three flat-top pyramids, one lying on top of another.

In feudal times, a yellow flag flapped everyday on top of the staff. It was replaced with a larger one on festive occasions (The Nam Giao Offering Ceremony, for example). Made of wool or velvet, this 4m by 3.6m flag was brocaded with a dragon design in its center and fringed with serrated lace.

- The Nine Dynastic Urns
Nine Dynastic Urns are located in the shade of the Hien Lam Pavilion, in front of the The Mieu Temple.
The nine Dynastic Urns are the greatest bronze ones in Vietnam They were cast by Emperor Minh Mang in 1836 to symbolize the sovereignty of the dynasty.

Each of them is named after the posthumous title of the emperors worshipped in the The Mieu Temple. For example, Cao Urn is named after Emperor The To Cao (Gia Long), Nhan Urn after Emperor Thanh To Nhan (Minh Mang), Chuong, Anh, Nghi, Tuyen and Thuan Urns after Emperors Thieu Tri, Tu Duc, Kien Phuoc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh respectively.

(Until 1958 only seven altars were established in The Mieu Temple corresponding to seven urns. Du and Huyen Urns did not exist yet).

 

- Principal Gate (Ngo Mon)
Principal Gate is located in front of the Throne Palace and facing the Flag Tower.
Ngo Mon is the main entrance to the Imperial City. Ngo Mon is a huge construction, U-shaped and consisting of two parts: below is a foundation made of brick, Thanh and Quang stone, above is a pavilion made of wood and roofed with tiles.

Throne Palace (Dien Thai Hoa) and Great Rites Court
Throne Palace (Dien Thai Hoa) faces the Ngo Mon Gate and lies right on the central axis of the Hue Citadel. The Throne Palace, or Palace of the Supreme Harmony, was the building for great court’s meetings. It was constructed in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long and used later in 1806 for his coronation.

- Dynastic Temple (The Mieu)
Dynastic Temple (The Mieu) is situated southwest of the Hue Citadel and facing south. It’s dedicated to ten Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, built by Emperor Minh Mang in 1821, it presents a 9 – compartment main building and a 11 – compartment front building, together connected in the “double” architecture with two bays on east and west sides.

- The Nine Holy Cannons

 

These nine holy cannons are housed in two buildings beside the The Nhan and Quang Duc Miradors in the Citadel of Hue. Each cannon is 5.10m long and weights more than 10 tons. Their barrels are elaborately inscribed with the titles, position order, weight, instructions, and writings on fights against the Tay Son Dynasty.

- Hien Lam Pavilion
Hien Lam Pavilion (Pavilion of the Glorious Coming) is situated in the center of the Dynastic Temple’s courtyard, southwest of the Hue Citadel. Built in 1824 by Emperor Minh Mang, at the same time as the Dynastic Temple, Hien Lam Pavilion consists of three stories.

- Nam Giao Esplanade
Nam Giao Esplanade is located about 4km south of Hue City. Nam Giao Esplanade is an open-air monument. It was built based on the dogma of heaven fate of Confucianism and has architecture of both the religious and political significance of Oriental feudalism.

- Royal Library (Thai Binh Lau)
Royal Library is located in the Forbidden Citadel. The Royal Library was the only monument undamaged in the Forbidden Citadel after the reoccupation of Hue by French troops in early 1947. It is the pavilion where the Emperors Nguyen came for reading and resting.

Royal Theater (Duyet Thi Duong)
Royal Theater is located in the east of the Quang Minh Palace (Palace of Brightness) in the Forbidden Citadel. The Royal Theater was the oldest of Vietnamese traditional stage that remained. It was closed after the end of the monarchy (Jan 8th, 1945).

Bach Ma National Park in Hue City

Bach Ma National Park is approximately 50km south of Hue City.

It has a temperate climate much like that of Dalat, Sapa and Tam Dao. However, since it is located so close to the sea, the temperature in winter never goes below 4°C (39.2°F) and the highest temperature in summer never exceeds 26°C (79°F).

Given these advantages, the French transformed Bach Ma into a summer resort in the early 1930s. The area comprises 139 villas and auxiliary buildings, such as the post office, bank, tennis court, etc. Unfortunately, the war and lack of maintenance have significantly affected these constructions.

On 15 July 1991, the Bach Ma National Park was officially founded. Bach Ma has breath-taking natural landscapes and is a good place for camping, bathing, and outdoor activities.

Still, the beautiful National Park houses 931 species of animals of which 83 wildlife species, including tigers and monkeys. It is also home to 333-odd species of birds known to inhabit Vietnam. More than 1,406 species of plants have also been identified.

An Hien Garden House in Hue City

An Hien Garden House is located in Xuan Hoa Village, Huong Long Commune, Hue City on an area of 4,608m². An Hien Garden has been described as a fine, sharp, and unique work by many writers. In the garden, many kinds of flowers grow.

There are popular kinds of flowers such as jasmine, pergularia, pomegranate, sunflower, climbing rose and indigenous roses.

An Hien Garden House is a special cultural characteristic contributing to the beauty of Hue. Entering the garden, visitors will have a feeling of living in a miniature universe, in a peaceful and charming world. It has an attraction which is always secret as an unfinished book.

Hue City – World Cultural Heritage

Lying on the banks of Perfume ( Huong) river, Hue is an ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty ( 1805-1945) with a lot of historical and cultural monuments and famous landscapes. The Complex of Hue Monuments with unique architectural masterpieces were recognized as one of the World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO in 1993.

Besides tangible cultural heritages, Hue Court music, the first intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam, recognized as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. Hue cultural heritage marks a development period of the national culture with unique values of architect, art, music, manners and customs, traditional handicraft, cultural festivals, which create unique cultural identity of Vietnam.

Especially Hue city attracts tourist by tombs of kings of Nguyen Dynasty. Visiting Hue tourists may feel like as in a massive open- air museum with hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs and this makes the sightseeing Hue one of the most exciting trip in Vietnam. Along with other World Heritages in the Centre of Vietnam, such as Quang Binh and Quang Nam, Hue Heritages have formed “The Central Heritage Road”.

Approximately 50km south of Hue, Bach Ma National Park with its breath-taking natural landscapes, 931 species of animals of which 83 wildlife species, 333-odd species of birds and 1,406 species of plants is a must see destination.

Best time to visit is between January to August when rainfall is minimal. Temperatures creep up towards August so if you’re a fan of the heat and are planning to spend some time on or under the water plan for a mid-year visit.

Hue City - Danang - Hoian - My Son (5days/4nights)

Transfer to Noi Bai airport for a short flight to Hue. Pick - up and transfer to a hotel. In the afternoon, take a boat on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hon Chen Temple and Minh Mang Tomb. Detail Itinerary Day 1: Hanoi - Hue (../../..)   Transfer to Noi Bai airport for a short flight to Hue. Upon arrival in Phu Bai Airport, we will pick up and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we take a boat on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda, Hon Chen Temple and Minh Mang Tomb. Hotel overnight in Hue. Day 2: Hue – Da Nang (B/L/..)   In the morning, we visit the tomb of Kinh Tu Duc, Khai Dinh and the Royal Citadel. After lunch, transfer to Danang (110km). On the way, we visit Lang Co Beach and stop over at Hai Van Pass, at the height of 500m, produces spectacular cloud formations and views of sprawling Danang to the south and picture perfect Lang Co Beach to the north. We visit also Cham Museum in Danang. Hotel overnight  in Danang. Day 3: Da Nang – Hoi An Ancient Town (B/../..)   In the morning, you will be free to explore Danang city. After that, we visit Marble Mountains, stone carving village of Non Nuoc, Danang White Sandy Beach and at leisure personal pursuit: relaxing or swimming on the beach. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Hoian (30km). Upon arrival in Hoi An, our driver will pick you up to the Hoian hotel for checking in a hotel.  Hotel overnight in Hoi An. Day 4: Hoi An Ancient Town (B/L/..)   Today, we will be free to explore Hoian Ancient Town with out tour guide. Explore the ancient narrow lanes of Hoi An. You can visit historic temples, old house of Tan Ky, Japanese Covered bridge, Phuc Kien assembly Hall and Thu Bon river.  Hotel overnight in Hoi An. Day 5: Hoi An – My Son Holy Land - Departure from Da Nang (B/../..) After breakfast, we will travel on rural roads to My Son Holy Land (55km), where explore the architectural treasure and sculptures of Cham dating from the 7th to the 13th century. After that we will transfer to Da Nang airport for departure flight. Tour included: - Hotel accommodation in shared twin rooms - Private transfers - English speaking tour guide. - Entrances fees and sightseeing as indicated. - Meals as specified in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) - Boat trips in Hue and Hoi An Tour excluded: - Beverages - Visa arrangements - Bank transfer fees - Personal expenses - Other services are not mentioned above Thank you so much for choosing our services and see you in the next trip!!!