Hue is unquestionably a city where life is good. It’s of a human scale, bisected by the Perfume River, and just a few kilometers away from the South China Sea and Tam Giang Lagoon.

The city is rich in history, as it was the capital of the Nguyen Lords of the South in the 16th century, before becoming the capital of reunified Vietnam in the early 19th century under the rule of Gia Long. It was Gia Long who founded the famous Nguyen dynasty and had their Imperial City built. The dynasty thrived for over a century, enjoying a significant artistic and intellectual reputation, until the arrival of French troops in the 1880s.

The Imperial City of Hue was partially destroyed, and many valuable items such as furniture and manuscripts were stolen or burned. The city would later experience wars of independence against the French and the Americans, leaving an indelible mark on its memory.

Today, Hue has regained its splendor and offers exceptional walks within its Imperial City and along fortifications, outside of which you’ll find charming and surprising typical Vietnamese neighborhoods.

But Hue is not limited to its Imperial City: in Hue, you will also discover other restored buildings from the dynastic period, countless temples and pagodas, and you will have the opportunity to savor the culinary specialties that have made the city’s gastronomic reputation!

Our 2-day program in Hue will immerse you in the tumultuous history of this city and the Nguyen dynasty.