It was time to bid farewell to Hoi An as we headed over the scenic Hai Van Pass to the historic capital and cultural centre of Vietnam called Hue which was home to Vietnam’s last emperor dynasty. This ancient city is bisected by the Perfume River, given its name by the smell created from the fallen flowers which drift down the river each year.

Our visit to Hue included many historically significant sights such as the Imperial Citadel and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Tu Duc Tomb. We also enjoyed a cyclo ride around the city - for some it was their first experience - so there was much laughing and screaming as we weaved our way through the traffic!!!

Our hotel was a bit on the ordinary side but luckily we didn't spend much time in it. In the evening we participated in a cooking class focusing on selected local dishes and cuisine designed for the Royal courts of Hue. Some of our group got right into the pounding of ingredients etc but I was happy to sit back with a drink in hand watching the proceedings. oh la la we are royalty now!!!!

The next day we enjoyed a cruise on the Perfume River in a dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda and visited another UNESCO World Heritage listed site - the Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh. Along the way we stopped of to see incence being made and also the infamous conical hats you see everywhere in Vietnam. Needless to say many of us bought one especially given the sunny day

My lasting memory of Hue........So many temples...So much history!!!