After finishing the Tet festivities, we left for the former imperial capital city of Hue, located two hours outside of Da Nang. Long before American, French or Japanese influences took hold, Hue’s roots are indeed Vietnam’s roots–shaped from a thousand years of Chinese occupation. While the bustling, modern streets of the city today have sprouted well beyond the ruins of the Imperial castle, visiting Hue was a great opportunity to learn about both Vietnam’s past and present.

Exploring the grounds of the Imperial ruins near Emperor Tự Đức’s tomb

Statue of Emperor Khải Định inside his tomb

Quick pit stop to buy some delicious bánh bột lọc, or Vietnamese clear dumplings

Mom doesn’t mind the long bumpy ride to Hue from Da Nang

Propaganda art

Na and Jennifer during a quick pit stop to buy fruit from the local farmer’s market

Emperor Tự Đức’s tomb