I once came to Huế as of my admiration for a long-existing city with a rich culture influenced by both the French and Eastern architectures. Before departing, I had actually received a “friendly warning” from a friend of mine living in Huế: “Don’t go or you will be bored to death”. At first, I thought she was just kidding but then I finally realized that it was actually a bit boring as I am kind of an extroverted party goer. The pace of life seemed extremely slow and peaceful as if there would be no crimes or fights. Huế’s life is as semplice and unobtrusive as its culture and people. As a small city with not so many citizens, Huế brings home to mind. I remembered going out on the street at rush hour with a friend who lives in Huế and it seemed like “rush hour” is not a good term to describe such a place like Huế. Mostly in the evening, people like to walk on Trường Tiền Bridge to enjoy the peaceful night on the beautiful Hương River, which literally means “River of Perfume”. Tourists normally take a cyclo around the city to a small China Town, Áo Dài Street and night market.

I reckon that it seems like this city is almost sleeping at 9 pm or maybe 10 pm. However, under Tràng Tiền Bridge or on the night street, there are gonna be lots of people still enjoying their supper. And if you are a “speed lover”, you will be driven crazy because some restaurants’ services are slow to death!

But after all, Huế is still a special city carrying a dignified atmosphere throughout hundreds of years. And I highly recommend it to those who love something “off the beaten track” with no bars, pubs or anything common for a lousy night.

All the photos below are taken by one of Maze Vietnam’s contributor recently living in Hue. She took her camera out and captured all the moments of the pace of life in Hue on a rainy day. All the friendly Hue people are still calm and moving slowly no matter how heavy the rain could be.

To see more photos, check the open album below or go to Flickr: Photo Album Flickr (Please use the left/right arrows to navigate in the files of the open album)

Words by Trang Nguyen
Photos by Mai Nguyen

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