(TITC) - According to news.com.au, a country in Asia that most Australian tourists want to visit is Vietnam.
Troy Nankervis - an editor of news.com.au and also the experienced visitor posted his true story about the journey to discover Vietnam, specifically Hue.
The scent of lemongrass and mint surprised Troy when he walked into a small kitchen in Central Vietnam and the taste immediately made him think he was about to enjoy a great dish.
A giant pot of pumpkin soup slowly heats up on an electric stove. And in the kitchen, a middle-aged woman is skillfully making spring rolls. Plates of vegetables, diced meat and fresh herbs in the kitchen give diners a sense of generosity and thoughtfulness when preparing this meal.
The food in Hue has been associated with the royal history of Vietnam and now, a foreigner like Troy has the opportunity to taste a dish that has existed for generations. He wrote he was truly amazed.
The historical meanings that stick with time, whether experienced in Vietnam or Hue, also give visitors a special place because of the precious traditions that can be well kept today.
Minh Mang tomb (Photo: Collected)
Previously, the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hue, was considered the cultural and political centre of Vietnam from the early 1800s to 1945. Complex of Hue Monuments has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 1993. And if you have the opportunity to visit Perfume River, this is the ideal destination that has existed for centuries.
Locals believe that the Ngu Binh mountain range, also known as the "Royal Screen" and stands near the Imperial Citadel was built, resembles a ‘dragon’.
Hue is characterised by a blend of history, mythology and cuisine. Troy really loves this destination of Vietnam.
Australians flocking to Vietnam
Admittedly, other places in Asia like Thailand, Cambodia and Bali are known for their popular and well-known destinations, yet, Vietnam possesses a unique beauty with a splash of culture, cuisine and history.
Vietnam has been becoming a well-known destination and chosen by visitors around the world including Aussies.
Perfume River (Photo: Collected)
According to statistics of Intrepid, the number of passengers to Vietnam has increased by 166% when compared from 2023 to 2022. Most tourists booking trips to Vietnam are from Australia (43%), followed by the UK (24%), the US and New Zealand (11 per cent each).
And for Vietnamese cities, Hue has a lot to offer. Besides the affordable price, this destination now offers a peaceful, gentle space, not too busy like Ho Chi Minh City and is a destination worth stopping for tourists, especially if they want to visit Da Nang or Hoi An.
Phuoc Duyen Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda (Photo: TITC)
Trou started his journey to experience Vietnam from the Ha Noi Capital, then through Hoi An (home of famous silk tailors), the Mekong Delta and ending in Ho Chi Minh City. And finally Hue, the trip gave him a particularly interesting experience from the night train from Ha Noi to Hue.
Excellent cuisine
Compared to other cuisines, especially Europe and America regions, Vietnamese food is fresh, light and focuses more on flavour.
Troy wrote, his feast in Hue started with a variety of appetisers: the traditional Vietnamese pumpkin soup that he had seen earlier warmed up on the stove, jackfruit salad and spring rolls. Followed by delicious braised pork and tofu in an earthen pot. The meat almost melts in your mouth and you can taste the fresh ginger and garlic, he described. Along with that is minced pork with tomato, garnished with scallions and coriander - a popular dish on the dinner table of families in Vietnam.
The sour soup is also delicious, consisting of seafood, pineapple and bean sprouts, followed by fresh fruit for dessert. And Troy certainly couldn’t turn down a cold beer at the end of the meal.
(Photo: Vinpearl)
Getting around by motorbike is one of the best ways to see Vietnam, and that was how he spent his second day in Hue.
According to Troy, to explore Hue, visitors should take about half a day. Plus, going early in the morning means fewer crowds and smothering the heat. Tu Duc Tomb - the most impressive mausoleum in Hue - is a destination worth visiting. Besides, don’t miss the Phu Hoi nightlife quarter.
Tu Duc Tomb (Photo: TITC)
In Phu Hoi, many bars and restaurants open for customers, the street comes alive after sunset with neon lights and a bustle of tourists and backpackers. For Troy, this is a less overwhelming version of similar districts in Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.
Wrapping up, experiencing Vietnam to Troy is like a long adventure, and he can't wait to go back if there is an opportunity in the future.
Hue - Vietnam's hidden gem offers visitors a journey to discover historic palaces and palace architecture and was the capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. The best time to travel to Hue is from February to April. Hue is also just a short drive from Da Nang, Vietnam's one of Central business hubs, and Hoi An - a UNESCO heritage site - a short drive away.
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