VietExplorer

It is imperative that one be able to tell Hue and Thua Thien- Hue apart. When someone says the word “Hue” in a conversation, it is highly likely they are referring to Hue city itself. Hue city is situated in Vietnam’s central province of Thua Thien- Hue, which is bordered by the more well-known city of Da Nang to the South and the war-torn province of Quang Tri to the North. Hue Imperial Citadel Photo: Central Vietnam Guide Famously being one of Vietnam’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Imperial City of Hue has long been a must-see attraction for tourists visiting a hidden charm of Vietnam. The Imperial City of Hue was actually a walled fortress and palace belonging to the ancient city of Hue which was the capital city of the Nguyen Dynasty for 140 years dating back from 1805 until 1945. The Imperial City of Hue has a circumference of 10 kilometers with a height of 6.6 meters and 21 meters thick with forts being meanderingly arranged, accompanied by cannons, art...

That is the meaning of the “Xong dat” (first footing), a Tet tradition in Vietnam, which has been passed down through generations and continued with equal enthusiasm today, To ensure good luck for the house, the selected “first foot” is normally required to have zodiac signs compatible with the host. He or she should also be successful and content with life.  The invited guest usually visits the house in the morning of the first day of the Lunar New Year, bringing with him small gifts for the family, including lucky money in red envelops for children. He greets each member, wishing the old with longevity, businessmen with thriving prosperity, and kids with good academic achievements.  The host generously welcomes the special guest, offering the family’s best New Year treats, wine or tea.  Some families choose a member to become the first to enter the house. In this case, the “first foot” normally goes out and comes home after midnight with a spring branch,...