Hue

Hue is the place to go to get in touch with the glorious past of old Vietnam. It was once the epicenter of the Nguyen Empire, whose influence stretched north to China and west to Thailand. Visions of the Imperial Citadel and the half-ruined Forbidden Purple City offer a glimpse into the grand court rooms and palaces that were raised during that age. Meanwhile, on the far side of the Perfume River, modern Hue bustles with its parklands, eateries, and motor rickshaws. Hue is also the start of the Hai Van Pass, a crazy winding road that overlooks Vietnam’s best beaches and rocky cliffs.

Kicking off in Hue (one of the best budget backpacking destinations in Vietnam), the first half of the Hai Van Pass is spent ascending the mountain’s sloped switchbacks, with plenty of tempting spots to stop and take a gander. Deserted stretches of sandy beaches are viewable from above and seemingly forgotten, but definitely not unappreciated. At its highest point, you’ll probably say holy sh*t under your breath. I don’t know who paved this road, but I’d buy them a beer if I could.

Vietnam’s Imperial City feels like a museum and a time capsule wrapped into one. With an ancient citadel composed of ornate structures surrounded by a moat and sturdy protective walls, the sights are still quite intact despite destruction from bombings during the war.