If you take a stroll down the banks of the Perfume River at night, you will come across a scene of flood lit bridges, sparkling dragon boats and a little commerce as the locals, along with a few tourists, enjoy the fresh evening air after a hot and humid day. One of the delights of that stroll is watching the lights change colour on the Truong Tien Bridge, making the river shine and glow. The open space, parklands, good walkways and absence of motorbikes makes for a pleasurable night out for families and young couples in love.
In 1897, the French Resident Superior in Central Vietnam, Levecque, assigned Eiffel of France (known for the Eiffel Tower in Paris) to design and build the Truong Tien Bridge. The construction was completed in 1899. In 1946, 1953 and 1968, this beautiful bridge, symbol of Hue, was destroyed due to mines and bombings in the French, then American wars. The bridge was finally renovated in 1991-5 and the lighting system was installed in 2002.
The Perfume River (Huong) is named after the flowers from orchards upriver which fall into the water, giving the river a perfume-like aroma. TheΒ River flows to the northeast to HuαΊΏ and passes the palaces and tombs of the Nguyα» n emperors. After a day touring the tombs of the Nguyen emperors in the countryside, I can recommend a slow trip down the river, a relaxing end mesmerising way to end a long day.
My other posts on Hue:Β https://almostitalian.wordpress.com/2016/08/04/almost-vietnamese/Β Β andΒ https://almostitalian.wordpress.com/2016/08/09/hues-culinary-surprises/
ALMOST ITALIAN 
Vietnam is definitely on our bucket list. Thank you for a lovely post, Francesca.
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We mainly saw Hue during the day so it’s nice to be able to see it at night.
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It is not so hot wandering about at night and far more ‘local’.
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Hue. Not a big traveller, as you know, but it is my top 5
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‘in’
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Something about Hue just connects with the soul. Many people find this to be true.
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I love the idea of a river scented by flowers.
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It is a beautiful and romantic idea for sure.
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Sounds perfect. Love Vietnam still lots to explore for us after a short first trip. Lovely night shots and interesting about the bridge. Louise
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Hi Louise, Vietnam will always have more places to explore.
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Wonderful photos, and what a lovely name for a river.
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Hi bythebriny, it is a lovely name for a river, only to be surpassed by the nearby Purple City. Hue is a special town.
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Had no idea Eiffel had designed this : and that it was built in two years flat! Can you see that happening in Sydney π !! Lovely romantic evening views: one could almost tempt me onto one of the dragon boats also after a romantic dinner : hmmm, way back have been known to ride dreamily on the Star Ferry in Honkers late at night a few times to the Island and back again π !
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Now that sounds rather nice, floating abut in Hong Kong late at night. a rather gorgeous idea for a hot night but then Sydney’s ferry rises are also rather special too.
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I’d forgotten it is called the perfume river….. We walked over in daylight so no lights and I can recall seeing ladies of ‘mature age’ selling flowers while smoking pretty serious looking joints as they plied their trade for selling flowers on the market side. Ahhh, the memories. Thanks! π
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I reckon if I had to sell stuff on that bridge, I might need a serious joint too. It was so hot there in the day in August.
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Looks absolutely beautiful- I’ve been to Hoi An but not Hue, something for next time”
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Put it n your list. A great town to explore for a week or so.
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What a fabulous name .. Looking special Francesca! π
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Yes, the Perfume River, just next to the Purple City. Hue is lovely.
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Purple just happens to be my fav colour .. π
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You’ve described a truly beautiful place, Francesca. Spending a night floating down that river would be a highlight of any trip to Vietnam. I know that I would surely love it.
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I am going to Vietnam in February (cycling trip) and I was so happy to read your post. Thank you.
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Have a wonderful trip Anthony.
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Thank you. I am really looking forward to it.
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