Shining on the Perfume River, Hue. Vietnam

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.

Shining Bridge of Hue, the Truong Tien Bridge
Shining Bridge of Hue, the Truong Tien Bridge

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.

More evening cruise boats along the banks of the Perfume River, Hue, Vietnam
More evening cruise boats along the banks of the Perfume River, Hue, Vietnam

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.

DRagon boat ready for business on Perfume River, Hue
Dragon boat ready for business on Perfume River, Hue

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/

27 thoughts on “Shining on the Perfume River, Hue. Vietnam”

  1. Had no idea Eiffel had designed this : and that it was built in two years flat! Can you see that happening in Sydney πŸ˜‰ !! 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 πŸ™‚ !

    Liked by 1 person

    1. 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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  2. 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! πŸ™‚

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  3. 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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