Hue served as Vietnam’s capital under the Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945.  The city’s regal past can still be seen today inside the walls of the Citadel and the war-ravaged Imperial City.

Having a western breakfast in the hotel with Vietnamese coffee, not sure why they call it coffee; an omelet (scrambled eggs); bread; very sweet mandarin oranges.

Back to the room to take the Bike Friday’s (fold up bicycles) out of their suitcases and put them together.  They traveled well and were easily unfolded and ready for a ride.

The bicycle ride took over the perfume river and past the Citadel.   What we thought was the road to the Thien Mu Pagoda took us thru several small villages.  We passed many locals that admired our fold up bicycles and asked us for their purchase price and of course, priceless.  After about 30 minutes of riding we realized we took the wrong turn and turned around and made the correct turn arriving at the Pagoda.

Thien Mu Pagoda – is a historic temple in the city of Hue in Vietnam. Its pagoda has seven storeys and is the tallest in Vietnam and located just out of town along the perfume river.  The temple is often the subject of folk rhymes and ca dao about Hue, such is its iconic status and association with the city. It is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital.

Tips for riding a bike here in Vietnam: stay right; dodge other bikes; motor scooters; cars; and pedestrians.  All vehicles excluding bikes have horns and the locals use them well.

After a two hour bicycle ride, went on a 15 minute walk to receive a one hour Vietnamese and hot rock massage for $15.

Off to dinner and for a change went for Italian food at a restaurant named Little Italy.