13 January, Hue
Phong Nha Hotel 230,000VND

We cycled along the Perfume River to pay a late-morning visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601. The pagoda houses the blue Austin used to transport monk Thich Quang Duc to Saigon for his 1963 self-immolation in protest of Roman Catholic President Diem’s discrimination against Buddhists. Diem’s sister-in-law proclaimed the event a barbecue party saying “Let them burn and we shall clap our hands”. Later that year Diem and his brother were assassinated.

Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty emperors (1802-1945) ruled from their citadel in Hue, which became, and is still known for, its fine cuisine. Royal chefs created dishes with an emphasis on presentation. “Elegantly and colourfully presented, often in the form of animals, the dishes and their names were intended to impress and amuse.” As part of our Hue experience we lunched at Ancient Hue, our 12-course set menu* giving us a taste of the past.

* Ancient Hue Menu

Phoenix Image Appetiser

Spring Rolls on Dragon Boat

Hue Fried Pancake (stuffed with shrimp and pork and served with peanut sauce)

Chicken Soup and Lotus Seeds

Grilled Shrimp Paste on Sugar Cane

Tiger Prawn Fried in Young Green Rice (served with a passion fruit dip)

Grilled Beef with Lemon Grass

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Leaves

Wok Vegetables in Royal Style

Steamed Fish with Five Spices (red snapper)

Steamed Mix Rice with Lotus Seed

Royal Sweet Compote