A look at our neighbor’s most historic cities. By Michele Koh

She has been invaded by the Chinese, the Mongols, colonized by the French and Japanese during the Indochina Wars, and wrecked by the Vietnam War. Yet, more than most nations, Vietnam is a forgiving one. And her compassion is reflected through the acceptance and preservation of her past.

Hue: Land of Warlord Emperors

Hue is the capital city of Thua Thiên province and was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, a feudal empire that ruled most of Southern Vietnam between 1802 and 1945. It stradles North and South Vietnam and is pretty much the middle point of the country. This sleepy little city has a population of only 340,000 people and tourists come here mostly to see the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Royal Citadel (north bank of the Perfume River) is a mini version of China’s Forbidden City and was home to the founders of the Nguyen Dynasty. One of the more awe-inspiring sights is Minh Mang’s Tomb, the burial palace of the second Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Etched on the walls of its many pavilions are poems written by the emperor, perhaps for his 200 wives and 600 concubines, stone animal statues and a lake for him to fish in. And yet, the emperor never lived here while he was alive, and all this architectural splendor was constructed for him to enjoy in the afterlife.

While the rest of Vietnam sees the dry season in November, Hue is wet and rainy and flooding can be expected. In fact, floods are such a regular occurrence here that most people living in the outskirts of the city leave the ground level of their houses unfurnished as the rain water often seeps in. The only five star hotel here is the Imperial Hotel Hue. Just a year and a half old, the majestic interior is a stark contrast to the rudimentary state of the surrounding town. Designed to look like a royal palace, the rooms look like something the emperor Ming Mang himself would not refuse. Hue still manages to look beautiful in the storm and one way to enjoy the view without getting wet is at The Kings Panorama Bar on the 16th floor which overlooks the river, the city and Ngu Binh Mountain.

Danang: Invaders Beach

108 kilometers south from Hue is Danang, the third largest city in Vietnam. Danang was occupied by the French, Japanese and Americans, and China Beach (Bac My An) was a popular R&R hangout for US G.I.s during the Vietnam War. Now, it is a fast growing tourist destination and vacationers come here for resorts and sea sports. The most popular is the Furama Resort. Selected as one of Forbes most luxurious beaches in the world, the Furama sits like a fairyland oasis at the end of China Beach.

A 30-minute bus or car ride away will bring you to Hoi An, an ancient Silk Road trading port that UNESCO recognizes as a living museum. It is a colorful and lively hub with custom tailors, lantern makers, shoemakers and arts and craft shops that hawk touristy things, and there are even cute little cafes. For more authentic Vietnamese cuisine, the Ancient Hue Royal Cuisine and Gallery (4/4/8 Lane 35 Pham Thi Lien, Phu Mong/Kim Long Ward, 5459-0356) serves dishes like baby jackfruit salad and steamed rice with lotus paste in a regal and idyllic setting. Other attractions include the Danang Cathedral, Caodai Temple, Tam Bao Pagoda, Pho Da Pagoda, Cham Museum, Hai Van Pass and Marble Mountain.

Ho Chi Minh: Paris of the Orient

The French colonial occupation resulted in a city with classical western-style architecture, so much so that Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) came to be called the “Paris of the Orient.” This continental influence can be seen in the historic Notre Dame Cathedral (in the HCMC’s government quarter), Opera House and the jazzy Caravelle Hotel. This five-star hotel comes with in-room broadband, stereo and CDs and is ideal for business travelers. The Saigon Saigon Bar on the top floor was voted best bar in the city by leading publications and offers live music with a feisty crowd. With a population of nearly seven million and a growing economy, Ho Chi Minh succeeds in developing gracefully while still retaining the glamour of its golden age.