Hue City is located in central Vietnam on the banks of the Perfume River, just a few miles inland from the Thuan An sea. It is about 700 km (438 mi.) south of the national capital of Hanoi and about 1100 km (690 mi.) north of Ho Chi Minh City-the country's largest city formerly known as Saigon. Its population sits slightly over 340,000 people (Statistics, 2008). It was the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. As such, it is well known for its monuments and architecture. Presently, Hue comprises 27 administrative divisions, including 24 urban wards and 3 rural communes (Statistics, 2008). The Hue City is an important trade centre surrounded by rice fields. Chief economic activities include tourism and the manufacture of textiles and cement. Hue is connected by road and rail to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The Hue City is also served by Phu Bai international airport.
