Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945 and is one of the country's most historically and culturally rich cities. Its ancient imperial city, built by the Nguyen dynasty, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, it combines pagodas, palaces, markets, and elegant buildings in a stunningly beautiful setting, and is also renowned for its refined cuisine.