Compiled between 2009 and 2012 by Vietnamese British historian Vu Hong Lien and Thai photographer Paisarn Piemmettawat, the book traces the development of Hue’s magnificent imperial capital from its humble beginnings in the 14th century to its current position as a UNESCO world heritage site, an honour it has held since 1993.

With lively text and evocative photographs, the book is a perfect guide for discerning cultural explorers to the site.

The same day, a display of antique Vietnamese jewellery was launched at the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum in Hue city, attracting a large number of visitors from home and abroad.

Over 100 items have been chosen for display from a treasure trove owned by the Viet Nam National Museum of History and the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

The showcase will last throughout June 28.

Meanwhile, at the Can Chanh temple court inside the Hue Royal Palace, an exhibition opened introducing 50 paintings on bamboo paper hailing from the Nguyen dynasty era (1802-1945).

The display was co-organised by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre and the Viet Nam Institute of Cultural and Art Studies.