Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
(+84) 942777545
sales@vietnamescapetours.com
Need Help?
Private tailor-made journeys of a life time
Sep 8, 2023
By Ms. Anh Thu
Overview
Hue Imperial City Vietnam is a famous national relic, well-known by many people. Coming here, you not only admire the scenic spots but also learn about the history and unique architecture of Vietnam's feudal authority. On December 11, 1993, the Hue Monuments Complex was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is the 410th Heritage on the List and the first world heritage of Vietnam to be honored. Paying a visit to Vietnam, it is worth setting your feet on Hue Imperial City to learn more about the history, culture, and people here.
The ancient capital of Hue is located right next to the quiet Perfume River, built by the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. To this day, although it has gone through many historical events, the ancient capital is still a symbol of the beauty of Hue. The ancient, peaceful beauty of Hue.
The citadel was designed to face the Perfume River to the southeast. Looking from the outside, Hue Ancient Capital appears with ancient and magnificent beauty containing unique architectural works. Tourists coming here will be immersed in the ancient Vietnamese lifestyle with magnificent royal palace scenes, reminiscing about the heroic history of the country.
During the time our country was divided by "King Le, Lord Trinh", the ancient capital of Hue became the seat of nine generations of Nguyen kings in Dang Trong. In 1789, Nguyen Anh became Emperor Gia Long with Hue in the newly unified Vietnam. Construction began in 1805 when King Gia Long was still reigning. He used divination to determine the city's location, and construction began in 1804 on the Imperial City of Hue, with thousands of workers building the citadel and moat.
In 1947, the city was seized by the Viet Minh, leading to a French counterattack and a 6-week battle that destroyed major buildings and burned the Imperial Palace. US troops were ordered to maintain shelling restrictions due to the city's heritage. Hue Imperial City lasted for 27 years during the Nguyen Dynasty, it was the capital of the Tay Son and Nguyen dynasties. Hue Imperial City was no longer the capital of Vietnam in 1945 when the last King of the Nguyen Dynasty also the last King of Vietnam, Bao Dai, abdicated.
- The most intact royal relic in Vietnam: After more than 2 centuries of existence, the palaces, citadel, and tombs of kings in the Complex of Hue Ancient Capital are still preserved. The panorama of Hue Citadel still has a quiet and peaceful look but is no less magnificent.
- Military architecture of Hue's ancient capital: This is a rare relic built in the style of Western military architecture combined with Eastern architecture. There are 13 gates, including 10 gates leading to the outside, 1 internal gate, and 2 waterway gates.
- There are many unique mausoleums of kings and lords: The mausoleums are built according to Feng Shui, and divided into 2 parts: Mausoleum - the burial place of the king's body; Dam - the place where the attic, communal house, and palace are built.
- A place to store and preserve treasures and court music: You will discover ceramics, porcelain, etc. of historical value at Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities. In addition, you will enjoy the traditional court music of the East - Hue royal court music when coming here.
- Representing royal rituals: The Hue Royal Festival has a national scale and is organized by the state. Large and small festivals held every year will recreate some royal rituals.
Ngo Mon Gate, the main southern gate of Hue Citadel, is considered the face of the Imperial Wall and the feudal dynasty. Built in 1833, it serves as a ceremonial gate leading to the Citadel Ky pedestal. It has witnessed historical events such as the Truyen Lo ceremony, Ban Soc ceremony, and Parade ceremony. The most dignified event was the abdication ceremony of King Bao Dai on August 30, 1945. Ngo Mon Gate has stood firm as a symbol of Hue for 180 years, embodying the old values of aristocratic society. Its location in the southern direction is renowned for its massive scale and unique architecture. Visitors can appreciate the scenery of Hue Citadel by joining a guided sightseeing tour or exploring the citadel on their own for new experiences. The gate's significance lies in its role in the overall architecture of Dai Noi.
Ngo Mon Gate is a unique ancient architectural work in Hue, Vietnam, resembling Beijing Palace's Ngo Mon Gate. Despite being wartorn and disaster-stricken, the gate's intangible values remain precious. The Gate's structure consists of two main parts: the ground-level Dai and the upper-level Ngu Phung Pavillion. The Dai has a perpendicular U-shaped structure, while the upper-level Ngu Phung Pavillion has a more elaborate structure. The gate is a symbol of the ancient capital and Vietnamese engineering construction techniques.
Thai Hoa Palace, built by King Gia Long in 1805, spans 1,360 square meters and features a "double-house" structure with two halls linked and one roof overlapping the other. The palace's architecture features 80 ironwood pillars decorated with dragons and clouds, symbolizing the meeting between the king and his mandarins. The front and main halls are connected by an arched ceiling, creating a continuous interior space. The roof tiles are divided into three parts overlapping to make the palace higher and reduce the force on the pillars below. The palace's decoration features the numbers 5 and 9, symbolizing the center of the universe and spiritual perfection and development. The palace has undergone several restorations, preserving its antique appearance but preserving its architectural and decoration features.
Dai Cung Mon is the main gate at the Purple Forbidden City with 5 compartments and 3 doors connecting Ta Vu and Huu Vu. This is a project built by King Minh Mang in 1833. In the past, the King would go through the main door and the remaining 2 doors would be for civil and military mandarins and courtiers. Because of going through a long period of time and witnessing many wars, Dai Cung Mon is no longer intact and is in the process of being restored to its current state.
The Ta Vu and Huu Vu palaces are located in front of the Principal Palace. They were constructed in 1819 at the same time as the Ta Phuong and Huu Phuong palaces, which were renamed Van Minh and Vo Hien in 1824. The palaces have five cases and two lateral rooms, with multiple roofs turned toward each other. They were built at the same time as the Ta Phuong and Huu Phuong palaces in Dai Noi (Hue). The palaces were repaired in 1831 and readorned in 1996. They serve the same purpose as the Ta Vu and Huu Vu palaces in Dai Noi, but some add the usage of serving Thai Mieu ceremonies and tombs. The Thai Hoa Palace, which spans 1,360 square meters, features a "double-house" structure with two halls linked and one roof overlapping the other. The pillars are decorated with dragons and clouds, symbolizing the meeting between the king and the king's wives.
Can Chanh Palace, built in 1804 under Gia Long's reign, was the emperor's office and venue for important emissary receptions and banquets. It is the largest and most beautiful wooden structure in the Imperial City, with a total square of nearly 1000m2. The main palace has 5 compartments and two double wings, while the front palace has 7 compartments and two single wings. The entire structure includes 80 iron wooden pillars and is adorned with intricate carvings, showcasing Vietnamese traditional architecture in the 19th century. The palace has undergone several repairs, including repainting by King Khai Dinh in the early 20th century. Despite being destroyed by fire in 1947, the renovation plan is still ongoing.
Thái Bình Lâu, a two-story wooden building in the northeast area of the Forbidden Purple City, was built between 1919 and 1921 during Emperor Khải Định's reign. The 9.55m high house features a thatched roof representing yin and yang and gold enamel decorations. Despite the war, the building remained almost intact and is now open to tourists. Thai Binh Lau, another building in the area, was built during King Khai Dinh's reign in 1919 and completed in 1921. The complex consists of three parts connected by drainage canals, with the main hall being the most distinctive architectural feature. The roof is covered with yellow yin and yang glazed tiles, symbolizing Ngu Phuc, and the two sides have the image of a powerful dragon.
The biking trip along the northern bank of the Perfume River takes you to the old town of Bao Vinh, where you'll visit the Citadel, Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, a typical Hue garden house, and an old Buddhist pagoda. By renting a bike, you can go sightseeing in the above places, reminiscing about trading activities between Hue and other nations. Visit Hue Imperial City with a cyclo rental for a convenient and time-saving way to explore the impressive buildings, costing between 2-4 USD/round.
Hue, a historic citadel, has transformed into a tranquil city at night, blending the old and new. Although not as vibrant as other Vietnam cities, tourists can enjoy unique nightlife experiences like lantern releases on the Perfume River, exploring the citadel, and exploring the Western area. These activities give Hue a mysterious appearance. Hue Citadel's night openings, from Ngo Mon Gate to Thai Hoa Palace, include The Mieu Temple, Dien Tho Palace, Truong Sanh Palace, Tu Phuong Vo Su, and Hoa Binh Door. The mysterious atmosphere is different from the day, and new services like "Hue Citadel Night" offer royal cultural activities on Doan Thi Diem Street and An Dinh Palace.
Listening to Hue folk songs on the Perfume River is a unique art activity that has been preserved and developed by locals over hundreds of years. It is a top activity in Hue at night, making it a popular choice for dragon boat cruises. This delicate art play allows visitors to feel the soul of Hue hidden deep within the charming Huong River. This unique experience is a top thing to do in Hue at night.
The Hue Royal Citadel is a unique location that preserves the beauty of ancient feudal cultures and the royal festivals of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can enjoy cultural activities during the Hue Festival and enjoy tea on the royal terrace at Dien Tho Palace. The Hue Imperial City boasts numerous historical and cultural treasures, stunning architecture, and fascinating cultural experiences.
The Imperial City Hue is situated in Thành phố, Huế, Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam, and is located on the opposite side of the bridge to most accommodations, restaurants, and new buildings. To reach the Imperial City, download the Grab app, which is similar to Uber in Southeast Asia, as it simplifies transportation from point A to point B. Depending on the group or solo traveler, you can order a motorbike or a car for a group. Walking is another option, especially in the early morning due to cooler temperatures and the beautiful river views. If you're unsure of how to get there, download the Maps.Me app, which offers an offline map of the area, even without a local SIM card. The beautiful river views make the journey to the Imperial City an enjoyable experience. You can also book a tour of Hue City from the best travel agency to have a great experience here.
Hue, a popular tourist destination, offers mild and pleasant weather from February to April, making it an ideal time for exciting activities and experiencing the city's hot and humid climate. To experience the best Hue Imperial City tour, choose the right time between January to March. The cool weather, beautiful scenery, and poetic atmosphere make it an ideal time to visit. The Hue Festival, the biggest and most unique event in Central Vietnam, takes place from April to June. Visit the Hue Imperial Citadel during this time to enjoy the festival and learn about local culture.
To enter the Hue Citadel, visitors must pay an entrance fee of VND 200,000.
For each destination:
Hue Imperial Palace (Citadel – Museum of Royal Antiquities): Adults 200,000 VND, children 40,000 VND.
Relic sites: Tomb of King Minh Mang, Tomb of King Tu Duc, Tomb of King Khai Dinh: Adults 150,000 VND, children 30,000 VND.
Monuments: Tomb of King Gia Long, Tomb of King Thieu Tri, Tomb of King Dong Khanh: Adults 50,000 VND, children free.
For tour route:
3-point route (Hue Imperial Palace - Minh Mang Tomb - Khai Dinh King's Tomb): Adults 420,000 VND, children 80,000 VND.
4-point route (Hue Royal Palace - Minh Mang Tomb - Tu Duc King's Tomb - Khai Dinh King's Tomb): Adults: 530,000 VND, children: 100,000 VND.
Combined route of relics (visiting all monuments): Adults 580,000 VND, children 110,000 VND.
Opening hours: The Imperial City of Hue is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Fridays to Wednesdays, and from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Thursdays, allowing visitors to experience the city at night and explore its grounds in a unique way.
