Hue Imperial City: Planned Your Next Trip

Hue Imperial City, located on the banks of the tranquil Perfume River, is one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Hue City, with a harmonious combination of historical architecture and wealthy culture. Explore Hue Imperial City with an optimal travel guide, from ticket price costs to its highlights or travel tips from Deluxe Group Tours.

About Hue Imperial City

The Hue Imperial City is one of the ancient relics in the Complex of Hue Monuments and has been built and preserved since the Nguyen Dynasty. The location is at 23/8 Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City near by a poetic Perfume River. This period from the early 19th century to the early 20th century remains various cultural characteristics of feudal court. In 1993, it was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

The construction process for this imperial city took thirty years and involved filling rivers, excavating moats, and building walls. To do this, the Nguyen dynasty employed hundreds of thousands of workmen who had millions of cubic meters moved on their account.

If you visit today the Imperial City of Hue, you can see palaces with great grandeur or citadel and temples showing ancient splendor. This complex includes two parts: The first part is called Imperial City where there were king’s activities; the other part called Forbidden Purple City was reserved for the king as his residence only and the rest families from the royal family was not allowed to enter there. Furthermore, each area also includes many other famous buildings such as the Thai Hoa Palace and Ngo Mon Gate structure among others.

How to get to Hue Imperial City

The Imperial City of Hue is situated near the city center, so getting there may be very smooth and handy. If you want to travel and experience the poetic scenery of Hue, you have to consider renting a motorcycle, a cyclo, or a bike. However, when you wish to have a comfortable trip, then taking a taxi is the most appropriate option for you.

Hue Imperial City Map

From the city center; you could take a turn along the southern side of the Perfume River to get close to Phu Xuan or Truong Tien Bridge. Then change your direction on Bach Ho Street and follow Quang Duc Street until when you reach the imperial city of Hue.

Hue Imperial City visiting ticket price

To visit the Imperial City of Hue, you will need to purchase tickets, and this cash is used to keep and maintain the sites. You can confer the price ticket costs for traveling to the Imperial City of Hue within the table beneath:

Book Hue City Tour 1 Day to visit Hue Imperial City

Hue Imperial City highlights

The Hue ancient capital was built on an area of over 500 hectares, offering a sequence of ancient architectural systems such as citadels, palaces, and tombs. Among them, Hue Imperial City is of paramount significance, serving as the residence of the king and his concubines in addition to the venue for royal court sessions. Exploring the Hue Imperial City, you’ll immerse yourself in historic instances, reliving the grandeur and beauty of the royal courtroom.

4.1. Hue Imperial City

Ngo Mon Gate:

Ngo Mon Gate is a massive architectural work located in the south of the Hue Imperial Citadel complex, also the main gate of the Hue Citadel.

The gate consists of two parts, which are the podium and the Ngu Phung pavilion above.

The podium, or the gate of the Ngo Mon, This section is a U-shaped platform approximately 5 meters high, consisting of 5 doors. The three main doors are located at the bottom of the U-shape, and two side doors, Ta Dich Mon and Huu Dich Mon, opposite each other, are located on the two arms of the U-shape.

Among the three main doors, the middle one is typically reserved for the Emperor, while the left door (Ta Giap Mon) is reserved for civil officials, and the right door (Huu Giap Mon) is reserved for military officials. Additionally, the two side doors are designated for soldiers.

Above the podium of the Ngo Mon Gate is the Ngu Phung Pavilion. The Ngu Phung Pavilion consists of 13 compartments tightly interconnected to form 2 floors, with the upper floor smaller than the lower one. The upper floor of the Ngu Phung Pavilion comprises 9 seamlessly connected compartments, covered with precious Hoang Luu Ly and Thanh Lưu Ly tiles, so when viewed from afar, the Ngo Mon Gate resembles a flock of phoenixes. This is also where the solemn ceremonies of the Nguyen dynasty take place.

When you come here, you will be able to admire the majestic yet familiar palace painting. With all the dedication and meticulousness of a glorious dynasty, the Ngo Mon Gate is like a gate guiding you step by step to explore the Hue Imperial City.

Thai Hoa Palace

Thai Hoa Palace is a special place located within the Hue Imperial City. Thai Hoa Palace serves as the royal court hall and is the venue for important events of the dynasty. It hosts meetings with court officials and grand celebrations such as the king’s birthday and those of the royal family. Due to its utmost importance, only the king, princes, high-ranking officials, and court dignitaries are allowed access to this place. This was where the coronation ceremonies of the kings from Gia Long to Bao Dai took place.

Actually, the Thai Hoa Palace that you see today is not the original Thai Hoa Palace as it was originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Gia Long in February 1805. The construction you see today has undergone several renovations and reconstructions over time.

The first renovation occurred during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang in 1833, when the palace was relocated to the southern part of the Imperial City and renovated to become more magnificent. The second major renovation took place in 1923 during the reign of Emperor Khai Dinh to prepare for the Great Anniversary Celebration (marking his 40th birthday). Additionally, the palace underwent several minor renovations and repairs during the reigns of Emperor Thanh Thai, Bao Dai, and even after the end of the war.

Despite undergoing numerous renovations and Thai Hoa Palace having undergone some changes, you can still admire its historical significance, especially as its architectural structure and artistic decorations have been largely preserved.

Flag Tower

The Flag Tower, additionally called the Flagpole, is a place of solemnity embodying national pride.

The flag tower was officially constructed in 1807, during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. Initially simple in design, it underwent several renovations during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, with major works carried out in 1829, 1831, and 1840.

The flag tower consists of two main parts: the flag platform and the flagpole. The flag platform comprises three truncated pyramid-shaped tiers stacked on top of each other. The first tier has a height of 5.5 meters, the second tier is approximately 6 meters tall, and the uppermost third tier is around 7 meters high. The total height of the flag platform reaches approximately 17.5 meters.

Regarding the flagpole, in the past, it was made of wood and consisted of two tiers, reaching nearly 30 meters in height. In 1846, during the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri, the wooden flagpole was replaced with a longer wooden pole measuring over 32 meters. However, in 1904, during the storm of Giap Thin, the flagpole was once again broken, leading to its replacement with an iron cast pipe. At the beginning of 1947, when French forces reoccupied Hue, the flagpole was once again damaged. By 1948, the flagpole was constructed using steel, with a total height of 37 meters, which is the structure we see today. In addition, it also underwent restoration by the Hue Citadel Conservation Center from mid-1994 to 1995.

Today, when visiting the flag tower in the Hue Imperial City after 7 p.m., you can admire the fluttering flags illuminated by dazzling lights during the “Flag Tower Illumination” activity.

Nine Holy Cannons

The Nine Holy Cannons are placed near The Nhon Gate and the Quang Duc Gate inside the Hue Imperial City. The Nine Holy Cannons consist of nine sacred cannons, symbolizing the protective deities of the Imperial City.

The Nine Holy Cannons were cast during the reign of Emperor Gia Long. After ascending to the throne, he ordered the collection of bronze war trophies from this dynasty and had them melted down to cast nine large cannons as a perpetual commemoration.

According to historical records, this set of grand cannons was cast in Hue for 12 months, from February 1803 to January 1804. Each deity cannon has a length of 5.1 meters and a bore diameter of 22.5 centimeters. Intricate decorative patterns and short inscriptions about the origins of the deity cannons are engraved on the body.

Previously, the Nine Holy Cannons were positioned in front of the Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance of the Imperial City. However, they are now located at the The Nhon Gate (Ngan Gate) and the Quang Duc Gate of the Hue Imperial City.

While exploring Hue Imperial City, you should take some time to admire the Nine Holy Cannons, exquisite sculptures showcasing the pinnacle of Nguyen-era metallurgy and bronze casting craftsmanship.

4.2. Forbidden Purple City

Famous for being the focal point within the vast Hue Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City is a historic monument with profound significance. Known as the residence of the kings and concubines, the Forbidden Purple City is a significant construction.

Dai Cung Mon

The Dai Cung Mon serves as the main entrance to the Forbidden Purple City, acting as the gateway to the imperial world, where the history of the Nguyen dynasty is enshrined. This construction consists of 5 compartments and 3 different doors, built in 1833 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang.

The door in the middle compartment serves as the entrance for the King to access the Can Thanh Palace, the royal residence. Meanwhile, the doors on the left and right sides, connected to the Ta Vu and Huu Vu buildings respectively, are reserved the doors for court officials.

The Dai Cung is crafted with extreme delicacy and adorned with vibrantly painted with gold lacquer. The rafter architecture style follows the Ming Mang era. The decorative panels feature classical motifs (such as the Eight Precious Treasures, Four Mythical Creatures, etc.) intertwined with the poems.

However, in 1947, the Dai Cung Mon along with the Can Chanh Palace were burned down. Although they have been reconstructed, they are no longer intact.

Nevertheless, the Dai Cung Mon will surely awe you with its magnificent architectural beauty and the imperial grandeur of a bygone era.

Ta Vu and Huu Vu

Ta Vu and Huu Vu are two tiled-roof buildings facing each other, serving as preparation for the royal court of officials. If Ta Vu is reserved for civil officials, Huu Vu is designated for military officials. The construction of Ta Vu and Huu Vu began in the early 19th century and has undergone two renovations. Therefore, Ta Vu and Huu Vu have been significantly influenced by European styles, although they still retain their original shapes.

These two houses consist of 9 compartments facing each other to the east and west, with the southern side connected to the Dai Cung Mon and the northern side linked to the Can Chanh Palace. The roofs are tiled with graceful patterns, and the walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate royal motifs. This place exudes a classical style, yet remains majestic and splendid.

Visiting Ta Vu and Huu Vu, you will discover architectural marvels that blend tradition with modernity.

Can Chanh Palace

The Can Chanh Palace served as the workplace of the Nguyen dynasty kings, hosting ceremonial events and banquets during festive occasions and receiving important diplomatic envoys. Later, after the completion of Kien Trung Palace in 1921, Kings Khai Dinh and Bao Dai used this place as their residence, office, and reception area. Can Chanh Palace was built during the third year of Gia Long’s reign (1804) and was destroyed in 1947 during the First Indochina War (1945-1954). Today, only the ruins of its foundation remain.

The Can Chanh Palace is one of the few structures with an early date, existing from its construction in 1804 until the end of the Nguyen dynasty in 1945 when it was destroyed in 1947. The upper structure, including the wooden frame and roof system, was burnt down, leaving only the ruins of its foundation. This palace endured for 143 years, witnessing many significant historical events of the nation, and playing a crucial role in the monarchial political system of the Nguyen dynasty.

Recently, the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center organized a scientific council report on the project to research, restore, and enhance the Can Chanh Palace within the Nguyen Dynasty Imperial City. This attraction holds promise, ensuring that it will undoubtedly become one of the top attractions within the Hue Imperial Citadel, deserving of your visit in the future.

Kien Trung Palace

This is the most magnificent palace of the Nguyen dynasty, preserved to this day within the Forbidden Purple City area. The construction began in 1923, serving as the workplace and residence of King Bao Dai and Khai Dinh, the last two kings of the Nguyen dynasty.

This structure bears strong influences from Western architectural elements, particularly the fusion of French, Italian, and traditional Vietnamese styles, creating a resplendent and grandiose palace. This influence can be attributed to King Khai Dinh’s journey to Europe in 1922, during which many architectural features were reimagined. Robust materials such as cement, steel, ceramics, and glass were used in the renovation. Additionally, after King Khai Dinh’s passing, King Bao Dai continued to renovate the palace, incorporating further Western amenities.

Regrettably, this palace was destroyed during the war in 1947. However, the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center initiated the reconstruction project of Kien Trung Palace and opened its doors to visitors in early 2024.

When visiting Kien Trung Palace, you will be overwhelmed by the majestic and splendid beauty of the palace.

Thai Binh Pavilion

Thai Binh Lau is a significant architectural structure within the Complex of Hue Monuments, constructed in 1887 under the reign of King Dong Khanh and renovated from 1919 to 1921 during the reign of King Khai Dinh. It served as a retreat for the kings to rest, read, and contemplate the scenery.

Thai Binh Lau is a unique architectural complex consisting of two structures: the front hall (Tien Doanh) and the rear hall (Hau Doanh), connected. The rear hall is a single-story building with glazed ceramic tile roofing. The Front Hall is a two-story building with yin-yang glazed ceramic tile roofing.

Thai Binh Pavilion also stands out for its intricate enamel ceramic art, blending the cultures of the East and the West. It is a place where you can admire ancient architecture and feel the impressive breath of history.

Nhat Thanh Pavilion

Nhat Thanh Pavilion is a two-story building situated to the east of Can Thanh Dien and the south of Thai Binh Lau within the Imperial City. This architectural structure was constructed in 1841 during the reign of King Thieu Tri, comprising two floors. It served as the Buddha’s sanctuary for the king within the Forbidden Purple City. The staircase leading to the upper floor is sheltered by a corridor.

Nhat Thanh Pavilion suffered severe damage during the years 1947 and 1968, leaving only its foundation. Therefore, in 2018, the Hue Imperial Citadel Conservation Center reconstructed this structure.

Despite being within the majestic palace grounds, Nhat Thanh Pavilion exudes a tranquil beauty.

Duyet Thi Duong (Théatre Royal)

Duyet Thi Duong was constructed to serve as a venue for singing, reciting poetry, and acting in traditional opera for the king. It was designed in a wonderful and grandiose fashion, decorated with extraordinary decorative motifs.

Duyet Thi Duong was constructed in the middle of the seventh year of Minh Mang’s reign (1826), making it 177 years old to date. It is a wooden building with tiled roofs in a traditional Vietnamese style, consisting of four main sections and two side wings, located within a square courtyard enclosed by walls.

The stage is the central floor area located between the four main sections, where performances take place with flower carpets spread across it. The ceiling of the theater is adorned with images of celestial beings, multicolored clouds, crescent moons, and a beautiful blue sky, creating a sensation for both performers and audience members as if they were outdoors. The theater serves as a venue for traditional drama performances and court music presentations.

Up to the present, Duyet Thi Duong is well-known because of the ancient theater of the Vietnamese performing arts in Hue. When visiting right here, you may revel in the dazzling splendor of Vietnam’s cultural heritage through bygone technology.

Essential tips for visiting Hue Imperial City

• When visiting historical sites, you must purchase tickets. Hold your ticket in hand when entering the gate for easy inspection by staff.
• The ticket price is only valid for use on the day of purchase and cannot be used on another day.
• Wear appropriate attire when visiting places of worship and within the palaces. Do not wear revealing or inappropriate clothing (such as shorts, tank tops, or mini-skirts).
• Maintain cleanliness and do not litter.
• Do not bring flammable or dangerous substances into the visited areas.
• Avoid making noise in courtyards, palaces, and other solemn places.
• Some areas may prohibit filming or photography.
• Do not touch, sit, or lie on artifacts. Do not write on architectural structures.
• Do not pick flowers, break trees, or hunt animals.
• Smoking is prohibited in the palace area and other areas prone to fire.

Recommend nearby attractions:

In addition, you can also visit other landmarks within the Hue ancient capital complex nearby, such as:

• Thien Mu Pagoda: An ancient pagoda located on the picturesque banks of the Perfume River, it is one of the symbols of Hue.
• Tu Duc Tomb: The tranquil tomb of King Tu Duc, located approximately 7 km from the Hue Imperial City.
• Hon Chen Palace: A historical and cultural relic of the Champa civilization, located about 12 km from the Hue Imperial City.

Through my sharing of practical insights about Hue Imperial City, I hope that Hue Imperial City will be your next destination. Explore the grand remnants of royal palaces, citadels, and temples and feel the golden age of a nation. This will be a meaningful trip, especially with all the information that I have shared to make your next trip even easier. Let’s take your backpack and get ready to go now!