The Imperial City of Hue is a massive walled citadel first built in the 17th century. It was home to the Nguyen Dynasty royal family. Read this blog to find out more.
One sight you cannot miss out on in Vietnam is the Imperial City of Hue. This massive walled citadel was first built in the 17th century and was home to the Nguyen Dynasty royals for over a hundred years. 13 kings called this place home. The sprawling complex draws a lot of comparison to the Forbidden City of Beijing. Particularly because of its walled nature which was closed off to the commoners. Nowadays you can visit the Imperial City and get a glimpse into royal life.
Ngo Mon Gate is the impressive southern gate and the main entrance into the Imperial City. The gate’s distinctive yellow roof and intricate design have helped cement its place as the most recognizable feature of the Imperial City. The gate’s upper pavilion was used by the king for special ceremonies. There are also three passageways with the most important one in the middle which was used by royalty. These days, the gate is seen as the symbol for Hue City.
Right opposite the Ngo Mon Gate is the Ky Dai or the Flag Tower. Another important feature of the Imperial City of Hue. The massive three-tiered structure measuring 17.5 meters tall with a Vietnam flag flying high at the top is an impressive sight. During the time of the Nguyen Dynasty, the tower was used by soldiers to observe the weather and incoming enemy troops. Nowadays, the flag tower is seen as a thing of pride by the locals.
One of the most important, largest, and well–preserved palaces within the Imperial City is Thai Hoa Palace. It was once the seat of power for the Nguyen Kings. It was here that the king received guests and held meetings. At the center of the palace is the throne room where the king held all the important meetings. The throne is made of red and gold lacquered wood and sits upon an elevated platform. You can walk around the palace and enjoy the intricate architecture and design of the palace.
Thai Binh Lau or the Royal Reading Pavilion is a two-story wooden building that once served as a resting place and reading room for the king. It was built between 1919 and 1921. It was one of the only major buildings that were not damaged by the French during the Indochina or Anti-French resistance war of 1947. Because of that the building is largely intact and is still as magnificent as it was when it was first constructed.
Another important building to see within the Imperial City of Hue is the Duyet Thi Duong or the Royal Theatre. It is the oldest theatre in Vietnam having been built in 1826 on top of another older theatre. The theatre was used by the royal family who would come here to watch performances by actors and musicians. It was renovated recently in 2004 after years of neglect and opened to the public for the first time. You can also witness a variety of traditional performances here just like how the royal family used to once upon a time.
These are some of the must-visit buildings within the Imperial City. However, there are still many more places and sights to see inside this marvelous complex including the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum, Cua Hien Nhon or the Gate of Manifest Benevolence, Thua Thien Hue Historical Museum, etc. There are also gardens all around the complex which adds to the beauty and elegance of the Imperial City.
Check out this blog to find out how you can spend one day in Hue.
Best time to visit: Between January to April when the weather is comfortable with little rain.
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Friday to Wednesday and from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Ticket price: For adults - 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND. For children below 12 years - 30,000 VND
Location: FH9H+M5R, Thanh pho Hue, Thua Thien Hue
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