An Dinh Palace in Hue | Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve already explored Hue’s Imperial City and are looking for a lesser-known but equally fascinating site, An Dinh Palace is a hidden gem worth discovering. Often overlooked by tourists, this palace is a remarkable testament to Vietnam’s imperial past.

Built in the early 20th century, An Dinh Palace witnessed the final days of the Vietnamese monarchy and served as the residence of Bao Dai, the country’s last emperor. What makes it unique? Its stunning architecture—a subtle blend of Vietnamese and European styles, featuring colorful frescoes and lavish interior decorations that contrast sharply with the austerity of the Imperial City.

Today, visiting An Dinh Palace feels like stepping back in time, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It’s a place rich in history, yet also a peaceful retreat filled with elegance and charm. So, are you ready to uncover one of Hue’s hidden treasures?

An Dinh Palace at a Glance

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An Dinh Palace is unlike any other. It was born from the personal ambition of Prince Nguyen Phuc Buu Dao, who would later become Emperor Khai Dinh. In 1901, while still a prince, he decided to build his own palace, naming it An Dinh Palace. Upon ascending the throne in 1917, he initiated an extensive renovation project to transform it into a residence worthy of his new imperial status. Over the course of two years, modernization efforts were undertaken to incorporate Western architectural elements, giving the palace its distinctive style—a blend of European influences and traditional Vietnamese motifs.

In 1922, Khai Dinh passed the palace on to his son, Crown Prince Vinh Thuy, the future Emperor Bao Dai. Bao Dai spent much of his childhood there and witnessed several key events in the history of the Nguyen dynasty. However, the palace’s fate took a dramatic turn after the August Revolution of 1945.

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As Vietnam transitioned away from monarchy and towards a republican government, Bao Dai and his family were forced to leave the Imperial City and took refuge in An Dinh Palace. It was within these walls that they witnessed the final collapse of the Nguyen dynasty, before ultimately leaving Vietnam for exile.

After Bao Dai’s departure, the palace remained in the hands of Queen Mother Tu Cung, the last queen of the Nguyen dynasty. In a powerful symbolic gesture, she decided to donate the palace to the revolutionary government, marking the definitive end of Vietnam’s imperial era. Due to its historical and architectural significance, An Dinh Palace is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and has undergone conservation efforts to preserve its former grandeur.

How to Get to An Dinh Palace?

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Thanks to its prime location, An Dinh Palace is easily accessible by taxi, motorbike, or even bicycle if you’d like to enjoy a scenic ride through Hue. Here are the different ways to get there:

  • By taxi or private car: Simply provide the driver with the address, and you’ll arrive at the palace in 7 to 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • By motorbike or bicycle: A practical and economical way to reach the palace, especially if you enjoy exploring the city at your own pace.
  • On foot: If you’re staying in downtown Hue and enjoy walking, you can reach An Dinh Palace in 30 to 40 minutes.

Directions from Hue City Center

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  • 1. Take Le Loi Street to its end.
  • 2. Turn left onto Phan Boi Chau Street, then right onto Ngo Quyen Street.
  • 3. Take the first right onto Nguyen Truong To Street.
  • 4. Continue straight for 400 meters, then turn left onto Phan Dinh Phung Street.
  • 5. An Dinh Palace will be on your left.
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Whether you opt for a quick taxi ride or a leisurely bike trip, visiting An Dinh Palace is an easy and rewarding excursion to include in your exploration of Hue.

An Dinh Palace Ticket Prices and Opening Hours

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Ticket Prices

  • Adults: 50,000 VND
  • Children: Free entry

An Dinh Palace is open to visitors every day of the week with the following schedule:

  • Summer hours: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
  • Winter hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

What to See Inside An Dinh Palace?

From the moment I arrived at An Dinh Palace, I knew this place would surprise me. Unlike the grand palaces and tombs of Hue, which often feel imposing and majestic, this palace has a much more intimate and almost secretive atmosphere. It feels as if time has forgotten it, preserving it in a bubble where imperial history still echoes.

The Main Entrance

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The first thing that struck me was the main entrance—a grand three-arched gate, each arch serving a distinct purpose during the imperial era: the central arch was reserved for the emperor, while the two smaller arches were meant for nobles and soldiers.

The walls are adorned with porcelain and colored glass mosaics, forming intricate patterns of dragons, phoenixes, and unicorns—mythological creatures believed to protect the palace.

Each piece of porcelain appears to have been meticulously placed, creating a mesmerizing play of light under the sun. The glimmering mosaics reflect the sunlight in a way that makes them almost hypnotic, inviting visitors to pause and admire the craftsmanship, far from the noise and crowds of other historic sites.

Just above the central arch, the Chinese characters for “An Dinh Palace” are carved in relief, adding an imperial touch to this already majestic entrance.

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2. The Trung Lap Pavilion

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After passing through the gate, I came across a small octagonal pavilion—the Trung Lap Pavilion. At its center stands a life-sized bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh. The effect is striking—you almost get the feeling that he is watching you.

The atmosphere here is calm and almost solemn. I can easily imagine the emperor pausing in this space, taking a moment for quiet reflection. Today, the pavilion still exudes a royal and contemplative aura, almost like a hidden sanctuary within the palace.

3. The Khai Tuong Pavilion

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Then came the moment to step inside the Khai Tuong Pavilion, the true masterpiece of An Dinh Palace. This three-story building, designed in a distinctly European style, stands apart from traditional Vietnamese imperial architecture. From the very first steps inside, I felt transported to another era.

The ground floor is perhaps the most impressive part. The well-preserved frescoes showcase imperial refinement, with delicate patterns and clear Western influences. Every surface, from floor to ceiling, is ornately decorated, yet never overwhelming. Here, you can truly see a perfect blend of European baroque style and Vietnamese traditions.

The second floor, once the private residence of the imperial family, has a much softer, more intimate atmosphere. Though the rooms are now empty, they still retain the aura of the past. It’s almost eerie to imagine that Emperor Bao Dai lived here, witnessing the fall of the monarchy.

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The third floor, dedicated to worship and spiritual rituals, is more austere, yet still imbued with a palpable sense of spirituality.

palais an dinh hue lit prince Vinh Thuy

Walking through the hallways and admiring the intricate architectural details, I felt like I was rediscovering a lesser-known side of Vietnam’s monarchy—one that was more personal and intimate than the grandeur displayed in the Imperial City.

My opinion

When I left An Dinh Palace, I had this strange sensation of having traveled back in time. There were no crowds, no distractions, just the echoes of an imperial past that still lingers within these walls. If you love historical sites where every corner tells a story, then this hidden gem is absolutely worth a visit. A place filled with history, elegance, and nostalgia—an unforgettable experience.

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