Imperial City of Hue | Complete Guide 2025

f you’re looking for a place that exudes the imperial history of Vietnam, the Imperial City of Hue, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, is a must-visit. Located on the banks of the Perfume River, this former capital was the seat of power of the Nguyễn dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Behind the citadel’s walls lie magnificent palaces, luxurious residences, a theater, and ornately decorated pavilions, all designed for the emperor and his family.

Today, only a fraction of the 150 original buildings of this impressive complex remains, as wars and fires have taken their toll.

As an expatriate, I can tell you that Hue is like a living history book. In this article, I’ll guide you through this imperial treasure, its secrets, and everything you need to know for a successful visit. Let’s dive in!

The Imperial City at a Glance

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Passing through the majestic Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial City of Hue, you step into a place filled with history and symbolism. Oriented south, a direction considered sacred in ancient texts, the citadel is protected by Ngu Binh Mountain and flanked by two river islets, creating a geomantic harmony believed to ward off evil spirits.

Construction of the Imperial City began in 1804 under Gia Long, founder of the Nguyễn dynasty. Surrounded by a 4-meter-high wall, the 36-hectare site housed magnificent palaces, temples for ancestral worship, and royal residences. In 1833, Minh Mạng reimagined the city, drawing inspiration from the Forbidden City of Beijing, while adding lush gardens and grand structures, emblematic of the Nguyễn Empire’s golden age.

Though heavily damaged by wars and fires, the Imperial City was reborn after its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1993. Thanks to meticulous restorations, supported by historical archives and photographs, many buildings have been brought back to life. Today, this site remains a must-see treasure of Vietnamese history, where past and renewal converge to captivate visitors.

Difference Between the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City

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The Imperial City (Hoang Thanh), also known as Hoang Cung or Dai Noi, is a 36-hectare square compound surrounded by 4-meter-high brick walls and a wide moat. Accessible through four main gates, with the largest to the south, it housed palaces for royal audiences, imperial residences, temples for ancestor worship, and pavilions for entertainment. Inspired by the Forbidden City of Beijing, it is characterized by lush gardens and tranquil ponds, enhancing its imperial serenity. Yellow-tiled roofs marked the royal spaces, while green tiles were reserved for mandarins and servants. True to tradition, the city is oriented south, symbolizing authority and prosperity.

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The Purple Forbidden City (Tu Cam Thanh), located at the heart of the Imperial City, was the most private and sacred area, reserved exclusively for the emperor, his family, and a select few servants. Designed to meet all the needs of royal life—from political affairs to relaxation, leisure, and care—it was strictly off-limits to the rest of the court. Heavily damaged by fires and bombings, much of its structures were lost, but ongoing restoration efforts aim to revive this iconic space.

In summary, the Imperial City was the administrative and ceremonial center of the Nguyễn Empire, while the Purple Forbidden City served as the emperor’s private sanctuary, completely inaccessible to the outside world.

Entrance Fees for the Imperial City of Hue

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Visiting the Imperial City of Hue is affordable and open to everyone. Admission costs 200,000 VND for adults and children over 12, while teens aged 7 to 12 pay 40,000 VND. Children under 7 can enter for free. This ticket grants access to all areas inside the Imperial City, as well as the Museum of Royal Antiquities, located near the exit. Vietnamese and foreigners pay the same price, and on special commemorative days, such as Vietnam’s Independence Day, locals can enter for free.

For those wishing to explore more, combo tickets are available to visit other UNESCO-listed sites:

  • 3 sites: Imperial City, Minh Mang Tomb, and Tu Duc Tomb – 420,000 VND (80,000 VND for teens).
  • 4 sites: Add Khai Dinh Tomb – 530,000 VND (100,000 VND for teens).
  • All major sites: 580,000 VND (110,000 VND for teens).

Tickets are valid for three days, so make sure to keep your ticket safe, as it may be checked during visits.

Where to Buy Tickets for of the Imperial City of Hue

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths located in front of the Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial City. Staff members speak English, and ticket prices are clearly displayed. Cash payments only are accepted, so ensure you have Vietnamese dong, or ask for assistance at the booth for currency exchange.

To make the most of your visit, aim to arrive before 3:30 PM, as the last tickets are sold shortly before closing time.

Opening Hours of the Imperial City of Hue

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The Imperial City of Hue welcomes visitors year-round, with seasonal opening hours:

  • Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
  • Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

How Much Time is Needed to Visit the Imperial City?

  • Quick Visit: 2 hours to explore the highlights, take a stroll, and enjoy a short break.
  • Full Visit: A half-day is ideal to delve into the history of the Nguyễn dynasty and explore every corner of this majestic site.
  • Group Tours: Organized tours often have limited time, so it’s best to focus on the main attractions.

Tour Guides and Audio Guides

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To fully immerse yourself in the history of Hue, several options are available:

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Local Tour Guides: The Imperial City has a team of nearly 60 experienced guides who speak various languages, including French, English, Chinese, and Japanese. These professionals, often dressed in the traditional ao dài and conical hats, enhance your visit with historical and cultural anecdotes. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high season, to ensure availability.

Audio Guides: Available in 11 languages, they cover the Imperial City and other sites in Hue. The audio-guided tour of the Imperial City lasts about 150 to 180 minutes, offering a convenient way to explore at your own pace.

Tip: If you wish to broaden your exploration of Hue, many guides offer personalized tours of multiple sites. For English-speaking travelers, I recommend the English agency Hoi An Découverte, which provides excellent guides.

Dress Code

The Imperial City does not enforce strict dress codes, but wearing a swimsuit to visit palaces, temples, and pagodas is strongly discouraged. Opt for respectful and comfortable attire during your visit.

Must-See Places in the Imperial City of Hue

The Buildings Outside the Imperial City

Even before stepping inside the walls of the Imperial City, several iconic structures deserve your attention. The Nghinh Luong Dinh Pavilion, gracefully positioned along the Perfume River, offers a glimpse of royal elegance, while the Phu Van Lau (Pavilion of Edicts) was historically used to announce royal decisions.

At the entrance, the Nine Sacred Cannons symbolize the power of the Nguyễn dynasty, and the Flag Tower, with its towering height, majestically overlooks the citadel. Finally, the Ngo Mon Square serves as the grand gateway to the imperial heart of Hue.

Ky Dai

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Built in 1807 under the reign of King Gia Long, the Ky Dai is located at the center of the citadel of Hue, near the Perfume River. A symbol of royal authority, it underwent several renovations, notably under King Minh Mang, who completed its structure in 1840. Composed of three brick tiers, it rises to 17.5 meters, while its flagpole, originally made of wood but destroyed by storms and artillery, was rebuilt in reinforced concrete in 1948, reaching a total height of 54 meters.

In the past, each tier was guarded by imperial soldiers and cannons. The Ky Dai remains a witness to the transformations and challenges faced by the Nguyễn dynasty, making it an iconic monument of Hue.

Ngo Mon Gate (Gate of the Meridian)

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A symbolic landmark of Hue, the Ngo Mon Gate is more than just an entrance. Built in 1804 and redesigned in 1833, this majestic gate reflects the meticulous organization of the imperial court. Its upper section, the Pavilion of Five Phoenixes, features yellow tiles for royal areas and green tiles for mandarins.

The emperor used this site to oversee major national ceremonies. The central passage, reserved solely for emperors, remains closed today, while the other passages were historically used by mandarins, guards, and even royal animals. In 1945, this gate became a historic site as it hosted the abdication of the last emperor, Bao Dai, marking the end of Vietnam’s monarchy.

Thai Hoa Palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony)

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Built in 1805, the Thai Hoa Palace is one of the most prestigious monuments in the Imperial City of Hue. It houses the imperial throne, a national treasure that has never been moved, even during wars. The palace served as the venue for official audiences between emperors and their mandarins.

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Supported by 80 lacquered ironwood columns, it impresses visitors with its refined decorations, including poems and images composed by the emperors themselves. Today, an adjacent room offers a digital reconstruction of the Imperial City, providing a glimpse of its former splendor.

The Purple Forbidden City

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Located behind the Thai Hoa Palace, the Purple Forbidden City was once a space reserved exclusively for the emperor and his family. Key buildings, such as Huu Vu (for military mandarins) and Ta Vu (for literary mandarins), have been converted into exhibits and souvenir spaces.

Outside, large copper cauldrons cast in the 17th century symbolize the power of the Nguyễn dynasty. Visitors can also enjoy the recently restored reddish corridors, ideal for taking stunning photos and immersing themselves in the site’s historical atmosphere.

Kien Trung Palace

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The Kien Trung Palace was constructed between 1921 and 1923 during the reign of King Khai Dinh. It is one of the five major structures located along the sacred axis of the Purple Forbidden City, alongside the palaces Thai Hoa, Can Chanh, Can Thanh, and Khon Thai.

Under King Bao Dai, the palace became the royal family’s shared residence. On August 29, 1945, it was here that King Bao Dai met the provisional government delegation following the August Revolution, marking the abdication of Vietnam’s last emperor and the transfer of power to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.

The palace was completely destroyed in 1947 during the war, leaving only its foundations. It was restored and reopened to the public in 2024.

To Mieu Temple and the Nine Dynastic Urns

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In the southwest corner of the Imperial City lies the To Mieu Temple, dedicated to the worship of deceased Nguyễn emperors. This sacred site houses the altars of 10 emperors, although three are excluded due to their deposition.

Outside the temple stand the Nine Dynastic Urns, cast in bronze to symbolize the power and longevity of the Nguyễn dynasty. These massive urns, adorned with engravings depicting Vietnam’s landscapes and symbols, serve as a visual atlas of the nation.

Dien Tho Palace

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Located in the northwest of the Imperial City, the Dien Tho Palace served as the residence of the queen mothers. Surrounded by a lotus pond and a monumental screen wall, the complex also features a European-style pavilion, added by King Bao Dai for his mother. Visitors can admire valuable furniture, explore Buddhist temples, or relax in a peaceful café within this serene setting.

Museum of Royal Antiquities of Hue

Outside the walls of the Imperial City, the Museum of Royal Antiquities of Hue is included in the entry ticket. Founded in 1923, it houses approximately 10,000 valuable artifacts, including imperial seals, royal costumes, and musical instruments. A free buggy transfer is available from the Hien Nhon Gate exit to this fascinating site.

Duyet Thi Duong (Royal Theater)

Built in 1826, the Royal Theater was the venue for imperial performances. Emperors watched from an upper balcony, while mandarins were seated below. Now restored, the theater once again hosts Vietnamese court music performances, offering visitors a unique cultural experience.

Pavilions and Gardens

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Near the recently restored red corridors, the pavilions and gardens of the Imperial City offer a peaceful retreat. The Nhat Thanh Lau Pavilion, newly reconstructed, intrigues visitors with its still-unknown purpose, while the Thai Binh Lau Pavilion showcases intricate mosaics. The Thieu Phuong and Co Ha Gardens captivate with their tranquility and beauty.

My Opinion

This is undoubtedly the most beautiful and significant place to visit in Hue—a must-see!

While I’m not a huge fan of Hue as a city, I’ve visited the Imperial City four times. It’s simply impossible to visit Hue without exploring this iconic site.

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