1. Overview about Imperial City in Hue
Your holiday in Hue will not complete if you miss out Hue Imperial City. Being as a world heritage site, the attraction has been one of the best places to explore at the ancient capital of Vietnam. During 143 years working, the 13 kings in Nguyen dynasty built such an impressive palace for their living and working space. A trip to leverage your knowledge about the feudal period of Vietnam and emperors’ biography are exciting and interesting. During 27 years from 1805 to 1832, the Imperial City of Hue was finally completed under the reign of Minh Mang, making it the most massive structure in the history of modern Vietnam involving thousands of workers, millions of cubic meters of rock, and a huge volume of burden workload.
It will take over 2 hours to visit Hue Imperial City due to the large area. Thanks to the favorable location, it is easy to travel to this attraction by diverse transportations such as bicycles, motorbikes, cyclos, or cars. Even you can take a walk to Hue Imperial city if your hotel is located in the central area. An exploration at Hue Imperial City is a must-do list for any visitors.
2. Entrance Fee and Openning hours of Imperial City in Hue
When you decide to visit Imperial City in Hue, kindly pay attention on the entrance fee price. You can purchase the ticket directly at the entrance gate. The cost for adult is 200,000 VND/ ticket and 40,000 VND/child (7 – 12 years old).
Hue Imperial City opening hours vary by season: In summer: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM. In winter: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Especially, if you tend to visit other royal attractions in Hue in the same day, you can buy combo tickets. Hue has royal mausoleums which have been well-known as world heritage sites also. You can save some money if you purchase the combo tickets.
The following table shows the combo ticket prices with Imperial City In Hue:
| Order | Venue/ Tourist Route | Adults | Children ( 7 – 12 years old) |
| 1 | Hue Imperial City – Khai Dinh Tomb – Minh Mang Tomb | 420,000 VND | 80,000 VND |
| 2 | Hue Imperial City – Minh Mang Tomb – Tu Duc Tomb | 420,000 VND | 80,000 VND |
| 3 | Hue Imperial City – Tu Duc Tomb – Khai Dinh Tomb | 420,000 VND | 80,000 VND |
| 4 | Hue Imperial City – Minh Mang Tomb – Khai Dinh Tomb – Tu Duc Tomb | 530,000 VND | 100,000 VND |
3. The most impressive works at Hue Imperial City
3.1. Ngo Mon Gate
Ngo Mon Gate, situated in the south of the Imperial City of Hue, serves as the grand entrance and an intricate architectural complex. When seen from a distance, it presents itself as a splendid and grand castle with cascading steps constructed from long slabs of stone, leading up to Ngu Phung Pavilion.
3.2. Imperial Citadel
The Hue Imperial Citadel, or Hoang Thanh served as the residence of the emperors and the royal family, and the administrative center of the royal court. It is also a significant site of worship for ancestors and the late emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Construction of Hoang Thanh began in 1804 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and was completed in 1833 under the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. The citadel has four gates, with Ngo Mon as the grand entrance. Inside the citadel, there are many impressive structures, including Thai Hoa Palace, Dien Tho Residence, Hien Lam Pavilion, and more.
3.3. Forbidden Purple City
Forbidden City in Hue is a historic imperial palace complex in Vietnam, showcasing exquisite architecture and cultural significance. It offers a captivating journey into the country’s rich royal heritage.
In the heart of Hue, an enchanting destination awaits those ready to explore Vietnam travel – the illustrious Forbidden City in Hue. Steeped in regal grandeur and cultural significance, this timeless palace complex stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich heritage. This timeless palace complex in Hue offers a window into the nation’s past, beckoning travelers to uncover its rich historical tapestry while immersing themselves in the city’s captivating ambiance.
Numerous structures within the Hue’s Forbidden City once served distinct purposes, but these edifices met their demise during wars. Among them, the Can Chanh Palace, a daily workplace for the Emperor; the Can Thanh Palace, the royal residence; and the Khon Thai Palace, home to Hoang Quy Phi, all fell victim to destruction.
Additional constructions in Forbidden City in Hue catered to various needs of the king and his family, including reading houses, quarters for minor wives and concubines, and functional spaces like Thuong Thien Duong for dining and Duyet Thi Duong for royal performances. Regrettably, these structures no longer stand, with only two, the restored Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre and the Thai Binh Lau Royal Library, surviving as poignant reminders of the past.
4. What to see at Imperial City in Hue
Various attractions at Imperial City in Hue are waiting you to explore. As we mentioned earlier, you will need over 2 hours to discover all the places which are located in Hue Citadel. The famous places you should explore during your day trip are Thai Hoa Palace, The Mieu Temple, Queen Mother Residence, Kien Trung Palace. Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, Royal Garden, Royal Liberary, Dien Tho Residence, Royal Antiquities Museum and so on. We believe your trip to discover Imperial City in Hue will be filled up with excitement.
5. Conclusion
Hue Imperial City is a renowned and captivating tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to appreciate both the stunning historical landscape and the rich architectural legacy of a bygone imperial era. A half day to learn royal dynasty of Vietnam is memorable and exciting. Hue is where will capture your heart and travel curiosity. Explore Vietnam Travel hopes this article is useful for your vacation preparation in Hue city. Thank you for your reading.