English
French
Italian
Hue Travel Guide: What to See and Do in Vietnam’s Ancient Capital
Still preserving the architecture of the monarchy, the Imperial City of Hue is a priceless treasure of Vietnam - the last remaining fragment of the 19th-century capital.
Still preserving the form of a medieval city and the architecture of the monarchy, the Imperial City of Hue is a priceless treasure of Vietnam - the last remaining fragment of the 19th-century capital, now serving as an effort to restore traditional Vietnamese heritage. In 1993, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Let’s explore the most important historical and cultural monuments of the country.
The Flag Tower
Dominating the skyline, the 37-meter (120-foot) Flag Tower was first erected in 1809. It gained international fame on January 31, 1968, when communist forces captured the Citadel and raised the flag with the yellow star atop the tower.
Ngo Mon Gate
The lower part of the gate is made of stone, while the upper section houses the Five Phoenix Pavilion - a place where the emperor appeared during important ceremonies. This was also the site where the last emperor abdicated in favor of Ho Chi Minh's revolutionary government in 1945.
The Lotus Pond and Thai Hoa Palace
Beyond the gate lies a lotus pond with a bridge that was once reserved exclusively for the emperor. Behind it stands the Thai Hoa Palace, used for official receptions and royal ceremonies. The columns supporting the roof are adorned with lacquer and gold embellishments.
The Forbidden Purple City
Beyond the Thai Hoa Palace are smaller pavilions where mandarins prepared for ceremonies. The courtyard was once enclosed by a wall separating the public areas of the citadel from the emperor’s residence - the Forbidden Purple City. The name evokes images of Beijing’s palaces, but today, it is mostly grassy fields. What was not destroyed by fire in 1947 was later bombed during the Tet Offensive in 1968.
The Royal Library (Thai Binh Lau)
Set apart from the main axis of the complex, Thai Binh Lau is the imperial library, located in a garden with a pond featuring a moss-covered “island-mountain” with miniature trees. Similar water gardens can be found throughout Vietnam.
Visiting the Citadel
Although the citadel is entered through the main gate, visitors can exit via several paths. Beyond the Thai Hoa Palace, the route leads to Hien Nhon Gate - the shortest way to the museum in Long An Palace. Along the way, several historic buildings are worth exploring.
A Perfume River Cruise
No visit to Hue would be complete without a cruise on the stunning Perfume River. Boats can be rented for short excursions or longer journeys to the tombs of emperors Minh Mang and Gia Long.
The Magic of the River
It is difficult to describe the ethereal beauty of this river. Turquoise waters, colorful boats, and women in traditional nón lá conical hats create a mesmerizing scene. On a sunny day, the Perfume River is truly enchanting.
