The Imperial City of Hue (Hoang Cung, Dai Noi) is the seat of power of Nguyen emperors who ruled Vietnam in 19th and 20th centuries. It’s a square complex including lots of buildings served for different purposes, from the emperor’s personal life to important national events. In 1993, itself and other major monuments in Hue ancient capital were inscribed to be a world heritage site by Unesco. It lies within the Hue Citadel and encircles the Hue Forbidden Purple City. HoiAn Day Trip outlines this article to share everything about Hue Imperial City.
You may also like: Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Hue Imperial City (Vietnam)
– Location/Address: 23 Thang 8 St, Phu Xuan district, Hue City, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Hue Imperial Citadel, Hue Royal Palace, Dai Noi (literally ‘Great Inside’)
– Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM (summer/dry season), 7 AM to 5 PM (winter/rainy season)
– Entrance fee: 200,000 VND for adult (2024)
– Reason(s) to visit: the seat of power of Nguyen kings who ruled Vietnam in 19th and 20th centuries, a Unesco world heritage site
– Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon
– Time to spend: 1-3 hours
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/hue-imperial-city-travel-guide
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Recognition(s): Unesco world heritage site (1993)
– Food & drink: yes available
– Shopping: yes available
– Fact: the seat of power for 13 Nguyen emperors from 1802 to 1945
Hue Imperial City on Map
Imperial City vs Forbidden Purple City
Hue Imperial City Entrance Fee and Ticket
Hue Imperial City entrance fee is 200,000 VND (approx 8,1 USD) for each adult and children above 12 years old, 40,000 VND (approx 1,6 USD) for children from 7 to 12 years old, and free for smaller kids. All nationalities pay the same.
Visitors can buy Hue Imperial City tickets online and offline. If prefer to buy/reserve in advance, browse the official website of Hue Monuments Conservation Center (https://eticket.hueworldheritage.org.vn/vedientu) or on other online travel companies/sites. However, everyday Hue Imperial City tickets are sold without a limited number, therefore visitors can go to the main entrance of the City to buy tickets on the day (if not sure the exact days).
Visitors can use both cash (local currency/VND accepted only) and card to pay for the Hue Imperial City entrance ticket.
Hue Imperial City admission fee includes the entry to all buildings inside its enclosed wall (bounded by 4 streets: 28 Thang 3, Le Huan, Doan Thi Diem, Dang Thai Than). Highlights are Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, The Mieu Temple, Kien Trung Palace, Dien Tho Residence, Truong Sanh Residence, Forbidden Purple City, Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre, Thieu Phuong Gardens,…
The Hue Imperial City entry ticket also includes Museum of Royal Antiquities (outside the Imperial City, on Le Truc St). At ticket counters, please ask cashiers for a ticket to show and visit the museum later.
History of Hue Imperial City
Hue Imperial City lies within the Hue Citadel, the capital city of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. It’s a square complex (around 600m long each side), bounded by deep moats and four streets (23 Thang 8, Le Huan, Dang Thai Than, Doan Thi Diem). The first king Gia Long built it in 1804, but it’s just nearly completed in 1833, under the reign of his son Minh Mang king. At its peak, 150 constructions existed inside the walls of Hue Imperial City.
At Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance of Hue Imperial City, the abdication of Bao Dai king (the last king of Nguyen dynasty and Vietnam) took place on 30th August 1945.
In the French war (esp 1855, 1947) and the Vietnam war (esp 1968, 1972), the Hue Imperial City was damaged seriously by fire, fights, and bombings. So many constructions collapsed and then nothing left, such as Can Thanh Palace, Can Thanh Palace, Khon Thai Palace, Kien Trung Palace, Hung Mieu Temple,… Up to date, some of them are restored, such as Kien Trung Palace or covered walkways.
In 1993, Hue Imperial City and other important historical monuments in Hue city were inscribed by Unesco as a world heritage site. All of them were under the same ‘Complex of Hue Monuments’.
Things to See & Do in Hue Imperial City
Ngo Mon Gate (Meridian Gate)
Ngo Mon Gate (or Noon Gate, Meridian Gate) is the main entrance of the Hue Imperial City. It’s firstly built by Gia Long king (Nguyen dynasty’s founder) and rebuilt later in 1833 by his son – Minh Mang king when he re-planned the Hue Imperial City. During war times, it’s damaged seriously but now fully restored, and became the official emblem of the entire Hue city.
About the architecture, Ngo Mon Gate comprises two parts: the gate below and the pavilion above. The gate has 3 main doors, in the middle, and 2 side doors. The most central door is exclusive for emperors (now closed). The above pavilion’s name is Ngu Phung (meaning ‘five phoenixes’), allowing visitors to climb up. The house in the centre again is only for kings (and also men) and it’s a throne where they can sit down and watch celebrations on the square in the front. It’s cool to stay here and possible to see other buildings inside/outside the City.
For full information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/ngo-mon-gate-hue-vietnam
At 8 AM daily, ‘Changing the Guards’ ceremony is available to see (for free) at Ngo Mon Gate.
Thai Hoa Palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony)
Behind Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace is the most important building in the Hue Imperial City. It’s built by the first king Gia Long for his coronation ceremony in 1805. From this year to 1945, all kings of the Nguyen dynasty were crowned here. Additionally, it’s the host place for other very important events of the country (like king’s birthday, king’s longevity ceremony, ambassador welcoming ceremony,…), and the meeting between the king and mandarins twice a month.
Inside Thai Hoa Palace, visitors will be amazed by lavish decorations (the most popular image is dragons, poems, clouds) and the throne in its centre. This throne was made for the first king and continued using until the last king. It’s a national treasure and one of the most important relics in the Hue Imperial City.
For full information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/thai-hoa-palace-hue-vietnam
Every day, at 8:30 AM, an imperial music performance is available for free in the front yard of Thai Hoa Palace.
Forbidden Purple City
Behind Thai Hoa Palace, that is the Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh). It’s also retangular (200m x 300m), and enclosed by tall walls like the Imperial City.
The surviving monuments here are Ta Vu and Huu Vu (left and right houses of Can Chanh Palace). In Ta Vu, tangible and intangible heritages of Hue city are introduced, such as world heritage sites, Nha Nhac court music, imperial documents of the Nguyen dynasty. In Huu Vu, visitors can pay for royal costume rental and take some photographs on the fake throne.
All palaces inside the Hue Forbidden Purple City were destroyed in the wars. Only Kien Truc Palace (the last and the youngest palace) was recently restored. In addittion, covered walkways connecting main buildings are also restored and now become a popular Instagrammable spot.
For full information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/hue-forbidden-purple-city
Kien Trung Palace
Kien Trung Palace is the innermost and the youngest palace in the Hue Imperial City and the Forbidden Purple City. It’s built from 1921 to 1923 by request of Khai Dinh King, the 12nd emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. Different from other palaces, it’s known for a unique fusion between European/French and Asian/Vietnamese architectural styles. Khai Dinh king’s son – Bao Dai king and his family stayed here until he’s dethroned in 1945. After that, it’s destroyed. In 2024, it’s completely restored and become one of the best things to see in Hue Imperial City and modern Hue city. Read more information and details
The Mieu Temple
The Mieu Temple is one of two most important temples in the Hue Imperial City, but much better preserved than the other one. It’s in the southwestern corner of the City (not in the Forbidden Purple City).
It’s firstly built in 1804 by Gia Long (the first king), to worship his parents. Later, from 1821 to 1822, his son Minh Mang king moved it to the north (now Hung To Mieu Temple), and constructed another temple to worship him and all kings of the Nguyen dynasty. Only 10 of 13 emperors have been here, and by 1958, only 7. As the same as Thai Hoa Palace, the interior decoration of this temple is ornate and royal.
In the front of The Mieu Temple, visitors can see Hien Lam Pavillion, temples for worship of highly-contributed mandarins, lots of fruit trees, and the Nine Dynastic Urns.
For full information and details, please browse https://hoiandaytrip.com/the-mieu-temple-hue-vietnam
Every day, at 3:30 PM, ceremonies at The Mieu Temple are available to see (free of charge).
Duyet Thi Duong Theatre
Near Thai Hoa Palace, Duyet Thi Duong (the Royal Theatre) was the main entertainment place for Nguyen kings from 1826 to 1945. Here, they witness Tuong (Vietnamese opera) and other performances when the kings welcome ambassadors and special occasions. Today, visitors can buy tickets to see and listen to Nha Nhac (Vietnamese court music) which was declared to be humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Read more information and details
Nhat Thanh Lau and Thai Binh Lau
These are two pavilions inside the Hue Imperial City. Nhat Thanh Lau Pavillion is taller (one of the tallest buildings), and stands behind the Royal Theatre. It’s destroyed in 1947 and 1968, and fully restored in 2018. It’s believed to be a relaxing place for emperors where he could enjoy the tranquility and read books or compose literature. Not far away, Thai Binh Lau Pavilion was built in 1887 and is famous for beautiful ceramic mosaics. Again, this is another peaceful oasis.
Residences & Gardens
The Hue Imperial City has two main residences: Dien Tho Palace/Residence and Truong Sanh Residence, all in the northwestern corner. The first one is for grandmothers of the emperors and the second one for princes and princesses (before they get married).
In the back and in the northeastern corner of Hue Imperial City, there’re gardens where kings and his family members relax, read books, study,…. Definitely, these places are the most peaceful and less known by tourists.
Tips to Visit Hue’s Imperial City
Hue Imperial City at Night
The Hue Imperial City is closed at night, but visitors can see its Ngo Mon Gate, Ngo Mon Gate Square, Nine Holy Cannons, and the Flag Tower. Especially, Ngo Mon Gate becomes impressive and glamorous thanks to the modern lighting system. It’s great to take pictures and wander around (breezy here).
On Friday and Saturday, Hue Imperial City Night Walking Street opens on two roads: Le Huan St and 23 Thang 8 St. Visitors will see local food and drinks, inexpensive handicrafts, fun outdoor performances, and more. If travel with kids, this place is absolutely safe for them to walk/run around and do anything they like; See more information & details
Dress Code at Hue Imperial City
To visit the Hue Imperial City, visitors need to comply with a dress code (unless, the staff won’t let people go in although they paid the ticket). More particularly, visitors need to wear long pants as long as lower knees are covered, to wear shirts as long as it covers armpits, navel, and doesn’t show the breast (esp, women). Costumes made of see-through materials are not accepted too. Long or short sleeve shirts are up to personal liking, both accepted. Vietnamese national costume – Ao Dai (meaning: long dress) is highly encouraged. Visitors can rent it in shops along the road to the Imperial City (near Nguyen Hoang parking lot).
On a hot day, visitors can wear shorts but when staying inside the Hue Imperial City, use a long piece of cloth to cover. It’s accepted.
At temples or worshipping places, visitors need to take shoes off, remove hat/cap, remove sunglasses, close the umbrella (or take off rain poncho and hang up at regulated places), to respect gods/historical figures worshipped. Inside the palaces/temples, no camera or no photo, and it’s needed to keep silent.
How to Get to Hue’s Imperial City
The Imperial City is on 23 Thang 8 St, Phu Xuan district, Hue city, Vietnam. It lies in the centre of Hue city, so it’s very convenient to get there.
The distance from hotels/places on the southern bank of the Perfume River is 2-3 kilometers. So, visitors can easily walk to the Imperial City. To enter the Citadel, The Nhan Gate (Cua Ngan) or Quang Duc Gate (Cua Sap) is the quickest access.
For something special, a cyclo ride to the Imperial City is a perfect option. From the southern bank of the Perfume River, the trishaw carries visitors through Truong Tien Bridge (the oldest bridge), past Dong Ba market (biggest market), along tree-lined streets before arriving at the Imperial City. Like other tours in Hue, the price won’t be too high. See more information & details
Due to the short distance, getting a taxi/car is inexpensive. The price is often less than 100,000 VND to get from somewhere in the centre of the southern Perfume River area.
If riding the motorbike, it takes visitors only 10-15 mins to go to the Imperial City. The traffic is not high during the day, and rush hours are 7-8 am and 4-5 pm daily. Riders can park in Nguyen Hoang parking lot on Le Duan St (near Phu Xuan Bridge) and then walk inside the Citadel by the nearby gate, or go through Cua Ngan Gate/The Nhan Gate, turn right and then park in the parking lot a few meters away. The ticket office and the entrance (Meridian Gate) is 200 meters from here.
From Da Nang or Hoi An or Dong Hoi, visitors need a private car transfer or a guided day tour;
HoiAn Day Trip Company daily organizes tours and transfers in Hue/Da Nang/Hoi An. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Guided Tours to Hue Imperial City
Here are the best guided tours to Hue Imperial City:
– Hue Citadel Walking Tour:
– Hue City Tour Full Day: Royal Palace, Pagoda, Tomb, Market
– Hue City Tour Half Day: Royal Palace, Museum, Pagoda, Boat
– Hue Day Tour from Da Nang: Hai Van Pass, Royal Palace, More
– Hue Day Tour from Hoi An: Lagoon, Palace, Pagoda, Tomb, Food
HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD daily organizes tours and transfers in Hue. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) or browse www.hoiandaytrip.com to see tours and make a reservation. Thank you very much!
Facts about Hue Imperial City
Q&A about Hue Imperial City
– Where is the Imperial City of Hue located? Answered: The address of Hue Imperial City is 23 Thang 8 St, Phu Xuan district, Hue city, Vietnam
– Why is the Imperial City of Hue important? Answered: Hue Imperial City is the seat of power of Nguyen emperors who ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. It’s also the last surviving royal palace in Vietnam.
– How long will it take to visit Hue Imperial City? Answered: Visitors need at least 1,5hrs to visit the Imperial City of Hue.
– When was the Imperial City of Hue built? Answered: Hue Imperial City was built in 1804, in the reign of Gia Long king, the first emperor. It’s replanned in 1833, in the reign of Minh Mang king, the second emperor.
Itinerary to Visit Hue Imperial City for First Timer
Photos, Videos about Hue’s Imperial City
Here are beautiful photos and videos about the Imperial City of Hue Vietnam:
