Occupying the most important position in the Hue Imperial City, the Palace of Supreme Harmony houses the throne seated by thirteen Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty from Gia Long to Bao Dai. During Vietnam’s monarchy, the Emperor was considered the greatest lord. The palace was thus once the country’s center.
The Hue Imperial Citadel (also called the Imperial City) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s most significant historical attractions. Here’s what first-time visitors need to know:
Essential Visitor Information
- Location: Hue city center, Central Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily (April to September), 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (October to March)
- Entrance Fee: 200,000 VND (~8 USD) for regular tickets; discounts available for students and children
- Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5-2 hours minimum to appreciate the main attractions
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (8:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM) to avoid both crowds and the midday heat of Hue
What Makes Hue Imperial Citadel Special
Hue Imperial citadel was built from 1805. Improvement and large-scale restoration work took place twice in 1833 and 1923. It is almost square in shape, 2,400m in circumference and pierced on each side by an entrance: Noon Gate, Hoa Binh Gate, Hien Nhon Gate and Chuong Duc Gate
While many structures were damaged during the Vietnam War, extensive restoration efforts have preserved or rebuilt key buildings, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of imperial Vietnam.
Hue Imperial City, together with the Esplanade of Great Salutation, was the site for serious festive occasions such as the Coronation Ceremony, Emperor’s Birthday Anniversary Ambassador Interview Ceremony and Grand Meeting held bimonthly on the first and 15th days of the lunar month.
On these occasions, the Emperor sat solemnly on the throne. Only his immediate relatives had access to the palace. Other mandarins lined on the Court according to their ranks and titles from the first to ninth grade, civil mandarins on the left, military mandarins on the right. Their positions were marked by two rows of stone slabs on the Court.
Top Highlights Not to Miss
- Ngo Mon Gate (Noon Gate): The main southern entrance featuring five openings, with the central passage reserved exclusively for the Emperor and opened on special events, while the side passages were designated for mandarins and soldiers.
The Ngo Mon Gate (Noon Gate) holds significant historical importance beyond its architectural features. On August 30, 1945, at this very location, Emperor Bao Dai officially abdicated the throne and transferred the royal seal and sword to representatives of the revolutionary government led by Ho Chi Minh. This momentous ceremony marked the end of the Nguyen Dynasty, Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty that had ruled for 143 years (1802-1945).
- Thai Hoa Palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony): The Emperor’s throne room where important ceremonies took place. In the center of the palace, the wooden canopy over the throne is elaborately carved and gilded. Eighty ironwood columns in the palace are lacquered and adorned with dragon and cloud designs symbolizing the rendezvous between the monarch and his subjects. According to Chinese Classics, both the dragon and the number nine symbolize the monarch. This explains the presence of the nine-dragon motif in and outside the palace which is also ornamented with poems in Chinese characters of great literary value.
- Forbidden Purple City: The Emperor’s private residence, accessible only to the royal family and eunuchs
- Nine Dynastic Urns: Massive bronze urns cast between 1835 and 1837, each standing over 2 meters tall and weighing approximately 2,000 kg, symbolizing the power, stability, and longevity of the Nguyen Dynasty. Each urn is meticulously decorated with intricate bas-relief scenes depicting landscapes, celestial elements, and various plants and animals that represent different aspects of imperial Vietnam. The urns are positioned in front of The Mieu Temple and are considered among the finest examples of Vietnamese bronze craftsmanship from the imperial era.
- Name: “The bas-relief engravings on the nine bronze urns at Hue Imperial Palace”.
- Recognition: World Documentary Heritage, by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Program.
- Date: Officially recognized on November 23, 2024, at the reception ceremony in Thua Thien Hue province.
- The Flag Tower: One of Vietnam’s national symbols standing impressively at 37 meters tall, this iconic structure was built during the Nguyen Dynasty and serves as a historic landmark visible from many parts of the city. The tower features a massive flag of Vietnam that can be seen fluttering from a distance, symbolizing the country’s sovereignty and pride.
- Royal Theatre: Where traditional court music and dance performances were held
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide (available at the entrance) to gain deeper insights into the historical and cultural significance
- Weather Preparation: Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and plenty of water, especially during summer months (May-August) when temperatures can exceed 35°C
- Photography: Most areas allow photography, but some preserved artifacts may have restrictions and not allow take pics with flash.
- Dress Code: While there’s no strict dress code, modest attire is appreciated when visiting this cultural site. You can read more about “Dress Code guide when visiting Hue’s Momument“
- Combined Tickets: Look for combination tickets that include other royal tombs around Hue for better value
Getting Around
The Imperial City is easily accessible from most accommodations in Hue:
- Walking: If staying in the tourist area near Perfume River, the citadel is within walking distance (15-20 minutes)
- Cyclo or Motorbike Taxi: Traditional options for a more authentic experience
- Bicycle: Many hotels offer bicycle rentals, and Hue is relatively flat and cyclist-friendly
- You can spend 2 hours for Hue Imperial Citadel and use the rest time for Royal tombs.
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