Visit the imperial city of Vietnam during your Vietnam tour: Hue. Be amazed by the many palaces and beautiful gardens that were created in times long past. It gives a wonderful insight into life during the time of the Nguyen Dynasty in Vietnam.
The City of Hue
The city of Hue is located just under 700 km south of Hanoi. Hue was the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty between the years 1802 – 1945. Hue is located in the province of Thừa Thiên Huế and is also its capital. The citadel in Hue is on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Hue was the third stop I made during my tour through Vietnam after Halong Bay and Hanoi. It was unfortunately rainy when I was there, but I experienced it as wonderful days. The temperature was fine and I saw the splendor of the once imperial city of Hue.
What to Do in Hue – Vietnam
On my first day in the imperial city of Hue, I walked to the Citadel. I went inside and walked all the way around the wall to get an idea of how big it was. Inside the walls was the Imperial City and you should of course visit that too.
Hopefully you can now see it in all its glory – I was there in 2012.
The Imperial City is walled (2 km by 2 km) and protected by a moat. The water in the moats comes from the Perfume River and is led into it through a number of locks… How cool did they figure that out!
The Long Wall Around the Citadel
Gates of the Hue Citadel
The imperial city of Hue is surrounded by a 2.5 km long wall with 4 gates: the northern Hoa Binh (Gate of Peace), the eastern Hien Nhan (Gate of Humanity), the western Chuong Duc (Gate of Virtue) and the southern Ngo Mon (Gate of Midday).
One of the many gates in the wall around the citadel. I walked around to admire these gates from both sides, I can definitely recommend that 🙂 Furthermore, you just walk through the streets where there isn’t much to see other than the street life of Hue… And I love that too, of course!
Inside the Citadel: Many Squares and the Beautiful Thai Hoa Palace
They told me that in former times the many servants would stand here in formation to celebrate, for example, a festive day for the king. It must have looked impressive, the whole square full of people beautifully dressed in a festive mood. I can imagine that.
The complex is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and so they were busy with restoration. So if you go there, your money will be partly spent on that, the preservation of the culture and these beautiful buildings!
The Forbidden City Within the Citadel
This house stands in the citadel, within the walls, and really looked good. This part of the citadel is called the Forbidden City. Only the Emperor and his family, and of course the servants, entered this part of the citadel.
I saw that people still lived there – they probably keep an eye on things when no one is there in the evening. If something happens or whatever, then they can intervene.
The Forbidden City Within the Citadel
This house stands in the citadel, within the walls, and really looked good. This part of the citadel is called the Forbidden City. Only the Emperor and his family, and of course the servants, entered this part of the citadel.
I saw that people still lived there – they probably keep an eye on things when no one is there in the evening. If something happens or whatever, then they can intervene.
Gate, gate, gate…
Citadel of the Nguyen Dynasty
Isn’t it wonderful?
The Main Entrance – The Ngo Mon Gate
I was told that one entrance was larger than the other for the elephants that had to come in in the past. The other entrances would have been too narrow for that. Yes… so we all have our problems about what you need to take into account when building your house/citadel haha!
It can be quite busy just outside the Citadel of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue.
I always think that traffic is great to see. All the scooters and all the people sitting on them protecting their arms and faces from the sun… And in between, some tourists on bicycles, with their arms bare to catch some color 🙂
Entrance Imperial City – Hue
The entrance fee is 200,000 VND in 2025.
When I was there, in 2012, they were busy restoring. I could see everywhere that they were quite busy with it, although I didn’t actually see anyone working. It goes the Asian way, so to speak. Of course, I am curious how it looks now that we are so many years further.
GPS Imperial City Hue
Outside the Citadel of the Nguyen Dynasty
Taking Time for Lunch
I love these street scenes in Asia!
What to Do Around Hue!
If you’re in Hue, you should definitely take a day to explore the surroundings! I booked a trip to visit the famous tombs in the area of the imperial city of Hue and of course to admire the Thien Mu Pagoda. The weather was better that day and I thoroughly enjoyed being outside the city for a while!
The tombs are about 6 km outside the city and if you have a day, I can recommend visiting them by bike. This was during my first trip and I didn’t yet have the experience to undertake a bit more on my own, so I was in a car and in a group of fellow tourists from whom I could still learn a lot at that time.
But now I would really have gone by bike or maybe even walking… How fun would that be?
Khai Dinh Tomb
Emperor Khai Dinh lived from 1888 to 1925 and ruled the country as emperor from 1916 until his death. Construction of his tomb began in 1920 and was only completed in 1931. The area around the tomb is wonderful and the various buildings make it great to walk through this complex and admire its splendor.
I thought this was a beautiful place to wander around and roam through the gardens. It gives so many beautiful views. The peace of the countryside is also really nice for a while after a few days in the city!
GPS Khai Dinh tomb
Tu Duc Tomb
This is also a whole complex where you should definitely take a walk. Tu Duc (1829 – 1883) ruled in the dynasty for no less than 35 years and is therefore the longest-reigning emperor. From 1848 until his death he was emperor. His tomb is surrounded by no less than 50 buildings and a 1500-meter long wall. This complex was built between 1864 and 1867 and reflects the poetic nature of the emperor.
GPS Tu Duc Mausoleum
Thien Mu Pagoda
The oldest pagoda in Hue is the Thien Mu Pagoda. The construction of the pagoda was ordered by Lord Nguyen Hoan in the year 1601. The Thien Mu Pagoda is located outside the city and situated along the Huong River. The bell that hangs at the top rings over the river and echoed into the city… To the doors of the citadel… and further out to sea… It is also called the soul of Hue…
The sun shone beautifully on this afternoon – October 2012!
GPS Thien Mu Pagoda
Where to Stay in Hue
I stayed close to the citadel in the area and cycled there easily. Check out this nice Serene Palace hotel which is located 2 km walk from the citadel.
Or book the nice Purple Hue Central Hub, also within walking distance of the citadel.
Both hotels have many restaurants and shops in the area so you can find everything you need during a trip.
Would you love to see some more on my Vietnam travel?
- The Famous Cu Chi Tunnels
- Tip: Canyoning in Dalat – Vietnam
- The Fairy Stream and Sand Dunes at Mui Ne
- A Day in Hanoi – Vietnam
- Cookingclass at the Red Bridge – Hoi An