Hue Imperial City

Overview

Hue was the capital of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945. The citadel on the north bank of the Perfume River is ringed by three walls and a moat, enclosing the Purple Forbidden City with the Thai Hoa palace, the Meridian Gate and the nine dynastic urns. It joined the World Heritage List in 1993. Downstream lie the tombs of Tu Duc, Minh Mang and Khai Dinh, the last blending Vietnamese and European styles in lavish detail.

History

Made the capital when the Nguyen dynasty was founded in 1802, with the citadel built from 1804; the dynasty ended in 1945, parts were damaged in war, and the site was inscribed in 1993.

Highlights

• •The Meridian Gate and Thai Hoa palace
• •The Forbidden City and the nine urns
• •The tombs of Khai Dinh and Tu Duc
• •Boats on the Perfume River

Practical tips

• •The citadel is large — allow half a day or more
• •The rainy season brings flooding; wear waterproof shoes

Practical information

Best time

February-April

Tickets

Citadel about VND 200,000; tombs about VND 150,000 each

Opening hours

7:00-17:30

Local food

Bun bo Hue, royal cuisine, sesame candy

Getting around

About three hours by train from Da Nang, or 2.5 hours by bus.

Visa

A visa is required and an e-visa is available.

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