The Imperial Citadel of Hoang Thanh, in Hue, Vietnam, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. A sprawling complex of historic structures, it sits on the banks of the Perfume River surrounded by a fortress with imposing walls and a moat.
At the heart of the citadel is the royal palace, the home of former Vietnamese Emperors and their families. This inner sanctum is known as the Purple Forbidden City (Tu Cam Thanh), a secluded area reserved exclusively for the royal household.
The Hue Imperial Citadel is one of the most impressive heritage sites in Vietnam and has great historical significance. A former capital of Vietnam and the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Hue Imperial City has been recognised by UNESCO as one of the city’s most important monuments, along with the royal tombs and temples in and around Hue.
History of Hoang Thanh
The Hue Citadel was constructed in 1804 by Gia Long, the first Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Imperial City was the home of the Nguyen Emperors and their court, and the seat of power in Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.
Parts of the complex were damaged during the French colonial era (1887 to 1954) and the American War(1955 -1975), but significant restoration has brought much of the Imperial City back to its former splendour.
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Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the Vietnamese Emperors through the magnificent halls and structures and immerse themselves in imperial history in the private realm of the royal family.
Architecture
The Hue Imperial Citadel is a fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French architectural influences. Constructed from stone and brick by skilled local craftsmen, the fortress reflects the artistry and architecture of its time.
The Citadel is an architectural masterpiece that has stood for over 150 years. Although its design was originally Vietnamese, the Citadel shows the influence of Vauban, a French military engineer, in the layout and fortifications.
The Purple Forbidden City at its centre blends traditional Vietnamese design with Chinese imperial architecture inspired by the Forbidden City in Beijing.
The royal palaces and gardens also feature the distinctive and ornate style of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam, combined with some French influences in later renovations.
What to See at the Hue Imperial City
Visiting the Hue Imperial City offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal past. The best things to see include:
Ngo Mon Gate
The majestic Ngo Mon Gate is the grand southern entrance to the Imperial Citadel and the Purple Forbidden City, and one of the Citadel’s most iconic structures. Built in 1833 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang, its impressively decorated with intricate wooden panels and carvings.
The central entry was reserved for the exclusive use of the Emperor, and the smaller side doors were for officials and commoners. Above the gate is the Pavilion of Five Phoenixes, where the Emperor could watch important ceremonies and military parades with sweeping views over the Citadel grounds.
The Ngo Mon Gate was damaged during the American War, but has since been restored to its original grandeur, preserving its historical and architectural integrity.
Thai Hoa Palace
Just beyond the gate lies the Thai Hoa Palace, or the Throne Hall, originally built by Emperor Gia Long in 1805 and reconstructed by Emperor Minh Mang in 1833. It was later restored by Emperor Khai Dinh in 1923 in preparation for his 40th birthday celebrations.
“Thai Hoa” means “great harmony,” and the palace was built to reflect this theme. The ceremonial heart of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Throne Hall hosted coronations, royal birthdays, envoy receptions, and meetings with the ruling mandarins and scholars.
It spans 1,360 square meters and is elevated a meter above the courtyard. The structure features 80 elaborately decorated pillars with motifs of dragons and clouds.
The numbers 9 and 5 play a symbolic role in the design of the Throne Hall. Five and nine-step staircases lead into the Palace, with the number five symbolising the centre of the universe. And there are nine dragons on the roof and inside the hall, representing spiritual perfection.
The Purple Forbidden City
Enclosed within the imposing Citadel walls is the Purple Forbidden City, a private sanctuary once reserved for the Emperor, the royal family, and court officials.
The design is similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing, but the Hue complex has Vietnamese architectural elements and a distinctive royal layout. The covered walkways are painted a bright red vermilion with gold embellishments that are a symbol of royalty.
The layout of the gates, halls, and courtyards is symmetrical, and each space served a specific purpose in court life.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Located about 4 kilometres from the Citadel on the banks of the Perfume River, the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda is one of Hue’s most famous landmarks. Originally built in 1601, the current structure, including its seven-story octagonal tower, was added in 1844 by Emperor Thieu Tri.
The most popular way to reach the Thien Mu Pagoda is by dragon boat. It’s a slow, scenic, and memorable ride along the Perfume River to the Pagoda.
Royal Tombs and Gardens
Beyond the boundaries of the Citadel, in the countryside outside the city, are the elaborate royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty Emperors. Lush landscapes with serene gardens and ornate pavilions are home to the 7 royal tombs, offer a peaceful glimpse into Vietnam’s last imperial dynasty.
The Mausoleums of Emperors Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc and Gia Long are the most popular and the most atmospheric of the seven royal tombs.
Interesting Facts about the Imperial Citadel in Hue
In Vietnam, the “South” symbolises power and harmony, and it’s believed that an Emperor must face south to rule. The Citadel was constructed on a northeast-southwest axis, allowing the Emperor’s throne to face south to honour this custom.
On August 23, 1945, the flag of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam was raised for the first time at the Hue Imperial Citadel. This marked a significant political shift, signalling the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a new era at the end of the Japanese occupation and the Second World War.
Practical Information for Visiting the Hue Imperial City
Location & Access
The Imperial Citadel is located in the heart of Hue and is easily accessible by cyclo, taxi, Grab, motorbike, or on foot, especially if you’re staying in the city centre. The Citadel is within walking distance of the Perfume River and the bustling Dong Ba Market.
The entrance to the Hue Imperial City is through the Ngo Mon Gate, and visitors must purchase an entrance ticket at the ticket office just outside the gate.
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices
- Adults: 150,000 VND
- Children (ages 6–12): 30,000 VND
- Children under 6: Free
Dress Code & Visitor Guidelines
- Respectful attire is required, with shoulders and knees covered while visiting.
- Photography and video recording are not allowed inside temples and royal palaces.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited within all palaces and sacred areas.
- Cafés and rest areas are available within the Citadel grounds.
How to Get to Hue
Hue in Central Vietnam can be reached by air, train, bus or car.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Phu Bai International Airport (HUI), about 30 minutes by taxi from the city centre. Domestic flights connect Hue to major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- By Train: Hue Railway Station is about 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot from the Imperial City. Trains run daily from major cities such as Da Nang and Hanoi.
- By Bus or Car: Hue is well-connected by road, with regular buses and private cars available from nearby cities such as Da Nang or Hoi An (2-3 hours)
- Alternatively, if your hotel is in a neighbouring city such as Da Nang, you can book a private tour with a licensed guide.
About the Author
This article was written by Linda from Muy Linda Travels. Linda is a travel blogger and teacher from Australia. She loves travelling solo and has visited around 50 countries on 5 different continents. Her recent trips include swimming with sea turtles on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, exploring the stunning beaches and historical sites of Thailand and Vietnam, and a jaunt to Java and Bali, climbing volcanoes, visiting ancient sacred places and zipping around on the back of a motorbike. Follow Linda on Facebook and Instagram.
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