Hue Citadel is part of the Hue Monuments Complex, imbued with cultural, historical and architectural imprints of the Nguyen Dynasty, recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1993.
View of Hue Citadel from outside (Source: Collected)
Hue – the land of the ancient capital bearing a strong historical mark of the nation. Among them, special mention must be made of Hue Citadel, which also has unique cultural and architectural imprints that cannot be missed in the Hue travel itinerary . Let’s explore the king’s residence and the Nguyen court through the following article.
1. Some details about Hue Citadel
- Address: 23/8 Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province.
- Where is Hue Citadel located? Hue Citadel is located on the banks of the poetic and lyrical Perfume River. This place is one of the relics belonging to the Hue Monuments Complex from the Nguyen Dynasty.
In what year was the Hue Citadel built? The Hue Citadel was built from the early 19th century to the first half of the 20th century , and is one of the relics in the Hue Monuments Complex group that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1993 . The panorama of Hue Citadel still retains many unique imprints of the feudal Nguyen Dynasty for hundreds of years.
Hue Citadel has a hundred years of history, this place still retains the architectural art of the Nguyen Dynasty (Source: Collected)
Hue Citadel is where the living and activities of the Nguyen kings and the last feudal court of our country took place.
The Hue Citadel can be considered the most massive construction in Vietnamese history to date. The Hue Citadel had a construction process that lasted for many years with tens of thousands of construction workers and a series of jobs such as filling rivers, digging trenches, and building ramparts, in addition to a huge volume of soil and rock up to millions of meters. block.
What does Hue Citadel have? The Hue Imperial Citadel relic complex has hundreds of works built with the diligence of our people, with magnificent beauty and unique palace architecture that attracts people to Hue.
2. The story of the history of Hue Citadel and architectural features
2.1. History of Hue Citadel
In 1803, when King Gia Long ascended the throne, he realized that Hue was a peaceful and poetic place along the Perfume River. From then on, King Gia Long came up with the idea of choosing this land as the ancient capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. After 30 years of construction and much effort, the entire new capital project was officially completed, Hue Citadel has a charming beauty, in harmony with the beauty of nature.
Hue Citadel has two main areas: the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden City, each area includes many different works. The Imperial Citadel area includes Ngo Mon gate and Thai Hoa Palace. The Forbidden City is an area reserved for the king and royal family, including Dai Cung Mon, Ta Vu and Huu Vu, Can Chanh Palace, Thai Binh Lau, Dien Tho Palace…
Hue Citadel is divided into two areas: Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City (Source: Vnexpress)
2.2. Explore the architecture of Hue Imperial Citadel
Hue Citadel architecture has become one of the tourist attractions when visiting the ancient capital of Hue.
2.2.1. Imperial Citadel area
- Ngo Mon Gate
Ngo Mon Gate or Ngo Mon Gate is a massive, majestic construction with extremely elaborate, sophisticated and solid patterns. Ngo Mon is not simply the entrance gate but also the representative face of the Hue Royal Citadel, so it is designed with many layers with a surrounding moat system.
The Ngo Mon Gate of Hue Imperial Citadel looks south of the citadel. From the Ngo Mon position, we can see the Perfume River in the distance. The Ngo Mon Gate of the Imperial Citadel area will have 5 gates located here, of which the main gate in the middle was once for the king, and the two side gates were for civil and martial mandarins. The remaining area of the two surrounding gates is for soldiers, elephants and horses to follow the king to protect and serve him.
Spent nearly 2 centuries and witnessed many historical events recorded in the books of the country’s people. Ngo Mon Gate still exists over time and has become an excellent ancient architectural masterpiece. It is also a living witness to many important milestones in the nation’s history.
- Thai Hoa palace
Thai Hoa Palace is a symbol of the power of the Nguyen Dynasty at that time, located in the Imperial Citadel area of Hue Citadel. Thai Hoa Palace is the most important building in the overall Imperial Citadel of Hue. This place and Dai Trieu Nghi yard were once the place where court meetings of the Nguyen Dynasty took place, most of which were court meetings. important.
Thai Hoa Palace is considered the most prominent highlight of Hue royal architectural art. The main material used to build the palace is ironwood. The roof, columns, etc. are carved with delicate, meticulous dragon shapes. In the middle of the palace is the king’s throne placed in a solemn position, where the king sits during court meetings.
2.2.2. Forbidden City area
- Dai Cung Mon
Dai Cung Mon is the main door (south) into the Forbidden City, consisting of 5 compartments and 3 doors and was built during the reign of King Minh Mang, in 1833. The door in the middle compartment is only for the king to enter, the back on both sides has two corridors connecting Ta Vu and Huu Vu. Dai Cung Mon overlooks the front yard towards Thai Hoa Palace, built entirely of wood, topped with lapis lazuli tiles. Dai Cung Mon was destroyed during the war and is currently being researched by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center to restore it.
- Ta Vu and Huu Vu
Ta Vu and Huu Vu are two buildings right opposite Can Chanh palace, built in the early 19th century. Ta Vu building was built for literary mandarins, Huu Vu is a place for military mandarins in the court. These two buildings are the place to prepare for rituals before the court, where competitions or banquets are held. These two buildings are the few remaining structures after the war. Today Ta Vu is used to display artifacts, Huu Vu has become a place for tourists to visit and take photos.
- Can Chanh Palace
Can Chanh Palace is located directly with Thai Hoa Palace in the North-South direction, this is the place for the king to hold court. Can Chanh Palace is considered the largest and most beautiful wooden structure in the entire Forbidden City. The columns are made of ironwood, the upper frame is delicately and elaborately carved.
- Thai Binh Lau
Thai Binh Lau is located inside the Forbidden City of Hue Citadel, this place will be used for the king to rest in his free time, read books, write or compose poetry to relax, a very wonderful scene for the kings. love nature. Thai Binh Lau was built in 1919 by King Khai Dinh and completed in 1921.
Thai Binh Lau still retains its beauty and ancient architecture despite undergoing many restorations and repairs (Source: Collected)
- Dien Tho Palace
Among the many palaces in the Hue Imperial Citadel, Dien Tho Palace is considered the largest palace architectural system in Hue that remains intact today. This place used to be the residence of the Queen Mother and the Queen Mother, powerful women next to the king.
Dien Tho Palace, the residence of the Queen Mother (Source: Collected)Receive the earliest travel promotion information from VinpearlRegisterI agree to Vinpearl’s privacy policies and terms and conditions
3. Which month should I go to visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue?
Which season is best to visit the Imperial Citadel of Hue? Answering many tourists’ questions about this issue also depends on the climate and weather characteristics of Hue. However, there are two times you should go to Hue Citadel:
- Spring in Hue
Although not obvious, in Hue there is still some beauty of spring that is very poetic and lyrical like the muse here. Spring in Hue usually lasts from January to the end of March , the weather is cool and pleasant. At this time the cold winds have just left the dreamy Perfume River, this is also the time when Hue becomes gentle, full of vitality with spring nature. Plants and trees are also gradually sprouting, the roads are filled with flowers, highlighting the picture of lush green spring.
- Festival season in Hue
Hue Festival, the largest festival with many attractive activities for tourists (Source: VNA)
If we say which season and month is best to travel to Hue, the answer would be that Hue is beautiful all year round. However, April to May is the more popular time. Because during this time, the Hue Festival will take place. Festival in Hue is held every year. It is known as the largest and most unique festival in Hue as well as the Central region and one of the largest festivals in Vietnam. The graceful purple ao dai dresses at the Hue Festival bring the beauty of a muse.
You have the opportunity to explore and experience the cultural features of Hue, including this Hue Festival, which is also an opportunity to gather a series of unique artistic activities and entertainment programs. Hue Festival takes place and is also the moment when Hue Citadel as well as the whole city is dressed in a brilliant, splendid and colorful coat. This new coat of Hue is no different from the royal palace when decorated with colorful lanterns and electric lights.
4. Instructions for moving to Hue Citadel
The Hue Citadel is located right near the center of Hue city, the road to the Hue Citadel is also very easy so you can choose a reasonable means of transportation. You can choose to ride a bicycle or rent a cyclo to move around while sightseeing. Motorbikes are the means of transportation chosen by many young people because of their convenience, reasonable price, and initiative when visiting the Hue Citadel and other destinations in Hue city.
If you are traveling with a family with small children, taxi is the most suitable means of transportation. In Hue, there are many taxi companies that you can choose from. However, you should find a reputable, quality and safe taxi company. XANH SM Taxi is an ideal suggestion for tourists.
XANH SM Taxi – the first pure electric taxi company in Vietnam, operating entirely on VinFast electric cars. Choosing to travel by SM Green taxi, customers not only experience a different quality of service but are also joining hands with the company in its efforts to reduce emissions from vehicles and protect the environment.
In Hue, XANH SM is providing diverse services to customers: standard taxi, airport shuttle taxi or Thuan An beach tour from only 200,000 VND, package tour to mausoleums in the inner city from only 550,000 VND. VND, one-way package to famous destinations such as: Lang Co Bay, Linh Ung Pagoda… only from 350,000 VND, two-way package with 50% discount on the return trip.
Customers can quickly book a car through 04 ways:
(1) Call the national hotline 1900 2088
(2) Wave the car on the street like a traditional taxi
(3) Book a car on the SM Green Taxi application.
(4) Book a car through the beVinFast service on the beVinFast multi-service consumer platform
Cyclo is chosen by many tourists when visiting Hue Citadel (Source: Collected)
To go to Hue Citadel, from the city center, you go along the southern bank of the Perfume River, to the area of Truong Tien bridge or Phu Xuan bridge, then pass Bach Ho and follow Quang Duc street to reach the Citadel. Inner Hue.
5. Unforgettable experiences when visiting Hue Citadel
5.1. Explore the buildings and architecture of the Imperial Citadel by cyclo
An extremely interesting experience when coming to Hue that you must definitely try is renting a cyclo to visit the Hue Citadel area. A more reasonable choice for those who are lazy to walk or are tired from having to walk too much in such a large area of Hue Citadel. This is also a way for visitors to save time and still be able to discover all the beauty when visiting the buildings in Hue Citadel.
The price of cyclos is also very cheap, ranging from 30k – 50k for a trip around the Hue Citadel area. Renting a cyclo to move around will help you not worry about getting lost but feel comfortable to explore this place and also help protect the environment.
Cyclo is the choice of many people when they want to visit Hue Imperial Citadel without wanting to walk (Source: Collected)
5.2. Visit the system of mausoleums and palaces of kings in Hue Citadel
In Hue Imperial City, there are many places for you to visit including mausoleums, palaces of kings and royal families, and temples. You can explore and learn about the beauty and history of the palaces and monuments in the Hue Citadel. These works also demonstrate the artistry of our country’s dynasty, the aesthetics of our ancestors in the past in a way that future generations need to inherit and promote.
5.3. Admire the brilliant lights of Hue Imperial Citadel at night
At night is also an extremely ideal time to see the beauty of Hue Citadel when it is lit up with extremely bright lights at night. Especially the area in front of the city gate is the Hue Citadel Flagpole. This place will always be bustling and bustling with Hue people coming here to walk and enjoy the cool air at night, a scene reminiscent of ancient features.
The night scene of the Hue Citadel has sparkling colorful electric lights, so it becomes very beautiful and splendid. Someone once compared this place to an ancient town right in the heart of dreamy Hue.
Royal Palace Festival at Hue Citadel every Saturday night (Source: Collected)
5.4. Enjoy delicious cups of tea at Dien Tho palace
A quite interesting place is Dien Tho palace located in the Imperial Citadel area. Visitors will experience an exciting activity, enjoying old tea in the royal garden, admiring the beautiful scenery and peace, which is very suitable for those who like elegant fun and less noisy space.
5.5. Participate in royal festival activities in the Citadel area
Hue has long been a place that preserves the long-standing cultural traditions of Vietnam’s ancient feudal dynasty. Especially with the royal culture passed down from the Nguyen Dynasty until now, its value is still intact. Royal festivals are an extremely interesting activity that attracts many tourists every time they come to Hue.
There are many attractive festival activities that always attract people and tourists (Source: VOV)
If you come to Hue during the festival season, you will admire a new scene at the Hue Citadel. Hue Festival is held annually in April or June for many generations, the atmosphere is vibrant and bustling, nostalgic with many unique art performances attracting indigenous people as well as crowds. tourist island.
6. Experience visiting the Citadel in Hue
6.1. Ticket prices to visit Hue Citadel and opening hours
Hue Citadel ticket prices are regulated depending on age as follows:
- Ticket price for adults: 120,000 VND/person
- Ticket price for children: 30,000 VND/person
- Ticket price for foreign visitors: 150,000 VND/person
Opening hours to visit Hue Imperial Citadel are as follows:
- Reference opening hours in summer: 6:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m
- Reference opening hours in winter: 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m
You should pay attention to opening hours and ticket prices to visit Hue Citadel (Source: nhi119287)
6.2. Notes when visiting Hue Citadel
- The Hue Citadel is large and has many locations, so in order not to miss the tourist attractions, you should prepare a map and grasp the Hue Citadel diagram to not get lost and save time.
- Visiting the Hue Citadel requires a lot of movement, you should choose appropriate clothing for ease of movement, and avoid impolite outfits or offensive poses when taking photos in places that require respect like the ancient citadel. Hue capital.
Hue Citadel – A sanctuary rich in historical and cultural values, so choose appropriate clothing when visiting (Source: hienlytran)
- During the visit, you should follow the regulations of the locations such as not taking photos or recording the interior and absolutely not touching the artifacts.
- Every tourist coming here needs to be aware of maintaining general hygiene and not throwing trash everywhere.
If you come to Hue city to visit, the Hue Citadel is a place you should not miss. This place contains historical, cultural and architectural values of the entire dynasty in the nation’s history.