Hue Imperial City Walking Tour – Half Day
Hue Imperial City Walking Tour – Half Day
Da Nang / Hoi An
Highlights
- Learn about the imperial city of Hue by exploring the amazing remains and replicas of this once glorious city
- Walk around the Citadel and take in the majestic Noon Gate and Nine Holy Cannons
- See the ornate details of the lavish Thai Hoa Palace
- Visit the ancestral temples of The Mieu and Hung Mieu
- Imagine the Vietnamese royals of old watching traditional performances at the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater
About
The Imperial City of Hue served as Vietnam’s capital from the early 1800s until the mid 1900s. It was the seat of power for the Nguyen dynasty before being forced to relinquish control under the Japanese occupation. Today, much of Hue’s history can be unearthed by exploring the remains of this once glorious city.
We’ll meet up at the city’s most famous landmark – the Citadel. An imposing complex with a network of pavilions, courtyards, moats, gardens, and walls, it is the epicenter of Hue’s Imperial City. We’ll explore the vast grounds, passing by the Noon Gate – the majestic entrance – and see the Nine Holy Cannons, which are located on the ramparts just inside the Citadel said to symbolize the four seasons and the five elements.
“By far the highlight of our holiday to Vietnam. Don’t skip it! Not a great deal of shade so be prepared but such an incredible place you HAVE to go!!” — Amelie, UK
Our next stop is the Thai Hoa Palace. This lavish hall was used for important ceremonies and official receptions. Take in the spacious palace with its 80 columns, ornate dragon details, and vast courtyard.
We’ll visit The Mieu and the Hung Mieu Temple next. Also known as the Temple of Generations, The Mieu is an ancestral temple built to honor the ten emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. Walk a bit further north and you’ll see a smaller temple, the Hung Mieu Temple built to honor first emperor of the Nguyen dynasty Gia Long’s parents.
“A beautiful place. A highlight in the imperial city.” — Andrew, USA
The newly-renovated Phung Tien Temple up next was once a place where the emperor, empresses, and other royal females came to worship the Nguyen ancestors. We’ll admire the rocky pools, pass by the library, and take photos by the flower garden.
Our last destination the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater is one of Vietnam’s oldest working theaters to date. It was restored and opened to the public in 2004, after many of its unique architectural elements and designs were replicated, making it easy to imagine the Vietnamese royals of old watching traditional performances.