Visit Hue Citadel

View of Hue Citadel from the outside (Source: Collected)

Hue – the ancient capital land bearing the historical imprint of the nation. In particular, especially  the Hue Citadel  , which also has cultural and unique architectural imprints, cannot be missed in the Hue travel itinerary. Let’s explore the residence of the king and Nguyen court through the following article.

1. 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, which is one of the relics belonging to the Complex of Hue Monuments from the Nguyen Dynasty. 

In which year was Hue Citadel built? The  Hue Citadel, built from the early 19th century to the first half of the 20th century , is one of the relics belonging to the Complex of Hue  Monuments, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1993 . The panorama of Hue Citadel still preserves many unique imprints of the feudalism of the Nguyen Dynasty for hundreds of years. 

Hue Citadel has a hundred years of history, here still preserve the architectural art of the Nguyen Dynasty (Source: Collectibles)

Hue Citadel is the living place and activities of the Nguyen kings and the last feudal court of our country.

Hue Citadel can be considered as a construction of the most massive scale in the history of Vietnam so far. Hue Citadel has a construction process lasting many years with tens of thousands of construction workers and a series of jobs such as backfilling rivers, digging trenches, building citadel, besides a huge volume of soil and stone up to millions of meters. block.

The ancient beauty of Hue Citadel is loved by many tourists (Source: Collectibles)

What is Hue Citadel? The complex of Hue Citadel relic complex has hundreds of works with the painstaking construction of our people, with its magnificent beauty and unique palace architecture to attract people to Hue. 

2. History of Hue Citadel and architectural features

2.1. History of Hue Citadel

In 1803, during the reign of King Gia Long, he realized that the land of Hue was a place of peace, scenery, and poetic love by the Perfume River. Since then, King Gia Long has come up with the intention to choose this land as the ancient capital of the Nguyen court. After 30 years of construction with much effort, the whole project of the new capital was officially completed, Hue Citadel has 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 includes Ngo Mon Gate and Thai Hoa Palace. The Forbidden City is an area dedicated to the king and the 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 Purple City (Source: Vnexpress)

2.2. Explore Hue Citadel architecture 

The architecture of Hue Citadel becomes one of the tourist attractions when visiting the ancient capital of Hue.

2.2.1. Imperial Citadel

• Ngo Mon Gate

Ngo Mon Gate or Ngo Mon Gate is a massive, monumental construction with very elaborate, sophisticated and solid patterns. Ngo Mon Gate is not simply an entrance gate but also a representative face of Hue Imperial Citadel  , so it is designed in many layers with a surrounding moat system.

The Ngo Mon Gate of Hue Imperial Citadel looks to the south of the citadel. From the position of Ngo Mon, we can see the Perfume River from afar. The Ngo Mon Gate of the Imperial Citadel area will have 5 gates located here, in which the main door in the middle used to be for the king to go, the two side gates are for mandarins and martial arts officials. The rest, the area around the two gates is for soldiers with elephants and horses to follow the king to protect and serve the king.

Over nearly 2 centuries and witnessed many historical events recorded in the books of the nation’s people. Ngo Mon Gate still exists over time and has become an excellent ancient architectural masterpiece where it is also a living witness to many important milestones of the nation’s history.

Ngo Mon Gate represents Hue Imperial Citadel (Source: nam13049x)

• 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 work in the overall Hue Imperial Citadel, where along with Dai Trieu Nghi Courtyard used to be the venue for court meetings of the Nguyen Dynasty, most of which were court lectures. important.

Thai Hoa Palace is considered the most prominent feature of Hue royal architectural art, the main material used to build the electricity is ironwood. The electric roof, columns and … are sculpted with a delicate and meticulous dragon shape. In the middle of the palace is the king’s throne placed in a dignified position, where the king sits in court meetings. 

Thai Hoa Palace has bold architecture of Hue Royal Palace (Source: @by.mochiii)

2.2.2. The Forbidden City

• Great Palace Gate

Dai Cung Mon is the main door (towards the south) to the Forbidden City, consists of 5 compartments and 3 doors and was built in the reign of King Minh Mang, in 1833. The door in the middle is only for the king to go, the back side has two sides. two corridors connecting with Ta Vu and Huu Vu. Dai Cung Mon overlooks the front yard overlooking Thai Hoa Palace, built entirely of wood, roofed with lapis lazuli tiles. The Dai Cung Mon building was destroyed during the war and is currently being researched by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center for restoration.

The image of Dai Cung Mon was restored from black and white photos (Source: Manhhai flickr)

• 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 mandarins, Huu Vu was the place for the court martial officers. These two buildings are the place to prepare for the rites before the court, where competitions or banquets are held. These two buildings are the few remaining works after the war, today Ta Vu is used to display artifacts, Huu Vu has become a place for tourists to visit and take pictures.

Ta Vu – Huu Vu is one of the surviving works after the war (Source: Collected)

• 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 set up the 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 intricately 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 spare time, read books, write poems or write poems to relax, a very wonderful scene for kings. love nature. Thai Binh Lau was built in 1919 by King Khai Dinh and completed in 1921.

Thai Binh Lau still retains the beauty and old architecture despite having undergone many restorations and repairs (Source: Collectibles)

• Palace of Dien Tho

Among the many palaces in the Imperial Citadel of Hue, Dien Tho Palace is considered to be the largest palace architectural system in Hue remaining to this day. This place used to be the residence of the Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager Queens, powerful women at the king’s side.

Dien Tho Palace, the residence of the Queen Mother (Source: Collected)

3. What month should you go to visit Hue Citadel?

When is the best time to visit Hue Citadel? Answering many visitors’ questions about this issue depends on the climate and weather characteristics of Hue. However, there are two times to go to Hue Citadel:

• Spring in Hue 

Although it is not obvious, there is still a bit of spring beauty in Hue that is very poetic and lyrical like the muse here. Spring in Hue usually lasts from January to the end of March , the weather at this time is cool and pleasant. At this time when the cold winds have just left the dreamy Perfume River, this is also the time when Hue becomes gentle, full of life with spring nature. The trees are also gradually sprouting buds, the roads are full of flowers, highlighting the picture of green spring.

• Festival season in Hue

Hue Festival, the largest festival with many activities to attract tourists (Source: VNA)

If you say what season and month is the most reasonable to travel to Hue, the answer will be that the whole year Hue is beautiful. However, from April to May is the more popular time. Because at this time, Hue Festival will take place. Festival in Hue is held every year, known as the biggest and most unique festival in Hue as well as the Central region, one of the biggest festivals in Vietnam. The graceful purple ao dai in Hue Festival has a muse beauty.

You have the opportunity to discover and experience the cultural features of Hue, including this Hue Festival which is also an opportunity to gather a series of artistic activities and special entertainment programs. Hue Festival takes place is also the moment when Hue Citadel as well as the whole city is put on a brilliant, splendid and colorful coat. This new shirt of Hue is no different from the royal palace when decorated with colorful lanterns and electric lights. 

5. Guide to move to Hue Citadel

Hue Citadel is located right near Hue city center, the way to Hue Citadel is also very easy, so you can choose for yourself a reasonable means of transportation. You can choose to ride a bicycle, rent a cyclo to both move around and enjoy the scenery, if you are traveling with a family with small children, then a taxi is the most suitable means of transportation. Motorcycle is a means of choice for many young people because of its convenience, reasonable price, and initiative when visiting Hue Citadel and combining with other spots in Hue city.

Cyclo is chosen by many tourists when visiting Hue Citadel (Source: Collectibles)

To go to Hue Citadel, from the city center, you go along the south bank of the Perfume River, to the area of ​​Truong Tien Bridge or Phu Xuan Bridge, then pass through Bach Ho and then follow the direction of Quang Duc Street to reach Dai Dai. Noi Hue.

6. Unforgettable experiences when visiting Hue Citadel

6.1. Explore the works and architecture of the Citadel by cyclo

An extremely interesting experience when coming to Hue you definitely have to try is renting a chain to visit the Hue imperial city. A more reasonable choice for those who are lazy to walk or are tired of walking too much in such a large area of ​​Hue Citadel. This is also a way for visitors to save time and still discover all the beauty when visiting the works in Hue Citadel.

The price of cyclo is also very cheap, ranging from 30k – 50k for a round trip around Hue Citadel. 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 Citadel without walking (Source: Collectibles)

6.2. Visit the system of mausoleums and palaces of kings in Hue Citadel

In Hue Citadel, there are many places for you to visit including mausoleums, palaces of kings and royalty, and temples. You can explore and learn about the beauty and history of the palaces and monuments in the Hue Citadel. These works also show the art of a dynasty in our country, the aesthetics of our ancestors in a sense that future generations need to inherit and promote.

6.3. See the brilliant Hue Citadel at night

Night is also an ideal time to be able to see the beauty of Hue Citadel when lit up with extremely brilliant lights at night. Especially with the area in front of the citadel gate is Hue Citadel Flagpole. This place will always be busy and bustling with the people of Hue coming here to take a walk, enjoy a scene reminiscent of ancient features at night.

The night scene of Hue Citadel has colorful electric lights, so it becomes very beautiful and splendid. Someone once compared this place to an ancient town right in the heart of the dreamy Hue.

Royal Palace Festival at Hue Citadel every Saturday night (Source: Collected)

6.4. Enjoy delicious cups of tea at Dien Tho Palace

An interesting place is Dien Tho Palace located in the imperial citadel. Visitors will experience an interesting activity, enjoy old tea at the royal garden, admire the beautiful scenery and the peace is very suitable for those who enjoy elegant fun, less noisy space.

6.5. Participate in royal festival activities in the Citadel area 

Hue has long been a place to keep the cultural traditions of the ancient feudal dynasty of Vietnam. Especially with the royal culture handed down from the Nguyen Dynasty until now still intact. Royal festivals are an extremely interesting activity that attracts many tourists every time they come to Hue. 

Festival activities are always attractive to people and tourists (Source: VOV)

If you come to Hue in the right festive season, you will admire a new scene in Hue Citadel. Hue Festival Festival is held every year in April or June  for many generations, the atmosphere is vibrant and bustling, nostalgic with many unique art performances that attract local people as well as crowds. tourist island.

7. Experience visiting the Citadel in Hue

7.1. Ticket prices to Hue Citadel and opening hours

Ticket prices for Hue Citadel are regulated depending on age, such as:

• Ticket price for adults:  120,000 VND/person
• Ticket price for children:  30,000 VND/person
• Ticket price for foreign guests:  150,000 VND/person

Opening hours to visit Hue Citadel are as follows:

• Opening hours in summer:  6:30am – 5:30pm
• Opening hours in winter:  7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m

You should pay attention to the opening hours and ticket prices of Hue Citadel (Source: Nhi119287).

7.2. Notes when visiting Hue Citadel

• Hue Citadel is large, there are many places, so in order not to miss places to visit, you should prepare a map and understand the map of Hue Citadel so as not to get lost and save time.
• Visiting Hue Citadel requires a lot of movement, you should choose appropriate clothes for ease of movement, and at the same time avoid impolite costumes or offensive poses when taking photos in places that need respect such as Hue city.

Hue Citadel – A sanctuary imbued with historical and cultural values, you should choose appropriate clothes when visiting (Source: hienlytran)

• During the tour, you should follow the regulations of the places such as not taking pictures, recording the interior and absolutely not touching the artifacts.
• Every visitor when coming here needs to be conscious and remember to maintain general hygiene, not to litter everywhere.

If you come to Hue city to visit,  the Hue Citadel  is a place you should not miss. This place contains about the historical, cultural and architectural values ​​of the whole dynasty in the national history.