Imperial City of Hue, Hue (must see)

Nestled along the banks of the Perfume River, the Imperial City of Hue stands as a majestic reminder of Vietnam’s storied past. Enclosed within imposing Vauban-style ramparts and moats that stretch around 2 kilometers on each side, this UNESCO‑listed heritage site formed the core of the Nguyen dynasty’s power from 1804 until the monarchy’s end in 1945. Built under Emperor Gia Long and later expanded by Minh Mạng, its multi-layered layout echoes Beijing’s Forbidden City, featuring an outer citadel, a more exclusive Imperial City, and at its heart, the Purple Forbidden City-once accessible only to the imperial family.

Favoured by its powerful ceremonial halls, tranquil gardens, royal shrines, and imperial residences, the complex pulses with historical richness. The iconic Meridian Gate (Ngo Mon), built in 1833, served as the grand entrance for emperors and mandarins. Within, visitors will discover the magnificent Thai Hoa Hall, once used for coronations and court functions by all thirteen Nguyen emperors. Elsewhere, ancestral worship was conducted at The Mieu temple, surrounded by nine dynastic urns and reflecting Confucian traditions of reverence.

Visitors also walk the scarred ruins of the Purple Forbidden City, where purple-tiled roofs and sacred pavilions tell tales of war and restoration. Although the site suffered devastating destruction during the 1947 battles and the 1968 Tet Offensive, significant restoration efforts have revived structures like Kien Trung Palace (rebuilt and opened in 2024) and other treasures within the complex. Today, the Imperial City offers an evocative journey through imperial Vietnam-guests can explore grand halls, royal gardens, and ceremonial spaces, all while absorbing the echo of centuries-old dynastic life and architectural elegance.