Audio Guide: Hue Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Hue

Once the seat of the imperial dynasty in the heart of Vietnam, Hue is chock-full of stories. During feudal times, for nearly 150 years – from 1802 to 1945, the city served as the national capital. The royal lifestyle and customs have had a strong impact on the lifestyle of locals, and this impact can still be felt today.

First cited about 200 BCE as the seat of the Chinese military authority in the kingdom of Nam Viet, Hue was captured repeatedly by the Chinese until in 1306 it was ceded to Dai Viet (Vietnam). From 1558, the city was the seat of the Nguyen imperial family.

During the French colonial period, in the second half of the 19th century, Hue was part of the Annam protectorate, and later, under Japanese occupation, from 1940 to 1945, became the seat of a provisional administrative committee of non-communist Vietnamese. In 1949, the newly-declared state of Vietnam chose Saigon as their capital, and thus Hue lost its historic function.

Since the end of World War II, the city endured several upheavals, suffering early damage during the First Indochina War (1946–54), followed by severe civil disturbances in 1963 and again in 1965. During the 1968 Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War, many of the former royal buildings were damaged, but subsequently rebuilt.

In recent years, millions of people have visited the city annually, attracted by its numerous historic monuments, some of which still undergo restoration. Among the most prominent ones, worth checking out, are the Luong Dinh Welcome Pavilion and the Cửa Quảng Đức gate in the western part of the Imperial City. Another famous landmark and a symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty’s grandeur is the Cửu Vị Thần Công (Nine Holy Cannons).

The Palace of Supreme Harmony – Điện Thái Hoà – is situated just behind the Cửa Ngọ Môn gate in the most important court of the Citadel. Outside the fortress, straddling the river, is the Truong Tien Bridge, a distinctive symbol of Hue. And if you want to try some of the most delicious street food in town, make sure not to miss the Đông Ba market.

To get the maximum of your stay in Hue and discover its beautiful locations, take this self-guided walking tour.