Imperial City

Imperial City which includes a temple or place of worship
Imperial City
Imperial City showing a park, a temple or place of worship and heritage elements
Imperial City
Imperial City


Explore Vietnam’s former seat of government to discover beautiful ancient buildings and learn about the destruction caused during the country’s major wars. 

Walk past the stunning temples and palaces enclosed in the walled area of the Imperial City. Discover the history of destruction in this famous citadel and admire the fine architecture that has escaped damage from the country’s wars.

Construction began on Hue’s famous Imperial City in 1804. Although it is no longer the seat of government, be sure to visit, because it remains one of Vietnam’s important cultural centers.

Enter the district through the impressive Ngo Mon Gate, designed to strike fear into the hearts of visiting dignitaries. The gate has also played an important part in Vietnam’s history. Emperor Bao Dai abdicated here in 1945, bringing an end to the Nguyen Dynasty. 

Continue across the pretty lotus pond to the Thai Hoa Palace. Admire the ornate wooden roof, supported by 80 red marble columns. At the back of the palace, view the emperor’s throne on its elevated platform. Stop to watch the audio-visual presentation providing an interesting overview of the citadel from its creation to its partial destruction in the French and American wars.

Move to the Halls of the Mandarins directly behind the palace. Marvel at the exquisite golden Buddha and have a photo taken dressed in the clothes of Vietnamese royalty. 

On the left is one of the only remaining temples in the Imperial City. Thế Mieu Temple is coated almost entirely in red and holds shrines to each of the ruling emperors. Notice tables lined with gold, holding pictures of the emperors.

Head to the triple-terraced Flag Tower on the wall overlooking the river. Stroll along the ramparts to find the nine sacred cannons. Each weighs about 11 tons (10 metric tons). Together they represent the four seasons and the five elements. 

You can easily spend several hours exploring the Imperial City. If you get hungry during your visit, stop at the food stalls where you can buy tasty local snacks.

The Imperial City, in the heart of Hue, is open daily. An admission fee is charged.

Plan a trip to see Imperial City

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Things to do near Imperial City

When visiting the Imperial City in Hue, immerse yourself in a variety of activities such as engaging art exhibitions, scenic biking tours, and relaxing boat rides along the Perfume River. Ideal for family outings, you can also enjoy day trips that explore the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Shopping

Visit Dong Ba Market, a vibrant public market just 1.3km from the Imperial City, where you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs amidst the bustling atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, consider exploring Vincom Plaza, located over 16.1km away, featuring a range of shops and eateries.

Recreation

At Laguna Lang Co Golf Club, 43.5km from Imperial City, enjoy a refreshing round of golf amidst stunning landscapes. This venue offers outdoor sports vibes, perfect for both relaxation and recreation, allowing you to connect with nature while honing your golfing skills.

Adventure

In Imperial City, explore the historic citadel on foot, discovering ancient architecture and vibrant gardens. For a thrilling experience, take a motorbike tour through the countryside, visiting local villages. Don't miss a dragon boat ride on the Perfume River, offering stunning views and a taste of local culture.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Imperial City is vibrant, with lively bars and local eateries. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal at Hanh Restaurant, then sip cocktails at DMZ Bar. For a cultural experience, catch a performance at the Hue Royal Theatre, immersing yourself in the city's rich heritage.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Imperial City

Visitors to the Imperial City in Hue can delve into its rich cultural heritage by exploring landmarks such as the modern bridges and the history museum. The area offers a delightful blend of urban charm and historical intrigue, catering to those seeking cultural insights and a vibrant city experience. Whether wandering through the streets or enjoying the nearby beach, there’s something for every traveller to relish in this enchanting location.

  • Truong Tien Bridge: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Truong Tien Bridge, a modern marvel that spans the Perfume River. This bridge is not only a crucial connection in the city but also offers stunning views, especially at sunset, making it a perfect spot for photos and leisurely strolls.
  • Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street: Immerse yourself in the lively energy of Nguyen Dinh Chieu Walking Street. Lined with shops, cafes, and local vendors, this bustling thoroughfare is ideal for sampling street food and enjoying the local culture while soaking up the city vibes.
  • Thai Hoa Palace: Delve into the rich history of Vietnam at Thai Hoa Palace, a stunning historic site that showcases exquisite architecture and cultural significance. Situated close to the Imperial City, it's a perfect destination to appreciate the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Best time to go to Imperial City

The best time to visit Imperial City can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Imperial City falls in June, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Imperial City falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January69.3°F (20.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
February71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April80.1°F (26.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May83.7°F (28.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June84.9°F (29.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July83.8°F (28.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August83.5°F (28.6°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September81.1°F (27.3°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October77.2°F (25.1°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November74.7°F (23.7°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December70.3°F (21.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Imperial City

To save money during your visit to Imperial City, plan your trip in January, March, or November when prices are lower. Book your accommodation around a month in advance, with Wednesday being the cheapest day to stay. For spontaneous travellers, check last-minute deals on Expedia. Utilise their search tool to filter options based on budget and location, and consider combining hotel bookings with flights and activities for potential savings. Look out for additional fees and affordable options to uncover the best deals for your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Imperial City are January, March and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Imperial City about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Imperial City is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Imperial City is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to tailor your options according to your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservations in the Imperial City with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.