About Imperial Enclosure

The Imperial Enclosure, or Forbidden Purple City, in Huế, is where the Emperors’ apartments, palace, and temples are located. It is a citadel within a citadel, as it had its own walls and moat inside of the Imperial City. The Hoàng Thành in Vietnamese or Imperial City is a citadel found inside a citadel in Huế, which was the home of the Nguyen lords, so it became the capital of Vietnam when one of those lords named himself Emperor in 1789.

Go off the beaten track to discover a sight less-visited than most. Of the original 148 buildings, only 20 survived bombings. The Forbidden Purple City took almost 30 years to build. Visitors will be able to picture the original construction process since the area is being reconstructed. Purple is the colour of royalty, so apart from the emperors and their families, only eunuch servants and concubines were permitted to enter its walls. Visit the temples and gardens only royalty was permitted to enjoy.

The Citadel faces southeast with the Emperor’s palace set closer to the Huong River instead of at the center. The original buildings were surrounded by walls reinforced with 6-foot thick walls and moat. Gates, courtyards, gardens, and pavilions were built and enclosed within the second set of walls and moat, making it a citadel within a citadel. The Nguyen dynasty ruled there until Vietnam declared independence in 1945. Inside the Imperial City was an area reserved exclusively for the royal family, called the Purple Forbidden City.

Visitors can tour the Imperial City with its temples, palaces, gardens, and residences. Wander around on your own, or hire a guide for stories about what imperial life would have been like. Walk-in Emperor Gia Long’s footsteps and take a path around the home of the man who shaped what Vietnam is today.

This architectural masterpiece is just waiting for you to discover it.

Must See

  • Ngo Mon Gate 
  • Historic complex
  • Spectacular night lighting.
  • Citadel-within-a-citadel
  • Emperors residence
  • Temples
  • Plalace
  • Imperial Tombs
  • Thien Mu Pagoda
  • Royal Banquet

How to reach

By Car

It takes around 5 minutes to reach the location and around 92,690 VND

By foot

It can take 35 to 40 minutes

Tips

  • The best to visit is at night as it is cooler and there is good lightening
  • Try to wear comfortable clothes
  • There is a lot of rubble and weeds around so go in comfortable shoes
  • Many small cafes nearby
  • One can go for souvenir shopping at the shops on the premises
  • A lot of great photographic monuments inside
  • Carry water and food with you for refreshments
  • Interesting romantic place with lots of scenic beauty
  • One can hire cycles for a ride across
  • The royal tomb is an amazing blend of eastern and western traditions
  • Dress comfortably according to the weather
  • Photography allowed

Visit Time

Sunday                                         7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Monday                                        7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday                                       7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday                                   7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday                                       7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday                                            7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday                                        7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

You may have to wait in queue for tickets and entry

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

Yes

Adult                         150,000 VND

Child                          30,000 VND

Read more

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

2 hours to 3 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Overcast Clouds 29.06°C

 

Local Services in Hue (Contact directly)

Discussion

No threads yet!

Be the first one to start a thread.

Top Attractions in Hue

Top Cities in Vietnam