Trip Planner:   Asia  /  Vietnam  /  Thua Thien - Hue Province  /  Hue  /  Imperial City

Imperial City, Hue

4.2

#1 of 33 in Historic Sites in Hue

Historic Site Tourist Spot Must See

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A listed World Heritage Site, Imperial City (aka the Purple Forbidden City) stands as a testimony to the power and wealth of the last imperial Vietnamese dynasty. Situated on a riverbank, the complex features the remains of an imperial palace, Buddhist temples and pagodas, tombs of Nguyen Kings, courtyards, and gardens. It is encircled by a moat and two rows of fortification walls. Over the years following the demise of Vietnamese monarchy, the site was significantly ruined by cyclones and termites. However, it suffered the severest damage during the Vietnam War--look for the holes in the stone walls made by bullets and grenades. The highlights include a flag tower and 10 lavishly ornamented gates. Using our world travel planner, Hue attractions like Imperial City can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.

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Imperial City Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

10,773 reviews

Google

4.4

• By moyam456

  Be prepared to walk, but this is a must do experience. It is all on the flat but the Imoerial City covers quite an area and it can be quite hot. There are however plenty of watering holes discreetly....  more »

• By Travelaround59

  The Citadel is so interesting, pity that much has been destroyed by war, neglect and weather. Is an awesome sight with much to see including the bonsais, the gardens and the moats. Much of it has...  more »

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Google

• By Tuấn Nguyễn Ngọc

  Hue is beautiful city. The atmosphere is so peaceful. Everyday, you walk on the street in Hue, you will feel the clean air because Hue has many trees. The Hue people is friendly, too. The cuisine is so good and bears its own mark. Hue welcomes everyone. Visit Hue and feel it.

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• By Bryce Gething

  Walking shoes is a must. It can get very hot and the city is very large. Be prepared to walk. There’s a lot of symmetry in the city and very few of the original structure remains. Lots of work is being done to restore the war torn city. The original structures which still stand are extremely detailed. This city is best viewed with a guide as it’s easy to get lost given its size. The guide will also give useful insights.

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