Hue Walking Tour to Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City

Embark on a guided exploration of the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City in Hue, where visitors can delve into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese royal history and culture. Discover how the reigns of kings and queens, as well as the lives of concubines and eunuchs, have shaped this historic site over time.

Our friendly and informative tour guide will meet you at 4 Holy Cannons of Ngan Gate of the Citadel (Cửa Ngăn) for the Hue Imperial City Walking Tour. We will spend approximately two and half hours exploring the historical landmarks of the Hue Imperial Citadel and Forbidden City, learning about the history of Hue and Vietnamese royal culture.

Firstly, we will visit the Nine Holy Cannons (Cửu Vị Thần Công), nine bronze cannons created during the reign of King Gia Long in his second year (1803). These cannons are considered among the most valuable bronze artworks in Vietnam, dating back over two centuries. They were originally placed at the foot of the Imperial Citadel, near Ngo Mon Gate, but were later moved to their current location.

Next, we'll proceed to Noongate (South Gate - Ngọ Môn Huế), constructed in 1833 during King Minh Mang's rule. It served as the main gate for both military and ceremonial purposes throughout the Nguyen dynasty.

Following that, we will explore Flag Tower (Kỳ Đài Huế), an architectural marvel erected in the southern part of the Hue citadel. This tower stands out as a significant landmark and symbolizes the power and prestige of the royal family.

We then move on to Supreme Hamorny Palace (Điện Thái Hòa), situated within the Imperial City area of the Hue citadel. This palace played a crucial role in the coronations of 13 Nguyen kings from Gia Long to Bao Dai, making it a pivotal site in Vietnamese history.

In addition, we will visit the Nine Dynastic Urns (Cửu Đỉnh Huế), nine large bronze urns commissioned by Emperor Minh Mang in 1835. These urns were dedicated to the 10 kings who ruled during the Nguyen dynasty.

Moving forward, we will pay homage to the Mieu Temple (Thế Miếu Huế), commonly known as "To Mieu," which was built by the Second Kings of the Nguyen Dynasty – Minh Mang. This temple serves as a place of worship for the 10 kings of the Nguyen dynasty.

Lastly, we'll conclude our tour with the Dien Tho Palace (Cung Diên Thọ), a complex of palaces that once housed the residences of the queen mothers in the Hue Imperial Citadel. As the largest-scale palace architecture system remaining in Hue, Dien Tho Palace represents the grandeur and opulence of the Nguyen emperors' lifestyle.

Upon concluding our tour, our local guide will bid farewell to you. You may then enjoy discovering more about the daily lives of people living in the surrounding areas of the Hue Citadel.