Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)

Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)

Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
4.5
08:00 - 17:30
Monday
08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:30
Thursday
08:00 - 17:30
Friday
08:00 - 17:30
Saturday
08:00 - 17:30
Sunday
08:00 - 17:30
About
This former site of the old capitol has a moat and ten ornate gates guarding a palace, temples, gardens and tombs. Its most prominent feature is a tall flag tower.
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  • Ali L
    Edmonton, Canada16 contributions
    Hire a driver and guide not a tour
    Was very impressed with the imperial city, we spent about 3 hours there with the first hour guided. A couple of recommendations: 1)We hired a driver as we were coming from Hoi An. The cost was about $65USD total and he was fantastic, he stopped all the places you wanted to and knew the standard itinerary for tours so you didn’t have to direct. I would recommend this as an option as the drive is 3 hrs each way and this was much better than being on a tour bus or mini van. And a private tour was quoted at $120USD per person 😯 2) Hire a guide vs the audio guide. An audio guide was $100k for each person, where a personal guide of the city for an hour was $150K total. You pay for the guide at the ticket station, and before you go into the city you will see on the right the guide room (audio room is on the opposite side) 3) Have cash, no ATMs anywhere near any of the attractions Would highly recommend going if you have the time. We selected to leave at 7am and was back in Hoi An at 6pm. With lots of stops along the way for pictures.
    Visited February 2020
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 February 2020
  • Melanie_Yeoh
    Semenyih, Malaysia1,030 contributions
    Trishaw ride around outer Citadel
    We hired a car to drive us from Da Nang to Hue, we reached Hue before noon. When we arrived at the Imperial City gates, many trishaw cyclists came up to us and offered to bring us around to see the city. The charges were calculated by hours. We decided to get a ride because the heat was too much for us, we could hardly open our eyes, needless to say to walk under such hot temperatures, we won't be able to explore much by foot. So we started our exploration around the Imperial City, we were cycled around under an umbrella. We got to visit many old houses, schools and museums for free. The cyclists cum guides were able to speak English, they were knowledgeable and were able to explain the history behind all the places they brought us to. We saw bullet holes too. Take note, please negotiate the charges beforehand, we had an argument in the end. It was no doubt the best English guide I encountered during my trip to Da Nang, Hue and Hoi An. They deserve more but they hope to get more money by cheating you a little, just be careful and aware before getting on. After visiting the outer part, now we paid to enter the Imperial City, Citadel. Same thing, the place inside was huge, the weather was unbearable. We ran from shade to shade. There were buggy rides inside the city but you will have to pay extra and wait in line to get on one. We, the young ones, only explored 10% of the city and had a few stops for drinks and icecreams. My parents totally gave up walking, they waited at the exit. If you were to visit, remember to bring your own umbrella, carry water and put on sunglasses. This place is massive and you really need some courage to walk every room and see everything. You can get paper map at the ticketing counter, you will need it to find your way out, don't get lost!
    Visited May 2019
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 January 2020
  • Gary S
    Sydney, Australia57 contributions
    A remarkeable tour not to be missed
    Thought I'd share some of my thoughts after a visit to the Citadel. I have to say that the information on Trip Advisor is pretty thin so I hope to help other travelers. When purchasing the ticket you are offered some options. These include visits to the different tombs surrounding the Citadel. You can pay up to VD 570000 D to visit all of them how to get. Unfortunately I couldn't get a clear explanation about what the tombs were so I just opted for the pass into the Citadel for 200,000 VD. Turns out that was the right choice for me. I also picked up headphones for the guided audio tour for another 100,000 VD. The guided tour has 60 locations. If you make all 60 in a day you should enter in a marathon. Before you start do what I didn't do. Find out when the live music and dance performances are. It looks like there are live performances around 10 am and 3 pm daily at the theater. If you do what I did and followed the audio guide map chronologically you will miss the performances (like I did). As with other reports there are cafe's and toilets and plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs of course. The Citadel tour is amazing and I was exhausted with the information and the exquisite beauty of the place. I think I learned more about Vietnam's history today than in my lifetime. Incredible and fascinating. By closing I could not take in another reference. So my advise is take a whole day to see the Citadel, use the audio guide and plan the schedule to see the performances. Enjoy!
    Visited February 2020
    Written 24 February 2020
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Raymondale
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,029 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
when i had Hue city trip two weeks ago,i came here to witness the history of Nguyen dynasty. it is a must-see attraction in Hue city. The imperial city is a walled enclosure within the citadel of the city of Hue,it is the former imperial capital of Nguyen dynasty. It contains palaces, shrines, gardens, and villas. it constructed in 1803 under Emperor Gia Long as a new capital. in 1993, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. unfortunately, when i visited this place, Điện Thái Hòa under renovation, it is the most important palace inside the imperial city,this palace houses the throne of all Nguyen Emperors. you need three hours to visit this place, especially if you are keen on history and also photos taking. heard that renovation of Dien Thai Hoa will be completed in 2025, so i will come again.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rickrover
Newlyn, UK129 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
It is a very impressive site. It is huge, beautifully kept and really interesting. It does get very busy at the main Pagodas, but because of its size, we managed to find peaceful places. We loved the Royal Gardens. We spent several hours there just enjoying the surroundings. It was worth travelling to Hue to visit this place. We only stayed in Hue for two nights, as we did not love the town itself.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sweetiekin
Singapore, Singapore56 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We visited during summer so the weather was extremely hot. Be prepared to walk a lot, bring lots of water, hat and sunblock.

We booked a one-day tour as we also wanted to visit the tombs and temples. The guide helps for us to understand some historical stories with Vietnam.
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LOUIS
Hanoi, Vietnam416 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
You should spend a whole day in this attraction “ imperial hue “ due to it’s huge and spacious, if someone else is interested in historical researches he/she can not pass this citadel. You can order live guide at the ticket counter, ticket cost 10$
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lexi
Hanoi, Vietnam2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Magnificent! It brings back a variety of things about Vietnamese history. Ordinary days will cost a small fee of about 200k (around $9) but it actually worth it for visitors. It has something really mysterious and a historical experience.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Moras
Monaca, PA3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Friends
Hue Forbidden City in Vietnam is a captivating destination that showcases the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty. The palaces within the complex are stunning, with intricate details and vibrant colors. The knowledgeable and friendly staff provide valuable insights, enhancing the experience. The well-preserved site, informative signage, and audio guides make it educational and visually impressive. A visit to Hue Forbidden City is a must for history and culture enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's royal legacy.

Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mellie
36 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Although it was hot, the long walk through the citadel was worth it. The citadel is a place of historical significance. From its elegant architecture to its lavish gardens, you will feel the sight that will take your breath. Its a must to experience it
Written 23 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mufalen
London, UK1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Friends
I recently visited Hue Citadel during the summer, and while there were some positive aspects, my overall experience was a mix of pros and cons.

One of the primary challenges of visiting during the summer was the hot weather. The high temperatures made exploring the Citadel physically demanding and somewhat uncomfortable. It's important to come prepared with sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Another aspect that detracted from my experience was the perceived unfriendliness of the guards. While it's important to note that this might not be the case for everyone, I encountered some guards who were less than welcoming and appeared disinterested in providing assistance or answering questions. This lack of friendliness dampened the overall atmosphere of the Citadel.

On the positive side, the palace within the Citadel was impressive. The historical significance and architectural beauty of the buildings were evident, providing a glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage. The palace's intricate details and well-preserved elements were certainly worth exploring.

However, one downside was the excessive construction happening within the Citadel. The presence of ongoing construction work detracted from the overall ambiance and made it challenging to fully appreciate the historical surroundings. It would have been preferable if the construction activities were better managed to minimize their impact on visitors' experience.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ali_Royal_2015
906 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
We had a really great time exploring the Imperial city. I would advise going early in the morning, we went at 10:00 and it was already baking hot although not particularly busy. It’s a large, beautiful site and you can easily spend a couple of hours strolling the various streets and pagodas. I also enjoyed watching the numerous Vietnamese ladies in traditional clothing who were having a great time posing for photos. Definitely a worthwhile place to see when in Hue.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Luccie
Singapore, Singapore17 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
beautiful.a great place both people and atmosphere.i love this place.love this scenic place.😍🥰😍😍
Written 28 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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HUE IMPERIAL CITY (THE CITADEL): All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) is open:
  • Sun - Sat 08:00 - 17:30
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