Museum & Heritage
Hue Imperial Citadel & Forbidden Purple City (Đại Nội Huế & Tử Cấm Thành)
The 10-kilometer-moated seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors (1802–1945) on the north bank of the Perfume River.
Why Visit Hue Imperial Citadel & Forbidden Purple City
Begun in 1804 under Emperor Gia Long, the Citadel encloses the Imperial City (Hoang Thanh) and Forbidden Purple City (Tu Cam Thanh). Recent multi-year conservation work has fully restored both the ironwood Thai Hoa Throne Palace and the colorful porcelain-mosaic Kien Trung Palace.
What to See: Ngo Mon (Noon Gate) and Thai Hoa Palace of Supreme Harmony • Restored Kien Trung Palace at the northern axis of the Forbidden City • The Mieu Ancestral Temple, Nine Dynastic Urns, and Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theatre
Local Visitor Tips:
- Buy the 3-site or 4-site combo ticket at Noon Gate—it remains valid for 2 days so you can visit Minh Mang and Khai Dinh Tombs the next morning.