Beautiful Photos Of Hue Vietnam's Lost Imperial City

From 1802 to 1945, Hue was the capital of Vietnam and home to the Nguyen dynasty. After the Vietnam War, Hue’s unique history fell to ruin as the imperial era wasn’t viewed favourably by the communist authorities. These days, however, the temples and landmarks of the city are national treasures, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Looking for a unique trip to Vietnam? Book yourself onto Culture Trip’s exclusive 12-day Vietnamese adventure, spanning the night markets of Hanoi and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, guided by a Local Insider.

The Citadel

By far the focal point of tourism in Hue, the Citadel is a sprawling complex on the northern side of the Perfume River, and within its deep moat and imposing walls are the courts, temples, gardens and pavilions of the Imperial City.

Hue’s Imperial Citadel is a must-visit historical site in the city

For most, this gate – also known as the South Gate – will be where you start your tour of the Imperial City. It was built in 1833 by emperor Minh Mạng and was used as a place from which to view ceremonies and troop movements. The five entrances you can see in the photo below are sized according to the status of the person allowed to enter through them: the middle and largest was for the emperor; the two smaller ones off the centre were for mandarins, soldiers and horses; and the two arched entrances facing inward were for the common people.

Meridian Gate is a popular photo spot in Hue

Meridian Gate tends to be one of the city’s busier spots

Hien Nhon gate

This gate is the eastern entrance into the Imperial City.

Hien Nhon is another of Hue’s stunning imperial gates

To Mieu Temple

In 1823, the emperor Minh Mạng wanted to build a temple in tribute to the previous nine rulers of his dynastic line, which is why there are nine tripod cauldrons around the courtyard in front of To Mieu temple. The temple itself is modelled on the Imperial Ancestral Temple, or Taimiao, in Beijing.

These tripod cauldrons were made to honour the first emperors of the Nguyen dynasty

To Mieu Temple gate is an intricate structue

To Mieu Temple features plenty of hidden corners to explore

To Mieu Temple is home to various example of local art

Purple Forbidden City

Following the Tet Offensive in 1968, a division of the People’s Army of Vietnam, or Viet Cong, occupied Hue, including the Imperial City. At first, the US was reluctant to bomb the historic sites, but when casualties began to mount, they changed their policy. Of 160 original buildings, only 10 remained after the Battle of Hue. Most of the Purple Forbidden City, where the emperor lived, was destroyed, and you can still see many bullet holes in the walls. The original structures were modelled on the Chinese Forbidden City in Beijing.

A banquet hall in Hue’s Purple Forbidden City

Visitors continue to flock to the Purple Forbidden City

Intricate designs characterise the style of the Purple Forbidden City

The dragon was a powerful motif during the heydey of the Purple Forbidden City

Dragon sculptures are found throughout the Purple Forbidden City

Co Ha Gardens

These gardens, located in the northeast corner of the Imperial City, were built by the first four emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. For many years, they fell into disrepair, but a restoration project has brought them back to their former glory. You really feel like royalty when you stroll through this opulent area.

Co Ha Gardens is resplendent with lily pads, lending the place a relaxed vibe

Co Ha Gardens make a tranquil stop in a Hue itinerary

Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities

This newly renovated museum houses artefacts from the dynastic years, such as garments, ceramics and works of art.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.