Imperial Hue

The 20th-century conflicts in Vietnam damaged or destroyed many of the country’s heritage sites. But in the ancient city of Hue – the former imperial capital – you can still get a powerful sense of the country’s royal past before French colonisation in 1887.

In the very early 19th Century, the Nguyen Dynasty ruled Vietnam from Hue. Emperor Gia Long chose this scenic spot surrounded by hills and rivers to build a mighty citadel from which he could govern. The Imperial Citadel was modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City. Though the complex suffered significant damage during the war years, some of its original buildings remain, and you can still explore them today.

As you wander through this sprawling site, you’ll pass crumbling stone gates, ancient pavilions, arched bridges, libraries, and great halls – all once used for ruling and royal life. While some buildings remain in ruins, others have been carefully restored with the help of UNESCO. The legends of the Nguyen emperors live on here within the moated walls.

From the citadel, you can continue to Thien Mu Temple, another of Hue’s most renowned landmarks. A seven-tiered octagonal tower rises majestically over the peaceful Perfume (Huong) River, reflecting Chinese influence on Vietnamese architecture. Each level of the tower honours a different Buddha, and the temple grounds offer a glimpse into monastic life. You might hear monks chanting mantras or see novices carefully tending to the bonsai garden. One striking and sombre detail: the temple also houses the blue Austin Westminster car that carried the monk Thich Quang Duc to Saigon, where he self-immolated in protest against the repressive Diem regime in the 1960s.

Hue is home to many more historical sites, but two imperial tombs stand out. At the Tomb of Tu Duc, Vietnam’s fourth Nguyen emperor (reigning from 1847 to 1883), you’ll find lotus-filled lakes and a sense of tranquillity. There’s also an element of mystery here, as Tu Duc was never actually buried here but in a secret place to avoid grave robbers – his final resting place remains unknown.

The Tomb of Khai Dinh, by contrast, is a bold departure from traditional Vietnamese style. Built between 1920 and 1931, this elaborate structure is actually a strange mishmash of Vietnamese and Western styles. The mosaic-covered tomb is flamboyant and visually striking, offering a snapshot of Vietnam in the early 20th century – a time when the country maintained its traditions and also adopted some aspects of French influence too. As a puppet emperor under the French, Khai Dinh’s final resting place tells a story that’s as political as it is architectural.

What you’ll do

Explore the Imperial Citadel, a 19th-century fortress modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City, with restored halls, bridges, and pavilions
Visit the iconic Thien Mu Temple with its seven-tiered pagoda, bonsai gardens, and historic Austin Westminster car
Discover the serene and mysterious tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, surrounded by lotus lakes
Tour Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb, an eclectic blend of Vietnamese tradition and French colonial influence
Learn the stories of Vietnam’s Nguyen dynasty emperors and their legacies