Was really nice to be able to walk the walls of the citadel and the information panels along the way added all the relevant info. You could get an idea of how important the defences were in times gone by. Shame you couldn't get to upper levels in the towers. Take time to have a walk if you're in the area.

Go between June and August for better weather. Still, such a great day trip from Da Nang with its rich history and passionate restoration work. You will see some Vietnamese locals dressed up in traditional wear taking photos, making the experience even more surreal.

Must visit. If you’re visiting Hue, plan to visit Citadel along with the tombs. Do a 2 days tour and don’t rush. Guided tours will offer more. Excellent capital city. Rich history and great architecture. You’ll be satisfied with the experience.

Hue Imperial City was built in 1804 under King Gia Long and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. I love walking around the ancient palace and admire the beauty at every corner. Hundred years ago, it used to a enormous and glorious palace. Sadly, many constructions are damaged, though they are being restored, could not bring back the original spirit of the place. The atmosphere was quite sad in a rainy day.

Come to the palace for a photo op, especially in traditional costumes. It's not a particularly interesting place for a casual tour, but it's beautiful in its details. If you're visiting on a sunny day, be sure to bring an umbrella, as there's very little shade.

Overall, it was a solid experience, though I expected a bit more. The complex is huge, but the overall layout could be better organized. I didn’t take the audio guide because I don’t like using headphones — probably a mistake. The descriptions of the monuments were quite minimal and not very engaging. I also chose a bad day to visit since it was extremely hot.

Expansive area of historic city with palaces, temples and official buildings. Visited on a rainy day and spent an entire afternoon walking through the corridors and alleys. Not as beautiful as present day Vietnam but still worth visiting

A beautiful and unique place, the pagoda sits on a hill, peaceful and serene, right next to the picturesque Perfume River. There are tasty local foods and great seating spots by the river. Nearby you can enjoy kayaking, swimming in the river, and listening to the famous Hue folk songs. Inside the pagoda, many relics and valuable information about the Nguyen Dynasty (Vietnam’s last feudal dynasty) are preserved. The pagoda also houses a great bell recognized as a national treasure.

A small complex comprised of the pagoda and a temple above stone steps. The pagoda faces the perfume river, which used to be perfumed by flowers flowing down from the vicinity. The pagoda is not open for entry, but you can still admire the piece of preserved history. The temple in the back is open for visitors, but please show respect and follow the rules in terms of clothing and decorum.

We visited Thiên Mụ Pagoda as part of our shore excursion from the cruise ship, and it ended up being one of the nicest stops on the tour. The pagoda sits on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, and the views alone make the visit worthwhile. The grounds are peaceful, clean, and beautifully maintained, with plenty of space to walk around and take photos. The architecture is elegant and iconic, especially the seven-story tower at the entrance. Inside the complex, the gardens, pathways, and temple buildings create a calm and serene atmosphere that feels less crowded than other major attractions. Our guide shared the history and significance of the pagoda, which added depth to the experience. Even without a guide, the cultural and spiritual presence of the site comes through clearly. Overall, Thiên Mụ Pagoda is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in Huế. It is easy to explore, offers great river views, and is an excellent stop on any cruise tour or day trip.

Lovely pagoda overlooking the river. Very nice and tranquil and free to walk in/around. The grounds are much larger than it looks and in the back is a courtyard full of large bonsais. In the very back is a miniature pagoda with its own courtyard

A quaint tourist spot. It is serene, sleepy and yet charming. This spot is especially enticing when there are not a lot of tourists around and you are left on your own. The history of this spot is already covered on other sites, so I am not going over it.

This pagoda and the entire complex is very beautiful! The setting over the water makes it particularly special. We were fortunate enough to see the monks going about their daily routines and a ceremony.

Thien Mu Pagoda isn’t just a landmark in Hue — it’s the iconic pagoda that feels like a serene gateway back in time. Perched on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, it’s a place where history, spirituality, and stunning architecture all come together. The star of the show is, of course, the seven-story pagoda itself. Standing tall and proud, it looks like a guardian watching over the city. As you walk through the entrance with its fierce guardian statues, you can’t help but feel a little humbled — and maybe slightly judged for all your past sins (don’t worry, they seem forgiving). Inside the grounds, there’s so much to see: intricate statues, the ancient bell that’s as impressive as it is photogenic, and peaceful gardens perfect for a reflective stroll. The atmosphere is calm, even with visitors around, and it’s easy to imagine what life must have been like centuries ago when this was a bustling center of worship. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes — the steps are historic (translation: uneven), and take a moment to just sit quietly and enjoy the breeze by the river. It’s also a fantastic spot for photography, so bring your camera or phone fully charged. Overall, Thien Mu Pagoda is a must-visit while in Hue. Whether you’re there for the history, the architecture, or just a bit of soul-soothing calm, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve gained a little perspective… and probably a lot of great photos. 📸

Peaceful and Majestic The Tomb of Minh Mạng is one of the most impressive royal tombs in Huế. The architecture is stunning — perfectly symmetrical, with beautiful pavilions, lotus ponds, and quiet paths surrounded by nature. It feels peaceful and grand at the same time. A great place to learn about history and enjoy a calm, scenic walk. Definitely worth including on your Huế itinerary!

This mausoleum is very spacious, with beautiful gardens, lakes, and traditional architecture. It feels more peaceful compared to some of the other tombs, and walking around gives you a good sense of history and nature combined. I visited on a day with pleasant weather and only light, short rain, which made the experience enjoyable and refreshing. The site is quite large, so be prepared to walk a bit, but the scenery is worth it. I used a combo ticket that included several sites in Hue, which made the visit good value. Overall, it’s a nice balance of culture, history, and nature – definitely worth including in your trip to Hue.

Absolutely beautiful and breath-taking. Every area was like stepping back into history. I paid for the audio tour guide but I don't think it was very worth it cuz it just had some description of the place, not much about the usage or purpose of that area. It was raining a bit so there was no other visitors there, soooo nice.

I liked the place. It was really beautiful and aesthetically pleasing there. I’ve met some girls in national costumes taking pictures what made that place even more charming. interesting to explore, really worth the visit.

Unfortunately, our visit here was a real disappointment. It’s not hard to imagine (but we could only imagine) how this might be a lovely place to visit but within a five minute walk from the entrance all else was blocked from further view as all paths leading deeper in to the mausoleum’s premises were blocked by construction, and even near the entrance, little effort seemed to have been made to preserve what should be the serenity and beauty of the place. We strongly feel that this mausoleum should be closed to the public until construction and dredging are complete, or that the entrance fee should either be waived or drastically reduced.

A stunning and peaceful site, beautifully set among lakes, gardens, and pine trees. The symmetry of the layout is impressive, and every gate, bridge, and pavilion feels perfectly placed. Built in 1843, the tomb reflects Emperor Minh Mang’s vision of harmony between architecture and nature. It’s a relaxing place to walk around, with plenty of shade and photo spots. Definitely one of Hue’s most scenic imperial tombs and well worth visiting.

A Tranquil and Majestic Historical Site

The Minh Mạng Tomb is a magnificent testament to the grandeur of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Set amidst lush greenery and serene lakes, the tomb offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The architecture is both grand and harmonious, with beautifully crafted pavilions, temples, and bridges that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The site is meticulously maintained, and the pathways are perfect for a leisurely stroll. The historical significance of the tomb, combined with its stunning beauty, makes it a must-visit destination in Huế. The staff are courteous and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience with their insights. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture.

If you're taking a Grab, it seems like the drop-off point is set too far. So you can just stop near the new bridge, which will open on March 26, 2025. On the map, Grab directs you all the way to the end, which is a very quiet area with only two or three tofu stalls, where vendors aggressively offer you tofu. A bowl of tofu is only 10k VND, and it's actually quite good—just like a typical local experience. So you should give it a try!

Took a ~25 minutes boat ride for VND150K per pax. Nothing amazing, views were mehhh. Could be skipped.

The Perfume River runs gracefully through Hue, adding charm to the city with its calm flow and romantic scenery. A boat ride at sunset is unforgettable, with the golden light reflecting on the water. I enjoyed every moment and will highly recommend my friends to experience this magical river.

Great River and site to visit in Hue. We took a night boat to listen to the palace music show. It was great and price is not expensive. Highly recommend!

It’s really nice for a journey along the water. The people selling boat rides WILL rip you off. A 200k ride for an hour quickly became 200k per person. Then our 1 hour ride was over in 15 minutes. Look it’s not expensive, I just didn’t appreciate being ripped off.

A peaceful place to admire the amazing skyline of Hue. It is ideal for a stroll along the riverbank and the park nearby. It was pity that we couldn't enjoy Hue folk song performances due to bad weather.

An amazing river at Hue This is the best nice river flow through the a city in Viet Nam. Its name "Sông Hương" meaning Perfume river. Once upon a time, the Nguyen empire choose this city because the river and the sight so harmony with nature. If you come to Hue. Take a dragon boat cruise along the river. Visit Thien Mu pagoda and tomb of the king. The boats and the river gives you an insight into the fisher families and Hue culture. Have a nice trip.

Stunning beyond my wildest expectations. I could have spent hours there other than for the heat. Without question the visit here has been my highlight of the whole trip to Hue. Early, early morning or very late afternoon most highly recommended.

This isn't the most popular of the tombs, but it's the most interesting. There's a large park here, where you can stroll in the shade or sit by the lake. Plus, it's close to the city, so it's easy to just wander around in the pleasant atmosphere.

The resting place of Tu Duc King, the longest-reigning emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. This mausoleum is one of the four most beautiful mausoleums in Hue, famed for its poetic and elegant architecture. This enormous construction has 2 main parts: palace and tomb. Take time too walk around and explore this place!

Personally I preferred this over the other royal tombs in the area. The site was much larger than I thought it would be, and was lovely to walk around. The grounds were serine and very well kept. Not many information plaques that I could find so maybe an audioguide would be good. Lots of trees so plenty of opportunity to stay in the shade on sunny days.

The Tomb of Tu Duc is a truly serene and beautiful place. It's not just a tomb, but a huge complex of pavilions, temples, and lakes, all set within a peaceful, pine-covered valley. The architecture is stunning, reflecting the emperor's poetic and romantic nature. You can easily spend an hour or two here, walking around the grounds and enjoying the tranquility. It's a must-visit if you're in Huế!

A spacious mausoleum with lakes, pavilions, and tree-lined paths. Its style is more classic and modest compared to others, but it offers beautiful corners to walk around. We expected it to be quieter, but there were quite a few people when we visited. Still, it’s worth seeing for its historical value and peaceful setting.

I visited all three of the popular tombs in one day: Khai Dinh, Minh Mang and then Tu Duc. While each was nice in it's own way, this one has the best layout and well-maintained grounds. This was was also the more touristy one. Khai Dinh was the smallest area, built into the side of a hilltop. Minh Mang was the least touristy when I visited.

This site is very impressive with detailed architecture that mixes Vietnamese and French styles. The mosaics inside are beautiful and worth seeing. However, it is quite crowded with many tourists, and the area is not very large, so the visit can feel a bit short compared to other tombs in Hue. I visited using a combo ticket that included several sites, which made it better value for money. Overall, it’s an interesting place to see, especially if you enjoy history and architecture, but don’t expect a quiet experience.

What an incredible visit to the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh! I traveled here with a group, and we were all truly impressed. The tomb itself is a masterpiece, blending Eastern and Western architecture in a way I've never seen before. The details are stunning—from the grand dragon staircase (as seen in our photos!) to the intricate mosaics inside. Beyond the amazing structure, the atmosphere is very special, and the views of the surrounding hills and nature are just beautiful. It was a memorable and wonderful experience for our entire group. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Vietnam!

Nice to walk around. Inside the building is beautiful and well worth a visit. Also a beautiful view of the mountain. Just be warned there are 127 steps to the top! The statues were also very cool to see. Easy to get a taxi there and back from the centre of town. 150k entry per adult, worth getting the combo ticket at the citadel if you are visiting multiple tombs. Very busy at 3pm!

Really lovely palace. There aren't many information plaques so maybe the audioguide would be better for those wanting to know the history of the place. It's not very big and will only take 30-45 minutes (without an audioguide). There isn't too much shade so make sure to bring a hat on sunny days.

The mausoleum was pretty impressive with fantastically detailed decoration. A slightly over-long video with English subtitles gives useful background on this and other notable historic complexes in the area, so worth a watch if your eyes don't glaze over or your brain melts with the plethora of phonetically challenging characters. Seen on a very wet day.

Impressive tomb, impressive story! Definitely worthwhile to climb the stairs; architecture, though partly decaying, as not seen before in Vietnam. Tip: read up on the tomb before you get there.

Good for a 15 minutes short visit. Most likely you got to take taxi to get here. Get the combo ticket with Hue Citadel to get better deal. Beautiful architecture!

This site is very impressive with detailed architecture that mixes Vietnamese and French styles. The mosaics inside are beautiful and worth seeing. However, it is quite crowded with many tourists, and the area is not very large, so the visit can feel a bit short compared to other tombs in Hue. I visited using a combo ticket that included several sites, which made it better value for money. Overall, it’s an interesting place to see, especially if you enjoy history and architecture, but don’t expect a quiet experience.

What an incredible visit to the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh! I traveled here with a group, and we were all truly impressed. The tomb itself is a masterpiece, blending Eastern and Western architecture in a way I've never seen before. The details are stunning—from the grand dragon staircase (as seen in our photos!) to the intricate mosaics inside. Beyond the amazing structure, the atmosphere is very special, and the views of the surrounding hills and nature are just beautiful. It was a memorable and wonderful experience for our entire group. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Vietnam!

Nice to walk around. Inside the building is beautiful and well worth a visit. Also a beautiful view of the mountain. Just be warned there are 127 steps to the top! The statues were also very cool to see. Easy to get a taxi there and back from the centre of town. 150k entry per adult, worth getting the combo ticket at the citadel if you are visiting multiple tombs. Very busy at 3pm!

Really lovely palace. There aren't many information plaques so maybe the audioguide would be better for those wanting to know the history of the place. It's not very big and will only take 30-45 minutes (without an audioguide). There isn't too much shade so make sure to bring a hat on sunny days.

The mausoleum was pretty impressive with fantastically detailed decoration. A slightly over-long video with English subtitles gives useful background on this and other notable historic complexes in the area, so worth a watch if your eyes don't glaze over or your brain melts with the plethora of phonetically challenging characters. Seen on a very wet day.

Impressive tomb, impressive story! Definitely worthwhile to climb the stairs; architecture, though partly decaying, as not seen before in Vietnam. Tip: read up on the tomb before you get there.

Good for a 15 minutes short visit. Most likely you got to take taxi to get here. Get the combo ticket with Hue Citadel to get better deal. Beautiful architecture!

Was really nice to be able to walk the walls of the citadel and the information panels along the way added all the relevant info. You could get an idea of how important the defences were in times gone by. Shame you couldn't get to upper levels in the towers. Take time to have a walk if you're in the area.

Go between June and August for better weather. Still, such a great day trip from Da Nang with its rich history and passionate restoration work. You will see some Vietnamese locals dressed up in traditional wear taking photos, making the experience even more surreal.

Must visit. If you’re visiting Hue, plan to visit Citadel along with the tombs. Do a 2 days tour and don’t rush. Guided tours will offer more. Excellent capital city. Rich history and great architecture. You’ll be satisfied with the experience.

Hue Imperial City was built in 1804 under King Gia Long and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. I love walking around the ancient palace and admire the beauty at every corner. Hundred years ago, it used to a enormous and glorious palace. Sadly, many constructions are damaged, though they are being restored, could not bring back the original spirit of the place. The atmosphere was quite sad in a rainy day.

Come to the palace for a photo op, especially in traditional costumes. It's not a particularly interesting place for a casual tour, but it's beautiful in its details. If you're visiting on a sunny day, be sure to bring an umbrella, as there's very little shade.

Overall, it was a solid experience, though I expected a bit more. The complex is huge, but the overall layout could be better organized. I didn’t take the audio guide because I don’t like using headphones — probably a mistake. The descriptions of the monuments were quite minimal and not very engaging. I also chose a bad day to visit since it was extremely hot.

Expansive area of historic city with palaces, temples and official buildings. Visited on a rainy day and spent an entire afternoon walking through the corridors and alleys. Not as beautiful as present day Vietnam but still worth visiting

Nice complement to the Imperial city. Not the best kept King's Tomb as I have seen. There is the possibility to buy in advance a ticket that allows for visiting different sites, and makes you save some money. Check how many days you can use it.

Definitely a must visit. One of the best places I’ve been in vietnam.

Not very famous but worth visiting. Simple architecture but you can learn about the Emperor’s traits from that. You also can visit mausoleum of Thai Kien Vuong in the same area.

Incredible place for outting! Get there in the morning and could possibly stay there for hours. Always want to come back!

It’s a historical place so as such it clearly has an importance. However, it could do with some careful restoration and care especially to the gardens which is a pity because overall it has huge potential

Not a popular tomb complex but it’s beautiful. We had the place to ourselves at 8.30am. Lots to see. Restoration work was happening in one area. There are several tombs here, spread out - just follow the brick paths. Nice temple too with red and gold interior. 50,000 Dong entrance fee.

Amazing architecture and design, slightly too expensive for how small it is at 100,000 kip. Also you should aim to get there very early as it quickly gets filled with coach loads of tourists

Worth a visit though probably best in Autumn. Check with your hotel about evening activities. Could have night food markets. I went mid morning and it was still lovely to visit. Very serene and stunning. Also worthwhile organising a driver to pick you up after. I was fortunate the same Grab driver returned but I think it may have been difficult otherwise. He recognised the call out.

This beautiful historic bridge dates back to 1776 and is incredibly well preserved. Its tile-roofed architecture and ornate dragon motifs make it a great example of traditional Vietnamese design. It’s a peaceful spot to admire the craftsmanship and relax by the water. That said, the surrounding village area felt quite deserted and underdeveloped. There are hints that it once had more tourist potential, but today it’s very quiet and feels somewhat forgotten. Still, if you’re looking to explore something different outside of Hue city, it’s worth a short visit. We walked the 4.5km from Hue, which made for a decent workout under the sun! While the walk is long and the attraction is relatively small, it’s a pleasant side trip—especially if you enjoy historical architecture or scenic photography. Tip: There are some lovely photo angles from across the canal and under the trees. If you’re already in Hue and have time to spare, it’s a nice detour.

Looking for a cool spot with a lot of history near Hue? You should definitely check out Thanh Toan Bridge! It’s a super old covered bridge that was built in the 18th century by a high-ranking official’s wife, and the villagers have kept it in great condition ever since. Even though it looks a bit like the Japanese Covered Bridge in Hoi An, it has its own special charm. It's a great place to explore and learn about local history and culture.

Small Area to visit. But good to add in the list Visiting when we take easy rider or private care from.Huế to Đà Nẵng or contra

A small, covered bridge with an old beautiful design that's quaint and charming. There's a small altar in the middle and you can pay a small amount to a lady there who will sell you incense if you want to pay your respects. It doesn't seem to be a really busy attraction, but rather a nice one where you get to admire the history and traditional architecture.

They have a night market so it's best to go during sunset so you can take pictures but also enjoy the food.

Nice place to visit. Better to go on weekend morning because you can feel the village market life. The bridge is located a bit far from city center. But the surrounding makes you feeling confort and peace.

Tu Dam Temple can be dated in the 17th century. However the Pagoda on the site looks pretty recent. It is a calm place with almost no tourists and worth a visit if you are in Hue. There is an impressive tree on the site which is supposed to represent the Bodhi Tree under which Buddha was enlightened. That is what makes it special.

Beautiful and serene pagoda. No tourists and you will find monks praying. You can sit and relax and pray here and spend hours doing nothing. No ticket to enter.

Worth a stop to check out this beautiful pagoda and nice grounds.

Tu Dam pagoda locates in Su Lieu Quan street. It is only 2km from the centre of Hue city. It is known for one of the oldest pogada in Viet Nam. There are three parts in the pagoda which includes the three entrance gate, the main sanctuary and the conference House. The atmosphere is fresh and peaceful. It has a big bodhi tree in the right. Let try to sit on the benches under it and see the leaves and sky. It is so wonderful. I was attracted by the tower with 7 floors. The flowers bloom in the back yard. The wind chimes creates wonderful sound that makes visiters' soul resful.

Very nice temple area and pagoda. It is a peaceful and calm place we're you can take a rest from walking through the streets.

Tu Dam pagoda locates in Su Lieu Quan street. It is only 2km from the centre of Hue city. It is known for one of the oldest pogada in Viet Nam. There are three parts in the pagoda which includes the three entrance gate, the main sanctuary and the conference House. The atmosphere is fresh and peaceful. It has a big bodhi tree in the right. Let try to sit on the benches under it and see the leaves and sky. It is so wonderful. I was attracted by the tower with 7 floors. The flowers bloom in the back yard. The wind chimes creates wonderful sound that makes visiters' soul resful.

Lots of history with this temple. One of main temple in Huế that fight for freedom of religious during Ngo Dinh Diem regime. Watch out for Vietnamese beggars trying to help you tour the temple and ask for money later.

This is an amazing market, seems everything is here, quite big! Upstairs are clothing, bags and silks. We don’t have a very good experience up there, they were very pushy! A lady meet us on the stairs asking us to have a look at her clothing, told her we’re not looking anything in particular just having a look around. But she won’t have it, they will put anything you might be interested in your face! She was getting rude when I wasn’t buying. Price start really high! Another woman won’t let you passed by until they shoved anything they’re selling on your face! They repeat what you saying in a rude way! Downstairs all food, plenty of dry fruits, nuts, anything you can think of and in all different sections. Quite pleasant to look around here because they won’t bother you that much unless you ask! Helpful to have google for translation, most of sellers won’t understand English. Great experience.

A buzzing, vibrant market located just a short walk from Trường Tiền Bridge and right by the Perfume River. If you’re looking to experience the real hustle and bustle of Huế, this is the spot to hit especially towards the last for hours before closing. Inside, you’ll find everything from fresh fruit and local snacks to handmade hats, clothing, shoes, and souvenirs. The variety is impressive, and the atmosphere is very local, energetic and noisy. It can get pretty crowded and intense, especially in the late afternoon. This is the perfect place to grab local specialties or last-minute gifts. The market closes around 7:00 PM, so it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon. It’s a must-see spot in Huế.

🛍️ Dong Ba Market – Busy and fun to explore I visited around 11am to walk around and have lunch. There’s a lot to see, lots of local food, and plenty of things. Worth a quick visit if you’re in Hue!

Authentic local market, we went on a Monday morning, under 1% tourists. There an upstairs which Sells clothing and material which can be access from stairs in the middle. A good place to practice your bargaining skills and try some local cuisine. The market has sections: kitchen ceramics, baskets weaving, shoes, nuts and grains, fresh flowers, food incense etc.

Huge street market and most famous one in Hue. Very well kept and organised despite the huge amount of items you will find. I just wish the sellers were hustling us less, it felt way too overwhelming and we couldn’t decide where to eat or what to buy as we would get interrupted all the time in our train of thoughts 😥 also bumping prices whilst we speak vietnamese is a bit unpleasant…

Great market and street market outside in the week at least when we visited. Friendly owners help guide you through just about every food type and fruit. This is a special market where you can buy your fruit and veggies and tea and then sit and have some fresh food. Buy a bag for the family some shoes and then some jewelry for the wife or girlfriend followed by desert. Where else can you do that in a market.

Big market that sells everything from great looking fresh fruits and vegetables, traditional snacks, pickles, dried teas, kitchenware, Vietnamese hats to flip lops, high heels, clothing, fresh Sambal/chili sauces, stalls selling freshly made cooked food with seats in front, and even gold stores!

We saw it the first on a perfume River cruise to the Thien Mu Pogoda. Then again when we visited the Citadel. It is the largest flagpole in Viet Nam, 120 feet. Originally erected in 1807, destroyed by a typhoon in 1904 , rebuilt to be destroyed again in 1947 and finally rebuilt in 1948.

Awesome place.

Nice monument with huge flag unfortunately wasn’t open to visit inside

Cool big flag to hang over the area! Helps you navigate inside the citadel

History is not always fantastic to look at only interesting

A stunning view

A must take photo! Sunny afternoon is the best time for the photo. Many people exercising/running/kids playing in the evening

My first visit after 2009. it’s a nice place, many houses are rebuild, a good mix of old and new. The entrance is not the exit! WARNING: be careful at the ticket counter. Only cash no card, the lady try to keep all my money, no change.

The main entrance to the Imperial City is the Ngo Mon Gate, which faces the Flag Tower. The central path with its yellow doors and the bridge over the lotus pond was just for the emperor. Everyone else had to use the gates on the sides and walk around the pond. On top of the gate, there's the Ngu Phung Pavilion; you can't miss the huge drum and bell up there. It's cool that the gate's name and general look are the same as the first gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing. This is also where the emperor would appear for big events, especially to announce the lunar calendar. And get this: the Nguyen dynasty actually ended right here on August 30, 1945, when Emperor Bao Dai gave up his power.

Cổng Ngọ Môn is the main gate to the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty. It is one of the most iconic and historically significant structures in the entire complex.

The Meridian Gate is an impressive and majestic entrance to the Imperial City of Hue. Its grand architecture, intricate details, and historical significance make it a must-visit. Standing before it, you can truly feel the legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty. It’s a perfect starting point to explore the rich heritage of the citadel. Great spot for photos and soaking in the imperial atmosphere!

Totally worth checking out! Even if history isn't your thing, the scenery is gorgeous and there are so many cool, huge buildings to see. Seriously, plan at least 3 hours – you'll want the time to soak it all in.

The main gate of hue citadel.. Definitely one of the highlights, good for picture both o. The day and night. If you buy the entrance ticket to the citadel, you can go up and have a nice view

Disappointing and poorly maintained – not worth the hype I was genuinely looking forward to visiting the Imperial Citadel in Huế, but unfortunately it turned out to be one of the most disappointing stops on our Vietnam trip. The entire site is in poor condition – many buildings are visibly neglected, half-ruined, and simply not well taken care of. There’s a huge lack of atmosphere or aesthetic value. The footpaths throughout the citadel are also extremely slippery when wet – and that’s coming from someone young, sporty and wearing proper trekking shoes. It felt unsafe in several areas. We tried the audio guide tour, which was another letdown. The signposting is confusing, the paper map doesn’t match the layout in reality, and the stops are hard to follow. The content itself is incredibly detailed and academic – maybe interesting if you’re a die-hard scholar of Southeast Asian imperial history, but definitely overwhelming for the average visitor (and I say this as someone who’s interested in history and holds an MBA). Even the "short" tour is supposed to take 2–3 hours – but honestly, who, other than specialists, would want to spend that long here, especially when the site itself lacks visual appeal or charm? One positive: the audio is professionally recorded and available in multiple languages (we used German and English), so at least the spoken quality is good. In summary: unless you're a hardcore history fan with a very specific interest in the Nguyễn dynasty, I’d recommend skipping this. There are far more beautiful and meaningful heritage sites to explore in Vietnam.