Hue Imperial Citadel
The Hue Citadel was built from the early 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, and is one of the relics in the Hue Monuments Complex group that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 1993. The panorama of Hue Citadel still retains many unique imprints of the feudal Nguyen Dynasty for hundreds of years.
The Citadel’s sprawling grounds encompass various palaces, temples, halls, and pavilions, each offering a glimpse into the dynasty’s opulent lifestyle and administrative functions. The Forbidden Purple City, once reserved exclusively for the emperor and his inner circle, exudes an aura of mystery and intrigue, with its ancient walls and lush gardens revealing tales of royal life and intrigue.
Exploring the Hue Imperial Citadel is a truly immersive experience, with informative signage and knowledgeable guides providing insights into its history and significance. The meticulous restoration efforts undertaken in recent years have preserved its architectural treasures and ensured that future generations can appreciate its beauty and cultural importance.
Overall, a visit to the Hue Imperial Citadel is not only a journey through Vietnam’s past but also an opportunity to marvel at the enduring legacy of its imperial heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural aficionado, or simply a curious traveler, this iconic site promises an unforgettable glimpse into Vietnam’s illustrious history.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, is one of the most famous and important pagodas in Hue city, Vietnam. This pagoda is located on Ha Khe hill, on the banks of the Perfume River, creating a beautiful scene and solemn aura. With its long history and unique architecture, Thien Mu Pagoda has become an attractive religious and tourist destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the famous tourist attractions of Hue city and one of the largest pagodas in Central Vietnam. This destination not only attracts tourists to admire the beautiful scenery but is also a sacred place to visit and learn about the history, culture and spirituality of the Vietnamese people. Besides, the Pagoda also carries within itself the beauty of green and peaceful nature. The gardens and temple grounds are decorated with flowers and plants, creating a relaxing and quiet space. This is an ideal stop to relax, confide and find balance in a busy life.
If you have the opportunity to come to Hue, don’t forget to visit Thien Mu Pagoda to explore the pure beauty here. Thien Mu Pagoda will definitely be a memorable experience in your journey to discover Vietnamese culture.
Thanh Toan Tile Bridge
Thanh Toan Tile Bridge is currently a very popular tourist attraction in the dreamy city of Hue. Attracting tourists with its ancient beauty and unique architecture, it is recognized as a national monument with deep historical significance. Thanh Toan tiled bridge is a testament to the most obvious change in the ancient capital.
The bridge is 17.8m long, 5.3m wide, divided into 7 main compartments. The roof is covered entirely with glass tube tiles. Stretching along the bridge are two platforms, each side has a railing so visitors can sit and enjoy the cool air. The main material that makes this bridge is wood, making it sturdy and cool.
The Thanh Toan tiled bridge relic connects the two banks of a small branch of the Nhu Y River. The gentle, flowing river creates a very lyrical scene. Visitors here can take photos with the natural landscape or the exterior and interior architecture of the bridge.
Truong Tien Bridge
Trang Tien Bridge – the symbol of Hue is a bridge spanning the Perfume River. This bridge is a place that has witnessed ups and downs throughout the country’s history.
Trang Tien Bridge (also known as Truong Tien Bridge) is the first bridge built to cross Huong Giang. One side of the bridge belongs to Phu Hoi ward and the other end belongs to Phu Hoa ward. In particular, in the last years of the 19th century, this was the first bridge in the Indochina region built in the style and high-standard materials. Trang Tien Bridge is mainly built of steel with a total length of 402.60m, including 6 spans of steel beams with a comb shape, each span is 67m.
Walking or cycling across the Truong Tien Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Perfume River and the surrounding cityscape, providing a perfect vantage point for capturing memorable photographs or simply soaking in the ambiance. Additionally, strolling along the bridge’s pedestrian walkways allows visitors to appreciate its intricate craftsmanship up close and to admire the scenic beauty of the riverbanks.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Truong Tien Bridge holds historical significance as a witness to Hue’s tumultuous past, having survived wars and conflicts throughout the years. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience and endurance, reflecting the spirit of the city and its people.
Overall, the Truong Tien Bridge is more than just a crossing point; it’s a cultural landmark that embodies the essence of Hue. Whether you’re exploring the city’s historic sites, enjoying a leisurely river cruise, or simply taking a peaceful stroll, the bridge serves as a timeless reminder of Hue’s rich heritage and enduring beauty.
Tam Giang Lagoon
Tam Giang Lagoon Hue is a famous tourist destination with its pristine and peaceful beauty. Tam Giang Lagoon is the largest brackish water lagoon in Southeast Asia, located in the longest Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system in Vietnam, with a length of about 24km. Tam Giang Lagoon accounts for about 11% of Vietnam’s coastal lagoon area. The lagoon has an average depth of 2 to 4 meters, the deepest place is more than 7 meters. The lagoon is separated from the East Sea by a series of sand dunes that are 10 – 30m high and 0.3 to 5km wide.
Tam Giang has a wild, quiet beauty, beautiful rural scenery blending between rivers, clouds and sky. The lives of residents around Tam Giang lagoon depend mainly on fishing in the lagoon.
Visitors often praise its tranquil atmosphere and stunning sunsets, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. However, some may find the infrastructure and tourist amenities limited, so it’s best enjoyed with a spirit of adventure and appreciation for authentic Vietnamese culture.
Perfume River
Huong Hue River originates from the Truong Son Dong mountain range. The main stream is Ta Trach, 67km long, originating from the Truong Son Dong range, along the Bach Ma area to the Northwest, passing through Nam Dong town. Then it joins the 60km long Ta Trach stream in the North direction through Bang Lang junction. Where these two streams meet, they create the Perfume River.
The length of Hue Huong River is up to 80km, the longest section is from Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary with 30km. The slope of the water flow compared to the sea surface is not much different, so the river water flows slowly.
Hue Hue River carries with it a graceful and gentle beauty. The water of the Huong River is turquoise and clear. Along the river are architectural works, nature, plants and flowers… a big part of creating the poetic beauty of this river.
Bach Ma National Park
Bach Ma National Park, situated in central Vietnam near Hue, is a biodiverse haven encompassing tropical rainforests, cool mountain ranges, and cascading waterfalls. Its diverse ecosystems support a wide array of flora and fauna, including rare species like the saola and the Indochinese serow. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, with highlights such as the Five Lakes Cascade and the summit of Bach Ma Mountain. The park also features historical remnants from its past as a French colonial hill station, including villas and an old tramway. Adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike flock to Bach Ma National Park to experience its natural beauty and rich biodiversity firsthand.
Boi Tran Gallery
Boi Tran Gallery in Hue is a renowned art space showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam through contemporary artwork. Situated in the heart of Hue, the gallery offers a captivating collection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces created by talented local artists. Visitors to Boi Tran Gallery have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Vietnamese artistry, exploring themes ranging from traditional folklore to modern social commentary. With its welcoming atmosphere and diverse range of artistic expressions, Boi Tran Gallery serves as a vibrant hub for both artists and art enthusiasts in Hue, contributing to the city’s thriving cultural scene.
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba is the largest, oldest market and carries the most cultural and historical value of the ancient capital. This is a place to trade all kinds of goods with hundreds of stalls of Hue people. Tourists come here mainly to visit, buy souvenirs and “scan” the shops selling snacks in the market.
Because it is located on an arterial road in the city center, Dong Ba market is always crowded. Dong Ba Market has a total area of nearly 15,600m², stretching from Gia Hoi bridge to Truong Tien bridge. This is the gathering place of hundreds of stalls, so if you do not learn the “map” of the market in advance, you can easily get “lost” among countless goods. This ancient market is designed with a 3-storey building called the bell tower in the center. Surrounding it are rows of houses arranged in a U shape “hugging” the bell tower.
The market is usually open from 5 am to 7 pm daily. The most ideal time for tourists to visit the market is after 3pm, the market is not too crowded so you can shop and travel more comfortably.
Phu Cam Palm-leaf Conical Hat Village
Phu Cam hat village is located right in the center of Hue city, so it is very convenient for travelers who want to explore the traditional cultural beauty of this place. Visitors can choose different means of transportation depending on geographical distance and their own needs.
Phu Cam conical hat village was established in the 17th century when hat makers from neighboring areas came to this land to settle and develop their craft. After many historical upheavals, Phu Cam conical hat craft village has become an indispensable part of the culture of the ancient capital of Hue. Currently, Phu Cam conical hat village is located right on the south bank of An Cuu River, in Phuoc Vinh ward, downtown Hue city.
The conical hats from Phu Cam conical hat craft village are not only a pure craft but also filled with love for Hue in each brim, clearly portraying the gentleness and peace of the ancient capital.
Lang Co Fishing Village
Lang Co Fishing Village is nestled along the stunning coastline of central Vietnam, near the Hai Van Pass. This picturesque village offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese coastal life, with colorful fishing boats dotting the azure waters and locals going about their daily routines. With its charming scenery and authentic atmosphere, Lang Co Fishing Village has become a popular destination for travelers seeking cultural immersion and natural beauty
Royal Tomb of Minh Mang
Minh Mang Tomb impresses with its ancient traditional architecture, imbued with Confucian identity. This is an attractive destination that tourists should not miss on their journey to visit the ancient capital to admire the architectural art of mausoleums and better understand the important historical periods of the country.
Minh Mang Tomb is also known as Hieu Lang, located on Cam Ke mountain, Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province. This place is near Bang Lang intersection, 12km from Hue city center. According to statistics, the hill area has up to 40 large and small constructions. Minh Mang Tomb is surrounded by the green of trees, the quiet space of rivers and lakes and the solidity of mountains. This charming beauty is also embellished by a fragrant lotus pond in the middle of the mausoleum grounds.
Tomb of Minh Mang Hue is located in a convenient location, with extremely airy mountains, rivers and lakes. The project has the most majestic and standard architecture under the Nguyen Dynasty and is a destination that attracts a large number of tourists from all over to visit and admire.
Royal Tomb of Tu Duc
The royal structure of the Nguyen Dynasty is located in the ancient capital, this is also the resting place of King Tu Duc. Possessing a charming and elegant landscape with a very Confucian character, Tu Duc Tomb promises to be a memorable destination in the journey to explore Hue.
Tu Duc Tomb is located in a valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, Cu Chanh district, Thuy Bieu commune. Currently, it is Thuy Ba Village, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, only 6km from Hue city center. The architecture of Tu Duc Tomb clearly reflects the personality of the Nguyen Dynasty king, full of majesty but still somewhat gentle, uplifting and poetic.
The land to build Tu Duc Tomb is up to 12 hectares wide, featuring poetic and charming scenery. This place is divided into two main areas including the palace and the mausoleum. There are nearly 50 large and small projects, most of which have the word Khiem in their names. Tu Duc Tomb is considered one of the most beautiful tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Royal Tomb of Khai Dinh
Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue is one of the most beautiful mausoleums and the last architectural work of the Nguyen Dynasty. With artistic beauty and many different foreign architectural schools, Khai Dinh mausoleum has become very unique.
Khai Dinh Tomb, also known as Ung Lang, is located in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province. The mausoleum was built on the slopes of Chau Chu mountain – King Khai Dinh renamed it Ung Son after choosing this as the place to build his mausoleum.
Ung Son is a beautiful and peaceful mountain, covered with green trees and hills. There is a stream running through this mountain. Khai Dinh Tomb’s area is quite small compared to other tombs, 117 m x 48.5 m, but it is made very meticulously and meticulously from the smallest sculpted details, this is also consistent with the meticulous personality. meticulous and loved the beauty of King Khai Dinh.
The architecture at Khai Dinh mausoleum is a perfect combination of Asian and European styles, between classic and modern that still exists today. After nearly a century, this place still carries with it historical, artistic, and cultural values that are highly appreciated for a period of cultural interference between Eastern and Western countries.
Royal Tomb of Gia Long
Construction of the mausoleum began in 1814 and was completed in 1820. This entire mausoleum area is a mountain complex with 42 large and small hills and mountains, of which Dai Thien Tho is the largest mountain chosen as the forecourt of the mausoleum and is the name of this entire mountain complex. From the bank of the Perfume River to the mausoleum, there is a wide path on both sides planted with tall, green pine trees and winter melon, creating a cool, quiet atmosphere.
Gia Long Tomb is a wonderful picture of the coordination between nature and architecture, in which nature is the main factor creating the grandeur of the landscape. Visiting the mausoleum, visitors can immerse themselves in a quiet but poetic space to reflect on the successes and failures of their lives as well as the honor and humiliation of the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can explore the various structures within the complex, including the main tomb, pavilions, and temples, while learning about the life and legacy of Emperor Gia Long, the first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Overall, the Royal Tomb of Gia Long is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s rich heritage.
Royal Tomb of Thieu Tri
Nestled peacefully in the middle of rolling hills and mountains, Thieu Tri Tomb is the eternal resting place of King Thieu Tri – the third king of the Nguyen Dynasty. Among the mausoleums of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, only Xuong Lang is built in the Northwest direction – a direction that was not chosen in the construction of palaces and mausoleums.
Although it is considered to have many similarities with Gia Long Tomb and Minh Mang Tomb – King Thieu Tri’s father, Thieu Tri Tomb still possesses its own unique and different features, turning the king’s resting place into a monument. unique in the ancient capital. In addition, the art of decorating with enamel is also widely used in mausoleums, especially in the shrine area. This helps Thieu Tri’s Tomb to be admired by G.Langland – a French researcher, saying, “Thieu Tri’s Tomb can be considered one of the most unique achievements of Vietnamese art in the 19th century.”
Phuoc Tich Ancient Village
Located 40km north of Hue city center, Phuoc Tich ancient village is surrounded by the clear, gentle O Lau River. According to history books, Phuoc Tich was established in 1470 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, with an area of about 49 hectares.
Phuoc Tich ancient village is the second village in Vietnam to be recognized as a national heritage village in 2009. With the advantages of a dense population of ancient ruong houses of three compartments, two wings and one compartment, two wings, the system Exquisite wooden architectural system, carefully carved tables, chairs, sofas, altars, cabinets, etc., system of monuments, communal houses, pagodas, shrines, churches, Champa cultural relics, road system Green trees connect each other naturally and vividly… All bear the bold beliefs of the people of Hue. After being recognized, up to now Phuoc Tich ancient village has made strong and comprehensive changes in all fields.
Exploring Phuoc Tich Ancient Village is a delightful journey through history, offering insight into the cultural heritage and way of life of rural Vietnam. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authenticity and a deeper understanding of Vietnamese traditions.