Lying in the narrow strip central of Vietnam, Hue remained as the
capital city of Vietnam for a period of 143 years. Hue city is famous
for a plenty of places to visit from magnificent architectural buildings
of the royal family, stunning natural landscapes to sacred spiritual
sites. A day trip exploring Hue’s top attractions: The Imperial City,
Khai Dinh Tomb and Thien Mu Pagoda included in Hue city tour which appeals to visitors for great insight into this ancient capital city.
The Imperial City
Being one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vietnam, the Imperial
City of Hue has long been a must see attraction while visiting Hue
city. The Imperial City was actually a walled fortress and palace
belonging to the ancient city which was a capital city of the Nguyen
Dynasty for 143 years from 1802 to 1945. The architecture was planned to
be built in 1804 by Emperor Gia Long who founded the Nguyen Dynasty.
Until 1832, the Imperial City was finally completed under the reign of
Emperor Minh Mang. The Imperial City is located on the northern bank of
the Perfume River, and covers a total area of 520 hectares. The complex
has a total of ten main majestic gates leading to the Imperial City,
which can be divided into two main parts excluding houses and mansions:
The Citadel and The Forbidden City. The former served to protect the
important palaces while the latter was used as working and living places
of the emperors and the royal family.
Khai Dinh Tomb
The mausoleum is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh who
reigned Nguyen Dynasty from 1916 to 1925. The Emperor Khai Dinh was an
unpopular ruler as he raised taxes on peasantry by 30 percent to finance
the mausoleum. The construction is a unique architectural fusion of
traditional Vietnamese and European styles. Many European elements of
the tombs were inspired by the Emperor’s visit to France in 1922. While
most of the building’s exterior is covered in darkened, with Gothic
architecture characteristics, the interior of the palace looks brighter
with the explosions of colourful ceramic mosaic. The construction began
in 1920 and took 11 years to complete by Emperor Bao Dai - Khai Dinh’s
successor, in 1931. Not long after that, World War II and the Cold War
caused the end of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ensured that Khai Dinh Tomb
is the last royal tomb in Hue.
Thien Mu Pagoda
This religious site is an iconic monument located atop a small hill
outside the center of Hue City, which offers breathtaking views of the
romantic Perfume River. One of the pagoda’s remarkable features is a
seven-storey octagonal tower named Phuoc Duyen Tower which was
constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. The pagoda
also features statues of Buddhist guardians, golden Buddha statues, and
the great bell cast in 1710. Thien Mu Pagoda is famous for being the
home monastery of the Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc, who had
self-immolated in 1963, to protest against the persecution of Buddhists
by the South Vietnamese government. The Austin car, which he used to
travel to his self-immolation in Saigon, is also on display in the
pagoda.
Hue is a great destination for getting close to the culture and history
of Vietnam, and the list of must-see places is endless. Travel with us
to explore not only those highlighted attractions but also other sites
and places in the ancient capital with our well-designed Hue city tour.
