Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
4.5
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
This former site of the old capitol has a moat and ten ornate gates guarding a palace, temples, gardens and tombs. Its most prominent feature is a tall flag tower.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
510 within 3 miles
Attractions
85 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- SandySydneyAus769 contributionsMust see10 years ago when we were here, plane was late and we didn’t make it. So this time we stayed 2 nights in Hue to go inside. August was very hot so we tried to enter as soon as opened. So we got good 3 hours to walk around and take photos. Place was big. Gardens were nice. If you are into history, you can organise guide. We were happy we made this time.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 13, 2023
- Moore GVienna, Austria2 contributionsHue CitaldelIf it doesn't rain in Hue, it's fine. When it rains, you don't know when it stops. The entire Hue Citadel was soaked, Hue was sadder and more silent. The grass flowers (a delicate flower that is the ambassador of autumn) bloomed late and bowed in the rain. Even the bunches of purple magnolia blooming out of season cannot call back the sunshine.Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 16, 2023
- MizuhoKHino, Japan4,152 contributionsWorld heritageThis is the last royal family, Nguyen’s imperial palace. The structure was influenced by forbidden city in Beijing. It brings you back to 19th century, the time of WW2. A local driver I met during the trip told us that even though the entrance fee is extremely expensive, there’re many spots under restoration so it’s cheating. Well, maybe right since Noi Dien was under restoration when we were there in August but we couldn’t help it because we were tourists from abroad who can’t come here often. It’s vast. You walk a lot in hot weather so bring waters with you.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 21, 2023
- Kathelyn HRotterdam, The Netherlands10 contributionsMagnificent Palace - World HeritageThe entrance fee is 200,000 VND, and the citadel was worth it! I never went to such a giant palace like this. When I went here, some parts were under restoration. However, in general, the whole structure still maintains its own beauty. The food stalls around are good, too! Although the weather when I visited the citadel was hot and sunny, I still loved the experience!Visited September 2023Written October 29, 2023
- GoPlaces519247529337 contributionsCitadel with amazing archaeological finds and exhibitionsNot many buildings older than 1900, due to remodelling by last Dynasty of Vietnamese rulers. Ist parts least interesting. The exhibitions and explanations of the excavations of palaces on and around the site are very interesting. We'll curated, displayed and put in context, going back to about 900 AD. Some stunning artefacts. Nice gardens, decent cafe and opportunities to dress up.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 10, 2023
- Robyn BGreater Sydney, Australia61 contributionsRead this before using the VR Simulator on site.Worth a good half day here. There is an extensive area to explore and a few areas one can sit down in. It can be very hot so umbrellas can be useful. There is a VR Simulator building which promises to recreate how the Citadel would have been. There is no signage to warn you that it operates on a very fast break neck speed motion camera flying you over the palace grounds. Fun for those who are ok with this sort of motion but my husband was really knocked up and it almost ruined our visit here. So be warned if this is not your thing!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 11, 2023
- Abdulazeez MNew York City, New York6 contributionsAn unforgettable experienceIts grand scale and intricate embroidery are truly impressive. From the elaborate ceremonies to the intricate gates, the City is a sight to behold. Visiting here will give you a unique insight into the grandeur of Vietnam's imperial past. It's an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 3, 2023
- FunBoyOneLondon, United Kingdom506 contributionsInteresting insightWe toured this early on during a hot and humid day, which certainly helped. Interesting insight into the king’s life - I’m not sure I could have coped with so many concubines (700?) even without a eunuch to help me keep track. Interesting to see the bullet holes from the war. It’s a very big site, so we certainly looked forward to the aircon in the car afterwards.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 15, 2023
- houndy11Singapore, Singapore222 contributionsA must see site for history loversWent with a guide (recommended), the old city is really interesting if you are into history. Alot of influence from their neighbours, though some palaces are not standing, the remaining ones are pretty interesting. Overall a good walkable site and a must see palce I Hue.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 16, 2023
- Lev53Munich, Germany530 contributionsDon't take a private guide, better autoguideThe complex worths the visit, even if the main building is under work. Our mistake was to book a guide directly there, she explained us basically nothing and after 25 minutes she told us we had to continue on our own. Much better the audioguide that explains you each interesting point.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 26, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,228 reviews
Excellent
5,380
Very good
4,068
Average
1,391
Poor
281
Terrible
110
S H
Greater Melbourne, Australia17 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We took a private car & driver here, arranged by our accommodation.
We paid a lot for an English speaking guide on arrival at Citadel in addition to entry, who ended up being the worst guide I’ve ever experienced. (Do the head phones instead) We also had a Vietnamese man and his two young children in our group so she had to speak Vietnamese and English at the same time. The children misbehaved. The father did nothing. The guide also took on a large group of English speaking people halfway through the tour. She had to repeat everything to them. I could not understand her very well, to be frank. She’s been doing this for too long. Her attitude changed once she realised we had had clothes tailored by her cousin in HoiAn. Give the female guide a miss!
Disgusting toilets here & no paper. Overall experience really disappointing at Citadel. Not a lot to see really. Read up on it prior to going. Allow2-3 hours to walk around.
We paid a lot for an English speaking guide on arrival at Citadel in addition to entry, who ended up being the worst guide I’ve ever experienced. (Do the head phones instead) We also had a Vietnamese man and his two young children in our group so she had to speak Vietnamese and English at the same time. The children misbehaved. The father did nothing. The guide also took on a large group of English speaking people halfway through the tour. She had to repeat everything to them. I could not understand her very well, to be frank. She’s been doing this for too long. Her attitude changed once she realised we had had clothes tailored by her cousin in HoiAn. Give the female guide a miss!
Disgusting toilets here & no paper. Overall experience really disappointing at Citadel. Not a lot to see really. Read up on it prior to going. Allow2-3 hours to walk around.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
silvergeck0
Hervey Bay, Australia139 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
What a magnificent treasure Vietnam has with this immense complex. We explored it for 31/2 hours and really only scrapped the surface. Perhaps a pass that lasts for a few days would enable people to come back a couple of times to really appreciate this important piece of history. Thanks so much for the audio guides. Though the ladies giving them out were more interested in their mobile phones than helping their customers!
The architecture is amazing, we sincerely appreciate the imagination and skill that went into building these temples.
We would like to recommend that some of the plastic rubbish lying around be recycled into benches for people to sit on in the shade?
Visitors to Vietnam please do your research and respect their cultures etiquette of covered knees and shoulders and to remove shoes when entering “solemn” places.
Thankfully we had done our research, I carry a little pashmina or jacket and our trousers have zips to make them long or short as required. (Girls - Wrap around skirts are useful too.) I say this because unfortunately our visit was marred by witnessing rude, unprofessional staff saying with VERY angry tone and aggressive body language; “cover, cover” or “no shoes, no shoes”.
We appreciate the Guards (who would have been hot too) must get frustrated when visitors don’t do the right thing however simply saying ”please remove shoes before entering” is not difficult to say to guests who have paid to come in.
The gardens are clearly a work in progress so we would love to come back in a few years to see how they are flourishing.
The architecture is amazing, we sincerely appreciate the imagination and skill that went into building these temples.
We would like to recommend that some of the plastic rubbish lying around be recycled into benches for people to sit on in the shade?
Visitors to Vietnam please do your research and respect their cultures etiquette of covered knees and shoulders and to remove shoes when entering “solemn” places.
Thankfully we had done our research, I carry a little pashmina or jacket and our trousers have zips to make them long or short as required. (Girls - Wrap around skirts are useful too.) I say this because unfortunately our visit was marred by witnessing rude, unprofessional staff saying with VERY angry tone and aggressive body language; “cover, cover” or “no shoes, no shoes”.
We appreciate the Guards (who would have been hot too) must get frustrated when visitors don’t do the right thing however simply saying ”please remove shoes before entering” is not difficult to say to guests who have paid to come in.
The gardens are clearly a work in progress so we would love to come back in a few years to see how they are flourishing.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Becky1979
Hull, UK262 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
We visited the Citadel with a 3 year old and 7 year old. We took advice from previous recommendations and took the audio guide and like others were pleased we did as we would not have known what we were looking at, as the map given did not appear to direct us correctly.
It was incredibly hot and our youngest struggled to remain interested. Both however enjoyed the extensive ground and freedom to roam around the grounds.
Unfortunately due to low visitor numbers the Art activities which would have captivated the children were not available.
Would recommend to the onsite gift shop located near the exit as it had great range of traditional Vietnamese souvenirs at reasonable prices.
It was incredibly hot and our youngest struggled to remain interested. Both however enjoyed the extensive ground and freedom to roam around the grounds.
Unfortunately due to low visitor numbers the Art activities which would have captivated the children were not available.
Would recommend to the onsite gift shop located near the exit as it had great range of traditional Vietnamese souvenirs at reasonable prices.
Written July 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChicoRanMan
Chico, CA1,175 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
This is an impressive 500m x 600m walled citadel that made up the Imperial City where for about 150 years the emperors of Vietnam resided.
Ongoing renovations are improving the experience. Those buildings and gardens that have been renovated are beautiful.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate for entry into the Imperial City alone or multiple sites that include emperors’ tombs.
Ongoing renovations are improving the experience. Those buildings and gardens that have been renovated are beautiful.
Tickets can be purchased at the gate for entry into the Imperial City alone or multiple sites that include emperors’ tombs.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guy T
London, UK703 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful. We bought our ticket as a combo with two of the tombs. It was more expensive than what we had paid for other sites in Vietnam but it is the old city and it is beautiful. Do not underestimate how big it is though you can walk for ages. We spent about 2 hours at the old city wandering around and taking lots of photos. You can hire a guide but we went around on our own and there’s plenty of information explaining exactly what each room/ site was and the importance of it. There’s a few food and drink kiosks around the site slightly more expensive but you are in a tourist site. Its a must do whilst in Hue but it is big and it can get a little repetitive with the buildings looking similar so grab a map of the site, set a route and enjoy.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMOH8
Guildford, UK2,280 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
No visit to Hue is complete without a visit to the Imperial City.
The compound and it's history is fascinating but it's the architecture that is really memorable.
Visiting the Imperial City in the morning will put later visits to tombs into context but I would also recommend returning once it's gone dark as it's really well lit and very peaceful compared to the city centre.
The compound and it's history is fascinating but it's the architecture that is really memorable.
Visiting the Imperial City in the morning will put later visits to tombs into context but I would also recommend returning once it's gone dark as it's really well lit and very peaceful compared to the city centre.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie K
Gothenburg, Sweden53 contributions
Dec 2019
It is easy to get lost wandring in the maze-like place, it is a huge area but it can be covered in a few hours to half a day. Some building are well kept/restored, some are not so well kept and some are entirely missing, but nevertheless it is an enchanting place. There are sign posts in some places making it possible to visit on your own, but it will probably be more interesing with a guide. The entrance ticket can be bought in combination with the royal tombs to a discounted price, so if you plan to also visit the tombs, this will save you a few dollars.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amanda5805
Duncan, Canada7,481 contributions
Dec 2019
Normally I love stuff like this. This was very boring. It also might have had something to do with how long of a travel day we had which included hiking up Marble Mountain then straight to a 6km walk from the hotel to the Imperial Palace. Seemed like most of us felt that way. Our tour leader mentioned out of all of the guides for the imperial palace that he has had over the years she was the best one and he had hand selected her and booked her for all this tour groups. The guide tried to make it interesting but it came across too serious and repeated herself a lot. I think there is some great stuff to see here but if you can go with out a guide I would take that options. We were only in this town one night and missed out on things that were higher on our list. Which we would have skipped this if we knew this is how it was going to be. If you are here for a short period of time and you have other more important things to see see them first before heading here.
In 1993 this Complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes many things from the Nguyen Dynasty, such as the Citadel, High Noon Gate, tombs, monuments and much more.
Don't forget to cover up your shoulders & knees or you will be denied entry. It also costs 150,000VND (about $8.90CAD). You are to tip the guide for her services. I believe we tipped her 50,000VND ($3CAD) per couple on our tour.
In 1993 this Complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes many things from the Nguyen Dynasty, such as the Citadel, High Noon Gate, tombs, monuments and much more.
Don't forget to cover up your shoulders & knees or you will be denied entry. It also costs 150,000VND (about $8.90CAD). You are to tip the guide for her services. I believe we tipped her 50,000VND ($3CAD) per couple on our tour.
Written May 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julia b
60 contributions
Nov 2019
This place has many different aspects of it, not to mention the grounds its self are huge. You could easily spend hours or days wandering around looking. It takes you back to a different time and paints a grandeur picture of the life of a dynasty. We were on a group tour and I felt it went to quick to really look at different artifacts and to admire the details of the carvings. I suggest you do a bit of research and find the things you really want to see, especially if you're on limited time.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Smaske1
Storrington, UK623 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The site of the royal palace after the move south from hanoi. Around 1 square metre of inner courtyard where the king would meet his mandarins and hold court and where his 100 wives and 124 lived. Our guide explained the various rooms and what they were used for, you can also get an audio guide which might have been more easy to understand...
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buonasera, c'è l'audioguida per visitare la Città Imperiale? Grazie, Enrico
Written October 26, 2024
I would like to know the opening times of the Imperial City and whether you can visit there at night time?
Written May 22, 2023
Hello Fiona, I was with a guided tour and it was during the day so opening times were on my mind, but you can safely say that it will be open during reasonable daily hours, but I would check with maybe your hotel as they may know. Also, check when public holidays are as this may affect time too.
Written May 24, 2023
Hi
Is there someone who simply could give me the weblink where to buy online tickets to visit the Hue citadel?
No private tour or daytrip needed only to visit the Hue citadel?
Written November 8, 2022
Hue Citadel is more than 250km2 wide. You buy entrance tickets directly at each entrance to each destination, according to the general regulations of the local government, except for private spots. Tien Phong newspaper wrote:
Tickets to visit Hue Royal Palace (including the Citadel and Museum of Hue Royal Antiquities) cost 200,000 VND/adult and 40,000 VND/child. The monuments of Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh tombs have entrance fees of 150,000 VND/adult/point.
The tombs of Gia Long, Thieu Tri, Dong Khanh, Hon Chen Palace, Nam Giao Forum, and An Dinh Palace have a ticket price of 50,000 VND/adult/point. Tickets to visit the route are priced at 420,000 VND, 530,000 VND, 580,000 VND/adult, depending on the number of Hue relics aggregated points.
Written November 24, 2022
Do you know the electric car fare that goes around the palace?
Written February 16, 2020
They have various routes, but I cannot put a link here (not allowed by TA).
I suggest #5
90K VND per person to visit the perimeter or outer area (Hoang Thanh)
After that, you can walk around the inner area (the Purple City or Dai Noi.)
If you still want to take another trip, pay another 100K VND for the 30 minutes of the inner area.
...
If you don't want to visit the perimeter, pay 150K for the 60-min ride of the inner area.
...
The other routes (1-4) are point-to-point. When you get there, you'll see what I mean.
Written February 16, 2020
Sure is, at the ticket counter
Written January 30, 2020
Is there a wheelchair available at the entry for hire? If not, does anyone know where to rent one?
Written January 25, 2020
I seriously doubt it. And the Citidal is not at all an accessible location.
Written January 28, 2020
Hi,
can you please tell me if you booked tickets online before you went to Vietnam or got them on the day you visited? Was there a long line to get in? Thanks
Written October 10, 2019
Buy tickets when you are there.
No queue and ticket office is outside the Citadel entrance.
Written November 20, 2019
What time does it open on a Tuesday? (Tomorrow)
Written October 7, 2019
Sorry I should have said 17.30 for Tuesday closing time but Thursday it is open till 22.00.
Written October 7, 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 52
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing