Hue Forbidden Purple City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site from Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty

Discover the Forbidden Purple City in Hue, Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore its rich history, cultural significance, and the tombs of Emperor Tu Duc and King Khai Dinh.

Duration: 8 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Hue Imperial City (The Citadel) - The Complex of Hue Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the city of Hue in central Vietnam. Hue was founded as the Vietnam capital city by Gia Long, the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802. It held this position for nine Nguyen dynasties until 1945.
    The massive complex features hundreds

What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Boat to Thien Mu
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • English Speaking Guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Drinks during lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Personal Expenses
Additional Information

Situated within the Citadel of Hue, the Purple City was erected during the reign of Emperor Gia Long in the 1800s. In 1802, Hue was designated as the capital of unified Vietnam, and became the country’s focal point of politics, culture, and religion under the regime of the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. It suffered damage during the 1968 Tet offensive, and


Location
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(4 Ratings)
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Amsays
Apr 20, 2025
How impressive this site must have been at its heyday - Forbidden Purple City is the innermost enclosed area of Hue Citadel. No moat here but still the thick walls and an imposing gate leading to a grand spectacle featuring a palace of majestic architecture and grandeur. This area was meant to support the emperor and his family in everything they needed. It’s being restored slowly but you can still see/feel? How impressive this site must have been at its heyday. Lots of walking so bring some comfortable shoes and water. A local guide would be helpful too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Somewherelands
Jan 15, 2025
Reminder of a Vietnam That’s long gone Yet Never Truly Forgotten - The Forbidden Purple City in Hue felt like a portal to another world. The moment you walk through the imposing gates, you will be struck by the quiet grandeur of it all. The architecture was majestic, though worn by centuries of history; and the old courtyards, narrow hallways, faded murals and crumbling parts only added to the charm. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll do a fair bit of walking— a hat and some sunscreen wouldn’t hurt too cos the sun can be pretty strong during the summer months. And just in case you're hankering after a more immersive experience, consider hiring a local guide. I did, and I do not think I would have enjoyed quite as much if I hadn't had all these extra bits explained.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yvonnesl7908lw
Jul 1, 2024
A MUST SEE location - The older section of the city is a moated, walled citadel surrounded by eleven stone gates. This palace is somewhat like the Forbidden City in Beijing China but in no way as crowded with tourists (especially those pushing and yelling CHINESE tourists). This wall enclosed Royal Compound is Massive at 3 X 3 Miles (NOT exaggerating), thus much bigger than the Forbidden City in Beijing China. Hue became the capital city of a reunified Vietnam from 1802 until 1945 under the reign of the Nguyễn dynasty, where the last emperor turned over all political control to Ho Chie Min at the end of the American war. We observed the damage and rebuilding of the citadel’s grounds following the Viet Cong Tet Offensive. THIS IS A MUST SEE location for anyone visiting Vietnam, but make sure you come here with a guide, as just roaming around the grounds on your own, you will NOT relate well to all the history here. There is a massive water Moat around the 3X3 mile complex, and within its design was to be able to fend off invaders, and especially invaders at the time that had the ultimate weapon = Elephants!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $79
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).