Hue city has long been famous nationwide for its ancient architectural monuments. Once coming here, one of the popular places that tourists shouldn't miss is the Imperial City which is the walled fortress and palace in the former royal capital of Vietnam.

Built in 1804 on a site chosen by the Emperor Gia Long's geomancers, the imperial city was originally made of earth and later strengthened with brick. It covers a total area of over 500ha including 3 sets of wall. Outside is the Citadel surrounded by the 2m-thick and 10k-long walls. Inside the Citadel is the Imperial Enclosure with a perimeter of about 2.5 km. At the very center of the Imperial Enclosure is the Purple Forbidden city consisting of a network of palaces, gates, courtyard and gardens.

Imperial Enclosure serves as a place for official receptions and for ancestor worship. There are 4 entrances to Imperial Enclosure in which Ngo Mon is the principal one only reserved for the Emperor. Inside the Enclosure are many magnificent architectural buildings. Thai Hoa palace built in 1803 is a spacious hall used for official receptions and other important court ceremonies. Behind it are pairs of smaller halls for mandarins to make preparation before attending court ceremonies. There are also lots of temples such as Trieu Mieu, Thai Mieu, Hung Mieu, etc serving as places of worship the Emperors of the Nguyen royal family. Besides, gardens such as Co Ha are also added for princes to study and entertain.

At the very center of the Imperial Enclosure is the Forbidden Purple City reserved solely for the personal use of the Emperors and his family. Built in 1804 with a perimeter of 1230m, it comprises of various-sized buildings such as Can Chanh palace is the King's official working place, Can Thanh palace is King's residence, Khon Thai palace is Queen's residence. Besides, there are also other places attending to the King such as the royal theatre, reading room, etc.

Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Imperial City has become the most important historical and cultural monument of Vietnam. Your trip to Hue will be considered to be incomplete without visiting this place.