VietNamNet Bridge – The ancient capital city attracts tourists with its relics, the magical night in the Royal Palace or sweet lyrics on the Huong River.

1. The most intact royal citadel in Vietnam

The Hue citadel at night.

If you have been to the ancient capitals of Vietnam like Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province or Co Loa and Thang Long in Hanoi, which have become ruins, you will see how good the relics in Hue have been preserved. With palaces, fortresses, temples, royal tombs and many nha vuon (house-garden) of a few hundred years old, Hue has serene beauty.

Visitors to Hue will admire the artistic masterpieces of royal palaces, splendid temples and shrines, majestic tombs and beautiful landscapes.

2. Military structures

Hue Citadel was built under Kings Gia Long and Minh Mang, located in the northern Huong River, facing south. Hue Citadel is a unique combination between the traditional architectural principles of Vietnam, the Eastern philosophy with the yin and yang theory and the traits influenced by western military architecture.

3. The most unique royal tombs

The tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s kings follow the principles of feng shui. The ground layouts of all tombs are always divided into two main parts: the tomb and the surrounding area. The tomb areas are where the kings were buried while palaces and temples were built in the surrounding area to serve the kings when he was alive. Therefore, each royal tomb is not only a historical relic but also a cultural landscape.

4. Royal treasures

Located in the Forbidden Citadel, the Museum of Hue Royal Antiquities was established in 1923, with the first name as Musee' Khai Dinh. The name has been changed five times and in 1993 it became the Museum of Hue Royal Antiquities.

At this museum, you will see and learn about thousands of artifacts made of pottery, wood, copper, enameled, stone, bone, ivory, horn, stone sculpture.

5. Unique royal festivities

The imperial ceremonies in Hue in the past were national festivals, held by the state. There are dozens of large and small festivals held annually in the ancient capital, under strict regulations set by the royal court. From the king to the people had to comply with these strict rules. Today, visitors to Hue will be watching some royal festivals.

6. Court music

Nha Nhac or Court Music is the unique art and culture of Hue which was recognized by UNESCO as the intangible heritage of humanity. This is the only oriental court music conserved in this city. Visitors can enjoy the musical talents with elaborately manufactured instruments performed in Hue.

Previously, Nha Nhac was performed during royal rites such as the coronation, the funerals of kings or other solemn festivals of the Nguyen Dynasty.

7. Royal night

Every Hue Festival, the ancient citadel is lit up at night to restore the life of the royal palace when night falls. Visitors will be dropping their soul into a magical space with the smell of incense.

8. Hue songs on the Huong River

The "Hue songs" genre is a form of classical music of Hue. The singer sings solo, accompanying herself with small wooden clappers. Before and between the solo songs a traditional ensemble will play instrumental sections to complement the singer

Ca Hue is a precious spiritual food, an elegant pleasure that any visitor to Hue want to have the opportunity to enjoy. It is wonderful to sit on a boat in the Huong River to enjoy Ca hue in a full moon night.

Ca Hue show on the Huong River usually starts at 7pm. The boats offering Ca Hue shows float from Phu Van Lau to the Trang Tien Bridge, across the ancient citadel so visitors will experience the unique perspective of the history and culture of Hue.

9. Royal food

Mentioning Hue’s food, people often think of the royal diet, a culinary style formed to serve the Nguyen Dynasty. Hue cuisines are always quintessential, sophisticated, elegant and noble. The Hue people have well preserved royal cuisines so go to Hue you will enjoy the culinary elite.

Pha Le