Hue Royal Palace: Hours, Address, Hue Royal Palace Reviews: 4/5
Hue Royal Palace
Hue Royal Palace
4
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Charred remains of the royal family’s inner sanctum occupy this area within the Citadel. It is partially rebuilt with plans for future restoration.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Attractions
73 within 10 kms
Hue Imperial City (The Citadel)
10,903
72 mHistoric Sites
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Popular mentions
4.0
983 reviews
Excellent
436
Very good
383
Average
130
Poor
27
Terrible
7
JSTrip_77
Hanoi, Vietnam1,068 contributions
Feb. 2021
This inner sanctum of the Imperial Citadel is the Hue Royal Palace - the Forbidden Purple City. It's true that it was largely destroyed by fire and war but the government has taken great pains to work to restore and rebuild it to its former glory. This has bee a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993 and is well worth the visit. There are lots of pictures to help you understand what it looked like when the actual royals were lingering about the site. It's a really beautiful architectural treasure worth visiting.
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LuizDutraNeto
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8,613 contributions
Jan. 2020
You are at the iconic "Forbidden Purple City" complex, the innermost enclosure of "Hue Imperial Citadel"! Here, access was permitted only to the Emperor, his family, concubines, personal attendants and servants. They lived and worked within palaces, residences, offices, temples, theaters, precious gardens and ponds. Take your time and stroll along such beautiful and huge landscape. Visit "Cua Ngo Mon" (aka the "Noon Gate" - the Emperor's exclusive entry gate), "Thái Hòa Palace" (with the stunning golden throne and the red lacquered columns), "Thái Mieu" (a temple used for worshipping by the Royal Family) and the manicured "Royal Gardens", among many other important structures. As you might know, since 1993, Hue and its monuments were appointed, by Unesco, as a "World Heritage Site"! A good reason to visit its restored "Forbidden Purple City" and the "Royal Palace's" complex! Enjoy!
Written 19 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark S
Knoxville, TN106 contributions
Feb. 2020
The palace of the puppet kings the French supported during their "protectorate" in the 19th and 20th centuries.... The "neo" architecture is interesting--much rebuilt after 1968, one assumes--but it is the vast collection of photographs and artifacts, some from Vietnam, some from France, that is of most interest. Don't miss the dress-up/photo opp hall where, for a small price, you can be an emperor for a few moments.
Written 7 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laura L
Chicago, IL242 contributions
Feb. 2020
Even the Vietnamese define themself as Communist, they have maintained an elegance from the days of the Viet royalty. Gracious and kind. When you visit the capital, you can see where this stemmed from. There are also photos of the French occupation as well as the destruction from both the French and AMerican wars.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jerome B
Columbia, MD958 contributions
Feb. 2020
Like everything else in Hue, the original was largely destroyed but is being restored. Incredible that a communist state is doing this for the old Imperial capital. Well worth a visit.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Simon M
Kerikeri, New Zealand3 contributions
Feb. 2020
This is a must visit place when in Hue. It is extensive. There are also excellent devices in many languages that are available at a reasonable cost for historical translations of important details.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mike M
73 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Couples
Situated with the Citadel this area was forbidden to all others except the Royal entourage
The Imperial Emperor and Family lived a life surrounded in opulence
Some great exhibits within the “Purple palace” offering an insight to the various dynasties
We loved the waterways teeming with huge carp that we were able to purchase food for
Bring good footwear as some of the areas are more difficult than others
We thoroughly enjoyed the experience
A must do in Hue
The Imperial Emperor and Family lived a life surrounded in opulence
Some great exhibits within the “Purple palace” offering an insight to the various dynasties
We loved the waterways teeming with huge carp that we were able to purchase food for
Bring good footwear as some of the areas are more difficult than others
We thoroughly enjoyed the experience
A must do in Hue
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Dan W
Portland, OR1,983 contributions
Feb. 2020
Our guide took us for a leisurely two hour walkabout through the grounds and buildings of this excellent attraction in Hue. The Hue Royal Palace is a must see if you love history and if you’re not as keen - it’s still quite beautiful. It was very helpful to have a guide explain the intricacies of the citadel and its surrounding area. Touring on your own wouldn't be so great. There are some of the loveliest gardens, especially the rock gardens and bonsai plants, that I've ever seen. It was especially pretty with everything cleaned and the colors brought to life by the light rain coming down during our visit.
Written 18 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travelaround59
London, UK1,634 contributions
Feb. 2020 • Friends
Yes the Royal Palace is very beautiful and full of 130 years history...definitely what you want to see in Hue.
Pity that the 3rd citadel has been destroyed but slowly the restoration is bringing to life the Forbidden City.
The grounds are very beautiful
Pity that the 3rd citadel has been destroyed but slowly the restoration is bringing to life the Forbidden City.
The grounds are very beautiful
Written 16 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Isabelle T
Mouans-Sartoux, France66 contributions
Feb. 2020
You must spend one day visiting the citadel and the tombs. Take a taxi for the day. It cost us 38$ to do it and we didn't have to worry about anything
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BiscuitBubbles
Brisbane, Australia102 contributions
Hi there,
Quick couple questions as I am a bit confused about the Imperial City vs this Royal Palace:
1) Does the entrance fee into the Imperial City include access to the Royal Palace?
2) People suggest spending 2 - 3 hours, and some even more - is this just for the palace or is 2 - 3 hours sufficient enough for exploring both the palace and the Imperial City?
Thanks for you help!
Biscuit
KPR777
Raleigh, NC633 contributions
The Royal Palace is part of the Imperial City. I think 2-3 hours to explore the whole Imperial City, with a stop in the Royal Palace as part of that time frame. There is an entrance fee that applies to the Royal Palace, which then offers access to the wider expanse of the Imperial City. As I recall, there is also a more limited section of the Imperial City where one can go in through a gate and behind the city walls without paying a fee. It was raining when we first got there, so I may be a bit fuzzy on some of the details because we hired a tuk-tuk and he took us around one area within the Imperial City (without an entrance fee), but then later dropped up off in front of the Royal Palace, where we did pay a fee before walking the grounds more fully (by then the rain had stopped). Hope this helps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hue Royal Palace
- Hue Royal Palace is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- We recommend booking Hue Royal Palace tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Hue Royal Palace tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hue Royal Palace:
- Private Car Service in Hue with Driver (From AU$68.13)
- HUE CITY TOUR via HAI VAN PASS & LAP AN LAGOON from DA NANG or HOI AN ( PRIVATE) (From AU$178.27)
- Shore Excursion to HUE ROYAL PALACE & KING TOMB,PERFUME RIVER from CHAN MAY Port (From AU$192.54)
- Hue City Tour Via Hai Van Mountain , Lap An Lagoon, Perfume River, Royal Palace (From AU$187.72)
- A Glimpse of Hue Tour (From AU$63.96)
- Hotels near Hue Royal Palace:
- (1.18 km) Azerai La Residence Hue
- (0.50 km) Le Robinet Homestay
- (0.63 km) Tam Family Homestay
- (0.47 km) Anh's Homestay
- (0.46 km) Colorful Hue Hostel
- Restaurants near Hue Royal Palace:
- (0.52 km) Les Jardins de La Carambole
- (0.72 km) Bistro 34'
- (0.38 km) Cafe 51
- (0.36 km) Tu Phuong Vo Su Lau Coffee
- (0.76 km) Lạc Thiện Restaurant