Historical Monuments in Hue

 

Hue is a representation of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire in the early 19th century. The place’s monuments recognized by UNESCO only show an intact and well defended capital city in a form of its architecture, urban planning and construction.

With a deep history popular around the world, Vietnam has become one of the main tourist destinations for its historic monuments. The country’s monuments acclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) are particularly located in Hue city, which is as equally famous as other cities for its breathtaking travel destinations.

Hue is located in central Vietnam,  between two huge and well known cities, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) and Hanoi. It is approximately 1100 km north from Hồ Chí Minh City, the largest city of Vietnam and 700 km from the south of Hanoi.

Today, Hue is a representation of the vanished Vietnamese feudal empire in the early 19th century. The place’s monuments recognized by UNESCO only show an intact and well defended capital city in a form of its architecture, urban planning and construction. For these historical monuments, it is also recognized as one of the best travel destinations in Vietnam.

Part of the complex of historic monuments, Hue’s prime attractions, is the Imperial Citadel. The citadel is the courtyard of Ngo Mon, the entrance of the city from the south. One of the more peaceful area in Vietnam due to its size, the citadel is a mixed of different historical buildings educating tourist about art and costumes from different Vietnam historical periods.

Not very far from the courtyard is the Ngọ Môn. As mentioned earlier, it is the southern entrance of Hue. It is believed to be reserved only for the emperor’s use and was the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. While other officials were then not allowed inside the citadel, the Emperor addressed them at the top of the Ngọ Môn gate.

Another palace included inside the complex of monuments is Thái Hòa Palace. It was the emperor's coronation hall and also the space where the emperor received foreign guest particularly dignitaries.

Famous in movies, the Forbidden Purple City can also be seen in Hue. It is located at the rear area of the Thai Hoa Palace. Little is left of the Forbidden Purple City because it was destroyed in 1968. Nevertheless, more tourist still visit the place because of its history as articulated in the remains of the Mandarin Palaces located on both sides of the area.

Tourists who are fond of historical insights such as these may get a hand full while visiting the historic monuments of Hue.