Hue Imperial Secrets - Walking Through the Forbidden World of Vietnam’s Last Dynasty

5.00

Excellent(6)

Hue

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Free Walking Tours Hanoi

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 2 March 2021

We are a passionate team with a vision of delivering to travellers the best and most exciting experiences in Hanoi. We deliver a platform for professional, fully licenced, tour guides to lead walking and food tours at no upfront cost. Enjoy a quality sightseeing experience whatever your budget. Everyone should be able to enjoy a guided tour for a price they consider appropriate – even free. We believe that all of our representatives offer our unique style of guiding; mixing culture, tradition, history and engaging storytelling, allowing the guides own ability and personality to shine through.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Step beyond the gates of Hue’s Imperial City and into a forbidden world where emperors ruled, concubines whispered behind soft curtains, and dynasties rose and fell in quiet beauty.

On this 2.5-hour walking tour, you won’t just see ancient palaces you’ll feel their stories come alive. With a passionate local storyteller as your guide, we journey through hidden corners of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty. This isn’t a lecture. It’s a living tale.

We begin at the Nine Cannons near the Flag Tower, where history aimed for the sky. Then we step into the Five-Phoenix Pavilion and gaze through the same arches as the emperors. Inside Thai Hoa Palace, walk beneath golden dragons and hear about court rituals and royal secrets. At the To Mieu Temples and Nine Dynastic Urns, we honor 13 emperors and uncover their legacy. Then comes the Royal Theater, where imperial music once echoed like soft thunder.

There’s more: at the ruins of Kiến Trung Palace, hear a European-inspired love story. At Hạ Cơ Imperial Garden, enjoy the same quiet beauty where empresses once stayed. We end at Hiển Nhơn Gate (Gate of Virtue) or walk you toward the Perfume River for one last hidden gem.

This tour is ideal for curious travelers, culture seekers, and lovers of history who want more than just snapshots.

Spots are limited — book now before the echoes fade.

Tour Essentials

Meeting Time & Location

Tours start promptly at 9:00 AM or 2:30 PM
Meeting point: at the Nine Cannons near the Flag Tower

What to Wear

Please dress comfortably and appropriately, we’ll be walking extensively throughout the Citadel.

Entrance Ticket

Please bring 200,000 VND in cash for the Imperial City entrance ticket, which you’ll purchase directly at the gate.

Booking Confirmation via WhatsApp

Please ensure you provide an active WhatsApp number when making your reservation.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

FH8H+984, Hai Mươi Ba Tháng Tám, Thuận Hoà, Huế, Thành phố Huế, Vietnam

I will be in front of Nine Holy Cannons with a name card and wearing a green hat with a red Hue Walking Tour logo.

Outside visit

Nine Holy Cannons (The Meeting Point)

Nine Holy Cannons of the Nguyen Dynasty Made in 1803 during the time of Emperor Gia Long, these nine big bronze cannons were created to show the strength and protection of the Nguyen Dynasty. Each cannon stands for a natural force like wind, rain, or thunder. Even though they were never used in war, they were seen as sacred and still stand today to guard the entrance to the Imperial City.

Outside visit

Five-Phoenix Pavilion (Ngo Mon Gate)

This was the main gate to the Imperial City, used only by the emperor. Built in 1833 under Emperor Minh Mang, it has five entrances and a beautiful wooden pavilion on top. From here, the emperor appeared for important events and ceremonies. The name “Five-Phoenix” comes from the roof design, which looks like five phoenixes flying together – a symbol of royalty and peace.

Outside visit

Palace of Supreme Harmony (Thai Hoa Palace)

This is the most important building in the Imperial City. It was where emperors held official ceremonies and received important guests. Built in 1805, the palace features beautiful red columns and golden dragons – symbols of power and royalty. Inside, you can imagine the emperor sitting on his throne, with mandarins lined up in their formal robes. It’s a place full of history and imperial pride.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).