Thai Hoa palace

Thai Hoa palace was the nerve center for the Emperor’s court during its heyday. Built in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, Thai Hoa palace was first used in 1806 for the emperor’s coronation.

Directly in line with the Ngo Mon Gate along the Hue Citadel’s central axis, Thai Hoa palace can be reached after walking 330 feet across a bridge known as the Trung Dao (Central Path) which crosses a pond known as the Thai Dich (Grand Liquid Lake).

Immediately after crossing the bridge, you’ll step onto the Great Rites Court, where mandarins assembled to pay homage to the emperor.

 

The lower half, further away from the Thai Hoa palace, was reserved for village elders and lower-ranking ministers. The upper half of the court was reserved for high-ranking mandarins; you can still see the foot-high steles on either side of the court that dictate where each mandarin rank should stand relative to the Thai Hoa palace.

Thai Hoa palace was the nerve center for the Emperor’s court during its heyday. Built in 1805 by Emperor Gia Long, the Throne Palace was first used in 1806 for the emperor’s coronation. Over the years, Thai Hoa palace became the preferred setting for the Empire’s most important ceremonies, like the Coronations of Emperors and Crown Princes, and receiving foreign ambassadors. High meetings of state were also conducted at the Thai Hoa palace.

The Thai Hoa palace was built to accommodate such pomp and circumstance: the building is 144 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 38 feet tall, supported by lacquered-red columns entwined with gilded dragons. Over the throne hangs a carved board bearing Chinese characters reading “Thai Hoa palace-Palace of Supreme Harmony”.

The insulation and acoustics of the Thai Hoa palace are amazing for a building its age. The Thai Hoa palace enjoyed cool temperatures in the summer, and warm temperatures during the winter season. And anyone standing at the exact center of the Palace – where the throne was normally placed – could hear sounds from any point in the palace.

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Thu Le ancient village

Thu Le is an agricultural village but it is famous for such cultural works as pagodas and communal houses. It is also famous for Ngu Hanh Temple built to worship Princess Huyen Tran during the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) who followed her husband to reclaim new lands in the South. There is also Van Thanh Temple to worship Khong Tu and Vo Thanh Temple to worship Quangong.

Translated from the Chinese, the name “Thu le” means “giu le”, (literally keeping politeness and rites). The ancient village of Thu Le is located in Quang Phuoc Commune, Quang Dien District. For over half a century, the village has preserved many cultural features of a village in the old capital of Hue. The villagers attach much importance to maintaining their rites, customs and disciplines.

Along the village’s main road, many family worshipping houses are scattered. Each is not only a beautiful architectural work but they also preserve the cultural and historical imprints of a family.

The village also boasts an ancient pagoda with a grand three-gate entrance. The main hall was built in the style of a long Ruong house, a strange architecture rarely seen in Hue. The roof of the pagoda was terracotta inlayed with different shapes of dragons, unicorns, tortoises and phoenixes. All the parts made from wood in the pagoda were carved with delicate patterns, showing the skillfulness and talent of artisans in My Xuyen Village in the past. On the main four doors, artisans created four-season paintings and eight beautiful objects with five bats holding in their mouths the Chinese script “Tho”, symbolizing five good fortunes. For a long time,

Thu Le Village’s pagoda has been the place for organizing religious activities and is a charming destination for tourists nationwide.

400m from Thu Le Pagoda is the village’s communal house which was built according to the rules of fengshui. It is an architectural relic in the suburbs of Hue with the style, scale and decoration imbued with that of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. The wood structure in the communal house was also delicately carved. Furthermore, the communal house also has preserved many precious ancient objects like stone steles, stone bells, a block of marbles used to exorcise the plagues and a set of 57 ordinances conferred by kings in the Nguyen Dynasty.

Annually on January 6 of the lunar calendar, the villagers in Thu Le organize their wrestling festival in the yard of the communal house that attracts a large number of visitors. The wrestling festivals in Thu Le and Sinh villages are considered the most ancient and famous in Hue in particular and the Central region in general. On the 7th, when the wrestling festival ends, the villagers flock to participate in a boat-racing festival. During the first two days of the New Year, the area seems to be overwhelmed by the festive atmosphere that shows the optimism and sporting spirit of the villagers.

In the village, there are 14 families, including eight large families, namely Le, Nguyen, Ho Dang, Phan Gia, Phan Ngoc, Phan Nhu, Ngo Van and Ngo Thoi. According to the village’s custom, each large family together with the authorities and villagers, take responsibility for organizing worshipping rites during the year.

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Tomb of Thieu Tri

Thieu Tri's tomb lies in Chu Chanh village, Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy district, about 8km from the city. The tomb was built in 1849 and divided into two parts: the tomb area and temple area.

The tomb area: on the right with Nhuan Trach lake is the bronze gate leading to big Binh Dai. The two rows of stone statues on the left and right of the court are typical for the sculpture in the first half of 19th century in Hue. Ngung Thuy lake looks like a crescent moon barring in front of Buu Thanh.

The temple area : after passing the marble gate and another three steps leading to Bieu Duc temple, tourists will go through Hong Trach gate. In the main temple there engraved over 450 word boxes including poems with education and literature values.

Thieu Tri's tomb lies there with simple and intimate beauty, leans its back against the foot of Thuan Dao mount, in front of the tomb stretches flat land with lushly green trees and rice-fields from the Huong river 's bank up to Lim bridge.

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Tomb of Dong Khanh

Dong Khanh tomb is located on the land of Cu Si hamlet, now Thuong Hai village, Thuy Xuan commune, Hue city. The tomb was built in 1917. The whole architecture of the tomb are divided:

The worship temple, in general, the constructions still bear the traditional figures : house with multi succeeding roofs. In the main temple and its dependent houses, the familiar splendid red and gilt pillars with decoration of four seasons and four Holly animals are still seen. Most noteworthy is Ngung Hy temple - the best conserved place of famous red and gilt arts, of famous lacquer arts of Vietnam.    

  

The tomb area: the tomb design was almost completely Europeanized from the architectural peculiarity, decorative model to building materials - Bi Dinh is a variation of Romance architecture blended with Asian architecture with tall, thin mandarin statues from cement and bricks (instead of stone), tile and carreau bricks.

In general, Dong Khanh tomb was beginning of the mixture of European and Asian, of the old and new architecture.

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Tomb of Gia Long

The tomb of Gia Long is located 16km from the centre of Hue, on top of the Thien Tho mountain, on the west bank of the Huong  river. Construction of the tomb began in 1814 and was completed in 1820. Located in a vast land covered with a wide canopy  of old pine trees, the mausoleum was built according to a monumental but simple design.

In front is a lotus pond. Behind the pond is a large terraced yard divided into three different levels. The first level was used as the waiting area and is bordered by two rows of elephant and horse statues.          

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Tomb of Khai Dinh

The tomb was built between 1920 and 1931. It is located on top of the Chau E mountains, 10km of Hue. Located in a vast expanse of wilderness, Khai Dinh tomb looks like a magnificent palace perched on the slope of a limestone mountain. It is a accessible by climbing 109 stone steps.

Unlike the construction materials used for the other tomb, Khai Dinh mausoleum was built with modern materials such as steel and reinforced concrete. The peculiar feature of the tomb is the magnificent porcelain decorations on the walls, columns and ceilings.       

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Tomb of Tu Duc

The tomb of Tu Duc is situated on Duong Xuan mountain in Duong Xuan Thuong village, on the bank of the Perfume river, 8km from the centre of Hue.

The construction started in 1864 and was completed in 1883.  Also called Tomb of Modesty, the necropolis complex is enclosed by a thick wall following the contour of the hill, among a pine tree forest. Tu Duc tomb is not only one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen dynasty but also is a romantic picture of mounts and lakes.        

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Tomb of Minh Mang

The construction of the tomb of Minh Mang started in 1840 and was completed in 1843. It is located in an enclosed hilly area of 18ha in Cam Khe village, 12 km from the centre of Hue.

Minh Mang tomb is a standard architectural complex consisting of 40 big and small constructions which include palaces, temple, pavilions, etc., designed on symmetric axis along the Dai Hong gate outside to the foot of La Thanh behind the Emperor's tomb.

Visit to Minh Mang tomb, tourists fancy that they are wandering in a world of painting, poetry and philosophy - besides the strictness, majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions. The tomb of Minh Mang has an air of magnificence and formality, and its architectural design harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings.

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Nguyen Kings' Tombs

There are eight royal tombs in Hue, being the final resting places of the Nguyen Kings. Construction of the tombs was very meticulous and started while the king was still alive. Most of the tombs face the southwest, direction of the Imperial city. Each toms consists of two complexes. The first is reserved for funeral services and the second one is exclusively for the toms. Generally, each tomb is enclosed in a surrounding rampart called "la thanh".

However, each tomb internal arrangement is different from one another; particular arrangements reflected each king's points of view, personality and tastes.

 

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Thien Mu pagoda

Thien Mu is a well-know pagoda in Hue. The pagoda is located on Ha Khe hill, Huong Long commune, Hue city. It possesses an ancient architecture style which is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Hue.

The name Thien Mu is originated from a legend. It is said that, long ago, there was an old woman who often appeared on Ha Khe hill. She said: this land would welcome a Lord who set up a Pagoda there to keep the land sustainable. After that, the old woman disappeared. And her foretell has come into real life when Lord Nguyen Hoang visited the land. Upon being told about the strange story, he decided to set up the pagoda with the name Thien Mu as we can see today.

The pagoda was constructed in 1601 and upgraded in 1655. The pagoda had been upgraded and repaired under the Nguyen dynasty by King Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri, Thanh Thai.

PhuongDuyen Tower(which is initially called Tu Nhan Tower) was constructed in 1844 by King Thieu Tri. This 7-floor octagonal tower also contributes to the special architecture pattern of Thien Mu Pagoda.

Dai Hung temple is the main court hall of the Pagoda. This is a majestic architecture construction with shining Buddha statues made of copper. Along the two sides of the pagoda are the two area of houses, one is home to the bonzes and the other is the guest house to welcome visitors to the Pagoda.

The pagoda is surrounded by gardens of trees and flowers which make the atmosphere more peaceful. There is a poetic forest of pine trees behind the Pagoda. Thien Mu Pagoda was once destroyed in 1943. Since 1945, Thich Don Hau, a bonze has successfully carried out the 30-year long reconstruction to rescue the pagoda.

Today, Thien Mu Pagoda continues to be repaired and reconstructed to welcome visitors from all regions of Vietnam as well as all over the world.

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Forbidden Citadel

Tu Cam Thanh - (Forbidden Citadel)

Located inside the Imperial City, behind the Throne Palace, the Forbidden Purple Citadel is reserved for Emperor and his family. Constructed early under reign of Emperor Gia Long in 1804 with brick walls of 3.72m high, 0.72m thick, about 1,230m in circumference. Its front and back sides are 324m each while either left and right side is more than 290m including 50 architectural constructions of different sizes and 7 gates for facilities of entrance and exit. Dai Cung Mon (the Great Palace Gate) is in the front side for the Kings. Can Chanh Palace (the place for daily working of Emperors). Can Thanh (Emperor's Private Palace), Khon Thai Residence (Queen's Private Apartment) reserved for the Queen. Duyet Thi Duong house (Royal Theatre), Thuong Thien (the kitchen for the Kings' food), Thai Binh Lau (King's reading room)...

In addition, there are also famous royal tombs and temples of Kings Nguyen outside Hue Citadel. Seven tombs with different aspect are not only a wonderful arch but also combining beautiful, imposing nature and poetic of Hue. Ancient Hue including Perfume River and Ngu Mountain, palaces and citadels, tombs and temples with hundred of historic years are being embellished and recovered by material contribution of Vietnamese and International community in order to keep Hue City as World cultural heritage.

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Royal Citadel or Imperial City

Hoang Thanh - (Royal Citadel or Imperial City)

The Imperial City is located in the centre of the Citadel where established highest offices of Vietnam's feudalism and sanctums honouring the cult of decreased Emperors. The Citadel, also has a nearly square form, with more than 600m long for each side, built of brick 4m high, 1m thick, around which is ditched a system of protection trench. Access to the Imperial City can be made by four entrance gates. Royal Citadel consists of more 100 beautiful constructional works divided many sectors:

- Sector for the Ngo Mon Gate and the Thai Hoa Palace: This is the place for setting up various grand ceremonies. 

- Sector for worship shrines of the Kings Nguyen: Trieu Mieu, Thai Mieu, Hung Mieu, The Mieu and Phung Tien Temples. 

- Sector for internal affairs office: Storehouse for precious objects, workshop for manufacturing various useful articles.

- Sectors for the Kham Van Palace and the Co Ha Garden: place where the princes are studying or enjoying.

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Hue Capital Citadel

Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel)

This construction stared in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long and completed in 1832 under the reign of Emperor Ming Mang. Under Nguyen Dynasty, the Kings had ordered to build ramparts, palaces and constructional works for royal. Over 200 years to now, it is still original with nearly 140 small and large constructions. 

 

The Citadel, square in shape, is almost 10km in circumference, 6m high, 21m thick and 10 entrances. On the top of the walls that surround it, 24 bastions are established for defensive purposes. Besides, the Citadel has an ancillary gate connecting the Tran Binh Bastion called the Thai Binh Mon (Peace Gate).

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Hue Citadel

Hue Citadel is situated on the Northern bank of the Perfume River.

With an area of 500ha and a system of three circles of ramparts, namely from outside to inside: Kinh Thanh Hue (Hue Capital Citadel), Hoang Thanh (Royal Citadel) and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden Citadel).

 

Hue has chosen to be the capital city of the Southern Kingdom by all Lords Nguyen and officially became the capital under Tay Son Dynasty. For approximately 400 years, Hue has become a great landscape and architectural site. Hue royal complex has been officially recognized by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Ngu Binh Mountain in the south is used as a front screening elevation. Two sand dunes of The Con Hen and Con Da Vien on the Perfume River are chosen as geomancy condition "dragon on the left, tiger on the right" to protect the capital city.

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Perfume River

A visitor to Hue once remarked after his vacation here: “A visit to Hue would not be complete without a boat excursion on the gentle Perfume River, or else you cannot feel the romance of Hue”.The Perfume River (Vietnamese: Sông Hương or Hương Giang) is a river that crosses the capital city of Hue, in the central Vietnamese province of Thua Thien Hue. Perfume or Huong River is around 80 kilometers long, and owes its name to the fact that it flows through many forests of aromatic plants before reaching Hue, bringing with it a pure and fresh aroma. 

Source and flow

The Perfume River has two sources, both of which begin in the Truong Son Mountain range and meet at Bang Lang Fork. The Ta Trach (Left Tributary) originates in the Truong Dong mountains and flows northwest towards Bang Lang Fork. The shorter Huu Trach (Right Tributary) flows through the Tuan ferry, landing towards Bang Lang Fork.

Then it flows in south-north direction passing the temples of Hon Chen and Ngoc Tran, and  turns north-west, meandering through the Nguyet Bieu and Luong Quan plains. From this, the River then continuously flows int the north-east direction to Hue city, only an echo of Truong Son mountain, and passes the rest place of the Nguyen Emperors. The river of green water continues its itinerary, passing Hen Islet and various villages, crossing the Sinh junction, which is known as the capital of ancient Chau Hoa, before emptying into the Tam Giang Lagoon.

From Bang Lang to Thuan An estuary, the Perfume River is 30 km long and runs very slowly (as the river level is not much above sea level). The Perfume River darkens as it winds along the foot of Ngoc Tran Mountain - home of the Jade Cup Temple - where there is a very deep abyss.

Artist inspiration

The poetic romantic Perfume River is the deep inspirations to numerous artists, poets, and composers;

"Who turns to Hue

Who comes back to Ngu Mount

Who comes back to Huong River

The river water never sinks

Ngu Mount birds fly back to friends

Whoever are children of Hue remember to return…”

are the beautiful lyrics of a famous song, “Who comes to Hue”, written by Duy Khanh. In the autumn, flowers from orchards upriver from Hue fall into the water, giving the river a perfume-like aroma, and a beautiful poetic view. I have asked several artists about the reason for their inspiring love for Perfume River, and received nearly the same answer: “Well, my inspiration derives from the pure water, the fascinating landscape, and the gentle bridge over the river”.

Today, travellers coming to Hue could not miss a while of boating along the river. Most of them admit that this is one of the most beautiful and extremely splendid riverside landscape (especially at night when lights are on) that they have ever visited!

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Hue Overview

Up to now, there is no places like Hue ancient capital of Vietnam  remaining a lot of originally historical vestiges. Therefore, vestiges in Hue ancient capital have been classified by the government as a very precious property and on December 1993 Hue has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

On the Northern bank of Perfume River has relics consisting of palaces, which were constructed as arc defensive ramparts with 11km length. This valuable construction includes more than 100 arichectural works which were extremely reflected the life of Emperors and mandarins under Nguyen’ reign.

Situated in the middle of hills on the Southern bank of Perfume River are very beautiful tombs of Nguyen Kings. Among these tombs are the four famous ones with the name and the arrangements of the tomb reflected each Emperor’s points of view, personality, and tastes. This is majestic Gia Long tomb, imposing Minh Mang tomb, poetic Tu Duc tomb and magnificent Khai Dinh tomb.

Hue ancient capital is also an important center of Buddhism. In Hue and its surrounding still exist tens of pagodas constructed more 300 years ago, and a hundred of temples and pagodas built in the early century.

Besides, Hue imperial city is a place where the royal music is originated, and a place with traditional famous dishes and sophisticated handicraft.

As a unique city of Vietnam still remains its form of City under Middle Age and the constructions of monarchic, Hue has become a big and an invaluable museum. Therefore, vestiges in Hue ancient capital have been classified by the government as a very precious property and on December 1993 Hue has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.

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