In the upcoming VnExpress Marathon Hue 2024, participants will have the unique opportunity to explore the historic Imperial City free of charge.
Built in 1804 under the rule of King Gia Long, the Imperial City was only fully constructed in 1833 during the reign of King Minh Mang, boasting around 147 intricate structures within its walls.
The admission price is VND200,000 (US$8.10).
Photo by Nguyen Chi Nam
One of the newly refurbished structures within the Imperial City is the Kien Trung Palace. Following renovations, the palace welcomed visitors during the Lunar New Year last month, attracting tens of thousands of tourists.
Photo by Phuoc Tuan
The An Dinh Palace, situated along the scenic banks of the An Cuu River at 97 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hue, holds a special place in history. Serving as the "summer palace" for the Hue royals, it features architectural elements reminiscent of European castles adorned with traditional Hue floral patterns.
Originally named Phung Hoa Palace, it was commissioned by King Dong Khanh specifically for Prince Khai Dinh. Upon King Khai Dinh's coronation, the palace was passed on to Prince Vinh Thuy, later known as King Bao Dai. This historic site also serves as the backdrop for the Vietnamese film "Camellia Sisters 5."
The admission price is VND50,000.
Photo by Nguyen Chi Nam
The Tomb of King Khai Dinh (1885–1925), also known as Ung Tomb, stands at the serene Chau Chu Mountains in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town.
This tomb took 11 years to construct, with work commencing in 1920. From the top, visitors can overlook a vast expanse of hills and mountains, surrounded by lush forests, creating a harmonious natural landscape.
This tomb complex is a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles. To build it, materials were sourced from France, Japan, and China.
The admission price is VND150,000.
Photo by Vo Thanh
Located in Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue is the Tomb of King Tu Duc (1829–1883), the longest-reigning monarch of the Nguyen Dynasty, who reigned for 36 years.
Commonly referred to as Khiem Tomb, this tomb was constructed between 1866 and 1873. The tomb boasts a vast courtyard, positioned at the highest elevation, encircled by ancient pine trees.
The admission price is VND150,000.
Photo by Vo Thanh
The Tomb of King Minh Mang, also known as Hieu Lang, is located in Huong Tho Commune, along the Perfume River. Construction began in September 1840, initiated by King Minh Mang.
Unfortunately, the king passed away on Jan. 20, 1841, during the construction. Upon his passing, King Thieu Tri ascended to the throne and expedited the construction process until 1843.
The tomb complex features prominent structures such as the main gate, named Dai Hong Mon, situated along the Shinto path. Within the king's mausoleum area lies Tan Nguyet Lake, a crescent-shaped body of water embracing Buu Thanh, symbolizing the yin and yang elements. This harmonious blend of natural and architectural elements creates a serene and awe-inspiring atmosphere for visitors.
The admission price is VND150,000.
Photo by Vo Thanh
Situated in Dinh Mon Hamlet, Huong Tho Commune, lies the Tomb of Gia Long, also known as Thien Tho. This sacred site serves as the eternal resting place of King Gia Long (1762–1820), along with his two queens, Thua Thien Cao and Thuan Thien Cao, and other members of the Nguyen Dynasty royal family.
The Gia Long Tomb is regarded as one of the most picturesque among the Nguyen Dynasty tombs. Despite enduring various alterations over the years, the complex has suffered from deterioration. The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre initiated restoration efforts in 2020, allocating VND40 billion to revitalize this historic landmark and preserve its cultural significance.
The admission price is VND150,000.
Photo by Vo Thanh
Nestled in Cu Chanh Village within Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town, lies the Tomb of Thieu Tri (1807–1847), the third monarch of the Nguyen Dynasty. Distinguished by its proximity to the capital, Thieu Tri's tomb stands out as the sole tomb positioned to face northwest.
The admission price is VND50,000.
Photo by Vo Thanh
Tu Tomb, the resting place of King Dong Khanh, is located on Cu Si Mountain and Ho Thuan Son Hill, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue. The construction of this grand tomb took 35 years, spanning four reigns from the end of King Dong Khanh's rule to that of King Khai Dinh.
Comprising over 20 significant structures, Tu Tomb boasts a majestic architectural style reminiscent of the tombs of previous kings such as Tu Duc and Thieu Tri.
The admission price is VND100,000.
Photo by Vo Thanh
The Nam Giao Esplanade, situated in Truong An Ward, Hue City, holds historical significance as the site where the Nguyen Dynasty emperors conducted the Heaven and Earth worship ceremony annually during the spring. Construction of this site commenced in 1806, with the inaugural ceremony held in 1807.
The admission price is VND50,000.
Photo by Vo Thanh
The Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, situated on Le Truc Street in Dong Ba Ward, Hue, holds a significant place in Vietnam's cultural landscape. Originally known as Long An Palace, it was constructed in 1845 during the reign of King Thieu Tri.
Established in 1923 under the name Musée Khai Dinh, it stands as one of Vietnam's earliest museums. Today, the museum houses over 11,000 ancient artifacts from the Nguyen Dynasty. It also features a dedicated Champa artifact area, established on Dec. 26, 1927, by a decree of King Khai Dinh.
The admission price is VND50,000. Photo by Vo Thanh
The registration for VnExpress Marathon Hue is open. Interested participants can sign up here.
