Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

By Vo Thanh   October 31, 2025 | 08:00 pm PT
As floodwaters that had submerged Hue for four days began to recede on Friday, international tourists returned to visit the Imperial Citadel and royal tombs.
Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

The Imperial Citadel, a vast complex that houses the former imperial residence and fortress, reopened to tourists at 8 a.m. on Oct. 31, after the floodwaters almost receded.

Hue and other tourist destinations in central Vietnam, including Hoi An and Da Nang, have been battling nearby a week of severe flooding following torrential rain.

Flood level in Hue hit the historic high of 5.27 meters on Oct. 29, surpassing the 2020 record of 5.25 meters.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

August 23 Street in front of the Imperial Citadel is cleared of mud to welcome back tourists.

Over the past few days, the street was flooded by nearly 1 meter as the Huong River, which flows through Hue, surpassed the third warning level, the highest.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

Foreign visitors pose for photos in front of Ngo Mon Square before exploring the citadel.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

Due to damaged machinery and equipment, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center issues paper tickets.

Visitors will need to present these tickets before entering the site.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

The water of Thai Dich Lake in front of Thai Hoa Palace where Nguyen kings and functionaries once convened for political discussions remains murky after the floodwaters receded.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

The Ngo Mon Square area remains muddy, with staff working to clean it up.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

Trung Dao Bridge in the middle of Thai Dich Lake is still flooded.

Visitors to Thai Hoa Palace and other relics must use two paved roads next to it.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

A staff removes mud inside the citadel.

Tourists return to Hue Imperial Citadel after historic flooding

According to the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, on the first day of reopening, the citadel welcomed 739 visitors, including 655 foreigners.

 
 
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