There I was in Huế after an extremely interesting train ride. Well. I have to say one thing up front: I only stayed in Huế for one day. And this despite the fact that Huế appears in various travel guides that I had devoured as a stop worth seeing on the tourist trail from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.
Somehow I expected more, so I explored the citadel and my hotel district and then decided to travel on the very next day. I didn’t want to get involved with Huế any further. Shame on me. Getting to know the country and its people, immersing in the life of the locals off the beaten track, really getting to grips with a destination: I threw all good intentions overboard. The realization came: Sometimes you just can’t get along with a place. That’s basically it.
The Forbidden City in Hue
The citadel as a main attraction seemed to me rather uninspiring. Maybe I’m not interested enough in history after all. However, Huế didn’t bother to change that with his citadel either. Although the entrance fee of 150,000 Dong (approx. 6.20€) is very high by Vietnamese standards, the visitor can expect little.
Well, the reconstruction after the destruction during the Vietnam War, which has probably only really taken off a few years ago, is still taking place in many corners – but there is little explanation, there are no or only few signs (and if, then in Vietnamese), so that you learn nothing about the site without an extra hired tour guide or brought guide and stumble aimlessly through the site.
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In the Forbidden City: Impressions & Pictures
In the main building I finally found a TV in a corner, on which a small simulation was running in an endless loop, how the plant looked like in imperial Vietnam – that was something. Unfortunately, the midday sun also took its toll on me – there are few shady spots and the sun was just burning down on my skull. Good that I like hot temperatures. But it was still enough for a few nice impressions.
Dressing up in the Forbidden City: Costume Rental & Photo Sessions
Those who enjoy costume games can also have their picture taken in one of the buildings in an imperial outfit with a throne and all kinds of majestic paraphernalia:
Information & entrance fees
The Citadel, which includes the Forbidden City, is located on the north bank of the Perfume River and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993. Admission costs 200,000 VND for adults; children between the ages of 7 and 12 pay 40,000 VND; and admission is free for children under 7.
The site is open daily, from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during summer and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in winter. Keep in mind, the grounds are extensive with minimal shade between the palaces and courtyards, making midday visits very hot. Visiting early in the morning is cooler and more comfortable.
If you’re interested in visiting the Imperial Tombs, definitely consider the combo ticket—it’s a great deal! It costs 530,000 VND and gives you two days to explore both sites at your own pace. Alternatively, you might want to join a guided tour that covers both locations in just one day. The tour usually includes tickets and pickup from your hotel, making the whole experience smooth and convenient for you.
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