The old city of Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage site for good reason. It was once an imperial city, and has dozens of royal tombs, pagodas, palaces and other intriguing ancient sites worth pondering from the Nguyen dynasty. At the heart of it all is Hue’s main attraction, the Citadel and Imperial City complex. You can tour these sites yourself, but an English-speaking guide adds an invaluable dimension to the experience.

Citadel and Imperial City
Essentially the same complex, Hue’s Imperial City and Citadel bears an uncanny resemblance to Beijing’s Forbidden City. This is the star attraction of Hue, and once the exclusive residence of Emperor Gia Long and his entourage. Many of the stone structures are quaintly crumbing, though a restoration plan is ongoing. The Citadel refers to the square two-kilometre wall that is seven metres high and 20 metres thick. This astonishing enclosure has 10 gates. This is one site where it pays to hire an English-speaking guide to bring the Imperial City to life. Phone: +84 54 529 857.

Hue Monuments Conservation Centre
The charming old Chinese temple that houses this historic cultural museum is full of treasures recovered from the Nguyen Dynasty. This centre is the Imperial Museum of the old capital of Hue, displaying priceless coins, Ming pottery, stone carvings, and other unique and rare relics. Even the furnishings and finery worn by the emperors is on display. The opulence exhibited here should not be missed.

Khai Dinh’s Tomb
Although it was only completed in 1931, this emperor’s tomb is an extravagant tribute to one of Hue’s most flamboyant rulers. The tomb itself, which is perched atop 127 steep steps, blends elements from Hindu, Chinese, Gothic and Baroque architecture. The interior of the tomb is ornately decorated with glass mosaics covering the entire space. The workmanship here is exemplary.

Thien Mieu Temple
The highlights of this striking structure from the early 1900s are the funerary altars honouring the last 10 emperors of the Nguyen dynasty. Actual photos of each emperor accompanied by small offerings brings these rulers closer to reality. Next door is the Glorious Pavilion, home to the Nine Dynastic Urns which each represent one of the emperors.

Thien Mu Pagoda
Considered the iconic symbol of Hue, this classic pagoda is the oldest and most striking spiritual structure in Vietnam. Built in 1601, its seven tiers represent the seven steps of enlightenment. Twelve towering guardian statues watch over the front gate, and inside visitors can get a rare glimpse at Vietnamese Buddhist monks going about their daily routine.

Tomb of Tu Duc
Tu Duc, a legendary scholar and philosopher, was the longest reigning emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. His tomb has several unique highlights, such as Vietnam’s largest stele (which Tu Duc himself engraved). The large Hoa Khiem Pavilion, where the emperor worked, is the centre of the site and contains many interesting household implements from his reign. The ground’s lotus pond ringed by frangipani trees adds an undeniably romantic ambiance.