Hue Imperial City & Forbidden Purple City Walking Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Hue’s UNESCO-listed Imperial City through unique, flexible tour options designed for every traveler:
* Classic Walking Tour & Private Boat Option: In-depth history with expert guides; upgrade to a private boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda.
* Family-Friendly Discovery: Interactive tour with fun stories and kid-friendly activities—perfect for families.
* Imperial City Sunrise/Sunset Tour: Capture magical golden hours, explore royal palaces before or after the crowds.
* Imperial City + Royal Cuisine Lunch/Dinner: Combine cultural discovery with a gourmet Hue royal meal, dining like true royalty.
All options feature passionate local guides, immersive storytelling, and access to must-see royal landmarks inside the Forbidden Purple City.
Experience the best of Hue—your way!
Available options
Private Imperial City Tour
Private Tour: *Meet you at the meeting point
*Entrance fee includes
*No hidden fees<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>Main sites at Imperial City: *See your guide at the meeting point<br/>Walking (No Vehicle)
Imperial City Sunrise/Sunset
Tea or coffee Experience: Enjoy tea or traditional Hue coffee inside the Imperial City<br/>Private guided sunrise/sunset : *Enjoy coffee or Tea inside Imperial City
*Avoid the heat and crowd
*Included entrance fee
*No hidden fees
<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>Main site: Imperial City: *See your guide at the meeting point<br/>Walking (No Vehicle)
Private Imperial City & Pagoda
Imperial city & Boat trip: Taking a Taxi to go to Thien Mu Pagoda after Imperial City, enjoy the boat trip on Perfume River back to the center.<br/>Private Tour<br/>Imperial City, Pagoda : Imperial City, then moving to Thien Mu pagoda and going back city center by dragon boat.<br/>Boat and Taxi
Group Walking Tour
Group Tour: Small group guided walking tour (Max 8 people)
Entrance fee NOT included<br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes<br/>Imperial and Forbidden City: *Main sites in Hue Imperial City & Forbidden Purple City
*See your guide at the meeting point<br/>Walking (No vehicle)
Family-Friendly Imperial City
Hands-on activities for family: Learn how to make Hue's Kite or the traditional Conical Hat
The entrance fee includes
No hidden fees<br/>Family-Friendly Imperial City <br/>Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Flexible, approx. 2.5 hours<br/>Imperial City: *See your guide at the meeting point<br/>Walking (No Vehicle)
Imperial City + Royal Cuisine
Royal cuisine lunch or dinner : Enjoy the royal cuisine (Menu will be confirmed after Booking)
<br/>Private Tour: The ticket and meal are included
No hidden fees<br/>Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes<br/>Royal cuisine: Lunch or Dinner <br/>Imperial city and Meal<br/>Walking and Taxi: *See your guide at the meeting point
*Taking a Taxi to the restaurant after the Imperial walking tour
What's included
Imperial City entrance ticket (Applied for Private tour option only)
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Meet your tour guide at the meeting point,
Walk to Ngo Mon gate to discover the symbolic significance of Ngo Mon—the grand gateway used for royal ceremonies and major events during the Nguyen Dynasty.
2
Stop 2
Step inside the most important hall of the Imperial City, where emperors held grand court sessions and coronations. Admire its elegant architecture and learn about royal rituals.
3
Marvel at this over-200-year-old pavilion, built to honor the Nguyen emperors. Your guide reveals stories of its cultural significance and surviving original design.
4
See the impressive bronze urns symbolizing the power and legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty’s nine emperors. Hear the meaning behind the urns.
5
Visit the ancestral temple dedicated to past Nguyen kings. Discover how royal traditions are preserved in this sacred space.
6
Chuong Duc Gate is one of the 4 gates of the Imperial City, exclusively for women
7
Stop 7
The Forbidden Purple City is the name of the third enclosure within the Hue Imperial City, exclusively for the king's family, including his wives and children. Inside the Forbidden Purple City, there are many structures with different functions.
8
Tour the newly restored Kien Trung Palace, recently reopened after years of careful reconstruction. Experience the grandeur of imperial residence.
9
Thai Binh Lau (Peaceful Palace) was where the king would read books and enjoy the scenery. It is an extremely beautiful structure.
10
Thieu Phuong Garden, also known as the Royal Garden, has been restored with extremely eye-catching scenery. It was a place for the king and his family to stroll and enjoy the scenery.
11
Conclude your walking tour at Hien Nhon Gate, the entrance used by mandarins, offering a final look at the world of Vietnam’s last royal dynasty.
What's not included
Imperial City entrance fee: 200,000 VND/person (Applied for Group tour Option)
Meals not mention in the option
Tips for guide (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.9
39 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
211 reviews
5★
207
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We do not include entry fee as you may want to buy COMBO TICKET with better value for Citdel and Tombs.
Meeting point
There is a ticket booth in front of the Meridian gate. I will wait for you here
Important notes
This tour do not include the entrance ticket.
About Hue
Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its historic monuments, royal tombs, and beautiful architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past with its well-preserved citadel, palaces, and temples.
Top Attractions
Imperial City
The Imperial City is a walled fortress and palace in the former capital of Vietnam. It was the seat of Nguyen Dynasty emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical
2-3 hours
Moderate (around 150,000 VND for entrance)
Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is an iconic Buddhist pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. It is one of the most beautiful and historic pagodas in Vietnam.
Religious
1-2 hours
Free (donations welcome)
Tomb of Khai Dinh
The Tomb of Khai Dinh is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh, the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. It is known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architecture.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate (around 100,000 VND for entrance)
Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is the largest and oldest market in Hue, offering a wide variety of local products, including food, textiles, and souvenirs.
Market
1-2 hours
Free to enter, prices vary for items
Perfume River
The Perfume River is a scenic river that flows through Hue, known for its beautiful views and cultural significance. It is a popular spot for boat tours and leisurely walks along the riverbank.
Nature
Varies by activity
Low to moderate (boat tours around 100,000 VND)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bun Bo Hue
A spicy beef noodle soup with a rich, flavorful broth made from pork, beef, and lemongrass. It is typically served with rice vermicelli, slices of beef, and pork, and various herbs and vegetables.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains beef and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Banh Khoai
A crispy, savory pancake made from rice flour, turmeric, and water. It is filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Snack/Dinner
Contains shrimp and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Nem Lui
Grilled minced pork skewers wrapped in fresh herbs and served with a peanut hoisin sauce. The pork is marinated in a mixture of fish sauce, garlic, and lemongrass before being grilled.
Snack/Appetizer
Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Banh Beo
Steamed rice cakes topped with shrimp, scallions, and crispy pork rinds. They are served in small dishes and eaten with a small spoon, accompanied by a fish sauce-based dipping sauce.
Snack/Appetizer
Contains shrimp and pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
Popular Activities
Hiking in Bach Ma National Park
Boat tours on the Perfume River
Water activities at Lang Co Beach
Sunbathing and swimming at Lang Co Beach
Visiting spas and wellness centers in Hue
Exploring the Imperial City and its historical sites
Visiting local markets and shopping streets
Attending traditional performances and festivals
Best Time to Visit
February to August
The best time to visit Hue is during the dry season when the weather is warm and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
20°C to 33°C
68°F to 91°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Hue is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it is important to take standard precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding isolated areas, and keeping valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable taxi companies or app-based services, such as Grab or Mai Linh
- • Bargain for better prices and be cautious when using ATMs or making purchases with credit cards
Getting there
By air
- Phu Bai International Airport • 15 km from city center
By train
Hue Railway Station
By bus
Hue Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Hue. The system includes routes to major tourist sites like the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Mai Linh
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
City Center
Hue University Area
An Cuu Island
Day trips
Tam Giang Lagoon
15 km from Hue • Half day to full day
Tam Giang Lagoon is a scenic and tranquil destination located just a short drive from Hue. It is the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia, offering beautiful views, peaceful boat rides, and a variety of water activities.
Vinh Moc Tunnels
25 km from Hue • Half day
The Vinh Moc Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in central Vietnam. They were used by local residents during the Vietnam War to escape the bombing and shelling by American forces.
Bach Ma National Park
40 km from Hue • Full day
Bach Ma National Park is a stunning and biodiverse destination located just a short drive from Hue. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered species, as well as beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails.
Festivals
Hue Festival • Biennial, typically held in April or May
Hue Traditional Boat Racing Festival • Annually, typically held in May or June
Hue Poetry Festival • Annually, typically held in August
Pro tips
- Visit the Imperial City early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat
- Try the local street food, such as bun bo Hue and banh khoai, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
- Take a boat tour on the Perfume River for a unique and scenic perspective of the city
- Hire a local guide or join a tour to learn more about the history and culture of Hue and the Nguyen Dynasty
- Explore the local markets, such as Dong Ba Market, for a glimpse into the daily life and culture of the city
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
