Located in Central Vietnam, Huế is a city that embodies both imperial elegance and historical resilience. Once known as Phú Xuân, it was renamed Huế in 1899 under French colonial rule and became the capital of Annam, one of the six regions of French Indochina.
Despite enduring decades of conflict and upheaval, Huế has emerged as a place rich in cultural heritage and memory. From ancient temples to royal tombs, these seven iconic monuments capture the timeless grandeur that continues to define Huế.
Hương River
The river flows through the city. Its name derives from the fragrant flowers that once drifted downstream from the mountains.
The river played a significant role in the city's layout, flanked by key sites such as the Imperial City, royal tombs, and pagodas, and often serves as the route for scenic boat tours that immerse visitors in Huế’s tranquil atmosphere.
The Thiên Mụ Pagoda
The temple sits on the Ha Khe hill, overlooking the Perfume River. Thiên Mụ Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most iconic religious sites. Built in 1601, its seven-tiered Phước Duyên tower has become a symbol of Huế.
The pagoda is closely tied to Vietnam's political and spiritual history and even played a role during the Buddhist protests of the 1960s.
Quốc Học, Huế High School
Founded in 1896 during the French colonial era, Quốc Học, the Huế High School for the Gifted, was established to educate the sons of royalty and high-ranking officials in the protectorate of Annam.
As one of the oldest and most prestigious high schools in Vietnam, it played a crucial role in shaping the minds of the nation’s early intellectuals and revolutionaries.
Over time, it became a cradle of patriotism, with many notable alumni and most famously Hồ Chí Minh, who was dismissed due to his involvement in revolutionary activities.
Huế Museum of Royal Fine Arts
Located in the imperial capital of Hue, the Huế Museum of Royal Fine Arts offers an intimate look into Vietnam’s imperial past and arts.
The museum displays over 10,000 artifacts, including royal costumes, porcelain, and lacquerware. The building itself is an example of imperial-era Vietnamese architecture, built entirely of wood and adorned with intricate carvings and imperial motifs.
Bạch Mã National Park
Located about 40 kilometers south of Huế, Bạch Mã National Park is a breathtaking and protected area. The park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, dense tropical forests, and cool, misty climate.
Bạch Mã offers panoramic views, cascading waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails that wind through ancient trees and rare flora. Today, it remains a sanctuary for both nature lovers and wildlife, housing hundreds of species of birds, mammals, and plants, making it one of Vietnam’s most ecologically important national parks.
Tomb of Emperor Minh Mạng
Among Huế’s many royal tombs, the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mạng stands out for its design, bringing together architecture and nature with a philosophy of harmony amongst all things.
Constructed in the 1840s, the complex spans 40 structures, palaces, temples, and lakes, designed in strict alignment with Confucian and feng shui principles. A visit here offers not just a peaceful retreat, but a deep dive into Vietnamese heritage and imperial philosophy.
Imperial City of Huế
Under Emperor Gia Long, the Imperial City of Huế became the heart of the Nguyễn Dynasty, serving as the political, cultural, and spiritual center of imperial Vietnam.
Modeled after Beijing’s Forbidden City, the vast walled citadel once housed emperors, mandarins, and royal ceremonies. Following the abolition of the monarchy in 1945, the City fell into neglect and was further damaged during the first and second Indochina Wars (Anti-French Resistance War and American Resistance War).
Fortunately, dedicated restoration efforts have helped revive its former grandeur. Today, it stands as a living monument to Vietnam’s last dynasty, a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a powerful connection to the country’s regal past.
Discover Huế
From imperial tombs and ancient citadels to serene natural landscapes, the monuments of Huế are some of Vietnam's most significant historical landmarks.
Each structure reflects the values, artistry, and resilience of a city once at the heart of an empire, and Vietnam's complex past.
Whether you're drawn by architecture, history, or the tranquil beauty of nature, Huế invites you to walk through its legacy and discover a deeper understanding of Vietnamese identity.