Hue Imperial City Walking Tour & Forbidden Purple City

Summary

Walk ancient gates, secret gardens & royal halls in hue’s heart

You’ll step through Hue’s Imperial City gates with a local guide, wander royal halls like Thai Hoa Palace, explore quiet corners of the Forbidden Purple City, and pause in restored gardens where kings once strolled. Expect small moments—laughter over old rituals or sunlight flickering on lacquered columns—that stay with you long after leaving.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide just outside the Imperial City — she waved us over with a quick smile and immediately started telling us about the Ngo Mon Gate, which honestly looked even bigger up close than I’d pictured. There was this faint smell of incense in the air (maybe from a nearby temple?) and you could hear cicadas going wild in the trees above. Our group shuffled through the Noon Gate, and she pointed out where emperors used to appear for ceremonies. I tried to imagine what it must’ve felt like with all those mandarins lined up, but mostly I was just trying not to trip on the uneven stones.

Inside Thai Hoa Palace, our guide explained how emperors held court here — she even mimicked their slow, formal walk (which made everyone laugh). The lacquered columns were so glossy you could almost see your reflection if you squinted. At one point, an older man in our group asked about the bronze urns outside; turns out each one stands for a different emperor. There was something kind of heavy about standing there, listening to her talk about legacy and power while the sun crept higher and sweat started trickling down my back.

The Forbidden Purple City was quieter than I expected — not empty, but sort of hushed. Our guide lowered her voice as we walked through what used to be private family quarters for the king’s wives and children. She told us some of these buildings had only just been restored after decades of damage. You could still smell fresh paint in some corners, but there were old wooden beams too, rough under your fingers if you touched them (I did). I’m still thinking about that garden — Thieu Phuong — where dragonflies hovered over lotus ponds and it felt like time slowed down for a minute.

By the time we reached Hien Nhon Gate at the end, my feet were sore but I didn’t really mind. Someone asked if we’d missed anything important; our guide just smiled and said every emperor saw something different here anyway. That stuck with me longer than I expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hue Imperial City landmarks

• Meet tour guide at meeting point
• Walk to Ngo Mon gate
• Visit Thai Hoa Palace hall
• See over-200-year-old pavilion
• View bronze urns of emperors
• Visit ancestral temple of kings
• Explore Chuong Duc Gate for women
• Tour Forbidden Purple City
• Visit restored Kien Trung Palace
• See Thai Binh Lau Peaceful Palace
• Walk through Thieu Phuong Royal Garden
• Conclude at Hien Nhon Gate

Top questions

How long does the Hue Imperial City walking tour take?

The standard walking tour covers main sites inside Hue Imperial City and usually lasts around 2–3 hours depending on pace and questions.

Is entrance to the Forbidden Purple City included?

The tour includes access inside both the Imperial City and Forbidden Purple City areas; entry ticket is included for private tours only.

Are there options for families with kids?

Yes, there’s a family-friendly version with interactive stories and activities designed especially for children.

Can I combine this tour with a boat ride or meal?

You can upgrade to include a private boat trip to Thien Mu Pagoda or add a royal cuisine lunch/dinner experience.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

The walking route is wheelchair accessible though some areas have uneven surfaces; prams or strollers are also allowed.

Where does the tour start and end?

You’ll meet your guide at a set meeting point near Ngo Mon (Noon) Gate; it ends at Hien Nhon Gate inside the complex.

What should I bring or wear?

Wear comfortable shoes for walking on stone paths; bring water and sun protection as much of the route is outdoors.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your local guide at Hue’s Imperial City entrance. If you book privately, entry tickets are covered; otherwise you can buy combo tickets onsite for better value. Upgrades allow adding a private boat ride or enjoying royal cuisine lunch or dinner during your visit.