The Imperial City of Hue

Hue was the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty from the early nineteenth century, and its vast walled Citadel on the Perfume River, a UNESCO site, holds the ruins and restored halls of the Imperial City, modelled on Beijing's Forbidden City. Battered by war, its moated palaces, ornate gates, temples and pavilions, together with the grand royal tombs scattered in the countryside beyond, evoke the faded grandeur of Vietnam's last emperors.

What you actually see

• The Imperial City - the walled citadel of palaces, gates and courtyards.
• The royal tombs - the elaborate emperors' tombs in the countryside.
• The Perfume River - a boat trip past pagodas and the Thien Mu temple.
• The Ngo Mon Gate - the grand ceremonial gate of the citadel.

When to go

February to April for the driest, mildest weather, as Hue is one of the wettest cities in Vietnam, with a long rainy season from around September to December. The citadel and scattered tombs need time, so allow a full day or more.

Honest expectations

Much of the Imperial City was destroyed in war, so it is a mix of atmospheric ruins and ongoing restoration rather than a fully intact palace, which takes some imagination. The royal tombs are spread out in the countryside, needing a tour, boat or motorbike to link them. Hue is often rainy, so pick your season.

Nearby

Da Nang, Hoi An and the Hai Van Pass are to the south; the DMZ battle sites are to the north.