Imperial Citadel

For anyone visiting Hue, the former capital of Vietnam, visiting the Imperial Citadel should be at the top of the to-do list. This grandeur walled architecture was built in 1803 by Gia Long - an emperor who founded the Nguyen Dynasty. The water of its surrounding moat was taken from the Perfume River that flows through the city. The palace is led by ten majestic gates and divided into two main parts: the Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City. The former served to protect the important palaces inside, while the latter was used as royal family members' residences and workplaces.

During the climax of the Vietnam War in 1968, the centuries-old Imperial Citadel acted as a worthy military fortress in the hands of the anti-imperialist communists. Later, American bombing flattened this site, of which a few original buildings remain today. In 1993, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been actively restored and preserved. Although it'll never be able to reclaim its former glory, Imperial Citadel is a beautiful and breathtaking historical site.

Since Hue is a small city, you might also want to trek further to see the Royal Tomb of King Ming Mang, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the lively Dong Ba Market. Why not let this 14-Day Vietnam Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh fulfill your Asia holiday.