Meridian Gate

Cổng Ngọ Môn is the main gate to the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty. It is one of the most iconic and historically significant structures in the entire complex.

The main entrance to the Imperial City is the Ngo Mon Gate, which faces the Flag Tower. The central path with its yellow doors and the bridge over the lotus pond was just for the emperor. Everyone else had to use the gates on the sides and walk around the pond. On top of the gate, there's the Ngu Phung Pavilion; you can't miss the huge drum and bell up there. It's cool that the gate's name and general look are the same as the first gate of the Forbidden City in Beijing. This is also where the emperor would appear for big events, especially to announce the lunar calendar. And get this: the Nguyen dynasty actually ended right here on August 30, 1945, when Emperor Bao Dai gave up his power.

Totally worth checking out! Even if history isn't your thing, the scenery is gorgeous and there are so many cool, huge buildings to see. Seriously, plan at least 3 hours – you'll want the time to soak it all in.

My first visit after 2009. it’s a nice place, many houses are rebuild, a good mix of old and new. The entrance is not the exit! WARNING: be careful at the ticket counter. Only cash no card, the lady try to keep all my money, no change.

Disappointing and poorly maintained – not worth the hype I was genuinely looking forward to visiting the Imperial Citadel in Huế, but unfortunately it turned out to be one of the most disappointing stops on our Vietnam trip. The entire site is in poor condition – many buildings are visibly neglected, half-ruined, and simply not well taken care of. There’s a huge lack of atmosphere or aesthetic value. The footpaths throughout the citadel are also extremely slippery when wet – and that’s coming from someone young, sporty and wearing proper trekking shoes. It felt unsafe in several areas. We tried the audio guide tour, which was another letdown. The signposting is confusing, the paper map doesn’t match the layout in reality, and the stops are hard to follow. The content itself is incredibly detailed and academic – maybe interesting if you’re a die-hard scholar of Southeast Asian imperial history, but definitely overwhelming for the average visitor (and I say this as someone who’s interested in history and holds an MBA). Even the "short" tour is supposed to take 2–3 hours – but honestly, who, other than specialists, would want to spend that long here, especially when the site itself lacks visual appeal or charm? One positive: the audio is professionally recorded and available in multiple languages (we used German and English), so at least the spoken quality is good. In summary: unless you're a hardcore history fan with a very specific interest in the Nguyễn dynasty, I’d recommend skipping this. There are far more beautiful and meaningful heritage sites to explore in Vietnam.

The main gate of hue citadel.. Definitely one of the highlights, good for picture both o. The day and night. If you buy the entrance ticket to the citadel, you can go up and have a nice view

Grand entrance into the Imperial City. The upper level has great views and wonderful historical relics. Definitely worth the easy climb from the interior side of the gate.

The Meridian Gate is an impressive and majestic entrance to the Imperial City of Hue. Its grand architecture, intricate details, and historical significance make it a must-visit. Standing before it, you can truly feel the legacy of the Nguyen Dynasty. It’s a perfect starting point to explore the rich heritage of the citadel. Great spot for photos and soaking in the imperial atmosphere!