Thai Hoa palace in the Hue Imperial Citadel (photo: VOV)

Thai Hoa is a prominent palace in the Hue Imperial Citadel. It’s where the throne is located and the most important royal ceremonies were held. The palace, typical of the architecture in the ancient capital relic site, has been preserved relatively intact. It was built by King Gia Long in 1805 in the Dai Cung Mon area. Royal ceremonial activities were held there during the 143 years of the Nguyen dynasty.

Thai Hoa palace retains a rich and unique poetry treasure. The palace has been recognized by UNESCO as a Documentary Heritage under the Memory of the World Program in the Asia-Pacific region.

Kien Trung palace was built in 1923, during the reign of King Khai Dinh, at the northern end of the Forbidden City. It was the home and workplace of both King Khai Dinh and King Bao Dai, the last two kings of the Nguyen dynasty.

Kien Trung palace’s architecture combines Indochinese and European styles, specifically French and Italian Renaissance architecture and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Kien Trung palace just underwent 6 years of restoration.

Kien Trung palace will be open to tourists during the lunar New Year 2024. (photo: VOV)

Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said: “We’ll open key palaces to welcome tourists during Tet, including the Kien Trung palace after 6 years of restoration. We have prepared displays that tell the stories of the palace and its antiques. Thai Hoa Palace, whose restoration has not yet been finished, will also be open to tourists. We’ll display a replica throne and dragons of several Vietnamese dynasties.”

Last year Thua Thien-Hue province welcomed 3.2 million visitors, earning 270 million USD in revenue. This year the province’s tourism sector expects to receive 3.5-4 million tourists and earn 330 million USD.