Hue Imperial City – A Tranquil Palace Steeped in the Spirit of the Nguyen Dynasty

Upon arriving in the central Vietnamese city of Hue, the first place I visited was the Hue Imperial City (Đại Nội – Huế Imperial City). Passing through the main gate, Ngọ Môn, felt like opening a door to the past. The serene and massive walls, along with the expansive palace complex within, gave the impression of a small Eastern Versailles. Inside, it was as if time had stopped; the quiet atmosphere and the traces of history etched into each palace building were palpable. The red and gold-adorned pillars of the Thái Hòa Palace, with their intricate dragon motifs, were particularly striking. Learning that this was the space where emperors held official ceremonies and ascended the throne made the experience even more meaningful.