Explore Hue’s Imperial City with Hue’s Young Storytellers
Let's Hue - Local Friends started with a small group of university and graduate students. The team comes from diverse backgrounds, but they all have the following in common: a deep love for the city of Hue, a spirit of volunteerism, and proficiency in English. Based in Hue and knowledgeable about the city, Let's Free Hue Free Tour Guides firmly believes the team can provide tourists with a deep insight into Vietnamese culture, especially the culture of Hue, the citadel of our country.
Pickup
Meeting Point: Nine Holy Cannons Located right in front of the Flag Tower (Cột Cờ) and just across from the main entrance to the Imperial City (Đại Nội) on 23 Tháng 8 Street, the Nine Holy Cannons are sacred bronze cannons cast in 1803 under Emperor Gia Long. Although never used in battle, they symbolized natural forces like wind and thunder, and were placed here to spiritually protect the Citadel. Today, they remain iconic guardians of Hue's imperial legacy — and the perfect place to begin your journey.
Description
Step into history with Hue’s new generation of storytellers.
This 2.5-hour walking tour of the Imperial City is exclusively guided by local university students — fluent in English, deeply knowledgeable about the city’s history, and passionate about sharing its unique heritage.
Unlike standard tours, you’ll experience authentic insights, youthful energy, and a personal connection to Vietnam’s last imperial capital.
We begin at the Nine Holy Cannons, symbols of imperial strength, before entering the Citadel’s heart. At the Five-Phoenix Pavilion, take in panoramic views once reserved for emperors. Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, uncover the grandeur of royal ceremonies. The To Mieu Temple Complex and Nine Dynastic Urns will reveal the legacies of 13 Nguyen emperors.
Along the way, your student guide will share stories you won’t find in guidebooks — from melodies in the Royal Theater to the love and ambition woven into the ruins of Kiến Trung Palace. We’ll pause at the serene Hạ Cơ Garden, a retreat for empresses, before ending at Hiển Nhơn Gate or walking you to the Perfume River for a quiet closing moment.