Royal Court Performances in Hue Imperial City
Daily: 10:00 AM - 10:35 AM & 3:00 PM - 3:35 PM Duyet Thi Duong Theater, Imperial City (The Citadel), Hue
Performance Schedule – Hue Imperial City (Official Programme)
The following schedule reflects the current official daily performance programme inside the Huế Imperial City (Đại Nội), including paid and free shows:
| Show | Time | Address | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program of Nhã nhạc, Royal dance and Royal Drama | Morning: 10:00–10:35; Afternoon: 15:00–15:35 | Duyệt Thị Đường Theatre (Hue Citadel) | 300,000 VND / ticket |
| Performance of Tiểu nhạc | Morning: 8:45–9:00 | Yard of Thái Hòa Palace (Hue Citadel) | Free |
| Changing of the guard ceremony | Morning: 8:30 | Noon Gate (Hue Citadel) | Free |
| Performance of Đại Nhạc | Afternoon: 15:30–15:45 | Thế Miếu (Hue Citadel) | Free |
| Huế Singing | Morning: 9:00–9:45; Afternoon: 15:00–15:45 | Nhất Thanh Lâu (Hue Citadel) | Free |
Practical Visitor Information
- Entrance ticket to Huế Imperial City (Đại Nội): currently 200,000 VND for adults (separate from the 300,000 VND performance ticket at Duyệt Thị Đường). Children and other concessions may have different prices; check on-site for the latest details.
- Where to buy entrance tickets:
- Online: official e-ticket portal at https://eticket.hueworldheritage.org.vn/vedientu
- Offline: ticket counters at the main entrances of Huế Imperial City (for example, Ngọ Môn Gate).
- Recommended visit duration: plan at least 2–3 hours to explore the Imperial City and comfortably attend one performance; longer if you want to see multiple shows.
- Best time to visit: mornings (to avoid the strongest heat) or late afternoon near the 15:00–15:45 performances.
- Dress and behaviour: modest, respectful clothing is recommended (shoulders and knees covered), as many spaces are historic and ceremonial. Avoid loud behaviour during performances.
How to get to Huế Imperial City
Located on the north bank of the Perfume River, the Imperial City (23/8 Street, Thuận Hòa Ward) is easily accessible from the city center:
- From Phu Bai Airport (16km): Taxi (~30-40 mins, 150,000 - 200,000 VND) or airport bus.
- From Hue Railway Station (2km): A short taxi ride, cyclos (50,000 - 100,000 VND), or a pleasant walk/bike ride.
- From City Center (South Bank): Cross Truong Tien or Phu Xuan Bridge. It takes just 5-10 minutes by taxi, motorbike, or bicycle from hotels on Le Loi or Hung Vuong streets.
Suggested Itinerary
- Enter via Ngo Mon Gate: Admire the main gate and check the Changing of the Guard schedule (8:30 AM).
- Visit Thai Hoa Palace: See the Emperor’s throne room and the Tiểu nhạc performance in the yard (8:45 AM).
- Explore the Forbidden Purple City: Visit Can Chanh Palace and Thai Binh Lau (Royal Library).
- Relax at Dien Tho Residence: See the Queen Mother’s residence.
- End at The Mieu & Duyet Thi Duong: Pay respects at the ancestral temple and catch the main Royal Court Music show (10:00 AM or 3:00 PM).
Note: All times are local (Vietnam) time and may be adjusted on special occasions or during festival periods. Ticket prices can change; confirm the latest information before your visit.
Official contacts and directions:
- Hue Monuments Conservation Centre (Trung tâm Bảo tồn Di tích Cố đô Huế) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hueworldheritage.org.vn#
- Directions to Huế Imperial City on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hue+Imperial+City/@16.469527,107.5748571,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x3141a1813b4736fb:0x4168e840f61bf1f3!8m2!3d16.469527!4d107.577432!16s%2Fm%2F026gml1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Ticket Price: 300,000 VND per person per show (approx. $12)