Hue announces restoration at Hue Imperial City on 26 October
Published on 10/31/2026 at 18:32 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWSRestoration plans take shape
- Hue Monuments Conservation Centre reported accelerated work at Hue Imperial City on 26 October 2026.
- Thai Mieu works are expected to finish by late December 2026, while Can Chanh Palace is scheduled for November 2027.
- Hue became the Nguyen dynasty capital in 1802 and remained so until 1945.
- Thai Mieu was built in 1804 for important royal ceremonies in the southeastern corner of the citadel.
A new restoration update for Hue Imperial City (Dai Noi) in Hue concerns Can Chanh Palace and Thai Mieu inside the former royal citadel. The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre reported on 26 October 2026 that work on both sites is being accelerated, giving travellers a current view of how the historic complex is changing.
The projects are part of a wider programme to conserve Nguyen dynasty monuments in central Vietnam. The announcement does not describe a general closure of the citadel, but it identifies active works in two important areas of the Imperial City.
Restoration work advances inside Hue Imperial City
Can Chanh Palace was built in 1804 under Emperor Gia Long. It hosted royal audiences, diplomatic receptions and court banquets before its destruction in 1947. The palace now survives only through its foundations, and the current project is reconstructing the main building, a front building and adjoining wings.
The project began in 2025 and is scheduled to finish in November 2027, earlier than the original April 2029 target. The planned main building covers more than 1,400 square metres and forms part of the effort to restore the central area of the former Forbidden Purple City. The 26 October restoration report also names Thai Mieu as a second major site inside the citadel.
Thai Mieu links the works to Hue royal history
Thai Mieu stands in the southeastern corner of the Imperial City. Built in 1804 under Gia Long, it served important royal ceremonies and was badly damaged in 1947. Foundations and auxiliary structures remain, while the main sanctuary is planned for a later reconstruction phase.
The first phase of Thai Mieu conservation began in October 2024. It covers gates, walls, foundations and other structures in the complex, with completion now expected by late December 2026. Reconstruction of the main sanctuary is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and is targeted for completion in 2031.
This timetable gives the restoration news a direct connection with the layout of the heritage site. Can Chanh Palace belonged to the court’s administrative and ceremonial centre, while Thai Mieu occupied the southeastern part of the royal precinct. Together, the projects concern both the central axis and a major ritual area.
The UNESCO description of the complex places the Imperial City within a larger group that includes the capital city, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City. Hue became the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802 and remained the political, cultural and religious centre of the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. The site is managed by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre.
Visiting Hue Imperial City: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- The current restoration update was announced on 26 October 2026 and concerns Can Chanh Palace and Thai Mieu inside Hue Imperial City.
- The announcement describes continuing conservation work rather than a general closure, so visitors should expect active restoration areas within the wider citadel.
- The complex is in Hue, central Vietnam, and includes the Imperial City within the historic citadel area.
- Vietnamese is the official language and the national currency is the Vietnamese dong.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Hue Imperial City
What has changed at Hue Imperial City?
Restoration work at Can Chanh Palace and Thai Mieu is being accelerated. Thai Mieu works are expected to finish by late December 2026.
Where is Hue Imperial City and how do you get there?
Hue Imperial City is in Hue in central Vietnam, within the historic citadel area described by UNESCO.
What is Hue Imperial City?
It is the imperial precinct within the Complex of Hue Monuments, the former capital of the Nguyen dynasty from 1802 to 1945.
