After a period of restoration, Thai Hoa and Kien Trung Palaces, two important palaces of the former Nguyen Dynasty, are set to open to visitors during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, known locally as Tet.
Thai Hoa Palace, located in Hue Imperial Citadel, was built in 1805 under the reign of Emperor Gia Long (1762-1820). The building, that is symbolic of the power held by the Nguyen Dynasty, served as a venue for many important imperial events, such as coronation ceremonies, the emperor's birthdays, and receptions held for foreign ambassadors.
The palace has been recognised by UNESCO as a Documentary Heritage under the Memory of the World Program in the Asia-Pacific region.
Meanwhile, Kien Trung Palace, which was built between 1921 and 1923 during the reign of King Khai Dinh (1885-1925), once served as the living and working space of Bao Dai (1913-1997), the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945).
Hoang Viet Trung, director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said Thua Thien Hue province will try to open major monument restoration works specifically during Tet to welcome visitors.
“We are fully preparing stories of the palaces and related artifacts of Vietnamese dynasties to serve tourists on the occasion,” he noted.