Kien Trung Palace is a particularly significant architectural masterpiece among all the Nguyen Dynasty's palaces.

Situated far north of the Forbidden Purple City, Kien Trung Palace holds a unique position in the architectural ensemble. In 1932, King Bao Dai renovated the palace's interior and introduced Western amenities while preserving its original exterior. Kien Trung Palace became the royal residence for the last two emperors of the Nguyen dynasty.

After nearly 5 years of restoration, renovation, and embellishment, on the occasion of the Lunar New Year in 2024, Kien Trung Palace was opened to the public.

Where Is Kien Trung Palace? How To Get There?

The palace was built during the Nguyen dynasty and is currently situated at 32 Dang Thai Than Street, Phu Hau Ward, Hue City, inside the famous Imperial City of Hue. Kien Trung Palace is located within the Forbidden Purple City. 

Directions to Kien Trung Palace: This palace is approximately 2.7km from the city center. The shortest route is Phu Xuan Bridge - Le Duan Street - Cua Ngan - 23/8 Street - Doan Thi Diem Street - Quang Duc Street - the Imperial City.

Kien Trung Palace - A History

Kien Trung Palace was built during the reign of King Khai Dinh, with the word "Kien" meaning to establish or build, and "Trung" meaning straight and undeviating.

According to old historical documents, two other architectural works had previously existed on the same ground: Minh Vien Pavilion (1827), and Du Cuu Pavilion (1913).

Minh Vien Pavilion was constructed during the reign of King Minh Mang. This large wooden pavilion, consisting of three floors, was a place for the king to enjoy the scenery and fresh air. In the past, Minh Vien Pavilion was highly regarded for its artistic value. However, it underwent significant deterioration and was dismantled in 1876 during the reign of King Tu Duc.

In 1913, King Duy Tan had another pavilion built on the same grounds, Du Cuu Pavilion. In 1916, during the reign of King Khai Dinh, it was renamed Kien Trung Pavilion.

In 1921, with inspirations from European and Asian architectural styles, Kien Trung Palace was completely reconstructed. The palace was completed in just two years, from 1921 to 1923. After 1945, Kien Trung Palace, along with many other important architectural structures within the Imperial City and Forbidden City, was almost entirely destroyed.

5 Year Restoration

In 2019, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center initiated a project to restore Kien Trung Palace, with a total budget of over 123 billion VND. After 5 years of restoration, the palace is now ready to welcome visitors. 

The project includes reinforcing structures, restoring walls, balustrades, front and rear courtyards, and restoring Kien Trung Pavilion (Kien Trung Lau) with two floors, approximately 14m in height, and an area of about 975 square meters. The project also involves restoring smaller structures such as brick platforms, water fountains, guardhouses, greenery system, preserving the foundation of Dong Cung Pavilion, Ngu Thu Room, Vo Ho Gia Room, and Ngu Phe Room, among others.

Kien Trung Palace Architecture

The structure has been restored and embellished with a design similar to the original. In front of the palace is an Art Deco-style geometric park. The ground floor is designed with 13 doors, 5 in the middle, including a portico door and 3 on each side. The upper level is similarly designed. What makes the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Kien Trung Palace's architecture is the fusion of Italian Renaissance architecture, French Classicism, and ancient Vietnamese styles.

Visiting Kien Trung Palace

Opening hours:

• 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM in the summer;
• 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM in the winter

Entrance Fee: Since the palace is located within the Imperial City of Hue, entrance fees will follow those of the Imperial City. Specifically:

• Adults: 200,000 VND/person
• Children (<1.3m): 40,000 VND/person

=> What to do during your trip to Hue ?