The Ngo Mon Gate in Hue features a design deeply rooted in ethnic style, marking a splendid era of the Nguyen dynasty. This location also serves as a backdrop for magnificent check-in photos for tourists.
The Ngo Mon Gate exhibits a gentle and graceful architectural style, considered the epitome of Hue royal court art. It has also witnessed many significant historical events and is recognized as a world cultural heritage site with special values. If you have the opportunity to travel to Hue, don’t forget to visit this meaningful destination.
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The Ngo Mon Gate (The Meridian Gate) is located at Phu Hau, Hue City.
Opening hours: From 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM and from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM every day of the week.
Ticket prices:
- Adults: 150,000 VND/person
- Children: 30,000 VND/person, free for children under 6 years old
Additionally, on special occasions such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), National Day, and Liberation Day of Hue, entrance tickets are free.
Ngo Mon Gate is the main gate on the southern side of the Imperial Citadel, part of the Nguyen Dynasty architectural complex in the former capital city of Hue. “Ngo Mon” means the Meridian Gate, facing south, exclusively used by the king or to receive envoys.
Getting to Ngo Mon Gate in Hue
Because it’s located near the city center, transportation is convenient. You can rent a motorbike, take a taxi, or the most enjoyable option, ride a cyclo. The distance isn’t far, and there are beautiful sights along the Perfume River banks if you take a cyclo.
To get there from the city center, follow the Perfume River, pass Bach Ho towards Quang Duc Street, and you’ll reach Ngo Mon Gate.
If you plan to visit many tourist destinations in Hue, choosing suitable transportation is important. DanangPrivateCar.com provides private car rental services with local drivers in Hue. Their professional drivers, who are locals, will make your trip more convenient.
History of Ngo Mon Gate in Hue
Which side of the Hue Imperial Citadel is Ngo Mon Gate located on? The historical site of Ngo Mon Gate is the main gate situated on the southern side of the Nguyen Dynasty Imperial Citadel in the city of Hue. This historical site is an outstanding architectural work, serving not only as the main entrance and exit of the Imperial City but also as a ceremonial platform for many prominent events of the Nguyen dynasty.
According to the Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi (The Chronicles of Dai Nam), the construction of Ngo Mon Gate took place in the 14th year of Minh Mang’s reign (1833), during the period when the Nguyen dynasty redesigned the entire architectural layout of the Imperial Citadel. At Ngo Mon Gate in Hue, in the year 1945, the event of King Bao Dai’s abdication proclamation and handing over the sword to the revolution took place.
Exploring the Architecture of Ngo Mon Gate in Hue
In terms of architecture, Ngo Mon Gate in Hue consists of two main parts: the platform-gate and the Five Phoenix Pavilion. Among the four gates of the Imperial Citadel, Ngo Mon is the largest gate, facing the Meridian with the meaning “Facing the truth to rule the world.”
The Platform-Gate of Ngo Mon Gate
The platform-gate part of Ngo Mon Gate in Hue has a square U-shaped façade, with a length of 57.77m and a long side of 27.06m. The platform is nearly 5m high, covering an area of over 1,560m2, constructed with stone bricks combined with load-bearing beams made of bronze. Ngo Mon Gate features a 5-gate architectural style “three front gates and two back gates,” similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing. Among them, the central main gate is reserved for the king’s use, while the two side gates, Tả Giáp Môn and Hữu Giáp Môn, are for civil and military officials. The outer two gates are Tả Dịch Môn and Hữu Dịch Môn, for soldiers and cavalry.
The Five Phoenix Pavilion on Top of the Platform-Gate
The Five Phoenix Pavilion of Ngo Mon Gate in Hue is located above the platform-gate and is elevated by a system of foundations running through the U-shaped platform. The Five Phoenix Pavilion has two floors with a framework of 100 evenly spaced ironwood columns. The roofs of the lower floor are connected and encircle the structure. The upper floor roof is divided into 9 sections, adorned with numerous phoenix figures on the ridge and eaves. The central roof section is tiled with yellow tube tiles, while the remaining eight sections are tiled with green tube tiles.
Check-in amidst scenery resembling historical dramas and epics
Ngo Mon Gate in Hue is a virtual check-in spot with “thousands of likes” for visitors to explore and travel to the ancient capital of Hue. Because here, there are countless beautiful photo corners, with a nostalgic atmosphere and unique architecture, creating scenes like those in historical dramas and epics that leave everyone marveling at its grandeur and magnificence.
When visiting Ngo Mon Gate in Hue, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Ticket Purchase: Tickets to enter the gate are bought from outside the Dai Noi area. It’s advisable to have them ready in hand for easier inspection.
- Dress Code: Pay attention to dressing modestly. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts or excessively short clothing, especially in the temple areas and places of reverence.
- Photography and Filming: Note that filming and photography are prohibited inside the interior.
- No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the palace and temple areas.
- Consider Festivals: During the months of April-May each year, the Hue Festival takes place, attracting many tourists to Ngo Mon Gate to witness cultural and artistic performances. It’s wise to book hotel rooms early to avoid full occupancy and increased service prices.
Ngo Mon Gate in Hue is a masterpiece of Hue royal court architecture, showcasing indigenous architectural and sculptural art with a strong ethnic identity. It naturally embodies the image closely associated with the ancient capital region and serves as a gateway that can evoke feelings of tranquility and peace. Hopefully, with the interesting information about Ngo Mon Gate in Hue, you will have a joyful trip full of fascinating experiences.
[…] Imperial City has four gates placed at different positions, with the main and largest gate named Ngo Mon Gate. Ngo Mon faces south, towards the Perfume River, which flows abundantly every day. Whenever the […]