Visitors to the UNESCO-recognized Complex of Hue Monuments in Thua Thien-Hue Province, central Vietnam will be exempted from entrance fees on the first three days of the next lunar year, or from February 10 to 12, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center announced on Monday.

During this period, visitors can tour the Hue Imperial City, the tombs of kings from the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945), and the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities without incurring any charges.

They can also visit Thai Hoa and Kien Trung Palaces after the relics were closed for restoration for several years.

Thai Hoa Palace, built in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long (1802-1820), was the most important palace of the Nguyen Dynasty where the throne was placed.

The palace served as a venue for important imperial events such as coronation ceremonies, emperors' birthdays, and diplomatic events.

Following historic ups and downs, Thai Hoa Palace suffered severe deterioration. Therefore, the government funded the rehabilitation of the historic relic in 2021.

After three years, the restoration work is now over 70 percent complete.

The work will continue after Tet and is expected to be completed by 2025.

Meanwhile, Kien Trung Palace was built in 1921-23, during the reign of Emperor Khai Dinh (1916-25). It was the home and workplace of both Emperor Khai Dinh and Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty.

It combines Vietnamese traditional, French, and Italian architectural styles.

The palace was completely destroyed by war in 1947.

In 2019, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center initiated the palace restoration project at a cost of over VND123 billion (US$5 million).

Like us on Facebook or  follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!