The North Bank of the river is where the Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty once resided. Visitors to Hue are often astonished by scenes reminiscent of historical dramas, with 300-400 year old citadel walls and ancient bridges that bear witness to 200 years of the Central Coast's windy and cold springs.
And did you know that even now, in 2025, a royal decree remains in effect – no building within or near the inner city, within a 1km radius, can't be taller than the royal residence?
The South Bank of the Perfume River, while more modern, is also imbued with historical traces, with many areas serving as residences and administrative centers for the French colonialists, such as the Lycée Français, now Le Loi Elementary School, and the Institut de la Providence, still in use today by Hue University of Sciences.
Ancient Hue Garden Houses and Ancient Hue French Villas recreate the essence of both sides of the Perfume River, with the former embodying the ancient architecture of the Nguyen era and the latter reflecting the historical charm of French colonial architecture!
