Thái Hòa Palace – The foremost imperial palace under the Nguyễn Dynasty
Thái Hòa Palace in the Imperial City – A Symbol of Imperial Power and Architectural Grandeur
Thái Hòa Palace, located at the heart of the Imperial City of Huế, stands as a powerful symbol of the Nguyễn Dynasty’s sovereign authority. This grand edifice served as the ceremonial center of the royal court, hosting the most significant imperial rites such as coronations, royal birthdays, receptions of foreign envoys, and formal court sessions held bi-monthly on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar.
During these solemn occasions, the emperor would be seated upon the royal throne positioned at the center of the palace’s main hall. Only high-ranking officials—such as the four grand chancellors and members of the royal family—were granted access to the hall for direct audience. The rest of the court officials, ranked from First to Ninth Grade, stood in the Great Courtyard (Sân Đại Triều Nghi), aligned precisely according to status. Civil mandarins stood on the left, military officials on the right, each position marked by two rows of stone tablets known as "phẩm sơn."
Constructed in 1805 – A Timeless Masterpiece
The construction of Thái Hòa Palace commenced on February 21, 1805, under the reign of Emperor Gia Long (First King Of Nguyen's Dynasty), and was completed in October of the same year. Initially built on the site of what is now the Cần Chánh Palace, it was later relocated to its present location and magnificently rebuilt in 1833 by Emperor Minh Mạng as part of his comprehensive redesign of the imperial complex.
The palace’s frame is crafted predominantly from gỗ lim (ironwood), a precious and durable timber symbolizing nobility and permanence in Vietnamese royal architecture. More than 80 elaborately carved and gold-gilded columns bearing dragon motifs support the structure—each a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of imperial artisans. At the entrance stands a grand red-and-gold lacquered plaque inscribed with three large Chinese characters denoting "Thái Hòa Palace," accompanied by smaller inscriptions recording the years of its construction, restoration, and major renovations.
A Modern Distinction: Vietnam’s First Heritage Site to Achieve LOTUS Green Certification
In April 2025, Thái Hòa Palace became the first UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage site in Vietnam to be awarded the prestigious LOTUS Green Building Certification by the Vietnam Green Building Council. This milestone acknowledges the city of Huế’s commitment to restoring historic monuments in an environmentally responsible manner—preserving cultural legacy while embracing sustainable development for future generations.
