Thái Hòa Palace is the most important architectural structure within the Nguyễn Dynasty Imperial Citadel. It served as the venue for grand ceremonies and royal court meetings attended by the emperor, members of the royal family, and high-ranking officials. The name "Thái Hòa" originates from the principles of the I Ching (Book of Changes), symbolizing harmony between yin and yang, firmness and softness—essential elements for a ruler to govern the nation and ensure prosperity.

Thai Hoa Palace was constructed on February 21, 1805, during Emperor Gia Long's reign and completed in October of the same year. Initially, it was located about 45 meters northwest of its current position. In 1833, as part of Emperor Minh Mạng's plan to reorganize and enhance the Imperial City, the palace was relocated to the south and reconstructed on a larger and more majestic scale. Since then, the palace has undergone several restorations, notably in 1883 and 1923.

On November 23, 2021, Thai Hoa Palace located in Hue Imperial City was restored by the Hue Monuments Conservation Center with a total budget of 128 billion VND from the state budget. The project has a total area of ​​7,100 m2, of which the palace campus is 4,851 m2, Thai Hoa Palace is 1,440 m2, and Dai Trieu Nghi yard is 1,640 m2. After three years, the project was inaugurated on the afternoon of November 23, 2024.

Thái Hòa Palace was designed in the style known as "trùng thiềm điệp ốc" or "trùng thiềm trùng lương", featuring two main sections:

• Main Palace (Chính Điện): Located at the rear, consisting of five compartments with two annexes.
• Front Palace (Tiền Điện): Located at the front, featuring seven compartments with two annexes.

These two structures are connected by a special roof known as thừa lưu (or crab shell roof). The palace covers a total area of 1,360m², with its foundation elevated 1 meter above the first courtyard and 2.35 meters above ground level.

The entire framework of the palace was constructed using lim wood, with 80 columns intricately painted and gilded with images of dragons. The roof was tiled with yellow-glazed tiles (hoàng lưu ly), arranged in three overlapping layers, exuding grandeur and elegance. Surrounding the roof are decorative bands (cổ diêm) adorned with poetic verses and intricate patterns on enamel-coated copper plates (pháp lam).

Interior Highlights of Thái Hòa Palace:

• The Royal Throne: Positioned in the central compartment of the main palace, it rests on a three-tier wooden platform and is decorated with pháp lam (enameled artwork) featuring nine dragons.
• The Canopy (Bửu Tán): Positioned above the throne, it is gilded magnificently.
• Decorative Details: Wooden beams and ceilings are elaborately carved, and lanterns hang with poetic inscriptions and artistic patterns designed in the style of "one poem, one painting".

In front of the palace is the courtyard, also known as Long Trì (Dragon Yard), where officials would stand in ranks according to their positions during grand court ceremonies. Inside Thái Hòa Palace, only the emperor sits on the throne, while members of the royal family and the four highest-ranking officials (tứ trụ) stand in attendance.

Thái Hòa Palace is the most spacious, majestic, and magnificent structure remaining in the Nguyễn Dynasty's architectural system. Beyond its function as the venue for state rituals, it symbolizes power and harmony, reflecting the Nguyễn emperors' philosophy of governance.

As part of the Complex of Huế Monuments, Thái Hòa Palace was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 11, 1993. This palace holds not only historical value but also serves as an important cultural symbol, attracting visitors from across Vietnam and the world to admire its unique royal architecture and the rich legacy of the Nguyễn Dynasty.

To ensure the lasting preservation of Thái Hòa Palace, we kindly remind all visitors to adhere to the following guidelines:

🔸 Avoid touching gold-gilded surfaces: These handcrafted architectural details have been meticulously restored and are highly susceptible to damage from dirt and fingerprints.

🔸 Do not lean against doors, wooden columns, or railings: These features have been recently restored using original materials and require time to stabilize.

🔸 Maintain order and cleanliness: Please refrain from littering or consuming food and drinks within the heritage site.

🔸 Follow the instructions of on-site staff: This ensures that the restoration efforts are respected and preserved for future generations.

✨ Every visitor to Thái Hòa Palace is not only an admirer of its grandeur but also a vital contributor to safeguarding this cultural heritage for posterity. Thank you for your cooperation!