Hue Travel Guide
Ngo Mon Gate (Meridian Gate)- The Noon Gate
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May
May
Table Of Contents
Ngo Mon Gate Introduction
Ngo Mon Gate is an architectural masterpiece with significant value in many aspects, representing the Hue Imperial City. Located within the complex of Hue’s Imperial Citadel, it stands alongside landmarks like Truong Tien Bridge, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the Flag Tower as one of the most iconic images of Hue.
How to visit?
Normally, when tourists visit Ngo Mon Gate, they always visit Hue Imperial Citadel. Moreover, to spend your time in Hue wisely, you should book the Hue City Group Tour or Hue City Private Tour to enjoy all the highlights of Hue such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue Imperial Citadel, and Hue Royals Tombs.
Explore Ngo Mon Gate in Hue Imperial Citadel
The historical Ngo Mon Gate is the main entrance located on the southern side of the Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty in Hue. This gate is an architectural marvel, serving not only as the principal entry to the Royal Palace but also as a ceremonial platform for many significant events of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The Noon Gate Hue History
Formerly in this position was Nam Khuyet Dai, built early in the Gia Long period. At this gate, there is Can Nguyen Palace, the two sides have two gates: Ta Doan Mon and Huu Doan Mon. In terms of etymology, Ngo Mon means a gate facing the South. This direction, according to the concept of geomancy of the East is the South. In fact, Ngo Mon’s direction as well as the entire Hue Imperial City is the axis (Northwest-Southeast) but still considered as the Ngo (South) direction.
According to the book “Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi,” Ngo Mon Gate was built in the 14th year of Emperor Minh Mang’s reign (1833), during a major architectural reorganization of the Imperial City by the Nguyen Dynasty. Nam Khuyet Dai was dissolved completely to give space for the Ngo Mon Gate. In 1945, a historic event took place at Ngo Mon Gate when Emperor Bao Dai abdicated and handed over his seal and sword to the revolution.
Meridian Gate Structure
However, Ngo Mon Gate is not just a gate, it is a whole complex architectural structure. On top, there is Ngu Phung palace which is seen as a ceremony palace used to organize a number of annual ceremonies of the royal court; such as the ceremony of Truyen Lo (reciting the names of the people who passed the doctoral examination); the ceremony of Ban Soc (distributing the calendar), the Ceremony of the Parade …And this is also the place for the abdication ceremony of Bao Dai Emperor on August, 30th, 1945.
Architecturally, Ngo Mon Gate Hue has the same architecture as the Ngo Mon in the ancient palace of Beijing; but still clearly shows the Vietnamese architectural style. Ngo Mon has two main parts: The Gate Part and Ngu Phung Palace.
The Gate Part
The Ngo Mon Gate has a U-shaped design, with the base measuring 57.77 meters long and the sides 27.06 meters long. It was constructed using bluestone and bricks, with support bars made of brass.
The gate stands nearly 5 meters high and covers an area of over 1,560 square meters. There are five entrances in the gate’s body. The central entrance was reserved exclusively for emperors. The two adjacent entrances were for civil and military officials, while the two outermost entrances were for horses, elephants, and soldiers.
Inside Ngo Mon Gate in Hue, there are outdoor staircases on both sides that lead up to the platform. These staircases are surrounded by railings skillfully carved from multicolored glazed ceramic bricks.
Ngu Phung Palace
Ngu Phung Palace is the upper floor located on the Gate. In addition to the body of the tower, the floor is also honored by a 1.15m-high platform that also runs throughout the U-shaped body of the tower. Ngu Phung Palace has two floors, and the frame structure is entirely made of ironwood with even 100 columns.
The roof of the lower floor is connected, running around to cover the corridor. The upper roof is divided into 9 sets with many decorative phoenixes on the roof and the edge, making the palace look very gentle and elegant. The central roof set of Ngu Phung Palace is roofed with yellow royal tiles and the other eight roofs are covered with blue-glazed tiles.
Ngo Mon Gate Hue Vietnam deserves to be listed among the most outstanding architectural relics of the Nguyen Dynasty in particular and of Vietnamese traditional architecture in general.
Things to do at the Noon Gate Hue
Ngo Mon Gate in Hue is a popular spot for stunning photos, highly liked by many visitors. It offers numerous beautiful photo opportunities with its nostalgic atmosphere and unique architecture, creating scenes reminiscent of historical films. The grandeur and magnificence of this site leave everyone in awe.
Meridian Gate Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
If you just stand in front of the Noon Gate to admire and capture some photos, it is free of charge. But if you would like to enter and visit Ngu Phung Palace, Hue Imperial Citadel, Royal City, and Forbidden City, you have to buy an entrance ticket.
- Adults: 150,000 VND per person (Roughly 7 USD).
- Children from 6 years old to 11 years old: 30,000 VND per person (roughly 1.5 USD).
- Children under 6: Free.
Admission to Ngo Mon Gate is free for everyone during Tet (Lunar New Year), Hue Liberation Day, and Vietnam National Day (September 2nd).
Meridian Gate in Hue is open for visitors at two times:
- Daytime: From 5 AM to 5 PM.
- Evening: From 7 PM to 10 PM.
What to keep in mind when visiting Ngo Mon Gate in Hue
- Make sure to buy your entrance ticket at the Noon Gate and keep it handy for inspections.
- Dress modestly; avoid sleeveless tops and very short clothing, especially in sacred areas.
- Filming and photography are prohibited inside the interior areas.
- Smoking is not allowed inside the palace or any worship areas.
- The Hue Festival takes place in April and May, attracting many visitors to Meridian Gate for cultural and artistic events. Book your hotel early to avoid high prices and fully booked accommodations.
Ngo Mon Gate in Hue is a masterpiece of Hue’s royal architecture, showcasing Indigenous artistry and sculpture that reflects the national identity. It’s an iconic symbol of the ancient capital, evoking a sense of tranquility and peace. Best Hue City Tour Travel hopes with this interesting information about Meridian Gate, you’ll have a joyful trip full of fascinating experiences.