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Dotted with lush green islets and blooming with lotus flowers, Tinh Tam Lake—located just north of the walled Imperial City—provides welcome respite from the bustle of Hué’s city center. This manmade lake was laid out in the 19th century and was once part of the royal grounds, where the emperors would come to walk, relax, and drink tea.
A stop at Tinh Tam Lake often is included on tours of the Imperial Palace. Take a stroll along the waterfront or cross the bridges to visit the islands of Bong Lai, Phuong Truong, and Doanh Chau. The largest, Bong Lai, is home to the ruins of Bong Doanh Temple, and the Nam Huan pavilion stands on Phuong Truong.
To explore the entire lake, opt for a traditional cyclo tour and admire the views as you glide around the lakeside and across the historic bridges.
Tinh Tam Lake is located just north of the Imperial City, about a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, taxis and cyclos will drop you off right outside.
The best views of the lake are on clear, sunny days. During events such as the Hué Festival, the lake transforms into an open-air venue, with live music and cultural performances taking place on a floating stage.
Hué’s Imperial City is a vast complex of palaces, temples, and pavilions dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty, today preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour of the Imperial City is a must for visitors, and it’s best experienced with a guide who can explain Vietnam’s royal history. Highlights include the Forbidden Purple City, the Ngo Mon Gate, Dien Tho Palace, and the Hien Lam Pavilion, which houses the Nine Dynastic Urns.