Th谩i B矛nh L芒u (Royal Reading Pavilion), Hue

Nestled within the heart of Hue鈥檚 UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, the Royal Reading Pavilion (Thai Binh Lau) was built between 1919 and 1921 under Emperor Khai Dinh. This two-story wooden structure, standing approximately 9.5 meters high and crowned with distinctive yin鈥憏ang tiled roofs, served as a peaceful retreat for the emperor to read, write poetry, and relax amid the royal gardens. Its location in the northeastern quadrant of the Forbidden Purple City placed it at the center of imperial life, complemented by serene ponds, bonsai gardens, and connecting corridors that fostered reflection and scholarly pursuit.

Although other buildings suffered damage during the 20th鈥慶entury conflicts, the Royal Reading Pavilion remarkably stood unscathed, surviving both the French reoccupation in 1947 and later wartime devastation. This single surviving gem of the Forbidden City offers visitors a rare, tangible link to the Nguyen dynasty court life. Its facade is rich with ornamental ceramic mosaic work, especially atop the ridges and eaves, which glint softly in Hue鈥檚 sunlight. Enter through the graceful Duc Khanh Gate to immerse yourself in a setting that harmoniously blends art, literature, and nature.

Today, beyond its historical and architectural importance, the Royal Reading Pavilion remains an active cultural venue. It often hosts traditional Hue music performances and seasonal light-and-sound festivals, breathing new life into ancient walls. While the pavilion occasionally undergoes preservation efforts, even viewing its exterior and surrounding landscape offers a tranquil pause in Hue鈥檚 bustling royal complex. A must鈥憇ee for any visitor, the Royal Reading Pavilion invites you to step into the emperor鈥檚 study鈥攁 place of peace, wisdom, and poetic resonance dating back over two centuries.

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Sight Name: Th谩i B矛nh L芒u (Royal Reading Pavilion)
Sight Location: Hue, Vietnam (See walking tours in Hue)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Hue, Vietnam

Create Your Own Walk in Hue

Creating your own self-guided walk in Hue is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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