Thai Hoa Palace

Palace in Hue

Hall Of Supreme Harmony Hue — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95

Thai Hoa Palace, or Hall of Supreme Harmony, is an integral part of the Hue Imperial City, an ancient walled complex dating back to the 19th century. This historic area served as the residence of the royal family and included a variety of structures such as palaces, shrines, offices, and gardens.

Located in the outer court of the Imperial City, Thai Hoa Palace greets visitors with its majestic presence as they pass through the Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance. The palace was the site for significant events, including meetings, coronations, and royal birthday celebrations. It has borne witness to 13 coronation ceremonies of the Nguyen Dynasty, from King Gia Long to King Bao Dai.

Thai Hoa Palace has always been one of the crowning jewels of the Imperial City. Its name, with “Thai” signifying grandeur and glory and “Hoa” meaning harmony, conveys the idea that harmony brings prosperity. The palace was constructed between February and October 1805 and has undergone numerous renovations over its long history.

Interestingly, the palace’s current location is 45 meters northwest of its original position, a result of restoration efforts to preserve it against weather damage. Despite several exterior renovations, the interior remains largely authentic, preserving its original structure and intricate decorations. The palace’s framework is made entirely of wood, with 80 ironwood pillars adorned with golden carvings of dragons and clouds, providing the building’s structural backbone and most ornate elements.

The detailed craftsmanship of the palace contributes to its unique and regal atmosphere. Visitors stepping inside are enveloped in a space that still exudes the grandeur of a bygone royal era. The palace’s architectural style is distinguished by its double-house structure with overlapping roofs, connected by an arched ceiling reminiscent of a crab shell.

The interior decoration of Thai Hoa Palace follows traditional imperial aesthetics, where certain numbers play a significant role. The numbers five and nine are prominently featured in the palace’s design. For example, the stairs and courtyard steps come in sets of five or nine, while the roofs, throne, and other furnishings are adorned with nine dragon figures. In Vietnamese culture, the number five is associated with luck and positivity, while the number nine symbolizes longevity.

The Thai Hoa Palace appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hue!

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