Having weathered centuries of history, Duyet Thi Duong is not just a crucial part of Hue’s cultural heritage but also a center for preserving and promoting the value of traditional performance arts. Nha Nhac (royal court music), royal dances and Tuong Co (classical opera) – the quintessence of the ancient capital – are continually preserved and reenacted here. For those who love exploring the history and art of the former capital, Duyet Thi Duong is an unmissable destination. In the article below, join Laguna Lăng Cô in admiring the ancient traces of this theater!
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Discover Vietnam's oldest theater
Located within the grounds of the Hue Imperial City (Đại Nội), Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater is one of the Nguyen Dynasty’s distinctive artistic structures, built in 1826 under Emperor Minh Mang. It is not only the oldest surviving theater in Vietnam but also the venue for Hue’s royal court art performances, recreating Royal Court Music, royal dances, and excerpts from classical Tuong opera.
Beyond its regular performances, Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater has also witnessed historical events such as grand ceremonies commemorating previous emperors like Minh Mang, Tu Duc, Dong Khanh and Khai Dinh, attended by royalty and mandarins. Notably, in 1833, the court chose this location to mint the “Minh Mạng phi long” coins, marking a significant milestone in economic history.
Over nearly two centuries, the theater suffered considerable damage from time and war. However, thanks to restoration efforts between 1995 and 2002, this structure has been spectacularly revived, fully preserving the value of its ancient royal heritage.
Address and ticket price for Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater
Situated within the Hue Citadel – a prominent historical complex of the ancient capital – Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater is an essential stop for visitors passionate about royal court art.
- Address: Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, FHCH+4C6, Doan Thi Diem Street, Phu Hau, Hue City.
- Opening Hours: 06:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Visitors only need to purchase an entrance ticket to the Imperial City (this ticket includes admission to the Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater):
- 200,000 VND for adults
- 40,000 VND for children aged 7 to 12.
Unique architecture of Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater
Deeply imbued with the regal imprint of the Nguyen Dynasty, Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater is an architectural masterpiece of the court, harmoniously blending fine arts and performing arts. The interior space is adorned with intricate carvings and is magnificently lacquered and gilded. The ceiling features motifs of the sun, moon, and stars – reflecting the ancient court’s cosmological beliefs.
With a total area of 11,740 m², of which the usable space occupies 1,182 m², the theater has a two-story structure serving different classes within the royal palace. The ground floor was exclusively for the emperor and court officials, featuring rows of intricately carved ironwood chairs. The ceiling is decorated with paintings of the “Four Seasons” (tứ quý) and images of the “Four Sacred Animals” (tứ linh), symbolizing prosperity and supreme authority.
Meanwhile, the second floor was designed for court ladies and eunuchs, allowing them to observe the entire stage without disturbing the performance space below.
The main stage is square-shaped, paved with French cement tiles for durability. T-shaped decorative patterns frame the stage, lending an elegant yet solemn beauty.
Additionally, the area designated for the empress and royal consorts in the inner court is situated on a raised platform, screened by bamboo curtains to ensure privacy. Flanking this are formal rows of seats for envoys, high-ranking mandarins, and military officials, creating a balanced and majestic ensemble that clearly reflects royal protocol during performances.
Unmissable activities at Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater
Enjoy performances
Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater not only preserves court art values but also introduces fresh perspectives by creating new performances based on traditional materials. Each performance allows the audience to appreciate royal art and gain deeper insights into the cultural and historical context of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The ticket price for each show is 300,000 VND (latest price update 2025), with two regular performances daily: morning from 10:00 AM to 10:35 AM and afternoon from 3:00 PM to 3:35 PM. At Duyet Thi Duong, you can immerse yourself in the space of royal court art with Hue Royal Court Music, royal dances, and unique excerpts from classical Tuong opera.
Join a detailed guided tour
To better understand the theater’s role in the ancient court, taking a guided tour is an ideal option. The guide will help you visualize how performances were organized, from the royal seating areas and backstage zones for actors to the unique structure of the stage.
Check-in inside the theater:
Capturing memorable moments at Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater is sure to be an exciting experience for social media enthusiasts (“passionate about ‘living virtually'”). The space, rich with royal court aesthetics, provides a perfect backdrop for photos that are both classic and elegant.
Explore bearby architectural structures
Besides the theater, you can visit several other nearby sites:
- Can Tin Ty: An internal office within the Forbidden Purple City responsible for the palace’s administrative tasks.
- Thi Ve Truc Phong: Located in the southeast corner, this area played a crucial role in protecting the emperor, with imperial guards constantly on duty.
- Thai Y Vien: Situated to the southeast, this was the royal medical center where physicians examined and cared for the health of the emperor, royal family, and mandarins.
- So Thuong Thien: Located to the northeast, this area specialized in preparing and supplying dishes exclusively for the royal family and performing court culinary rituals.
- Tien Truong Kho: A repository storing the emperor’s regalia, items used in important court ceremonies.
Each structure bears its own unique mark, creating a vivid historical tapestry that you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Hue Imperial City.
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After a day immersed in the royal art space at Duyet Thi Duong Royal Theater, visitors can retreat to Laguna Lăng Cô – a luxurious resort on the Central Coast – to relax and rejuvenate. Ideally positioned amidst pristine nature, Laguna Lăng Cô offers a high-class resort experience, from sea-view villas and premium spas to an international standard golf course.
Notably, the resort also provides tours to My Son Sanctuary and Hoi An Ancient Town, making it easy for guests to seamlessly continue their journey exploring Central Vietnam’s heritage. Enjoy your holiday with peace of mind, thanks to the attentive and convenient services at Laguna Lăng Cô, a place that helps you both relax and connect with the unique cultural and historical values of Vietnam.
Conclusion
When visiting Hue, don’t miss the opportunity to visit this unique theater to fully appreciate the golden splendor of a bygone era and listen to the timeless melodies of the nation’s heritage. We hope this article from Laguna Lăng Cô gives you deeper insight into Duyet Thi Duong – it will surely be an unforgettable highlight on your journey exploring the Ancient Capital.
