The Letter of the West Gate

Hương grew up on the other side of the ocean and knew her father's homeland only through an old lacquer box. Inside it lies a letter from her great-grandmother, a palace maid who once lived behind the vermilion walls of the Imperial City of Huế.

The letter tells no story, leaving only lines of remembrance about the gates and pavilions she once passed through. Following each line with Hương, you gather the three pieces of embroidered silk she left behind and find the place where she kept the most beautiful memory of her life.

Along the way you answer questions, match photos with real details and piece together a porcelain mosaic.

📍 Start: Phu Văn Lâu pavilion, on the north bank of the Perfume River.

⏱ Duration: about 1.5–2 hours.

🚶 Distance: about 3 km on flat ground.

🕘 Suggested schedule: play in daylight, starting around 7:30–9:00 or 15:00–15:30 to avoid the strongest sun.

💰 Possible costs:

• No ticket is needed to play: the whole route is outside the Imperial City, on public streets and squares.
• Visiting inside the Imperial City (optional): paid entry; check prices and opening hours at hueworldheritage.org.vn or the Ngọ Môn ticket office.

⚠️ Notes: the streets around the Citadel have little shade and the midday sun is strong. Take care when crossing Lê Duẩn and Đinh Tiên Hoàng streets.

💡 Tips: bring water, a hat or umbrella and a power bank.