Hue is renowned for its complex of Nguyen Dynasty royal tombs – architectural marvels of exceptional artistic and historical value. These tombs not only preserve the legacy of a golden era but also stand as iconic cultural symbols of Hue, attracting numerous domestic and international visitors. So, how many Nguyen Dynasty tombs are there in Hue? Which one is considered the most beautiful and impressive? What are the entrance fees for these sites? In this article, Laguna Lăng Cô will introduce the most remarkable tombs you shouldn’t miss on your Hue travel adventure.
Index
Tomb of Gia Long - A Serene Destination for Your Hue Travel Itinerary
Address: Long Ho Ward, Phu Xuan District, Hue City.
Ticket Price: 150,000 VND/adult, free for children.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
The Tomb of Gia Long (Thien Tho Mausoleum) is the final resting place of the founding emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Nestled amidst the majestic mountain scenery of the Dai Thien Tho range, the tomb exudes a rustic, almost wild beauty, while still maintaining an air of solemnity and grandeur.
The entire architectural complex is arranged into three main areas: the tomb area, the stele pavilion, and the Minh Thanh Palace. Compared to later tombs, Gia Long’s has a simpler design. However, this simplicity and harmony with nature create its unique charm. Visitors can reach the site by road or by taking a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. It is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility during their Hue travel.
Tomb of Minh Mang - An Architectural Masterpiece to Visit on Your Hue Travel
Address: An Bang Hamlet, Long Ho Ward, Phu Xuan District, Hue City.
Ticket Price: 150,000 VND/adult, 30,000 VND/child.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
The Tomb of Minh Mang is one of the most impressive and well-planned mausoleums. The structure is distinguished by its solemn beauty and refined design. Located at the confluence of two tributaries of the Perfume River, the space is imbued with a sense of tranquility and sacredness.
The complex comprises nearly 50 large and small structures, all arranged symmetrically along a central axis, clearly reflecting Confucian ideology and the emperor’s authority. From the center of Hue, visitors can easily reach the tomb, which is not too far. If you are looking for a destination that is both historically significant and artistically rich for your Hue travel itinerary, this is undoubtedly a perfect choice.
Tomb of Khai Dinh - A Unique Visual Experience for Your Hue Travel
Address: Long Ho Ward, Phu Xuan District, Hue City.
Ticket Price: 150,000 VND/adult, 30,000 VND/child.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
The Tomb of Khai Dinh is one of the most unique architectural works to see when you travel to Hue. Despite its modest size, it makes a powerful impression with its intricate details. From the staircases, pillars, and archways to the bas-reliefs, everything showcases a blend of Eastern and Western art.
The highlight of the tomb is the Thien Dinh Palace, which features a vibrant “Nine Dragons in the Clouds” mural on the ceiling and a gilded bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh. Furthermore, the entire interior is elaborately decorated with porcelain and colored glass, which reflect light to create an incredibly splendid and luxurious space.
Tomb of Tu Duc – The Most Poetic Destination in Your Hue Travel Journey
Address: Dong Ba Bridge, Thuong Village, Hue City.
Ticket Price: 150,000 VND/adult, 30,000 VND/child.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
The Tomb of Tu Duc is acclaimed as the most beautiful and poetic mausoleum in the ancient capital of Hue. Tucked away in a lush green valley, it served not only as a burial place but also as a second imperial residence for the poet-emperor Tu Duc.
Khiem Lang (its official name) resembles a peaceful royal park. The tomb area is surrounded by a clear lotus lake and shady trees, creating a scene that is both majestic and poetic. This romantic charm makes the Tomb of Tu Duc an unforgettable highlight when exploring Hue’s architectural heritage.
Tomb of Duc Duc - The Solemn Beauty of History
Address: An Cuu Ward, Hue City.
Ticket Price: 50,000 VND/adult, free for children.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
The Tomb of Duc Duc, also known as An Lang, is the shared resting place of three Nguyen emperors: Duc Duc, Thanh Thai, and Duy Tan. In contrast to the splendor of other tombs, An Lang possesses a much simpler beauty.
The tomb area has a modest architectural style, and the courtyard lacks the customary stone statues. This simplicity invites contemplation on the turbulent history of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visiting An Lang, travelers will feel a peaceful and solemn atmosphere, offering a quiet, reflective pause in their journey of discovering Hue’s heritage.
Tomb of Thieu Tri - Unique Architectural Beauty in the Ancient Capital
Address: Thuy Bang Ward, Thuan Hoa District, Hue City.
Ticket Price: 50,000 VND/adult, free for children.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
The Tomb of Thieu Tri attracts visitors with its harmonious blend with nature, creating a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. The tomb leans against Thuan Dao Mountain and is surrounded by orchards and peaceful rice paddies.
Despite being built in a short period, the Tomb of Thieu Tri impresses with its refined beauty. The structure clearly shows an intermingling of styles from the tombs of Gia Long and Minh Mang. Emperor Thieu Tri personally selected the location, resulting in an overall architecture that is both formal and retains a sense of rustic charm.
Tomb of Dong Khanh – The Imprint of Time in Hue Travel Architecture
Address: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City.
Ticket Price: 100,000 VND/adult, free for children.
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
The Tomb of Dong Khanh is one of Hue’s unique mausoleums. Its construction spanned over three decades and four imperial reigns (Dong Khanh, Thanh Thai, Duy Tan, and Khai Dinh). Consequently, the tomb bears the distinct marks of a transitional period in royal architecture, characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The complex is situated amidst the green landscape of Thuong Hai village and includes about 20 large and small structures. Among them, the most prominent are the courtyard with its stone statues and Ngung Hy Palace, which houses many precious lacquerware artworks. During your Hue travel, you can feel the imprint of time etched into every architectural detail of this tomb.
Important Tips for Visiting the Tombs During Your Hue Travel
To make your Hue travel experience complete, keep these tips in mind:
1. Dress Code: The tombs are places of reverence. You should wear respectful, modest clothing. Avoid tank tops, shorts, or very short skirts.
2. Transportation:
- Motorbike: The most flexible and budget-friendly option, ideal for young explorers.
- Taxi/Grab: Convenient and cool, but more expensive.
- Private Car with Driver: Perfect for large groups or families with elderly members.
3. Buy Combo Tickets to Save Money: The Hue Monuments Conservation Centre issues combo tickets for specific routes. For example, a 3-site ticket (Imperial City – Tomb of Minh Mang – Tomb of Khai Dinh) or a 4-site ticket will be much cheaper than buying individual tickets. Ask for information at the ticket counter to find the best option.
4. Best Time to Visit: It is best to go early in the morning or early in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sun, especially in summer. The rainy season in Hue is from October to December, so you should bring an umbrella.
Conclusion
The Nguyen Dynasty’s system of royal tombs is more than just a collection of architectural works; it is an invaluable cultural and historical heritage of the nation. Each tomb tells the story of an emperor and an era. If you have the chance to travel to Hue, don’t miss the opportunity to explore these masterpieces.
To make your exploration of the Ancient Capital even more fulfilling, choosing comfortable accommodation is crucial. Laguna Lăng Cô, with its world-class resort space, can be an ideal stopover, helping you recharge after immersing yourself in the heritage of Hue.
