Hue, the former imperial capital, is not only famous for its ancient beauty but also for preserving the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. These architectural masterpieces embody the essence of Vietnamese art and culture. Each tomb is not only the final resting place of an emperor but also a historical mark reflecting the golden era of the dynasty. In this article, Laguna Lang Co will introduce the most prominent royal tombs you should not miss when visiting Hue. This guide will provide valuable insights to help you plan your journey through this heritage-rich land.
Index
Gia Long Tomb
Address: Dinh Mon Village, Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town, Hue City.
Ticket price: 150,000 VND per adult, free for children.
As the resting place of Emperor Gia Long, the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty, Thien Tho Tomb is situated amidst the majestic landscape of the Dai Thien Tho mountain range. Unlike the elaborate tombs of later emperors, Gia Long Tomb captivates visitors with its simplicity and rustic charm while still exuding a solemn and dignified aura.
The entire architectural layout follows feng shui principles, with the main tomb area housing the emperor and empress. To the right is Minh Thanh Temple, dedicated to their worship, while to the left stands a stone stele inscribed by Emperor Minh Mang himself.
Visitors can reach this tomb by both road and dragon boat along the Perfume River, immersing themselves in the serene and tranquil atmosphere. The most magical moment occurs at sunset, when the golden hues of the sky blend with the mountainous landscape, creating a mesmerizing scene.
Khai Dinh Tomb
Address: Chau Chu Mountain, Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town, Hue City.
Ticket price: 150,000 VND per adult, 30,000 VND per child.
The tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty, is one of the most unique architectural wonders in Hue. Despite being smaller in size compared to other tombs, it leaves a strong impression with its intricate and detailed design. From the stairways, pillars, and archways to the relief sculptures, every element showcases a fusion of Eastern and Western artistic influences.
The highlight of the tomb is Thien Dinh Palace, which houses the famous painting “Nine Dragons Amidst Clouds” and a gold-plated bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh. The interior is lavishly decorated with porcelain and colored glass mosaics, reflecting a dazzling opulence reminiscent of the Nguyen Dynasty’s final days.
Minh Mang Tomb
Address: Cam Ke Mountain, Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town, Hue City.
Ticket price: 150,000 VND per adult, 30,000 VND per child.
Minh Mang Tomb is one of the most impressive royal mausoleums in Hue, renowned for its solemn beauty and exquisite design. Located on Cam Ke Mountain at the confluence of the Huong River’s two tributaries, the tomb stands out with its grand scale, symmetrical layout, and perfect harmony between human-made structures and natural scenery.
The tomb complex consists of nearly 50 architectural structures arranged along a central axis, creating a well-balanced and unified composition. Easily accessible from central Hue, this site is a must-visit for those exploring the royal tombs of the city.
Tu Duc Tomb
Address: Thuong Ba Residential Group, Thuy Xuan Ward, Thuan Hoa District, Hue City.
Ticket price: 150,000 VND per adult, 30,000 VND per child.
Tu Duc Tomb is one of the most picturesque and poetic tombs in Hue. Nestled in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong Village (now Thuy Xuan Ward), this site is not only the final resting place of a talented emperor but also an architectural masterpiece reflecting his artistic vision and philosophy of life.
During his reign, Emperor Tu Duc personally planned his tomb, initially naming it Van Nien Co. After his passing, it was officially called Khiem Tomb. The area is surrounded by a tranquil lotus pond and lush greenery, creating an ambiance that is both majestic and romantic. This distinctive charm makes Tu Duc Tomb an unforgettable part of the royal tombs complex.
Duc Duc Tomb
Address: Duy Tan Street, Tay Nhat Hamlet, An Cuu Village, An Cuu Ward, Hue City.
Ticket price: 50,000 VND per adult, free for children.
Duc Duc Tomb, also known as An Lang, serves as the final resting place for three Nguyen Dynasty emperors: Duc Duc, Thanh Thai, and Duy Tan. Compared to the grandeur of other royal tombs, An Lang stands out for its simplicity, humility, and serene ambiance.
Located in Tay Nhat Hamlet, An Cuu Village, the tomb complex spans approximately 3,500 square meters. Its design is relatively modest, featuring an arched main gate, a courtyard without stone statues, and a worship hall leading to the burial area. This simplicity creates a tranquil and contemplative space, evoking reflections on the rise and fall of history.
Thieu Tri Tomb
Address: Cu Chanh Village, Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy Town, Hue City.
Ticket price: 50,000 VND per adult, free for children.
Unlike other royal tombs that emphasize grandeur, Thieu Tri Tomb attracts visitors with its seamless integration with nature, offering a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. Located in Cu Chanh Village, this tomb is nestled against Thuan Dao Mountain, surrounded by lush gardens and vast rice fields, creating a tranquil and refreshing environment.
Despite being constructed in a short period, Thieu Tri Tomb still impresses with its elegance. Its architecture combines elements from both Gia Long and Minh Mang Tombs. The emperor himself selected this location and meticulously planned its design, ensuring a balance between solemnity and simplicity.
Dong Khanh Tomb
Address: Thuong Hai Hamlet, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City.
Ticket price: 100,000 VND per adult, free for children.
Dong Khanh Tomb is one of the most distinctive royal mausoleums in Hue. It was built over three decades, spanning four reigns (Dong Khanh, Thanh Thai, Duy Tan, and Khai Dinh) before its completion. This long construction period marked a transition in royal architecture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
Located in the lush green surroundings of Thuong Hai Hamlet, the complex consists of about 20 structures. The most notable features include the ceremonial courtyard with stone statues and Ngung Hy Palace, which houses precious lacquer artworks. Visitors here can admire a blend of ancient charm and modern influences, experiencing the deep historical imprints left on every architectural detail.
Conclusion
The tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty are more than just burial sites; they are invaluable cultural and historical heritages of Vietnam. Each tomb tells the story of an emperor and his era, preserving profound artistic and philosophical values. If you ever visit Hue, don’t miss the chance to explore these magnificent architectural masterpieces and gain deeper insights into the glorious past of Vietnam.
To make your journey to the former imperial capital even more fulfilling and memorable, choosing a comfortable and relaxing place to stay is essential. Laguna Lang Co, with its world-class resort facilities set amidst peaceful nature, could be the perfect retreat to rejuvenate after immersing yourself in Hue’s historic treasures.
