For years, Hue city is the capital of Vietnam and home of emperors. So, it is easy to see a lot of tombs and pagodas lying everywhere in and around when you visit Hue. Most of them belongs to Nguyen dynasty and can be found along the Perfume River. Visiting some of them should be included in your trip. Below is a list of tombs that worth your visit. Tours in Indochina
Tu Duc Tomb
Among the tombs built under Nguyen dynasty, Tu Duc is considered one of the most beautiful designed complexes. Located in a valley which is 8 km away from Hue, it is the final resting place of the Emperor Tu Duc (1848-1883). The tomb complex were built around 1864-1867. Before the emperor died, he used the tomb as a palatial retreat with his wives and concubines. Inside the complex, there are 50 gates, buildings, pavilions and terraces. The tomb is divided into two parts: the tomb area itself and the temple area. Note that despite the site’s grandeur and the amount of time the emperor spent there, this is not the place he was actually buried. The admission fee to the complex is 55,000 VND.
Beautiful design of Tu Duc tomb- source: internet
Minh Mang Tomb
The Minh Mang Tomb, another must see tomb, is situated 12 km outside the city, on Cam Ke Hill. The tomb was named after Emperor Minh Mang who founded the last Vietnamese dynasty. It took him fourteen years to find the suitable location for the tomb. However, he died during building phase so he was buried in Buu Thanh in 1841. The tomb was completed 2 years later. The tomb is famous for its architecture and harmoniously surrounding landscape. Like other tombs of this period, the tomb consists of these elements: outer walls, triple gate, Stele House, Salutation Court, temples, lakes, pavilions, gardens and the tomb. Tours in Vietnam
Minh Mang tomb in Hue- source: internet
Khai Dinh Tomb
The slope of Chau Chu mountain is the location where Emperor Khai Dinh chose to build his tomb. The tomb was built between 1920 and 1931. The structure of the tomb is a mixture of Vietnamese and Western concepts. Khai Dinh Tomb is seen as a symbol of the decline of Vietnamese culture during the colonial era. The tomb is much smaller than other emperor tombs in Hue. Its construction is a hill-site emerging rectangular structure with 127 steps. It is noticeable that the tomb is made of glassy and ceramic mosaics, which is a masterpiece of Vietnamese artisans in the 20th century.
Inside Khai Dinh Tomb- source: internet
Gia Long Tomb
In fact, Gia Long is a group of tombs including those of Emperor’s relatives. The complex is spread on 42 small and big mounts. The largest mountain is Dai Thien Tho, so the tomb was named after it. Gia Long tomb is divided into three main parts. The tomb of Emperor and his wife is located on a flat, big hill in the middle of the complex. Up on the hill top is Buu Thanh which is symbol of happiness and longevity. Minh Thanh temple, on the right of the complex, is the place where the Emperor and his wife are honored. Here is also the place to display many artifacts related to the Emperor.
Gia Long tomb- source: internet
Tomb of Dong Khanh
Just 200km from Tu Duc Tomb, Dong Khanh has a complicated history of building. Prolonged over 35 years and 4 kings of Vietnam, the tomb’s architecture is a mixture of influence under these times. Ngung Hy Temple, where worships King Dong Khanh, is the most notable site in the complex. It is well-equipped with calligraphy and typical royal furniture. Besides, Ngung Hy also started a new era of arts inspired by Eastern and Western traits. The tomb area, on the contrary, has its design almost influenced by Western style, from decorative models to building materials. Instead of stone, the Stele Pavillion was built with cement and tile bricks.
Tomb of Dong Khanh- source: internet
Each tomb has its own characteristics that attract the visitors. If you want to understand more about Vietnamese history under Nguyen dynasty, these tombs in Hue would be a great choice. Hope you have great time there.
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