Hue Tomb - A Sacred Stop In Hue
The Hue tomb gives the sense of a lost and magical world. In each age, the Nguyen Dynasty rulers created their unique graves, which reflected their various temperaments, beliefs, and objectives. Therefore, you'll learn that the tombs represent more than simply the Nguyen Kings' lives and spirits. They also tell the tale of one of Vietnam's most fascinating historical periods, which includes national unity, military conquest, and the cultural legacy of French colonization.
The specialty of Hue tomb
Surprisingly, although the Nguyen Dynasty had 13 majesties, only seven mausoleums were created. Kings Gia Long (Thien Tho Lang), Minh Mang (Hieu Lang), Thieu Tri (Xuong Lang), Tu Duc (Khiem Lang), Duc Duc (An Lang), Dong Khanh (Tu Lang), and Khai Dinh (Ung Lang) is all buried here. All 7 mausoleums are positioned towards the west of Hue citadel, which is the emblem of the "Western sun" (the sun sets in the west) - representing the death of the King, especially when viewed from the old capital's center position.
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Hue Tomb for a dreamy experience: Tu Duc Tomb
Location: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket price: Children from 6 to 12 years old: 20.000 VND/pax. Adults: 100.000 VND/pax.
Emperor Tu Duc had a tremendous enthusiasm for art and poetry, which he directed into the creation of his romantic, legendary mausoleum. Tu Duc desired that his last resting place merge seamlessly with nature. It is the most organic and green of all the tombs. Therefore, the Tu Duc mausoleum is a place that many tourists confirm to be picturesque. For the best visit, bring a camera with you, to help you capture every moment.
Tu Duc presided over a drastically weaker Vietnam as the French tightened their colonial control. Rather than fighting a lost war, Tu Duc chose to build and enjoy his own mausoleum. Tu Duc visited his grave on a regular basis to write poetry and fish in the lake, and the complex was finished before his death. According to legend, Tu Duc was not buried here but at another unknown site to protect his wealth from tomb thieves.
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Hue Tomb for historical experience: Minh Mang Tomb
Location: Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district, Thua Thien Hue province
Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket price: Children from 6 to 12 years old: 20.000 VND/pax. Adults: 100.000 VND/pax.
Emperor Minh Mang carried on his father's legacy by leading a vast kingdom, smashing rebellions, and fending off the growing European threat. This Hue tomb is enormous and tidy, completed in 1843, reflects military might and successful conquest, but also cultural conservatism. Minh Mang's rule spanned modern-day Vietnam as well as Cambodia and Laos. His isolationist policies prohibited foreign missionaries and promoted Confucian philosophy.
This is the most abundant of the Hue tombs, with ponds blooming with colorful lotus flowers in the spring and picturesque pine-covered slopes. Minh Mang's last burial site is hidden behind a guarded gate that is only opened once a year, but you can approach near enough to the tall trees that surround him to pay your respects.
Hue Tomb for a unique experience: Khai Dinh Tomb
Location: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket price: Children from 6 to 12 years old: 20.000 VND/pax. Adults: 100.000 VND/pax.
The mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh divides opinion due to its dizzying mix of Eastern and Western influences. King Khai Dinh was the most eccentric and strange ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty, who reputedly supported French colonization. Khai Dinh, like his father, preferred imported luxury, lavished money on his tomb, and was mocked by nationalist leaders.
If other mausoleums provide a sense of tranquility and tranquillity, the Tomb of King Khai Dinh provides splendor upon magnificence. Although this mausoleum has a smaller space than other mausoleums, it is far superior in terms of richness and magnificence. It took ten years to accomplish this job. Most materials, such as ardoise tile, iron, steel, cement, porcelain, and tinted glass... are imported at exorbitant prices from Japan, China, and France. The imposing structure of the tomb is stunning for the picture to view.
Hue Tomb for Adventures: Gia Long Tomb
Location: Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district, Thua Thien Hue province
Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket price: 40.000 VND/pax.
The construction of Emperor Gia Long's lonely tomb was finished in 1820, making it the oldest and most atmospheric of the Hue tombs. This mausoleum, located 16 kilometers from the city, is secluded, rarely frequented, and the ideal project if you have wanderlust appetites to feed. The journey to the tomb is part of the enjoyment, as you travel by some of Hue's most eye-catching rural gems, like overgrown graveyards and colorful Buddhist monasteries.
Gia Long was the first Nguyen monarch and a pivotal figure in Vietnamese history. He reaffirmed Confucian ideals, relocated the capital from Hanoi to Hue, began building the Hue Citadel, and even established the name "Viet Nam." The tomb is massive, with different constructions scattered over the landscape.
Hue Tomb for inner peace: Thieu Tri Tomb
Location: Cu Chanh Village, Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District
Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket price: 40.000 VND/pax
Thieu Tri is arguably the least frequented of Hue's more accessible tombs. Emporer Thieu Tri shared his father's extreme conservatism, and his tomb is similar to that of his predecessor.
This is the only Hue tomb that is not surrounded by a wall, and the site is clearly split into a temple (for worship) and a crypt (for burial). While the temple has a beautifully renovated front entrance, much of Thieu Tri's tomb is still in ruins, a melancholy symbol for his empire's declining authority in the face of an impending colonial threat. Thieu Tri's grave will most likely be overlooked by the tombs of his predecessor and successor.
Hue Tomb for a quick visit: Duc Duc Tomb
Location: An Cuu Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Reference ticket price: 40,000 VND/time
If you don't want to go too far, you may visit Emperor Duc Duc’s mausoleum, which is located inside the city's borders. Duc Duc ruled for only three days before being ousted and put to death under dubious circumstances. His modest, humble mausoleum represents his short rule, and the spot was eventually used to bury his close kin. Duc Duc's wife, son, and grandchild were all laid to rest here. This is a beautiful, manicured mausoleum that evokes the renowned imperial architecture of Hue.
Hue Tomb for escaping to the countryside: Dong Khanh Tomb
Location: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: Summer: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Winter: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ticket price: 40.000 VND/pax
Emperor Dong Khanh is buried in a well-preserved mausoleum on a peaceful hill with beautiful rural views. The King died before the building started off, which had been difficult work for more than three decades and was overseen by his son. This is the earliest instance of combined styles in the Hue tomb. The Asian landscaping has a strong European Gothic impact. Dong Khanh ruled over Vietnam under French total power for only three years before dying in his early twenties. At the foot of the hill where this tomb is located, there lies a lovely, freshly rebuilt temple.
Some experiences to visit Hue tomb
With 7 tombs, you can easily choose the suitable one to add to your plan. Many tour itineraries arrange half of a day for tourists to see two or three tombs, depending on the guest’s group size and location. Minh Mang’s tomb and Khai Dinh’s tomb are the most-visited tombs in Hue.
When visiting the tomb, you should be careful about your clothes. The clothes should not be too short or too sexy, you should dress up politely and modestly. Please remember that you’re visiting sacred places.
Furthermore, due to the size of the mausoleum, you will have to walk a lot. This thing will make you tired a little bit, so don’t forget to bring a bottle of water and just light luggage.
Final Thoughts
As the land of the ancient capital, Hue captivates all visitors with ancient stories about kings, magnificent citadels, and especially the mausoleums of kings. Each tomb of Hue has a story of the king and the age. Therefore a trip to Hue will be even more extraordinary if you visit these tombs. Being fascinated by the construction and the stories behind the tomb is an unforgettable experience!
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