Tomb of Tu Duc is considered as one of the most beautiful tomb structures of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century not only because it is located in a romantic setting near the center of Hue city but also by its harmonious structure and exquisite decoration.
If you have the opportunity to set foot in the ancient capital without visiting ancient architectural works such as the Nguyen Dynasty tombs, it will be a big shortcoming for visitors. Especially when this complex has just been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage and one of the first historical sites of Vietnam to participate in the 3D digitized museum of the Google Arts & Culture project .
Historically, the Nguyen dynasty spent 143 years with 13 kings making a bold mark in the feudalism of Vietnam. However, only 7 tombs of the 7 kings were built and well preserved to this day. The most prominent are the four most beautiful tombs of Hue – the resting place of the four Nguyen kings Gia Long, Minh Mang, Tu Duc and Khai Dinh.
The scenery of King Tu Duc’s mausoleum appears like a picture full of classical colors. Photo: traveloka
In particular, the Tomb of Tu Duc , also known as Khiem Lang, is considered the most harmonious and beautiful tomb architecture of the Nguyen dynasty. Tu Duc is the 4th king of the Nguyen Dynasty. He was the longest-serving person in this feudal dynasty – about 36 years from 1847 to 1883.
If the ancient Gia Long tomb, the most majestic and magnificent Minh Mang mausoleum, Khai Dinh tomb tends towards the intersection of classical – modern, with many innovations in construction materials and decoration, then the mausoleum Tu Duc Hue has an elegant and poetic look. The tomb of the 4th king of the Nguyen Dynasty is located in the charming landscape of mountains and water, which is considered one of the most beautiful tomb architectural works of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century.
Tomb of Tu Duc is the place where the king rested, read books, and recited poetry while he was still alive. Photo: dulichvietnam
Through many ups and downs of history, this impressive architectural work has been faded away by time, but the mausoleum’s essence still remains completely, especially the Confucian, serene decoration. From the walls, ceilings, columns, lakes, gardens, pavilions, weights still exuding a regal expression that cannot be confused with anywhere else.
Architecturally, the mausoleum of King Tu Duc is bold in many details and especially in the classical decorations and surrounded by a green space of mountains and trees. This place is really the most suitable resting place for a king with the soul of a romantic poet but the most learned and profoundly Nguyen dynasty.
The harmony between man-made buildings and sentient nature makes this place a special beauty. Photo: Luffosten.
History of Tu Duc mausoleum
Tomb of Tu Duc was built by King Tu Duc as a place to rest, escape from the main court while the king was alive and as a resting place when the king died. According to historical records, Tu Duc is the 4th king, also a famous successor of the Nguyen dynasty, who also has the longest time in 13 kings of this period.
His real name is Nguyen Phuc Hong Nham, the second son of King Thieu Tri. He was chosen to be the successor because he is a gentle person, caring for the country, unlike his brother – also the eldest son of the king – who is not talented enough, has no will, is quite giddy. Since coming to the throne, King Tu Duc has proven himself to be a king who is well versed in government affairs and knows more consideration in handling public affairs. Even so, he still retains the character of a poet spirit, living with plants and flowers.
One of the most beautiful structures of the Nguyen Dynasty. Photo: Traveloka
Tu Duc’s enthronement process was not so smooth and even after that, he had no children, he was often sick and depressed.These reasons contributed to this king’s construction of a mausoleum. from the time he was alive, to both have a private place for him to rest, to dissipate his sorrows and a resting place to prevent the sudden death.
Tomb of Tu Duc since its inception, has gone through many different names, associated with each historical period. This is also the point that makes this tomb special compared to other kings. Initially, the mausoleum was called Van Nien Co and was started construction in 1864 with the meaning of a work lasting over time. According to the king’s calculations, the time to complete the mausoleum is within 6 years.
Architectural populations built in the 19th century are still preserved intact. Photo Traveloka
But in order for the project to be completed quickly, the court had to order hundreds of thousands of workers, villagers and soldiers to work hard in extreme weather conditions. This led to the rebellion named Chay Voi in 1866. Although quickly quenched, this uprising affected the reputation of King Tu Duc, even up to now there are still lines in folklore. About this arduous building process:
“Van Nien is Van Nien
The citadel built up soldiers’ bones, ditches the blood of the people. “
The quiet scene of Khiem Lang. Photo Traveloka
Therefore, in order to partly alleviate the resentment among the people, the king had to write a love eulogy and changed the name of Van Nien Co to Khiem Cung. The word “Khiem” here means respectful, humble. And accordingly, all the large and small works in the mausoleum have the word “Khiem”. Until 1873, Khiem Cung was officially completed and 10 years later, that is, in 1883 – after the death of King Tu Duc in the year, the mausoleum was called Khiem Lang. Today, it is still called the tomb of King Tu Duc.
Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum is also called Khiem Lang. Photo: dulichkhampha24
Geographical position of the tomb of Tu Duc Nguyen Dynasty
Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum is located only 7 km from Hue city center, closer than other tombs. So if you only have enough time to visit a Hue mausoleum, you should visit this place. Just like Dai Noi – Hue Citadel or Thien Mu pagoda 400 years old, coming to Khiem Lang, visitors will feel like they have just gone back in time to go back to the ancient times, namely the 19th century. , especially when this architectural ensemble spread over an area of nearly 475 hectares is preserved intact.
The mausoleum is located about 6 km from the center of Hue city. Photo: dulichkhampha24.
Tomb of Tu Duc is located in Thuy Bieu commune, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province. Before visiting the ancient capital, tourists can choose to rent a taxi or take a private car, which is also convenient and easy. A small note is that if you have a lot of time and a leisurely schedule, you should rent a car to go through a tour of other mausoleums around this area such as Minh Mang mausoleum, Khai Dinh mausoleum, because it is quite convenient .
How to move to Tu Duc mausoleum
Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum is located in a convenient location and easy to move. You can choose to book a taxi, rent a car, ride a motorbike, or even a bicycle. After choosing the appropriate vehicle, visitors simply go in the direction of Bui Thi Xuan, right at the beginning of Hue station, then go straight and turn to Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. Continuing to move a little more will come to Khiem Lang immediately. If you are still unsure, you can ask more people to come to the mausoleum more quickly.
Good time to visit Tu Duc mausoleum
The typical climate in Hue is a humid tropical monsoon type with all four seasons in a year, but it is most evident in the two seasons: sunny and rainy. The hot weather here is quite harsh, the rainy season is also persistent with many very cold times. So, according to the Hue travel experience of many tourists, you should choose to go between January and February. Because this is the most pleasant weather in Hue. This is also the most ideal time to visit and visit Hue tourist sites, historic sites such as Dai Noi, Thien Mu pagoda, Phu Cam church , Nguyen dynasty tombs, including mausoleums. King Tu Duc, …
The most beautiful tomb work of the 19th century. Photo: dulichkhampha24
Opening hours and fares to visit the tomb of King Tu Duc
Unlike many other Hue tourist destinations , the opening hours and hours of operation of the Tu Duc mausoleum are different between summer and winter. Accordingly, in the summer it will be open from 6:30 – 17:30, open 30 minutes later in winter and close 30 minutes earlier, from 7:00 – 17:00. If you are planning to travel to Hue, remember to rely on this travel to allocate time to travel to the appropriate places.
Most of the structures in the tomb area are built of bricks and stones. Photo: Traveloka
Tickets to the mausoleum, for Vietnamese tourists: 100,000 VND / adult, 20,000 VND / child. As for foreigners, it will be a little bit more of 150,000 VND / person.
The special structure of King Tu Duc’s mausoleum
Overlooking, the whole of Khiem Lang brings poetic scenery. The whole mausoleum appears in front of the visitors’ eyes like a picture with many classical colors. In the distance are bridges spanning a small, quiet lake, mixed with a few rows of green pines whispering in the wind in each direction, and the main and auxiliary works are arranged in harmony, not too dense. dotted up the scene for a peaceful, quiet scene.
Tourists coming here will experience the trip in a secluded but fresh and airy space. And in the midst of this special scene, it will not be difficult for you to get an extremely “classic” check-in photo, a subtle “antique” color in the heart of Hue.
Check-in with beautiful photos at the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc. Photo: dulichkhampha24
The architectural complex of Emperor Tu Duc’s mausoleum is located on a total area of 12 hectares with nearly 50 large and small works stretching and according to the king’s will, most of them have the word Khiem in the names such as Khiem Cung Mon, Luong Palace. Khiem, Minh Khiem Theater, Tinh Khiem Island.
The king’s mausoleum consists of 2 main parts and is cleverly arranged into two parallel axes. Accordingly, Giang Khiem mountain works in the front and Duong Xuan mountain is behind. In addition, Luu Khiem Lake was also selected as the roadside element. Most of the buildings here have names beginning with the word Khiem as Vu Khiem door passes in front of Khiem Mon Cung with winding Bat Trang brick streets.
Khiem Cung Mon. Photo: dulichkhampha24
– Khiem Cung Mon is a two-story structure built in the form of a gazebo and as its name suggests, is located on a high platform, in line with Du Khiem Ta. This is the place for the king to rest while he is still alive. In which, Hoa Khiem palace in the middle is the place where the king’s job. After his death, this place was used to worship King Tu Duc and his queen.
– Luong Khiem Palace: This palace is located right behind Hoa Khiem Palace. At that time, it was the king’s resting place, enjoying tea. Later, this place was used as a place to worship the mother of Emperor Tu Duc – Queen Dowager Duc Lady Tu Du. On the right side, Wen Khiem is where things are stored.
– Minh Khiem Theater is located on the left side of Khiem Luong Palace. This is the place for the king to see and sing. When you come here, remember to observe the supporting columns of the project because they are intricately carved with many prominent patterns. When the theater is closed, viewed from the outside, the sparkling and fanciful scene will gradually appear when all kinds of candles are lit. Today, this is one of the oldest theaters in Vietnam – interesting works and worth a visit with many visitors.
The image of the dragon fish on the gutter in Xung Khiem Ta. Photo: Bazaarvietnam
– Tinh Khiem Island : Originally a land to grow flowers and raise animals of the king when he felt too tired of government affairs. Not only airy space, fresh air, but in the island area there is a long canal with 3 curved bridges leading across to the green pine hill. That is why when he was still alive, the king often came here to enjoy flowers, write poems, and read books. Today, this romantic place has become a favorite stop for many tourists, and is also one of the beautiful virtual living spots in Hue , not inferior to the beautiful flower gardens in Hue.
– Tomb area: The most important area of Tu Duc tomb – king’s mausoleum is located right after being impregnated with electricity. The first work is Bai Dinh with two rows of martial arts officers. Immediately after Bai Dinh was Bi Dinh with a stone stele weighing more than 20 tons. Above, there was an inscription “Khiem Cung Ky” written by King Tu Duc himself. The entire essay is 4,935 words long, is considered an autobiography of the king about the life, merit and confession of King Tu Duc before history. The essay also mentions the king’s misfortunes, illnesses and many fears during his lifetime.
Bi Dinh is the place where the stone stele is engraved with the article Khiem Cung Ky, composed by King Tu Duc himself. Photo: Bazaarvietnam
Next is the brick Buu Thanh located on Tieu Khiem Tri with the middle part of the tomb of King Tu Duc. In addition, in Khiem Lang there is another quite special area that is Boi Lang – the resting place of King Kien Phuc – the 7th king of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Discover the beauty of Hue Tu Duc’s mausoleum
According to the remaining historical documents, King Tu Duc was the most learned among the 13 kings of Nguyen Dynasty about Eastern education. He is good at both history, philosophy and especially a very poetic man. After his death in 1883, the poet king left 600 poems, 4,000 Chinese poems and more than 100 Nom poems.
Built and completed since the king was still alive as a place to rest, recite poems, and enjoy tea when tired, the panorama of Khiem Lang is like a vast forest including an electric area and a mausoleum. architectural features harmoniously interwoven between lakes, forests and nature.
Viewed from above, Khiem Lang is like a large park. Photo: Traveloka
Many Hue tourists, after visiting the tomb of Tu Duc King, said that they were like walking into a large, green park with shade of green trees, quiet lake, poetic flower garden, not entering. visit the tomb. The mausoleum of the king with the longest reign of the Nguyen Dynasty can do that because it cleverly combines the beauty of man-made architecture and the charming features of nature, making this place a special beauty. distinctive and unforgettable.
With charming landscape and reasonable layout, this place is considered one of the most beautiful architectural works of Nguyen Dynasty. Because it is quite large and meticulously decorated, visitors will need about 3 to 4 hours to be able to visit all the sights of the Tu Duc mausoleum and surrounding mausoleums and monuments.
The bridges lead us to the green pine forest in the mausoleum. Photo: bazaarvietnam
With the electric area and the tomb arranged parallel to each other to make two main parts of the whole mausoleum, visitors will witness the beautiful works located right in the mausoleum. Do not hesitate to step through Khiem Cung Mon to reach the two-storey three-storey door and go through Vu Khiem and Son Than Temple to admire the beauty and sophistication of the landscape and architecture here.
And then stop by Linh Khiem Lake, you can freely watch the lotus flowers released a lot here to feel the simplicity, simplicity but purity of the flowers. On the island in the middle of the lake, people also plant flowers or raise animals.
Khiem Xie. Photo: vntrip
Like other ancient places in Hue like Thien Mu Pagoda, Phu Cam Church or Quoc Hoc Hue School , Khiem Lang has many beautiful scenes, classic photo angles. In each different season, Khiem Lang’s landscape is like an ancient painting with deep colors but extremely charming. So it is not difficult for you to get pictures of “virtual life” boldly ancient in this special Hue tourist destination, especially when you combine with ao dai and conical hats.
Tomb of Tu Duc has undergone many ups and downs of history, still resides here and there as a testament to a unique architectural work of the Nguyen Dynasty and will forever be a valuable asset of our people. Hue tourism do not forget to visit the Tu Duc mausoleum, you will surely have a meaningful trip and many new experiences!