Springtime Excursion: Immerse in the Poetic Beauty of Hue’s Royal Tombs

The Imperial Tombs of Hue are iconic symbols of the ancient capital of Hue. Join us as we explore the pinnacle of Nguyen dynasty architecture in this article!

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Not only is Hue famous for its romantic and picturesque landscapes, but it also captivates visitors with its mysterious historical relics in the form of tombs and mausoleums from the Nguyen Dynasty. When visiting these sites, one can expect to be awe-struck by the grand designs of a bygone era. The dreamy natural scenery, ancient and majestic architecture, all come together to form a captivating and vibrant living painting that draws one’s gaze.

1 Gia Long Tomb (Thien Tho Tomb)

Gia Long Tomb (Thien Tho Tomb)

Quality Rating: 4.6/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Huong Tho, Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue 

Price: Approximately 150,000 VND/ticket

Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:30 PM (Usually crowded at 04:00 PM)

Phone Number: 02343523237 

Website: Hue Monuments Conservation Centre 

Pros: Spacious compound, dreamy winding road leading to the tomb, lush green grass, and scattered pine trees. Simple tomb design, with beautiful scenery and a lake as its main attractions…

Cons: The different areas within the tomb are quite far from each other.

Thien Tho Tomb, also known as the Gia Long Tomb, is the mausoleum of Emperor Gia Long (1762-1820), the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is located in Huong Tho Commune, Hue City, and is actually a complex of several tombs within the imperial family. When visiting the Gia Long Tomb, one can expect to behold a breathtaking fusion of nature and Nguyen-era architecture. The majestic landscape, serene yet poetic atmosphere, and classical design style come together to create a perfect space for contemplation on the triumphs and failures of life, as well as the glory and shame of the first Nguyen emperor.

Thien Tho Tomb or Gia Long Tomb

2 Thieu Tri Tomb (Xuan Tomb)

Thieu Tri Tomb (Xuan Tomb)

Quality Rating: 4.3/5 (Rated by Google)

Address:Thuy Bang, Huong Thuy, Thua Thien Hue 

Price: Approximately 50,000 VND/ticket

Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM (Usually crowded at 03:00 PM)

Phone Number: 02343523237 

Website: Hue Monuments Conservation Centre 

Pros: The Thieu Tri Tomb complex is quite spacious, with beautiful scenery, lots of trees, a lotus lake, and a pine hill. It’s a great place to visit during the summer as it offers a cool and relaxing atmosphere.

Cons: The site is still undergoing restoration, and many of the relics are in a state of disrepair.

The Thieu Tri Tomb, or Xuan Tomb, is the final resting place of Emperor Thieu Tri (1807 – 1847). Located in Cu Chanh Village, Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District (now part of Hue City), the tomb has a unique design that differs significantly from the tombs of other emperors, both preceding and succeeding Thieu Tri. It is the only tomb that faces northwest, and about 8km ahead of the tomb is the “Money Mountain” (Ngon Cham). The tomb is guarded on either side by the Vong Canh hill, located about 1km away, and the Ngoc Tran Mountain on the left. The gentle Huong River creates a sense of feng shui for the tomb.

Minh Mang Tomb (Hieu Tomb)

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue 

Price: 30,000 – 150,000 VND/ticket

Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 05:00 PM (Usually crowded at 10:00 AM)

Phone Number: 02343523237 

Website: Hue Monuments Conservation Centre 

Pros: The tomb retains its ancient charm, with a solemn atmosphere and well-preserved structures.

Cons: More detailed and clear information about Emperor Minh Mang is needed.

The Minh Mang Tomb, also known as the Hieu Tomb, is located in Huong Tra, Thua Thien Hue. It sits atop Cam Khe Mountain, about 14km from the center of Hue City, near the Bang Lang fork, where the romantic Huong River is formed. Construction of the tomb began in 1840, and it boasts two beautiful lakes and exquisite architectural embellishments. The Hieu Tomb is one of the most majestic and imposing tombs of the Nguyen emperors.

Minh Mang Tomb or Hieu Tomb

4 Dong Khanh Tomb (Tu Tomb)

Dong Khanh Tomb (Tu Tomb)

Quality Rating: 4.5/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Doan Nhu Hai, Thuy Xuan, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue 

Price: Approximately 100,000 VND/ticket

Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM (Usually crowded at 02:00 PM)

Phone Number: 02343523237 

Website: Hue Monuments Conservation Centre 

Pros: Quiet and serene atmosphere, with a beautiful and ancient architectural design.

Cons: The entrance fee is quite high compared to the scale of the site.

The Dong Khanh Tomb, or Tu Tomb, was constructed in Cu Si Village, now known as Thuong Hai Village, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City. Surrounding the Dong Khanh Tomb are several tombs belonging to the king’s relatives. A visit to the Dong Khanh Tomb offers a tranquil and intimate experience, with a design that evokes a sense of ancient nostalgia.

Dong Khanh Tomb or Tu Tomb

5 Khai Dinh Tomb (Ung Tomb)

Khai Dinh Tomb (Ung Tomb)

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Hue, Thua Thien Hue 

Price: 30,000 – 150,000 VND/ticket

Opening Hours:
07:00 AM – 05:30 PM (Usually crowded at 11:00 AM)

Phone Number: 02343523237 

Website: Hue Monuments Conservation Centre 

Pros: Grand and impressive architectural design.

Cons: Lacks the abundance of greenery and shade found in other tombs.

Emperor Khai Dinh (1916-1925) was the 12th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty and the last to build a tomb in preparation for his death. The Khai Dinh Tomb, while not the largest, is a grand, meticulous, and aesthetically pleasing structure. It represents the pinnacle of ceramic and glass art, and its construction may have caused hardship for the people of that time due to the amount of labor and time required.

Khai Dinh Tomb

6 Tu Duc Tomb (Khiem Tomb)

Tu Duc Tomb (Khiem Tomb)

Quality Rating: 4.4/5 (Rated by Google)

Address: Dong Ba Bridge, Thuong Village, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue 

Price: 30,000 – 150,000 VND/ticket

Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:30 PM (Usually crowded at 02:00 PM)

Phone Number: 02343523237 

Website: Hue Monuments Conservation Centre 

Pros: Surrounded by lush green mountains and trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Unique and classical architecture that exudes both majesty and a sense of lightness. Clear lake water with schools of fish. A wonderful place to spend a day.

Cons: The larger chambers can get crowded during peak seasons; the entrance fee is quite high; the restrooms lack odor control.

The Tu Duc Tomb, or Khiem Tomb, is located in a narrow valley in Thuong Ba Village, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City. Nestled in a vast pine forest, about 8km from Hue, it is one of the most beautiful structures of Nguyen-era royal architecture. The Tu Duc Tomb resembles a picturesque landscape painting when viewed from the Vu Khiem gate, with the calm Luu Khiem lake in the foreground. On the lake are the Xung Khiem Ta and Du Khiem Ta structures, where the emperor often came to admire flowers, compose poetry, and read books.

Tu Duc Tomb or Khiem Tomb

We hope that through this article, you have gained a deeper understanding of the architectural beauty of our ancestors and have also discovered a captivating destination to explore on your next trip!

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Frequently asked questions

The article is a travel guide and a poetic ode to the royal tombs of Hue, Vietnam. It invites readers to explore these majestic sites during springtime, when the flowers are in bloom and the weather is pleasant. The piece highlights the historical and cultural significance of the tombs, as well as the natural beauty that surrounds them.

The royal tombs of Hue are situated along the picturesque Perfume River, about 5 kilometers from the city center. They are easily accessible by boat, car, or bicycle.

The royal tombs were constructed for the emperors and important figures of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Each tomb is a unique monument dedicated to a specific ruler, reflecting their personality and achievements during their reign.

The royal tombs of Hue are known for their harmonious blend of architecture, landscape, and poetry. They feature ornate pavilions, majestic statues, and intricate stone carvings. Each tomb is set within a picturesque landscape, with carefully designed gardens, lakes, and trees, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Spring, which falls between February and April in Hue, offers mild and pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for exploration. The tombs are surrounded by blooming flowers, including lotus ponds and fragrant orchid gardens, adding to the poetic beauty of the sites.

Yes, the Hue Festival is a biennial cultural event that takes place in the city, including the royal tombs. It features traditional art performances, rituals, and reenactments of royal ceremonies, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Visitors can reach Hue by air, train, or bus. The city offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. To explore the royal tombs, visitors can join organized tours or hire a local guide. Exploring by bicycle is also a popular option, allowing visitors to travel at their own pace and enjoy the scenic surroundings.