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Explore Hue's moss-enshrouded towers hidden in hills and stone sentinels guarding the departed, bringing to life a world almost forgotten.
Hue: A Realm of Royal Sepulchers
The Nguyen emperors personally designed their tombs, each reflecting their distinct temperament and philosophy, embodying their lives and spirits.
These tombs recount a period of Vietnam's tumultuous history, including national unification, military conquests, and the cultural influences of French colonialism.
Gia Long Tomb – An Adventurer's Recommendation
Emperor Gia Long's isolated tomb, finalized in 1820, stands as the earliest among Hue's tombs. Located 16 km from the city, its remoteness makes it an ideal spot for explorers.
Accessing the tomb provides a journey through Hue's stunning landscapes, including overgrown cemeteries and vibrant Buddhist monasteries.
As the inaugural Nguyen dynasty emperor, Gia Long significantly bolstered Confucianism, established Hue as the capital, initiated the Imperial City's construction, and coined the term 'Viet Nam'. His vast tomb spans the lush countryside with diverse structures.
A complete exploration of this tomb during your Hue visit requires either a morning or an afternoon. It's reachable by car, but cycling or motorbiking offers a scenic route along the enchanting Perfume River.
Minh Mang Tomb – A must for history and culture enthusiasts.
Emperor Minh Mang, succeeding his father, governed a vast empire, suppressed uprisings, and countered colonial threats. Completed in 1843, his structured tomb mirrors his military strength and conservative cultural stance.
Minh Mang's empire extended throughout modern Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. His isolationist policies restricted foreign missionaries and promoted long-standing Confucian ideals from China.
Minh Mang's tomb, the most solemn of all in Hue, is adorned with vibrant lotus ponds in spring and pine-covered hills. Its final resting place is sealed behind a gate opened only once annually.
Thieu Tri Tomb – A serene retreat from the bustling city.
Among Hue's accessible tombs, Thieu Tri's is notably the least visited. He shared his father's conservative nature, with similarities between his and Minh Mang's tombs.
Thieu Tri's tomb is unique for lacking surrounding walls, clearly separating the temple from the burial site. While the temple's front gate is meticulously restored, much of Thieu Tri's tomb remains in ruins.
Tu Duc Tomb – A sanctuary for dreamers, offering tranquility and historical depth.
Emperor Tu Duc's deep passion for art and poetry influenced the creation of his magnificent, romantic tomb, designed to harmonize with nature, making it the most verdant among all royal tombs.
During Tu Duc's reign, Vietnam's feudal system weakened significantly due to increased French colonial constraints. Instead of opposing the French, Tu Duc focused on building his own tomb.
The elaborate tomb complex was completed before his death, with Tu Duc often visiting to compose poetry and fish in its lake. It's rumored he is not actually buried here but in an undisclosed location to protect a hidden treasure from grave robbers.
Tu Duc's Tomb is a favorite among Hue tourists for its beauty. Visitors are advised to bring a camera, prepare thoroughly, and visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Dong Khanh Tomb – The prime location for countryside views, resting on a quiet hill with stunning rural scenery. Dong Khanh passed away before the tomb's construction began, which took over three decades under his son's supervision, resulting in a blend of architectural styles.
Emperor Dong Khanh's final resting place is atop a serene hill, offering breathtaking views of the countryside. The construction, which lasted more than three decades and was overseen by his son, features a diverse mix of architectural designs.
The influence of European gothic architecture is evident in Dong Khanh's reign, which was under full French control for three years until his untimely death in his twenties. A beautiful temple at the base of the hill near his tomb remains a popular visitation site.
Khai Dinh Tomb – A refreshing choice for something different.
Emperor Khai Dinh's tomb stands out for its divisive blend of Eastern and Western architecture, marking him as the most unconventional Nguyen emperor, known for embracing French colonialism.
Khai Dinh favored lavish foreign luxuries for his tomb, leading to considerable expenditure and subsequent ridicule by nationalist leaders.
This tomb is distinct from others, featuring staircases that ascend a pine-covered hill. It showcases architectural influences from China, Vietnam, France, and even Cambodia.
The most striking feature for many is the contrast between its exterior and interior: Khai Dinh opted for white concrete for the facade (now darkened with details) and opulent, intricate mosaics and wall paintings for the interior.
After exploring Khai Dinh Tomb in detail, step back for a panoramic view of this architectural marvel, offering a prime opportunity for stunning photography.
Courtesy of Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourSeptember 21, 2022
