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Khai Dinh Mausoleum is a precious gem of Hue's heritage, renowned for its exquisite porcelain artistry and unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture.
Khai Dinh Mausoleum, also known as Ung Tomb, stands as one of the most important landmarks among the royal tombs in Hue. It stands out with its unique combination of sophisticated design and elaborate porcelain artistry. This masterpiece reflects the craftsmanship of artisans and the refinement in integrating Eastern culture with Western architecture. Khai Dinh Mausoleum is not only a pinnacle of architectural artistry but also a vivid portrayal of the region's history and culture.
Exploring Khai Dinh Mausoleum not only takes you on an intriguing journey to the past but also offers you a chance to immerse in timeless beauty. Join fellow Klookers in discovering Khai Dinh Mausoleum - a pinnacle of unique mausoleum architecture in Hue and Vietnam.
Introduction to King Khai Dinh's Mausoleum
Where is Khai Dinh Mausoleum Located?
Situated on Chau Chu Mountain, in Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy town, Thua Thien Hue province, Khai Dinh Mausoleum possesses not only majestic natural beauty but also creates a serene and solemn space in harmony with the historical nature of the site.
From the center of Hue city, you can easily reach Ung Tomb, as the two places are only about 10 km apart. This provides convenient conditions for #teamKlook to explore the historical and artistic beauty of this place while still being able to visit other attractions in Hue on the same day.
History of Building Khai Dinh Mausoleum
Khai Dinh Mausoleum has a unique construction history, reflecting the flourishing of art and culture during the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam. This structure was built during the last period of the Nguyen dynasty, in the 20th century, when King Khai Dinh ascended the throne in 1916 and officially ruled in 1917.
The construction of Khai Dinh Mausoleum lasted from 1920 to 1931, for a total of 11 years. This project consumed a significant amount of manpower and resources to create a unique architectural and artistic masterpiece. Noteworthy is the combination of traditional East Asian architecture and Western architectural style, demonstrating the influence of architectural styles from various countries, such as France, China, and Japan.
In addition to its unique architecture, Khai Dinh Mausoleum is also famous for its exquisite porcelain artistry, with meticulously crafted paintings and motifs. This is a testament to the excellence of Hue court architecture, along with the creativity and talent of the porcelain craftsmen of that time.
Architectural Design of Khai Dinh Mausoleum
Exterior Architecture
Constructed on a mountain peak with its main entrance facing west, the mausoleum features a staircase of 127 stone steps leading to its various levels.
Another prominent feature of the exterior architecture is the use of various precious stones and ceramics for decoration. The stone and porcelain statues are harmoniously arranged, creating an impressive space. Additionally, the columns and vaults of the mausoleum combine elements of Eastern and Western architecture, resulting in a unique heritage site.
Interior Architecture
Inside Khai Dinh Mausoleum, you will be immersed in the refinement of porcelain artistry. The main chamber, where King Khai Dinh is entombed, is adorned with exquisite porcelain paintings, motifs, and statues.
Tips for Visiting Khai Dinh Mausoleum Independently
How to Get to Hue's Khai Dinh Mausoleum
To reach Khai Dinh Mausoleum in Hue, #teamKlook has several options:
- By bus: From Dong Ba Market bus station, you can take a bus to Khai Dinh Mausoleum. However, you need to check the schedule and routes to ensure the best choice. Additionally, if you're traveling to Khai Dinh Mausoleum from Danang or Hoi An, consider purchasing Bus Tickets to Hue from Danang & Vice Versa or Luxury Limousine and Bus Tickets to Hue from Hoi An & Vice Versa on Klook Vietnam.
- By taxi: This is a convenient and fast way to reach Khai Dinh Mausoleum. You can easily find taxi services in Hue and specify Khai Dinh Mausoleum as your destination.
- By personal vehicle: The road from the city center of Hue to Khai Dinh Mausoleum is relatively short, taking only about 20 minutes by car, convenient for traveling by motorbike or car. Getting to Khai Dinh Mausoleum is even more convenient when renting a self-drive car on Klook.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for Khai Dinh Mausoleum
Khai Dinh Mausoleum is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Currently, tickets are required for visiting Khai Dinh Mausoleum. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: 150,000 VND/ticket
- Children: 30,000 VND/ticket
Attractions at Khai Dinh Mausoleum
1. Tam Quan Gate
Tam Quan Gate is one of the prominent and noteworthy points at Khai Dinh Mausoleum. It not only marks the beginning of the sightseeing journey but also holds significant historical and artistic value. With majestic architecture, to reach this site, #teamKlook needs to climb 37 steps. Particularly, Tam Quan Gate is constructed in the Indochinese style with meticulously designed pillars and columns. This combination creates a unique architecture, reflecting the blend of cultural and historical elements in the Nguyen dynasty.
2. Nghi Mon Gate - Bai Dinh Courtyard
From Tam Quan Gate, you climb an additional 29 stone steps to reach Nghi Mon Gate and Bai Dinh Courtyard. Upon arrival, #teamKlook will feel the solemnity and authority while standing where the court scene of the Khai Dinh era is reproduced. Bai Dinh Courtyard attracts tourists with its statues of courtiers and soldiers arranged in four symmetric rows. Each statue is an exquisite piece of art, with details meticulously crafted.
3. Bi Dinh
Bi Dinh at Khai Dinh Mausoleum is a remarkable structure with unique architecture and profound historical significance. This structure has an octagonal shape and is built with reinforced concrete. Influenced by Buddhist architecture, the two sides of Bi Dinh feature two symbolic columns representing two candles. The highlight of Bi Dinh is a stone stele about 3.1 meters high recording valuable information about the life and career of King Khai Dinh.
4. Palace of the Thien Dinh
Located at the highest point of the Mausoleum, the Palace of the Thien Dinh is considered the main architecture of the mausoleum as it is the burial place of King Khai Dinh. A sacred and solemn place, the Palace of the Thien Dinh has a unique and complex design, blending tradition and modernity, consisting of five adjacent sections. Particularly, it is adorned with pieces of enamel made from glass and porcelain imported from Japan and China.
5. Khai Thanh Palace
The Khai Thanh Palace is part of the Thien Dinh Palace, serving as the place of worship and the tomb of King Khai Dinh. Here, you will see a bronze statue of the king with meticulous details, sophistication, and a heavy sarcophagus weighing up to 1 ton made of reinforced concrete crafted with great precision. Together, they create a deeply historical space, where #teamKlook can admire the distinctive architecture and learn valuable information about Vietnam's cultural heritage.
6. Bronze Statue of King Khai Dinh
At Ung Lang, you can find two bronze statues of King Khai Dinh. The first statue is placed on the golden throne inside the Khai Thanh Palace, carved in 1920 by two French and German craftsmen. Subsequently, a craftsman in Hue gilded this statue. The second statue is a standing statue of the king, cast in Hue by a bronze craftsman from Quang Nam. Initially, this statue was placed in the An Dinh Palace, but in 1975, it was relocated to the Thien Dinh Palace.
Tourist Attractions Near Khai Dinh Mausoleum in Hue
1. Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc
As one of the important historical sites of the Nguyen dynasty, the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc is the resting place of Emperor Tu Duc. This place is famous for its unique architecture and magnificent structures such as Khiem Cung Mon, Dien Luong Khiem, Minh Khiem Theater, Xung Khiem Pavilion, Tinh Khiem Island, etc. Additionally, the lush green gardens with ancient trees also highlight the cool and peaceful atmosphere of Tu Duc's tomb.
2. Imperial City of Hue
Built in the 19th century, the Imperial City of Hue, also known as the Hue Citadel, is one of Vietnam's cultural and historical treasures. The architectural complex within the Imperial City includes palaces, temples, tombs, and various other structures. Each structure bears distinctive historical and artistic significance. Besides its exquisite architecture, the Hue Citadel also preserves many stories about kings and nobles, wealth, and power of the Nguyen dynasty.
3. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the symbols of Hue. With over 400 years of existence, Thien Mu Pagoda has become an attractive destination for #teamKlook to explore the religion, culture, and history of Hue. The pagoda features solemn architecture and is famous for the Phuoc Duyen tower, Dai Hung shrine, Dia Tang shrine, and the Dai Hong Chung bell, among others.
4. Abandoned Water Park Ho Thuy Tien
Ho Thuy Tien Water Park is famous for its eerie beauty and has become a mysterious tourist attraction in Hue. The entire park has become rusty and faded due to the erosive effects of time. Concrete walls are destroyed and covered with wild grass and moss roots. This creates a space full of strangeness and mystery that not everyone dares to explore. The desolate and gloomy landscape of this park attracts many visitors, especially foreign tourists.
5. Dong Ba Market
Dong Ba Market is one of the most famous and worth-visiting markets in the city of Hue. The market sells everything from traditional clothes, jewelry, lanterns, to handmade products such as conical hats, ao dai, etc. However, the most special and outstanding point at Dong Ba Market is the variety of specialty Hue dishes. You can indulge in traditional dishes such as banh beo, banh nam, bun bo Hue, banh khoai, and many other delicious dishes right at the market.
Hotels and Resorts Near Khai Dinh Tomb
1. Nice Hue Hotel
Nice Hotel offers a cozy and comfortable space with various types of rooms to meet all the accommodation needs of #teamKlook. This hotel provides fully equipped rooms, ensuring you have a comfortable rest after a day of exploring Khai Dinh Tomb.
- Address: 27 Hai Ba Trung, Hue City
- Price Range: from 400,000 VND/night
2. The Scarlett Boutique Hotel
With modern and unique design, the rooms at The Scarlett Boutique Hotel blend high-class interior with luxurious space. This hotel promises to provide maximum comfort and relaxation for you.
- Address: 17/1 Ben Nghe, Hue City
- Price Range: from 700,000 VND/night
3. Mondial Hue Hotel
Mondial Hue Hotel offers a variety of room types such as single rooms, double rooms, deluxe rooms, etc. This accommodation also has a fitness center and an outdoor swimming pool to meet your personal needs.
- Address: 17 Nguyen Hue, Hue City
- Price Range: from 650,000 VND/night
4. La Vela Hotel Hue
With bright and well-equipped rooms, La Vela Hotel Hue offers comfort during your stay. Additionally, this hotel features a restaurant with a variety of dishes, an infinity pool, and a modern fitness center.
- Address: 17 Dong Nam Thuy An, Hue City
- Price Range: from 1 million VND/night
5. Pilgrimage Village Hue
Pilgrimage Village offers a tranquil resort space amidst nature. With bright villas and rooms, you will enjoy privacy and serenity. Additionally, activities like yoga and meditation here can help you relax your mind.
- Address: 130 Minh Mang, Hue City
- Price Range: from 1.1 million VND/night
Tips for Visiting Khai Dinh Tomb
When visiting Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue, #teamKlook should wear appropriate, comfortable clothing and follow the instructions of the site managers. If necessary, you can hire a tour guide to learn more about the history of the monument. Also, keep an eye on the weather and avoid crowded holidays for the best experience when visiting this site.
Exploring Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue is a journey of learning about Vietnam's history, art, and culture. With its unique architecture, exquisite porcelain decorations, and impressive historical significance, this tomb is one of the fantastic attractions in the Ancient Capital of Hue. #teamKlook can also read more about 34 Famous Hue Tourist Attractions for Independent Travelers, Hue Photography: 16 Beautiful, Poetic Places Not to Miss, 10 Hue Resorts Worthy of Being Called Paradise Resorts, Hue Travel Itinerary from Da Nang for Only 1,510,000 VND,.. for more useful information for your upcoming trip.
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