Dong Khanh Tomb is the resting place of the 9th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. This ancient structure features a unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. Join DanangPrivateCar.com to explore this remarkable tomb!
Besides the location near the tombs of other kings, Dong Khanh mausoleum also possesses spaces of high value in architecture, painting and decoration.
The following article provides some information about Dong Khanh Tomb of Hue . Hope it will be useful for you on your upcoming trip.
Table of Contents
Where is Dong Khanh Tomb?
Tomb of Dong Khanh or Tu Lang is the resting place of King Dong Khanh – the 9th king of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Located between the two tombs of Thieu Tri and Tu Duc, Dong Khanh Tomb belongs to Cu Si village, Duong Xuan canton, today is Thuong Hai village, Thuy Xuan commune, Hue city.
How to get to Dong Khanh Tomb in Hue?
From the city center. In Hue, you move in the direction of Bui Thi Xuan Street, then turn to Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. From here you will see Tu Duc Tomb.
Then continue to go about more than 100m, pay attention to the left hand direction, you will see a sign indicating the way to the tomb of King Dong Khanh. Google maps
Opening Hours & Entrance Fees for Dong Khanh Tomb
Dong Khanh mausoleum ticket prices are updated to the latest, specifically:
- Adults: 100,000 VND/time.
- Children 7-12 years old: free admission.
Time to visit: Tomb of King Dong Khanh is open to welcome guests on all days of the week, from Monday to Sunday (time frame from 7am to 17h30).
History of Dong Khanh Tomb
King Dong Khanh passed away at the young age of 25, before having the chance to plan the construction of his own tomb. After his ascension to the throne, he noticed that the tomb of his father, Kien Thai Vuong (1845–1876), lacked a proper worship hall, so he ordered the construction of Truy Tu Temple to honor his father. However, during its construction, the king fell ill and passed away. The temple was later renamed Tu Lang Biệt Điện, and the king’s shrine was placed inside, now known as Ngu Hy Temple.
After King Thanh Thai ascended the throne, the country faced a period of difficulty and complexity. As a result, the royal court decided to use the incomplete temple as a place to worship King Dong Khanh and selected a plot of land about 100 meters to the southwest to serve as his burial site.
Three months after King Khai Dinh came to power, he ordered renovations on the tomb and the completion of the unfinished structures. By July 1917, the basic construction was completed, and by 1923, the entire project was finished.
Architecture of Dong Khanh Tomb – a harmonious and impressive combination
In fact, the construction of King Dong Khanh’s mausoleum took place many times, over a long period of 35 years (1888-1923), through 4 kings: Dong Khanh, Thanh Thai, Duy Tan, Khai Dinh. Therefore, Tu Lang bears the imprint of two architectural schools of two different historical times.
Temple Area
The temple area features an architectural complex facing southeast, with the Biet Dien section showcasing buildings with traditional ancient designs. The main temple and the auxiliary halls are resplendent with red lacquer and gold gilding. In front of the temple, there is a semicircular pond serving as the “minh đường” element, with Thien An Hill acting as a natural barrier.
With its unique “Tam” character layout and layered architecture, the temple boasts a distinctive design. There are numerous stained-glass windows in various colors, along with two ancient paintings depicting the French-Napoleonic War. In addition to ancient artifacts, modern items such as perfume bottles, canes, and clocks are also displayed here.
Visitors will be particularly impressed by Trung Hy Temple, which is renowned for housing a wealth of traditional Vietnamese red lacquer and gold gilding art, as well as lacquer painting.
Tomb Area
The Dong Khanh Tomb faces east-southeast, with Thien Thai Mountain serving as a natural front barrier. While the temple area retains a traditional style, the tomb’s architecture is almost entirely Westernized, from the decorative details and architectural lines to the materials used.
Visitors can also notice a blend of European and Eastern architectural styles, such as the tall, slender statues of officials made from cement and brick instead of stone, and ardoise roof tiles replacing traditional royal tiles.
Some Tips for Exploring Dong Khanh Tomb in Hue
- It’s best to visit Hue and Dong Khanh Tomb around January and February when the weather is pleasant and not too harsh, making travel more convenient.
- Research the best photography spots before arriving at the tomb to capture the most beautiful frames.
- If you’re staying in Da Nang or Hoi An, you can book a day trip from Da Nang to Hue to visit Dong Khanh Tomb, along with other famous tourist attractions in Hue.
- Rent a motorbike in Hue for the fastest way to reach Dong Khanh Tomb. If you’re unable to ride a motorbike, you can use the private car service in Hue from DanangPrivateCar.com.
Conclusion
Dong Khanh Tomb is renowned for its unique and harmonious blend of classical and modern elements, combining the contrasting cultures of the East and West. This site holds significant historical, architectural, and artistic value. If you have the chance to visit Hue, take some time to explore and learn about this tomb, where ancient and contemporary beauty converge.
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