Known as one of the most beautiful tombs in the ancient capital of Hue, Vietnam, and recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1993, the Tomb of Tu Duc in Hue is a pride for Vietnam. It is the first historical site in Hue as well as Vietnam to be featured in the 3D digital museum as part of the Google Arts & Culture project. Let’s explore what the Tu Duc Tomb has to offer with DanangPrivateCar.com’s.
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Where is Tu Duc Tomb?
Built in a narrow valley, Tomb of Tu Duc (Khem Lang) belongs to Duong Xuan Thuong village, now Thuong Ba village, Thuy Xuan commune, Hue city, located on the right side of romantic Canh Vong hill. Google Maps
Khiem Lang is also the most attractive destination among the mausoleums of kings in Hue.
Guide on how to get to the Tomb of Tu Duc in Hue
According to the reviews from DanangPrivateCar.com, the tomb is one of the few Nguyen Dynasty tombs located near the city of Hue, so the route to get there is quite straightforward. Let’s take a look at the directions to the Tomb of Tu Duc with DanangPrivateCar.com.
Directions to the Tomb of Tu Duc
The Tomb of Tu Duc is situated 6km from the center of Hue. From Bui Thi Xuan Street, turn onto Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street. Then, go straight and turn left onto Doan Nhu Hai Street. Along this stretch, you can ask the locals for directions to the Tomb of Tu Duc to make your journey even easier.
Modes of Transportation
The route to the tomb is easy to navigate, so you can travel by taxi, Grab, bicycle, motorbike, or even by bicycle if you prefer, especially considering Hue’s intense sunny weather.
If you are looking for a quick and convenient means of transportation with door-to-door service, you can book the private car rental service with a driver in Hue from DanangPrivateCar.com’s. With a team of experienced drivers, they will ensure you have the safest and most comfortable journey. If you are in Da Nang or Hoi An, you can book a day trip from Da Nang to Hue to explore the Tomb of Tu Duc to the fullest
History of the construction of Tu Duc Tomb
Tu Duc Tomb is a historical relic in the complex of Hue monuments, which was recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage on December 11, 1993.
This is the burial place of the 4th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, King Tu Duc (Nguyen Phuc Hong Nham), who reigned for 36 years from 1847-1883, is the longest reigning king of the Nguyen Dynasty.
- 1864: The mausoleum was built with 50,000 soldiers participating.
- In 1866: after the Chay Voi Rebellion, King Tu Duc changed his name to Khiem Cung.
- 1873: Khiem Cung was completed. After the king’s death, the mausoleum was renamed Khiem Lang
Unique architecture of Tu Duc Tomb
Tu Duc Tomb has sophisticated architecture, charming landscape, and is one of the most beautiful mausoleums of the Nguyen kings.
The mausoleum consists of two main parts: the shrine area and the mausoleum. These two parts are arranged parallel to each other, the criminal record is Giang Khiem mountain, the posterior occipital is Duong Xuan mountain. The main road is Luu Khiem lake.
In particular, this architectural complex is located on a total area of 12 hectares, including nearly 50 works in Tu Duc mausoleum in both the area impregnated with electricity and the tomb has the word Khiem in the name such as: Cua Vu Khiem, Khiem Cung Mon, Chi Khiem Duong, Luu Khiem Lake, Chong Khiem Ta, Du Khiem Ta, Hoa Khiem Palace…
Panorama of Tu Duc Tomb in Hue
Khiem Cung Gate
The two-storey building in the form of a gazebo is located on a high platform, in line with Du Khiem Ta. This is the place for the king to rest every time he visits. In the middle is Hoa Khiem Palace, which was the king’s business when he was alive, and now is used to worship King Tu Duc and his queen.
Luong Khiem Palace
After Hoa Khiem Palace is Luong Khiem Palace, which used to be the resting place and enjoying tea of the king. Later, it was used as a place to worship the spirit of King Tu Duc’s mother – Mrs. Tu Du. On the right is On Khiem Luong – the place to store royal belongings.
Minh Khiem Ancient Theater
Minh Khiem Duong is the oldest theater among the four theaters built during the Nguyen Dynasty. This is the place used for the king to watch and sing, very high value in architectural art and decorative motifs.
Tinh Khiem Island
As a land to grow flowers and raise animals, as a pastime of the king when he is tired of the court work. The king often came to enjoy flowers, write poems, read books. In particular, in Tinh Khiem island area, there is also a long canal with 3 bridges crossing leading to green and fresh pine hills.
Weight house built on water
Chong Khiem Ta (where the king rested, enjoyed the cool air, wrote poetry, enjoyed art) and Du Khiem Ta (the marina for the king when traveling to enjoy the scenery at Luu Khiem Lake) are two unique architectural works. of the overall architecture of King Tu Duc’s Tomb in particular, the Complex of Hue Monuments in general.
Khiem Cung Ky Beer
Khiem Cung Ky stele – the stele with the largest number of characters in Vietnam with 4,935 Chinese characters engraved on both sides of the stele, is also the stele with the largest size and weight among the steles of the same type in the mausoleum. Emperor Nguyen Dynasty. This is also the only stele an emperor wrote for himself.
In 2015, Khiem Cung Ky Beer was recognized as a National Treasure of Vietnam.
Tomb of King Tu Duc Hue
Behind Duc Hue’s mausoleum is the mausoleum. The first is Bai Dinh with two heads of a mandarin and martial arts statue. Next is Bi Dinh with a 20-ton stone stele engraved with Khiem Cung Ky. Located on Tieu Khiem Tri is Buu Thanh made of bricks, in the middle is Tu Duc’s tomb. Another special area is Boi Lang, the resting place of King Kien Phuc – the 7th king of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Ticket price to visit Tu Duc Tomb of Hue
- For Vietnamese tourists: 100,000 VND/adult, 20,000 VND/child.
- For foreign tourists: 150,000 VND/person.
Opening time of Tu Duc Tomb in Hue
Tu Duc Tomb is open every day of the week, only changing the time according to the season:
- Summer: From 6:30am to 5:30pm
- Winter: from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Destinations near Tu Duc Tomb in Hue
In addition to visiting the Tomb of Tu Duc, Hue has many other royal tombs and breathtaking scenic spots that you shouldn’t miss. Explore them below.
Tomb of King Dong Khanh
- Address: Thượng Hai village, Thủy Xuân commune, Hue City.
King Dong Khanh, the adopted son of King Tu Duc, was the 9th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, reigning from 1885-1889 before passing away at the age of 25. The Dong Khanh tomb showcases a unique blend of Asian and European architecture and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site.
Tomb of King Khai Dinh
- Address: Thủy Bằng commune, Hương Thủy district, Thừa Thiên Huế province, 10km from the city center.
King Khai Dinh (1916-1925) was the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty and the last king to build a tomb. Despite its small size, the tomb is intricately designed, blending classical and modern elements of Asian, European, and Vietnamese architecture. Khai Dinh Tomb is considered the most uniquely designed in Vietnam.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village
- Address: 84 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Thuy Xuan, Hue City, Thừa Thiên Huế.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village is conveniently located on the route to the Tomb of Tu Duc. Known as a traditional incense village with a history spanning hundreds of years in Hue, it features vibrant colors like green, red, purple, and yellow, making it a must-visit for those who love picturesque settings.
Vong Canh Hill
- Address: Along the Perfume River, Hue City.
Vong Canh Hill is renowned for its romantic and picturesque natural scenery. Covered with lush pine forests, the 43-meter-high hill offers a refreshing and pleasant atmosphere. Situated along the banks of the Perfume River, the hill is surrounded by the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty’s kings.
Vong Canh Hill was a favorite spot for ancient kings to admire the beautiful and captivating natural scenery. Visiting this location allows you to experience the extraordinary beauty of nature, reminiscent of the charm of Dalat in the heart of the ancient capital land.
Hue tourist map – mausoleums
What to buy as souvenirs after visiting the Tomb of Tu Duc and exploring Hue
Whether visiting the Tomb of Tu Duc or any other location in Hue, many people would want to find something as a gift for family and friends after each trip. Hue offers various specialties that are suitable as gifts, such as:
- Sesame candy: Sesame candy is a traditional specialty that has been a pride of the people of Hue for generations. Sesame candy comes in many types and different price ranges for you to choose from. It is often enjoyed with hot tea.
- Hue royal tea: Royal tea has long been a part of the refined and unique culinary culture of Hue. Not only does it refresh but it is also beneficial for health, making it a meaningful gift to consider.
- Various types of cakes: What to buy after visiting the Tomb of Tu Duc? The ancient capital is famous for many types of delicious local cakes. After savoring specialties like bánh bèo, bánh nậm, and bánh ram ít, you can also buy dried bánh éo, bánh đậu xanh, or packaged bánh lọc as gifts.
- Souvenirs: In addition to local food specialties, you can also explore souvenir items such as: embroidered paintings, Hue-style hats, ao dai fabric, embroidered paintings, pop-up cards, or keychains featuring iconic images of Hue. Items like handmade brooches or traditional fabric bags are also good suggestions.
Experience of traveling to Tu Duc Tomb of Hue
- Prepare yourself with comfortable clothes, easy walking shoes and drinking water
- Do not step on or touch objects around without permission.
- Walk softly, speak quietly and do not make noise in the mausoleum.
- Absolutely do not litter indiscriminately affecting the landscape of the monument.
The Tomb of Tu Duc is the most beautiful cluster of tombs from the Nguyen Dynasty era. When you come here, you will feel the soul of a king with a lofty, gentle, and serene spirit. It is a paradise of lush greenery, surrounded by vibrant pine forests, where you can admire the unique architecture of this place.
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