TOP HUE ROYAL TOMBS YOU MUST VISIT

Introduction

Hue was once the capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, the last monarchy in Vietnam, lasting for 143 years from 1802 to 1945. Therefore, visitors to Hue will be immersed in the ancient royal vibe of the Imperial Citadel, pagodas, and especially Hue royal tombs.

As you might know, the Nguyen Dynasty emperors all prepared tombs for themselves before they passed away. A royal tomb serves as a bridge for an emperor to start his journey from this life to the afterlife, from sunrise to sunset. In light of that significance, it reflects past people’s thoughts, cultures, and artistic tastes.

Each Hue royal tomb shows a different architecture, implication, and beauty. Hence, as a local tour guide, Culture Pham Travel will go with you on the exploration of the top Hue royal tombs that you must visit.

To admire the beautiful architecture and learn more about the Fengshui settings, royal life, and the secrets of Nguyen Dynasty Emperor royal tombs, you should book our Hue Tours such as the Hue Royal Tombs Tour, Hue City Tour 1 Day, Hue City Tour Half Day, Hue City Group Tour.

Plus, after a lovely stay in Hue City, you may need our Hue private car transfers to other famous destinations, such as:

• Hue To Da Nang Private Car – 61 USD/sedan
• Hue To Hoi An Private Car – 65 USD/sedan
• Hue To Bach Ma National Park Private Car – 73 USD/sedan
• Hue To My Son Sanctuary Private Car – 43 USD/sedan
• Hue To Dong Hoi Private Car – 83 USD/sedan

Hue Royal Tombs History

The Nguyen Dynasty’s royal tombs contribute as a remarkable part of the comprehensive Complex of Hue Monuments, the World Heritage Sites recognized by UNESCO since 1993. They are not only the belongings of the royals but also the masterpieces created by the clever hands of numerous commoners and artisans. Outstanding amidst nature, these constructions demonstrate perfect harmony with nature and a consistent theme. However, each of them shines in different ways, according to each emperor’s personality.

Under the influence of Chinese culture, the art of tomb architecture appeared quite early in Vietnam. Yet, the Nguyen Dynasty’s tombs channeled themselves into a new architectural genre with noticeable achievements. It started with Nguyen’s founder, Gia Long Emperor, who set the premise for Hue royal tomb architecture. His mausoleum’s construction lasted 6 years, from 1814 to 1820.

Later, six royal tombs were in turn erected, forming a complex of seven Hue royal tombs: Gia Long Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, Thieu Tri Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Dong Khanh Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Duc Duc Tomb. Although there were 13 Nguyen Emperors, only 7 tombs were set up due to upheaval at times. They finished the last tomb, the Khai Dinh Tomb, in 1931.

All in all, seven Hue royal tombs were gradually completed within 117 years, from 1814 to 1931. As the last feudal dynasty in Vietnam, their architecture maintains the traditions and absorbs the modern features of Western styles. Hence, the Nguyen Emperors’ mausoleums display original characteristics, capturing many artistic eyes.

Top Hue Royal Tombs For Visitors

Gia Long Tomb

• Official name: Thiên Thọ Lăng
• Address: Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province
• Distance from Hue City Center: 20 kilometers
• Construction date: 1814–1820
• Entrance fee: 150,000 VND/person (6 USD), free for children aged 7–12
• Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, every day

As mentioned, the Gia Long Emperor was the founder and first emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb of Emperor Gia Long functions as a burial and worship place not only for him but also for his wives and relatives. After six years of construction, from 1814 to 1820, this mausoleum appeared beautifully on a majestic cluster of mountains, protecting the forever sleep of a great ruler.

Gia Long Mausoleum is the biggest royal tomb in Vietnam, following the strict Fengshui setting. It leans on Dai Thien Tho Mount and faces the Perfume River. On the Perfume River, there are 2 islets: a green dragon on the left and a white tiger on the right, which are the Fengshui guardians for his royal tomb.

Despite its degradation and simplistic nature, the Gia Long Emperor Tomb attracts visitors thanks to its originality and significance as the base for royal tomb architecture. Learn more details about it via the blog, Gia Long Tomb.

Minh Mang Tomb

• Official name: Hiếu Lăng
• Address: Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town, Thua Thien Hue Province
• Distance from Hue City Center: 12 kilometers
• Construction date: 1840–1843
• Entrance fee: 150,000 VND/person (6 USD), 30,000 VND for children aged 7–12
• Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, every day

Minh Mang was the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, who helped to get the whole of Vietnam’s land as it is nowadays. He built his royal tomb on the Tam Tai Son Mount on 28 hectares in 1840.

The tomb was built on an axis, and from the sky looking down, it is exactly the body of Minh Mang Emperor relaxing. His head leans on the mountains and faces the Perfume River to the south. Minh Mang Tomb settles peacefully amidst refreshing nature, giving visitors the best calmness upon their visit.

Thanks to its favorable location and elegant structure, the Minh Mang Emperor Tomb is one of the most popular of the seven tombs. Moreover, get to know more about it in our detailed travel guide, Minh Mang Tomb.

Thieu Tri Tomb

• Official name: Xương Lăng
• Address: Cu Chanh Village, Thuy Bang Commune, Hue City
• Distance from Hue City Center: 8 kilometers
• Construction date: 1848
• Entrance fee: 50,000 VND/person (2 USD), free for children aged 7–12
• Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, every day

Thieu Tri Emperor, the third Nguyen ruler and the son of Minh Mang Emperor, took the throne for 7 years before he passed away. Thieu Tri didn’t build the mausoleum by himself but by his successor, Tu Duc Emperor. Particularly, it took only 3 months to complete.

In the Hue Royal Tombs system of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Tomb of Thieu Tri is kind of similar to Minh Mang’s Tomb. Similarly, Thieu Tri Tomb also leans on Thuan Dao Mount in Huong Thuy District, about 8 km from Hue City’s center. The only difference between Minh Mang and Thieu Tri Tombs is that Thieu Tri Tomb has no surrounding wall in the tomb area.

Thieu Tri Emperor’s tomb stands out with its rustic nature and vibes of the Vietnamese countryside. Thus, it promises to bring a sense of peace to visitors. Besides, we introduce to you all Thieu Tri Emperor Mausoleum in the travel blog, Thieu Tri Tomb. Check it out for more details.

Tu Duc Tomb

• Official name: Khiêm Lăng
• Address: Dong Ba Bridge, Thuong Village, Hue City
• Distance from Hue City Center: 7 kilometers
• Construction date: 1864–1867
• Entrance fee: 150,000 VND/person (6 USD), 30,000 VND for children aged 7–12
• Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, every day

Emperor Tu Duc was the 4th emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, and he was the longest emperor on the throne at 36 years. Markedly, his tomb took 3 years to complete, from 1864 to 1867. Tu Duc Tomb is the only one in the tomb system that is not only the burial area but also the second residence of the emperor. Located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, Tu Duc built his tomb before he died.

In his tomb, the first section is the residence, and the second section is the burial area. If you have learned about Tu Duc’s life, you will know more about his biography, sadness, and why he named his tomb the “Modest Tomb” on your visit to this site.

Additionally, the tomb of the Kien Phuc Emperor was built on the grounds of the Tu Duc Tomb, with the name of Bồi Lăng. Also, it accommodates a tomb for the Tu Duc Emperor’s wife. In total, it has 3 different burial sites on 12 hectares. Among the seven tombs, it is part of the best royal tomb trio in Hue. Learn more about this masterpiece via our travel blog, Tu Duc Tomb.

Duc Duc Tomb

• Official name: An Lăng
• Address: Phuoc Vinh Ward, Hue City
• Distance from Hue City Center: 3 kilometers
• Construction date: 1890
• Opening hours: temporarily closed for restoration

Duc Duc Tomb is not only the tomb of Duc Duc Emperor but also of his son, Thanh Thai Emperor, and his grandson, Emperor Duy Tan. It is the simplest tomb of all, with a scale of only over 0.3 hectares. Besides the three consecutive generations of emperors, it also acts as the burial place for other royal family members, such as Tu Duc’s wife and mother.

The restoration of the Duc Duc Tomb is being carried out without a particular reopening time. Hence, unfortunately, visitors haven’t been able to enter this place to tour around.

Dong Khanh Tomb

• Official name: Tư Lăng
• Address: Doan Nhu Hai Street, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City
• Distance from Hue City Center: 6 kilometers
• Construction date: 1888-1923
• Entrance fee: 100,000 VND/person (4 USD), free for children aged 7–12
• Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, every day

Dong Khanh Tomb, or Tu Lang, is the resting place of Dong Khanh Emperor, the 9th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Located between the two tombs of Thieu Tri and Tu Duc, the Dong Khanh Mausoleum belongs to Cu Si village, Duong Xuan canton; today it is Thuong Hai village, Thuy Xuan commune, Hue City.

The process of accomplishing the Dong Khanh Mausoleum took place through 4 emperor reigns (1888–1923). The country’s ups and downs led to its construction delays and changes. As a result, the Dong Khanh Royal Tomb bears the marks of two architectural features from two different historical periods.

Dong Khanh Emperor’s Tomb marked a blend of modern features with traditional architecture, giving it a special appearance. Refer to our blog, Dong Khanh Tomb, for more information.

Khai Dinh Tomb

• Official name: Ứng Lăng
• Address: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province
• Distance from Hue City Center: 9 kilometers
• Construction date: 1920–1931
• Entrance fee: 150,000 VND/person (6 USD), 30,000 VND for children aged 7–12
• Opening hours: 7 AM – 5 PM, every day

Unlike other Hue Royal Tombs in the Nguyen Dynasty’s tomb system, Khai Dinh Emperor’s Tomb is different. Although it is the smallest tomb, it is the most beautiful and expensive in Vietnam. Indeed, it took 11 years to complete, from 1920 to 1931.

Markedly, to build this tomb, they went to France to buy cement; to China and Japan to buy colored glass, ceramic, beer bottles, etc., to break them into small pieces to inlay to decorate. Moreover, Khai Dinh Tomb is a mix of a lot of different architecture, such as Western, Eastern, Modern, and Old, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Vietnamese, and French.

For that reason, the tomb of Khai Dinh has become the most famous royal tomb in Hue that you should not miss. Furthermore, see our blog, Khai Dinh Tomb, for interesting details about this special tomb.

How To Get To Hue Royal Tombs?

Since seven Hue royal tombs are mainly scattered around the downtown, there are various ways for visitors. Some options are motorcycle rentals, taxis, Grab bikes, bicycles, private car rentals, and private tours.

In addition, dragon boat trips are available for tourists interested in a more local experience. Sightseeing by dragon boat will stop at top sights such as Minh Mang Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, Gia Long Tomb, and more.

Hue Royal Tombs Map

Hue Tombs Travel Guide

Updated Entrance Fees