Tu Duc Tomb is widely known as one of the most beautiful works of royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty located in the ancient capital, this is also the resting place of King Tu Duc. Possessing a charming and elegant landscape and Confucian style, Tu Duc Tomb is a memorable destination in the journey to explore Hue.
I. Location
Tu Duc Tomb is located in a valley in Thuy Ba Village, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, only 6 km from Hue city center.
The land to build Tu Duc Tomb is up to 12 hectares wide, featuring poetic and charming scenery. This place is divided into two main areas including the palace and the mausoleum. There are nearly 50 large and small projects, most of which have the word Khiem in their names. Tu Duc Tomb is considered one of the most beautiful tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
II. History
Construction of King Tu Duc’s mausoleum was started in 1864 with the participation of 50,000 soldiers at that time. When first built, the mausoleum was named Van Nien Co, then renamed Khiem Cung. When the king died, the mausoleum was renamed Khiem Lang.
Up to now, Tu Duc Tomb is considered one of the four most beautiful mausoleums, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, and is also one of the first historical relics in Vietnam to be included in a museum. 3D digitization within the framework of the Google Arts & Culture project.
III. Suitable time visit
The suitable time to visit this place is from January to March, when the weather is cool and the trees are green. If you go during the rainy or dry season, it will be very inconvenient because this place is large and you will have to walk uncomfortably.
IV. Interest destinations to visit
1. Khiêm Môn Cung
This is a two-story gazebo-style building for the king to rest when arriving at the mausoleum. The central area here is called Hoa Khiem Palace, where King Tu Duc worked when he was alive. When he died, this place became a place to worship the king and queen of Nguyen Dynasty.
2. Điện Lương Khiêm
This place is located behind Hoa Khiem Palace, inside Khiem Cung Mon. This is the king’s place of rest and relaxation. Later, it was used to worship King Tu Duc’s mother – Queen Tu Du.
3. Đảo Tịnh Khiêm
This area was built for the king to travel, admire the scenery, read books and write poetry. Trees, flowers and pets are always taken care of carefully and there are 3 bridges across to lead to the lush green pine hills.
4. Mausoleum area
This place is located behind the palace area, including two rows of statues of military officials and a 20-ton stone stele engraved with the poem “Khiem Cung Ky” composed by King Tu Duc and placed in front of his tomb. The surrounding area is called Buu Thanh, in the middle is the king’s tomb.
How to obtain a Vietnam visa
If you are a foreigner who wants to come to Vietnam to visit Tu Duc Tomb here, you need to apply for a Vietnam visa. Check this list to see if your nationality is eligible for a Vietnam visa.
Currently, there are 3 common ways to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa.
To find out more details about how to apply for Vietnam tourist visa, please follow this article: How to Apply for Vietnam Tourist Visa