Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue – The most famous and beautiful tomb in Hue

Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue is one of the most beautiful tombs in the ancient capital of Hue. With its intricately and meticulously designed architecture, it has become a popular destination for tourists to explore and check-in. This is the last architectural work of the Nguyen dynasty, designed with exquisite detail, combining Eastern and Western cultures and architecture. Join Hue Transfer Service’s in exploring Khai Dinh Tomb through the following article!

Where is Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue and how far is it from Hue?

Hue has many famous landmarks for you to explore and check-in. However, if you miss Khai Dinh Tomb, your journey won’t be truly complete.

The tomb is located on Chau Chu Mountain, in Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy town. Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue is also known as Ung Lang. It is the tomb of King Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the Nguyen dynasty.

It is about 10 km southwest of the center of Hue. To get there, you can choose from several modes of transportation: bus, taxi, car, or motorbike.

• Bus: You can take a bus on the southern route to Dong Ba Market – Tuan Market. This bus route has a stop at Khai Dinh Tomb.
• Motorbike, taxi, car: From the center of Hue, follow Highway 49 and then follow the signs along the way.
• Private car: This service is chosen by many tourists because of its privacy and comfort. Additionally, a private car can be arranged according to your schedule. You can visit Khai Dinh Tomb as well as many other famous places in Hue. Book a private car service in Hue with Hue Transfer Service’s for the safest and most comfortable journey to explore Hue.

Khai Dinh Tomb Ticket Prices 2024

Below are the updated ticket prices for visiting Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue:

• Children (ages 1–12): 30,000 VND/visit.
• Adults: 150,000 VND/visit.

The tomb is open to visitors from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day of the week.

Khai Dinh Tomb: Construction Process & Architecture

In 1916, right after ascending the throne, King Khai Dinh ordered the construction of many palaces, residences, and tombs for himself and the royal family, including Ung Lang. To build his own tomb, the king consulted many geomancy masters and chose the slopes of Chau Chu Mountain as the location for the tomb.

Construction of the tomb began on September 4, 1920, and lasted for 11 years. Compared to the tombs of many predecessors, Khai Dinh Tomb is smaller in size. However, it was constructed with great intricacy and took a long time to complete. To build the tomb, King Khai Dinh sent boats to Japan and China to buy glass and porcelain, and to France to buy cement, steel, iron, and Ardoise tiles.

Architecturally, Khai Dinh Tomb is a blend of Eastern and Western cultures, combining classical and modern styles. The tomb is rectangular in shape with 127 steps. The meticulous and sophisticated design and architecture make Khai Dinh Tomb the most unique among the tombs in Vietnam.

Visiting Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue

The unique and impressive design makes Khai Dinh Tomb a popular tourist attraction. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore, learn, and check-in with many remarkable structures.

Majestic Tam Quan Gate

The majestic Tam Quan Gate leads to Ung Lang. To reach it, you need to climb 37 steps. The gate’s pillars are built in the style of Hinduism, making it an ideal check-in spot for many tourists.

Nghi Mon & Bai Dinh Courtyard

From the Tam Quan Gate, climb another 29 steps to reach Nghi Mon and Bai Dinh Courtyard. This area recreates the court scene of King Khai Dinh’s reign, with statues of mandarins and soldiers arranged in four symmetrical rows. Each statue is intricately carved with exquisite details.

Thien Dinh Palace with Unique Architecture

On the 5th and highest level of Khai Dinh Tomb is Thien Dinh Palace, the main architectural feature of the tomb and the burial site of King Khai Dinh. Thien Dinh Palace has a unique design with five interconnected parts: the Left and Right Houses, Khai Thanh Palace, and the central Buu Tan. The statue of the king and the tomb are located below.

The architecture of Thien Dinh Palace is highly distinctive, combining traditional and modern elements. The palace is decorated with inlaid glass and ceramics imported from Japan and China.

Exquisitely Carved Khai Thanh Palace

Khai Thanh Palace is located within Thien Dinh Palace. This is where the altar and the remains of King Khai Dinh are placed. The architecture of the palace is intricately carved. At the center is the main tomb, with a 1-ton Buu Tan made of reinforced concrete, which looks incredibly delicate and graceful from a distance.

Majestic Bronze Statues of King Khai Dinh

Inside Khai Dinh Tomb, there are two bronze statues of the king. One statue is seated on the throne in Khai Thanh Palace, sculpted in 1920 by French and German artists and later gilded by an artisan in Hue. The standing statue was cast by a craftsman from Quang Nam in Hue. Initially, the statue was placed in An Dinh Palace and was later moved to Thien Dinh Palace in 1975.

Tourist Attractions in Hue Near Khai Dinh Tomb

While visiting Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue, you can explore several nearby attractions to gain a deeper understanding of the ancient capital, such as:

Minh Mang Tomb

Located approximately 12 km from Hue, Minh Mang Tomb is known for its traditional architecture and stunning landscape. The tomb complex covers an area of 18 hectares, featuring 40 structures including palaces, temples, and pavilions. Minh Mang, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, is buried here, and the tomb reflects his strong Confucian beliefs.

Thien An Monastery

Thien An Monastery is a peaceful Benedictine monastery located about 10 km southwest of Hue. Nestled amidst pine forests on Thien An Hill, it offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Thuy Tien Lake

Thuy Tien Lake, about 10 km from Hue, is a picturesque, man-made lake surrounded by lush greenery. Once the site of an abandoned water park, it has become a popular spot for adventurous travelers and photographers. The eerie yet beautiful scenery, with decaying slides and a dragon-shaped aquarium, makes for a unique experience.

Thieu Tri Tomb

Situated around 8 km from Hue, Thieu Tri Tomb is the burial site of the third emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Unlike other royal tombs, Thieu Tri Tomb was constructed quickly and simply due to the emperor’s sudden death. Despite its simplicity, the tomb features harmonious architecture and scenic surroundings.

Tu Duc Tomb

Located 7 km from Hue, Tu Duc Tomb is one of the most beautiful and extensive tomb complexes in Hue. Built for the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty, it served as both a summer residence and the final resting place for Emperor Tu Duc. The tomb is set in a lush valley and includes temples, pavilions, and a large lake, offering a peaceful and picturesque setting.

Some Tips for Visiting Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue

Here are some tips to enhance your visit to Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue:

• Best Time to Visit: It’s advisable to visit Khai Dinh Tomb around January and February when the weather is pleasant with mild sunlight, making it convenient for travel.
• Duration of Visit: Exploring Khai Dinh Tomb typically takes 1-2 hours. If you have limited time, plan your visit carefully to ensure you can also explore other nearby attractions.
• Steep Steps: The stairs at Khai Dinh Tomb are quite steep, so be cautious to avoid tripping or falling.
• Learn About the History and Architecture: Before visiting the tomb, it’s beneficial to learn about its construction history and architectural features to better appreciate its significance.
• Appropriate Attire: Choose respectful attire to avoid dressing inappropriately when visiting the tomb.
• Self-guided vs. Guided Tour: You can explore Khai Dinh Tomb independently or join a guided tour. If you prefer a sense of adventure and flexibility, self-guided exploration is ideal. However, guided tours offer convenience with transportation, meals, and accommodations taken care of.
• Photo Opportunities: Khai Dinh Tomb offers many picturesque spots for photo opportunities. Research beforehand to capture the best angles and moments. Adjust your camera settings accordingly, especially in darker areas like Khai Thanh Palace.
• Environmental Conservation: Maintain environmental consciousness by avoiding littering during your visit.

Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue is a unique and meticulously crafted architectural masterpiece in the UNESCO-listed Hue Imperial City. It’s a must-visit attraction that offers insights into Vietnam’s history and cultural heritage. We hope these tips help you make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark.