Tu Duc Tomb Hue is regarded as the most beautiful royal mausoleum of the Nguyen Dynasty (the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam). Boasting a stunning natural landscape and masterful architecture, Tu Duc Tomb is now considered a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hue.
Overview of Tu Duc Tomb
Location of Tu Duc Tomb
Tu Duc Tomb is a complex of architectural structures, including the burial site of Emperor Tu Duc. It is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, former Cu Chanh district, now known as Thuong Ba hamlet, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city.
Situated next to the picturesque Vong Canh Hill, visitors to this site can experience a sense of solemnity and tranquility. At the same time, they will be captivated by the romantic and poetic charm of the architecture and the story of Emperor Tu Duc.
A Brief Overview of Emperor Tu Duc
Reigning for 36 years, Emperor Tu Duc was the longest-reigning monarch among the 13 emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty (the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam). His birth name was Nguyen Phuc Hong Nhậm, the second son of Emperor Thieu Tri. According to feudal succession laws, his older brother, Hong Bao, was meant to inherit the throne. However, due to his incompetence and rebellious nature, Hong Bao was deposed by their father, and Hong Nhậm ascended the throne as Emperor Tu Duc – a king who was a gentle poet, beloved by the people, but physically frail and often melancholic.
Ruling during a time of great social turmoil, with external invasions and internal strife among siblings vying for power, Emperor Tu Duc also suffered from poor health and was unable to produce an heir. His reign was marked by tragic personal challenges. To escape the harsh realities of his life, Tu Duc commissioned the construction of this mausoleum as a retreat and a place of solitude to ease his sorrow and to prepare for his eventual death, as he once said, “The healthy worry about unexpected events, let alone the weak!” (from Khiêm Cung Ký, his memoir).
A Brief History of the Construction of Tu Duc Tomb
Emperor Tu Duc began planning his own tomb while still alive. A skilled poet and scholar, he chose a fitting resting place that befit his royal status. The site selected for the tomb was located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong village, former Cu Chanh district.
The construction of the tomb began in 1864, with 50,000 soldiers involved in the project. In an effort to complete it quickly, the royal court mobilized thousands of laborers, artisans, and soldiers to work tirelessly under the intense heat of the Imperial City.
Initially named Vạn Niên Cơ (Everlasting Residence), the tomb’s name was changed to Khiêm Cung (Modest Palace) after the Chày Vôi uprising, led by the Doan Huu Trung brothers. The tomb was completed in 1873, but Emperor Tu Duc lived for another ten years before passing away. After his death, the tomb was officially called Khiêm Lăng (Tu Duc Emperor’s Mausoleum).
When is the Best Time to Visit Tu Duc Tomb in Hue?
The best time to visit Hue in general and Tu Duc Tomb in particular is from January to February. This period marks the changing of the seasons, so the weather in Hue is very cool and comfortable, with minimal rainfall. Therefore, plan your visit to Hue during this time to fully experience the dreamy, gentle beauty of the ancient capital and Tu Duc Tomb.
Ticket Prices for Tu Duc Tomb and Opening Hours
Entrance Fees for Tu Duc Tomb
- Adults: 150,000 VND per person
- Children (Ages 7-12): 30,000 VND per person
(This price applies to both international and Vietnamese visitors)
Opening Hours:
- Summer: From 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Winter: From 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
You can check out more details about entrance fees in Hue in our detailed article.
How to Get to Tu Duc Tomb, Hue
Tu Duc Tomb is located about 6 km southwest of the center of Hue, and it is easily accessible by various means of transportation. Below are some popular options for getting there:
- Private Car Rental in Hue: This is an ideal choice for tourists, especially for larger groups, the elderly, or families with children. With the HueTransferServices.com private car service in Hue, you will be picked up and dropped off at your location, ensuring comfort and safety. Additionally, you can easily visit other famous attractions in Hue, such as the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda.
- Motorbike Rental: If you enjoy freedom and want to explore the scenic route, renting a motorbike is a great option. The travel time is only about 10-15 minutes from the city center to Tu Duc Tomb. You can easily rent a motorbike in Hue, or if you are not confident in driving, joining a motorbike tour in Hue is also a great idea.
- Taxi: If you don’t mind the cost and want a quick way to get to your destination, taxis are a popular choice in Hue. Some reliable taxi companies you can use include:
- Taxi Xanh SM: 1900 2088
- Taxi Sun: Hotline: 0234 3 98 98 98
- Taxi Vinasun: Hotline: 0234 3 78 87 88
If you are in Da Nang or Hoi An and wish to visit Tu Duc Tomb along with other famous sites in Hue, such as the Imperial City and Thien Mu Pagoda,… You can book a day trip from Da Nang to Hue with us. This will be a wonderful way to explore all that Hue has to offer in one day.
Architecture of Tu Duc Tomb
Unlike the Khai Dinh Tomb, which blends Vietnamese and Western cultural elements, Tu Duc Tomb stands out with its subtle elegance. Nestled in a picturesque landscape of mountains and rivers, it is considered one of the most beautiful tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. Though time has worn down some of its intricate details, the tomb still retains its strong Confucian influences, exuding a solemn, regal atmosphere that is unmistakable.
Tu Duc Tomb is distinguished by its five main areas, each embodying the solemnity, artistry, and historical significance of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Khiem Cung Mon
Khiem Cung Mon is a two-story structure in the style of a pavilion. At the center is Hoa Khiem Hall (the main hall of the area), while on either side are Phap Khiem Vu (the auxiliary house on the left) and Le Khiem Vu (the auxiliary house on the right). This was where Emperor Tu Duc (the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty) rested during his visits and handled state affairs. After his passing, it became a place to worship the Emperor and the Queen (the Emperor’s official wife).
Luong Khiem Temple
Luong Khiem Temple is located behind Hoa Khiem Hall (the main hall). It is now dedicated to the spirit of Tu Du (the mother of Emperor Tu Duc). To the right of the temple is On Khiem Duong (a storage area), which houses relics and royal belongings from the past.
Minh Khiem Theater
Located to the left of Luong Khiem Temple (dedicated to Emperor Tu Duc’s mother), Minh Khiem Theater served as a place where the Emperor would frequently enjoy performances. Today, this theater is recognized as one of the oldest in Vietnam and stands as a cultural symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty era.
Tinh Khiem Islet
Tinh Khiem Islet lies in the middle of Luu Khiem Lake (the main lake at Tu Duc Tomb), offering a picturesque and tranquil setting filled with romantic charm. This area was used for cultivating flowers and raising some rare animals.
Surrounding the islet are Xung Khiem Pavilion (a spot for relaxation and poetic inspiration) and Du Khiem Pavilion (a place for reading and contemplation), which were favorite sites of the Nguyen emperors for admiring flowers, composing poetry, and reading books.
The Tomb Area
Leaving the temple area, visitors follow a path leading to the tomb section of Tu Duc Tomb. Upon reaching Bai Dinh Courtyard (ceremonial courtyard), they can admire two imposing rows of mandarin statues representing civil and military officials.
Behind the courtyard stands Bi Dinh Pavilion (stele pavilion), which houses a massive stone stele weighing over 20 tons. The stele is inscribed with the Khiem Cung Ky (autobiography of Emperor Tu Duc), a text authored by the emperor himself, narrating his life filled with hardships and personal reflections.
Important Notes When Visiting Tu Duc Tomb in Hue
- Visitors must purchase tickets to enter the site, and each person should hold their own ticket/card for easy inspection and control upon entry.
- Please maintain cleanliness, follow safety and security regulations, and adhere to fire prevention guidelines within the site.
- It is prohibited to bring explosives, flammable materials, toxic substances, weapons, or dangerous items into the site.
- Visitors should dress appropriately (no sleeveless shirts or shorts when visiting religious areas), and maintain silence within the palace and sacred areas. Filming and photography inside the buildings are not allowed.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited within the palaces, pine forests, and other fire-prone areas.
- Plucking flowers, breaking branches, hunting animals, and writing or drawing on the architectural structures are not allowed.
- It is forbidden to lie down, sit, or touch any artifacts.
- People using vehicles to enter the site must turn off their engines, remove sunglasses and masks (if any), present identification, and follow the security staff’s instructions for inspection.
Conclusion
Tu Duc Tomb is a masterpiece, an exceptional representation of the perfect blend of architecture and royal tomb art during the Nguyen Dynasty. The mausoleum is truly a memorable destination for visitors, especially for those who seek to immerse themselves in the peaceful environment of nature and explore its unique architecture. Tu Duc Tomb has also played a significant role in making Hue one of the most attractive travel destinations in Vietnam.
