Tu Duc King Royal Tomb: Exploring the Poetic King’s Peaceful Oasis

Tu Duc King Royal Tomb in Hue, also known as the Tu Duc Mausoleum, is one of the most majestic and poetic Hue royal tombs built during the Nguyễn Dynasty. It is located in a tranquil valley approximately 7 kilometers from Hue city center. Surrounded by beautiful pine trees, lotus ponds, and serene pavilions, this historic landmark admirably embodies the refined taste, artistic soul, and philosophical attitude of Emperor Tu Duc, one of Vietnam’s most revered monarchs.

OVERVIEW OF TU DUC MAUSOLEUM

Tu Duc King Royal Tomb, located around 7 km southwest of Hue city, is one of the most beautiful and lyrical royal tombs of the Nguyễn Dynasty. The monument was built between 1864 and 1867 for Emperor Tu Duc, who ruled from 1848 to 1883. It exhibits his sophisticated taste and love for literature, art, and nature. Surrounded by pine forests and lotus ponds, the complex spans 12 hectares and houses approximately 50 structures like as temples, pavilions, and courtyards. The site is separated into two major sections: the temple area for worship and the tomb area for burial. Notable landmarks include Luu Khiem Lake, the Xung Khiem Pavilion, and the Stele Pavilion, which has a lengthy inscription written by the emperor himself. Tu Duc Tomb is a marvel of Vietnamese royal architecture that combines human innovation with the serene natural surroundings of Hue.

BACKGROUND OF TU DUC EMPEROR TOMB

Reason to choose the burial location

Tu Duc immediately requests that a suitable plot of land be found for his burial following his coronation. It must be somewhere in the mountains and hills above the Perfume River, just like his father and grandfather. This location lies to the west of Hue’s royal palace (city) and represents the world of death in Vietnamese traditional thought. Finally, the Geography ministry discovers a place that precisely meets a set of standards for the imperial mausoleum and feng shui principles. Tu Duc Mausoleum is surrounded by a tiny hill with a lovely river in front, and it rests on a mild mountain.

Uprising of the laborers

Tu Duc Emperor creates and names his last house “Van Nien Co” at first, which means the building that lasts for thousands of years. He had planned to finish the construction in four years, but changed his mind and shortened it to six months. Workers and builders are protesting because of their awful living and working circumstances. They utilize pestles (to smash the lime), which is why their conflict is referred to as “the Lime Pestle struggle” in history books. They arrive in the Imperial City, but are then controlled by imperial forces. Doan Huu Trung, one of the leaders, is killed at the age of 22 (together with his siblings).

Furthermore, the protest wants to stage a coup in order to dethrone and replace king Tu Duc with his older brother, Nguyen Phuc Hong Bao. Following the workers’ objection, Tu Duc king renamed his tomb Khiem Lang, which means “the Modesty tomb,” to symbolize his modesty and sincerity. Furthermore, the names of all subsequent tomb buildings begin with the word “Khiem”.

Second Palace of the King Tu Duc

In 1867, the mausoleum was finished. Tu Duc, unlike other Nguyen Dynasty rulers, was still alive at the time, hence his tomb has not yet been used for burial. When he wants to get away from the boring Imperial metropolis, he goes to this peaceful location, where he can relax and immerse himself in gorgeous scenery. It works as a mountain resort known as “Khiem Cung” (the Modesty Palace). Officials and servants must also follow him.

Tu Duc, an artist on this lyrical and romantic site, focuses on writing poems, literature, songs, painting, and other types of art. His collection of artworks exceeds 4,000, surpassing that of any other emperor in his house.

When the king died in 1883, the palace was restored to its original duty as a burial place. He remained in his “tomb” for 16 years. The wives and former servants must stay here to complete festivities and demonstrate their commitment. The royal family will pay homage on Tu Duc’s death date, the 16th day of the 6th lunar month.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE KING TU DUC (4TH EMPEROR OF THE NGUYEN DYNASTY)

Coronation

Nguyen Phuc Hong Nham is a prince and the son of Thieu Tri, the monarch who ruled Vietnam from 1841-1847. This emperor has 64 children, 29 males and 35 girls, with Hong Nham as the second. He was born in 1829 and lived to be 53 years old. His mother is Tu Du Queen, the daughter of a high-ranking official named Pham Dang Hung.

Hong Nham has one older brother named Nguyen Phuc Hong Bao (1825-1854). According to tradition, this man (the oldest prince) will be anointed and succeed his father’s kingdom. However, Thieu Tri King, their father, retains the right to choose the successor until his death.

Finally, Hong Nham was chosen over Hong Bao because he works harder in school and has a better attitude. On the other hand, according to his father, Hong Bao is simply giddy and indolent in his studies, and so does not deserve to succeed to the kingdom. When the officials announce this judgment (1847), Hong Bao loses control, becomes enraged, and vomits blood. Someone else assists him in completing the coronation ceremony for his younger sibling.

Hong Bao attempts to steal Hong Nham’s throne twice over the years, but each time he fails. He first engaged with Catholic missionaries in 1851, promising to help them introduce the religion. The second time, he receives backing from Thai and Cambodian kingdoms, but he is apprehended owing to leaked information. He will be slain, but his brother-king Hong Nham pardons him, and he dies in prison. In 1866, his son joined the struggle to dethrone Tu Duc.

When Tu Duc King was in power

Nguyen Phuc Hong Nham is the fourth monarch of the Nguyen Dynasty, often known as “Tu Duc”. He ruled for 36 years (1847-1883), the longest reign of any emperor in the house. During his reign, Vietnam faced numerous challenges, including the conquering of Europe. Here are some highlights:

– Tu Duc’s government made concessions to the French people in two treaties, signed in 1862 and 1874, respectively. According to the first Treaty of Saigon, he cedes three Southeastern provinces and the islands of Con Dao (Poulo Condor) to France.

These locations became the first “colonies” in Vietnam. Three provinces in the Mekong delta that were previously occupied by French people have now been relinquished following the second treaty, the Treaty of Saigon (again). The French Cochinchina colony is formed, encompassing all provinces. Additionally, some commercial ports must be opened to international trade. Thus, two accords mark a watershed moment in Vietnamese history, paving the door for French colonization.

– Tu Duc has forbidden Catholicism in his land since his coronation, and this persecution has resulted in the deaths of numerous missionaries and converts, as well as church demolition.

Three espouses of Tu Duc Emperor

Tu Duc King has no children due to smallpox, so he adopts two boys from his younger brother’s families, as well as one younger brother, to educate and ascend to the throne. They were Nguyen Phuc Ung Chan (later Duc Duc king), Nguyen Phuc Ung Duong (later Dong Khanh king), and Nguyen Phuc Hong Dat (later Hiep Hoa). Here’s some quick information:

– Duc Duc king: born on February 23, 1852 in the house of Nguyen Phuc Hong Y – the 3rd son of Thieu Tri king, the 5th king of the Nguyen dynasty (immediately after Tu Duc) but for 3 days – the shortest

Dong Khanh king was born on February 19, 1864, in the family of Nguyen Phuc Hong Cai, the 26th son of Thieu Tri king. the sixth king of the Nguyen dynasty (immediately after Duc Duc), but only for four months

– Hiep Hoa king: Born on November 1, 1847, the 29th son of Thieu Tri king (the youngest son), the 9th monarch of the Nguyen dynasty for about 3,5 years.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TU DUC MAUSOLEUM

Site Location

Tu Duc King Royal Tomb is located in Duong Xuan Thuong village, Thuy Xuan ward, 5 kilometers from Hue’s city center and Phu Xuan Bridge. It is located 6.5 kilometers from the Imperial City, 4.5 kilometers from Hue Railway Station, and 17 kilometers from Phu Bai International Airport. It lies on Doan Nhu Hai street.

Open time

The tomb of Tu Duc Emperor is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are also offered during this time period, with the last available at 5:30 p.m. Visitors should arrive here by 4:30 p.m. to allow enough time for sightseeing. We recommend staying in the tomb for 1.5 to 2 hours to leisurely wander around it, picture, learn about history, and take breaks as needed.

Entry ticket

Tu Duc tomb offers tour guide service for 100,000 VND. English and Vietnamese are popular, and tourists who want additional languages can contact and arrange ahead of time.

Adults and children over the age of 12 pay 150,000 VND to enter Tu Duc King Royal Tomb. Children from 7 to 12 pay 30,000 VND, while younger children do not pay anything. These prices do not differ between local and international guests. Tu Duc tomb is open for free to Vietnamese citizens on particular days in Hue or throughout the country. Combo tickets are a wonderful way to save money if you want to visit Tu Duc tomb and other sites in the Hue Monument Complex.

The price for a three-sight combo that includes the Imperial City, Tu Duc Tomb, and Minh Mang Tomb is 420,000 VND for adults and 80,000 VND for children aged 7 to 12. The four-sight combo will include the Imperial City, Tu Duc Tomb, Minh Mang Tomb, and Khai Dinh Tomb. It costs 530,000 VND for adults and 100,000 VND for youngsters aged seven to twelve years. The validity is two consecutive days. Aside from on-site sales, tourists can purchase Tu Duc tomb tickets online at the Hue Monuments Conservation Center’s official website.

Dress code

Visitors to Tu Duc King Royal Tomb, like the rest of the Hue Monument Complex, must wear appropriate attire. Their attire must cover the armpits, navel, and knees. Traditional Vietnamese and local outfits are highly suggested for both men and women. It also means that excessively short pants and blouses (such as crop tops and bikinis) are not permitted.

Please remember to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat/cap/umbrella to protect yourself from the sun, bottles of water, a camera or phone, and decent and comfortable shoes before leaving the hotel. During the rainy season, you’ll need a rain poncho or umbrella and waterproof shoes.

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HOW TO GET TO KING TU DUC TOMB

By car or taxi

Tu Duc mausoleum is easily accessible from any location in Hue’s city center. As a result, cars and taxis are popular modes of transportation among tourists, and the cost difference is minimal. The fee for one way is between 100,000 and 150,000 VND, depending on the size of the car. Taxi firms may charge tourists when their driver waits at the tomb (about 50,000 VND per hour), if they want Vietnam go somewhere else afterwards. Our advise is to hire a private English-speaking driver who has worked for himself; it will make things easier for everyone. For additional information and to reserve, text us at +84 979613777 on WhatsApp.

By Bicycle

Staying in Hue, you can hire a bike for free or in some hotels you can rent it for a day with around 2$U.S (50.000 VND)/person/day to travel to Tu Duc King Tomb. This is a cheap convenient way suitable in a pleasant weather. In the wet season, it can be challenging as it is raining and cold.

By Motorbike

The drive to Hue’s sites is not long. As a result, riding to the tombs by motorcycle is a convenient and inexpensive option. It simply takes 20 minutes to get from the city center hotel to Tu Duc tomb. The mausoleum is accessible by two roads: Le Ngo Cat and Huyen Tran Cong Chua. The first road option requires motorists to visit the Nam Giao altar before continuing on Le Ngo Cat St (after the traffic light). This is not a little street; it is hilly and bumpy at points. At the conclusion, turn left and continue riding on the main asphalt road. People within the tomb will ask for parking services from 5.000 to 10.000 VND per one.

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UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE OF TU DUC KING BURIAL SITE

Harmony of Nature and Design

Tu Duc King Royal Tomb was designed as a royal garden palace, making it unique among tombs and plays an important part of UNESCO Sites Vietnam. The layout incorporates lakes, hills, and forests, resulting in a tranquil scene that resembles a natural getaway. The architecture emphasizes harmony with nature, with pavilions, temples, and winding pathways that merge smoothly into the surrounding landscape, providing peace and beauty.

The Tu Duc Tomb was created in the “front palace and back tomb” architectural style (the shrine is in front, the burial place is behind), but it has its own creativity, demonstrating King Tu Duc’s delicate aesthetic taste. The architectural works are structured in accordance with the natural terrain, resulting in a cohesive and beautiful whole.

Romantic and Poetic Style

As a person of strong Confucius and Taoist, the complex resembles a poetic park rather than a regular imperial tomb. Winding walks, lotus ponds, stone bridges, and pine trees provide a soothing and beautiful atmosphere influenced by Confucian and Taoist philosophy. These elements represent harmony, purity, and eternal life, promoting introspection and serenity among visitors. The design stresses natural beauty, spiritual tranquility, and seamless connection with the terrain, resulting in a peaceful sanctuary that honors both nature and regal reverence. The precise combination of flora and architecture creates a timeless atmosphere that encourages reflection and appreciation of the Emperor’s relationship to nature and philosophy.

Peaceful space

Being known as one of the best Hue Royal Tombs to visit, Tu Duc Tomb is situated in the heart of a narrow valley, flanked by cool pine slopes and a tranquil lake. The environment is incredibly serene and quiet, giving visitors a sense of relaxation and comfort.

Asymmetrical Layout

Tự Đức Tomb stands out from other Nguyen tombs due to its distinctive flowing layout. Structures are arranged spontaneously throughout the ground, representing flexibility and artistic creativity. This organic layout allows the terrain to dictate the location of buildings and pathways, resulting in a harmonious blend of human artistry and natural forms. The design deviates from traditional architectural rules, stressing a more individualized and spontaneous expression of beauty. It represents the belief that harmony with nature and individual creation are key components of the tomb’s spiritual and artistic value, providing visitors with a sense of organic grace and calm authenticity that distinguishes it from other more formal imperial mausoleums.

Wooden Architecture & Traditional Roofs

Hoa Khiem Palace and Luong Khiem Temple are examples of traditional Vietnamese timber construction, with delicately carved beams, dragon designs, and curving tiled roofs. The precise craftsmanship emphasizes traditional aesthetics, while the beautiful proportions and harmonious design reflect cultural values such as reverence and artistry. Within the tomb complex, these buildings convey both eternal beauty and spiritual significance.

Stele Pavilion (Bi Đình)

The tomb has Vietnam’s largest inscription stele, which weighs more than 20 tons. Tự Đức authored the inscription personally, offering an honest perspective on his life and regrets. The stele’s calligraphy demonstrates his literary talent, providing a unique personal peek into his thoughts and emotions while also serving as a permanent tribute to his rule and legacy.

Xung Khiem and Du Khiem Pavilions

The emperor utilized these lakeside pavilions to write poetry and enjoy music, emphasizing the site’s functional purpose as a retreat throughout his lifetime. Surrounded by placid lakes and rich gardens, they provided a peaceful setting for contemplation and artistic expression, reflecting the emperor’s love of nature, culture, and personal relaxation.

DISCOVER HIGHLIGHTS OF TU DUC EMPEROR TOMB

Khiem Cung Mon

Khiem Cung Mon Gate is a magnificent entrance to Tu Duc Tomb, embodying traditional Vietnamese architecture through exquisite carvings and elegant design. It acts as a great entryway, greeting people to the hallowed grounds. The gate exemplifies the creative workmanship of the time and represents respect and regard for the emperor. Passing through Khiem Cung Mon Gate immerses tourists in a peaceful realm of historical significance, peacefulness, and cultural richness.

Luu Khiem Lake

A big lake is a key feature of Tu Duc Tomb, adding to its tranquil beauty. Tinh Khiem Island, situated on the lake, was a favorite spot for King Tu Duc, who often visited it to enjoy sightseeing, compose poetry, and find inspiration in its peaceful surroundings. The island enhances the tomb’s serene, poetic atmosphere.

Hoa Khiem Palace

Hoa Khiem Palace is a lovely and historic edifice located within the Tu Duc Tomb complex. It served as a place for the king to relax, hold court, and entertain visitors. The palace has magnificent architecture, intricate wood carvings, and delicate embellishments that demonstrate the artistry of the time. Surrounded by lush gardens and serene courtyards, Hoa Khiem Palace emanates tranquility and regal grandeur, reflecting Emperor Tu Duc’s sophisticated lifestyle.

Bi Dinh

Bi Dinh is home to Vietnam’s largest stone stele, which commemorates King Tu Duc’s achievements and life.

The Emperor Tomb

The tomb of Tu Duc King is located near to the temple zone. Visitors simply need to go down the lakeshore again to see it. The walkway is bordered with several jackfruit and longan trees, which give shade and tasty fruits for ceremonies. Champa flowers (white petals with yellow pistils) are also widely cultivated in this area.

Walking upward to the left, tourists will arrive at the Mandarin yard, which features two rows of stone officials, elephants, and horses. They work and serve for the monarch while he is still alive, and will follow him to the next world as well. During the rituals, working officials stand here to honour the deceased Emperor.

The Stele home is located on a higher terrace. It protects Khiem Cung Ky, Vietnam’s largest memorial stele and a national asset (designated in 2015). This 4m-tall stone has two faces adorned with approximately 5,000 Mandarin Chinese inscriptions and weighs up to 20 tonnes. Definitely the largest of its kind in Vietnam. Its distinguishing feature is that Tu Duc wrote all of the content himself, as he has no children. Traditionally, the son will write it to commemorate his deceased king-father. Instead of celebrating himself and his rule, this artist-emperor prefers to narrate his life stories and explain why he is buried there.

Le Thien Anh Queen’s Burial Site

A paved walking route leads from the Stele House to the tomb of Le Thien Anh, the queen. She was the first wife of Tu Duc king and lived from 1828 to 1902 (74 years old). Her father is Vo Xuan Cam, a high-ranking official who serves four monarchs and retires during Tu Duc’s reign.

The tomb is small and modest, with finely crafted phoenixes as adornment. In history, Le Thien Anh is one of only a few queens (women) buried in the same royal tomb as the king.

Worshipping Temple and Kien Phuc King’s Burial Site

Tu Duc Mausoleum is known as “a king’s tomb in another king’s tomb” because it houses the graves of Tu Duc and Kien Phuc kings. The temple and tomb of Kien Phuc emperor (also known as “Boi Lang” or the Additional tomb) are located on the opposite side of the creek, near the queen’s tomb. Both were built in 1884, shortly following the owner’s untimely death. That is why the government is required to bury him in the grounds of his adopted father’s tomb. He governs the country for around 8 months. Kien Phuc died at the age of 15, making him the Nguyen dynasty’s shortest-lived ruler.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS AROUND TU DUC TOMB?

Thuy Xuan Incense Village

Along the Doan Nhu Hai road to Tu Duc mausoleum, there are numerous businesses and factories where residents sell and manufacture incense sticks. On the map, the location is labeled Thuy Xuan Incense Making Village. Tourists enjoy stopping here for photos against a backdrop of colorful sticks and flowers. Artisans don’t mind displaying and instructing new guests how to produce the sticks in various smells. Another local product is Vietnamese traditional conical hats made of leaves.

Vong Canh Hills Belvedere

Vong Canh Hills Belvedere is a must-see for visitors. It’s a low pine-covered hill near Tu Duc tomb and Thuy Xuan incense village, and the view from there is spectacular. Visitors can enjoy a calm and undisturbed panoramic view of the Perfume River, which includes a lengthy stretch of gardens, hills, and villages along its banks. Here, you can find the greatest places to enjoy both the river and the sunset over it. Of course, there are plenty of photo possibilities. On top of Vong Canh Hills Belvedere, there are a couple of bunkers built by the French and repurposed by the Americans during the Indochina Wars.

Dong Khanh Emperor Tomb

Visitors can witness the mausoleum of Dong Khan king by continuing on Doan Nhu Hai route from Tu Duc tomb. He is the ninth monarch of the Nguyen dynasty, ruling Vietnam from 1885 to 1889. This man is adopted by Tu Duc and his wife, as were the emperors Duc Duc and Kien Phuc. Despite being the oldest of his siblings, he is the last to be crowned. Khai Dinh, the 12th king’s son, is responsible for embellishing the temple and tomb in his honour.

Ho Quyen Fighting Area

Ho Quyen, commonly known as the Tiger-Elephant Fighting Arena in Hue, is a historic venue that used to conduct traditional Vietnamese martial arts and animal conflicts, mainly between tigers and elephants. Located near the Imperial Palace, it served as an entertainment venue for royalty and nobles throughout the feudal era. The arena contains old stone constructions and relics that demonstrate its cultural importance. Ho Quyen is still a symbol of Vietnam’s rich history of traditional martial arts and is visited by tourists interested in learning about Hue’s cultural heritage.

MAPS

HUE DAY TRIP FROM DA NANG

Travelers from Da Nang can take a day trip to Hue to see Tu Duc tomb (or another places during Hue Day Trip and other city features. Hence, private car will pick you up at your accommodation in the morning and take approximately three hours to get to Hue. Along the way, make stopovers at Hai Van Pass, Vietnam’s most scenic coastal road, and Lang Co Lagoon which provides opportunities to explore nature. Following the Hue Imperial City visit, Thien Mu Pagoda and a nice local lunch is to visit the King Tu Duc Tomb. This full Day Trip assists travelers to learn a lot about history, culture, architecture, and other topics thanks to a skilled tour guide.

IN CONCLUSION

A visit to the Tu Duc King Royal Tomb is a highlight of any Hue day trip or Hue city tour, especially for travelers interested in royal heritage and ancient Vietnamese culture. Located in the heart of Central Vietnam travel, this poetic royal tomb showcases traditional architecture, serene lakes, and lush gardens that reflect the elegance of Hue culture during the Nguyen Dynasty. As one of the best places to visit in Hue, the tomb offers a deep look into Vietnam history and the personal life of Emperor Tu Duc, a ruler known for his love of poetry and nature. Whether you are exploring Hue tourism for the first time or following a detailed Vietnam travel guide, the Tu Duc King Royal Tomb is a must-see destination that beautifully connects history, architecture, and culture.