Tu Duc Tomb – Where Architecture and History Conjoin in Serenity

The beautiful and tranquil Tu Duc Tomb in Hue City, Vietnam, is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visiting the Tu Duc Tomb offers the chance to admire the stunning architecture, the tranquil settings, and the legacy of Emperor Tu Duc. 

Useful Information about Tu Duc Tomb

• Location: Tu Duc Tomb is located on the right of Canh Vong Hill, Thuy Ba village, Thuy Bieu commune, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue City, about 7 kilometers outside the city center.
• History: Tu Duc Tomb was built in the mid-19th century for Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled Vietnam from 1847 to 1883. It was built over several years and was completed in 1867.
• Features: Tu Duc Tomb is an elaborate complex that includes the emperor’s burial site, as well as several other buildings and structures such as palaces, temples, and gardens.
• Visiting the tomb: It is open to visitors from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. There is an admission fee to enter the complex. Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or take a guided tour.
• Entrance fee: Adults: 150,000 VND/person (6.5$)
  Children (from 7 to 12 years old): 30,000 VND/person (1.3 $)
• Other things to do in Hue: In addition to admiring the Tu Duc Tomb, there are many other things to do in Hue. These include visiting the Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the seat of the Nguyen dynasty; exploring the Perfume River by boat; and visiting the Thien Mu Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple that overlooks the river. Hue is also known for its delicious food, so be sure to try some local specialties while you’re there.

How to get to Tu Duc Tomb?

Tu Duc Tomb is located in Hue City, Vietnam, about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) outside the city center. Here are some ways to get there:

• By taxi: The easiest way to get to the Tu Duc Tomb is by taking a taxi. Taxis are readily available in Hue and can be easily hailed from the street or booked through a ride-hailing app. The ride from the city center to the tomb should take about 15-20 minutes and will cost around 150,000-170,000 VND (about $7-9).
• By motorbike: If you are comfortable riding a motorbike, you can rent a motorbike in Hue and drive to the tomb yourself. This is a convenient option if you want to explore the area at your own pace. Just be sure to wear a helmet and drive cautiously.
• By bicycle: Another option is to rent a bicycle in Hue and ride to the tomb. This is a good way to see the sights and get some exercise, and it is also environmentally friendly. The ride from the city center to the tomb should take about 30-45 minutes, depending on your pace.
• By tour: If you prefer to have someone else handle the logistics, you can join a guided tour of the tomb. Many tour companies offer half-day or full-day tours of the tomb and other attractions in Hue. This is a convenient option, as the tour will take care of transportation and provide an English-speaking guide

Book Hue City Tour 1 Day – Hue City Tour Half Day

Regardless of how you choose to get to the Tu Duc Tomb Hue, be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the complex and take in all the sights.

What historical story about Tu Duc Tomb?

To finish the building on time, hundreds of thousands of people must stay up late and wake up early, making their lives extremely unpleasant. They frequently receive whippings and lack sufficient food and clothing. The hard-working people were incensed by the scene of labor.

After two years of work, the workers who built the tomb rebelled against Tu Duc Emperor due to the intolerable tyranny they had to endure. Hien Nhon, Hoa Binh, and Chuong Duc were the three gates the rebels used to enter the Imperial Palace. However, the revolt failed and was drowned in a sea of blood. The Nguyen Dynasty and the people used to refer to this incident as the Lime Pestle because the insurgents utilized the lime pestle (a working instrument) as a weapon.

Tu Duc Emperor had to change Van Nien Co’s name to Khiem Cung as a result of this incident. He continued to reside in this location for more than ten years before passing and died after the tomb’s completion in 1873.

What makes Tu Duc Tomb a must-go destination?

Tu Duc Tomb was built in the 19th century for Tu Duc, the fourth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, who ruled Vietnam from 1847 to 1883.

This is an elaborate complex that includes the emperor’s burial site, as well as several structures, including palaces, pavilions, and courtyards, all of which are embellished with beautiful carvings, decorations, and designs that display the wealth and majesty of imperial Vietnamese architecture.

It was built in a traditional Vietnamese style, combining Vietnamese and Chinese architectural elements. The tomb is surrounded by a moat and many smaller tombs of the emperor’s concubines and other members of his household.

The Tu Duc Tomb is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam and is known for its beautiful gardens, ponds, and pavilions. In addition to learning about the Nguyen Dynasty’s past, visiting the Tu Duc Tomb offers the chance to admire the stunning architecture, the tranquil settings, and the legacy of Emperor Tu Duc.

The architecture of Tu Duc Tomb

Tu Duc Tomb

The shrine area and the tomb area are the two primary sections of the Tu Duc Tomb. Chong Khiem Ta and Du Khiem Ta, are two buildings on the water’s surface on the banks of Luu Khiem Lake. The king used to frequent this location frequently to view the lake, write poetry, and read literature.

Based on Luu Khiem Lake, a gazebo-shaped architectural style, Khiem Cung Mon was constructed. When visiting Tu Duc Tomb, the king frequently came this way to rest. Hoa Khiem Palace, where the king worked and where the king and queen’s tablets are now kept, is located in the center. Phap Khiem Vu and Le Khiem Vu are there for the military mandarins to follow on the left and right sides.

After Hoa Khiem Palace is Luong Khiem Palace, formerly the resting place of the king, later used to worship the spirit of Mrs. Tu Du, the mother of King Tu Duc.

Minh Khiem Theater, one of the earliest theaters in Vietnam constructed under the Nguyen kings, is situated to the left of Luong Khiem Palace. King Tu Duc used to go there to enjoy royal music.

Tips on visiting Tu Duc Tomb

• Wear modest clothing: It is respectful to dress modestly when visiting the Tu Duc Tomb and other cultural sites in Vietnam. This means covering your shoulders and knees and avoiding revealing or tight-fitting clothing.
• Remove your shoes: Before entering any of the temples or other buildings at the Tu Duc Tomb, you will need to remove your shoes. Be sure to wear socks or bring a pair of sandals or flip-flops to wear inside.
• Wear comfortable shoes: The Tu Duc Tomb is a large complex with a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It is also a good idea to bring a hat or umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.
• Take a guided tour: A guided tour can be a great way to learn more about the history and significance of the Tu Duc Tomb. There are often English-speaking guides available, or you can hire a private guide if you prefer.
• Respect the site: The Tu Duc Tomb is a place of historical and cultural significance, so it is important to be respectful while visiting. This means not touching or climbing on any of the structures, and following any rules or guidelines that are posted at the site.
• Stay hydrated: The tomb of Tu Duc is located in a tropical climate, so it can get hot and humid during the day. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you and take breaks in the shade to stay hydrated.
• Bring insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects are common in Vietnam, so it is a good idea to bring insect repellent and apply it before visiting the Tu Duc Tomb.

When guiding tourists to visit the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, I always take pride in the mystique and history that this location offers. Each step, every area within the tomb, is a vivid narrative of the life and era of the talented Emperor.

Standing before the tomb, I consistently encourage visitors to immerse themselves in the solemn atmosphere and show respect. Along with that are the stories behind each decoration detail, each statue. I hope that visitors can feel the unique tradition and culture that Emperor Tu Duc left behind.

Finally, witnessing the awe and reverence in the eyes of the tourists, I feel fortunate to share these precious moments, hoping that they will carry with them deep impressions of the history and culture of Vietnam.