Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam has made its name for being the home to a collection of ancient relics, temples, pagodas and tombs. A trip to Hue would not be complete without paying a visit to the well-known Tomb of Tu Duc, one of the most ancient places packed with Vietnam’s history.
An overview
Situated in Duong Xuan Thuong Village, which is approximately 8 kilometers away from Hue City, Tomb of Tu Duc is popularly known as one of the most scenic and marvelous work arts under the reign of Nguyen Dynasty.
Built between 1864 and 1867, the tomb is amongst the most attractive and most-visited ones. Being the most picturesque tomb of royal mausoleums, the tomb was designed and constructed by Emperor Tu Duc as a second palace for personal use before and after his death. Emperor Tu Duc had a reputation for being a kind-hearted king as well as a great poet, the design and construction of the tomb is obvious evidence proving his extensive knowledge and great vision of a passionate king.
Tomb of Tu Duc highlights
Have a closer look at the tomb; you can catch a glimpse of a brilliant patchwork of beautiful parks surrounded by lakes, hills and pavilions. At the entrance of the tomb, there is a path leading to Luu Khiem Lake where the Emperor spent time admiring colorful flowers, composing poems and reciting poetry. Here, you can hear the sounds of slowing streams, ripples of water, singing of birds. Make your way to the right, you can encounter a small island in the middle of the tomb known as Tinh Khiem. This was the place for Emperor Tu Duc to enjoy recreation activities and also for planting flowers.
Do not forget to have a glance at Hoa Khiem Temple. Here, you can obtain the feeling of getting lost in the historic time under the ancient dynasty. In order to get a closer insight of Tomb of Tu Duc, you should head to Khiem Cung Mon used for resting when the Emperor came here. Moreover, there are other must-see places including Luong Khiem Palace which used to be the resting place of Emperor and now is used as a worshiping place for Mrs. Tu Du, Emperor Tu Duc’s mother.
In addition to the major part of the tomb, there are also such places as the Honour Courtyard and the Stele Pavilion – the biggest tomb in Vietnam. With those amazing to see and to learn in Tomb of Tu Duc, it is really worth your time in order to have an insight into Vietnam’s ancient and historic place. For a hassle-free and secure exploration of Vietnam, reputable Vietnam tour operators can provide valuable insights into local practices, ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience.