Tu Duc tomb is the most romantic and impressive of royal mausoleums in Vietnam. Nested in a pine valley of Duong Xuan Thuong Village, this is the final resting place of Tu Duc emperor who reigned from 1846 and died in 1883. The complex tomb is designed to reflect Tu Duc 's knowledge in history, art, literature. Let’s explore it. 

Where is Tu Duc Tomb?

• Location: No. 17/69, Le Ngo Cat Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province
• Opening Hours: 
• Entrance fee: 50.000 VND - 150.000 VND

Tu Duc Tomb is located in Le Ngo Cat Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, about 8km away from the city center. 

The tomb is a well-known tomb, lying peacefully in a wonderful pine valley. Tourists may enjoy the captivating panoramic of the Perfume river from the tomb of Tu Duc. 

So, if you have only a day in Hue, don't forget to take this site in your schedule. 

The girl taking a photo at Tu Duc Tomb

History of Tu Duc Tomb

Tu Duc King is a son of King Thieu Tri and the Nguyen Dynasty’s fourth ruler. He held the throne in 1847. 

After over 35 years of his reign, French colonists attacked the country and the King could not withstand the strength of the Military of France.

Finally, Tu Duc King must to sign a contract, giving the French control over three Mekong Delta provinces includes: Châu Đốc, Hà Tiên and Vĩnh Long. 

And this result led to dissatisfaction. But one thing people are unassailable for sure, this is his intellectual legacy, especially his poems. 

Tu Duc's life has already gone through so much trouble, caught between the country issue and his private life while he was unable to have a successor. 

To escape from these problems, he built the palatial retreat with 12ha and took over 6 years to complete. This is a Tu Duc tomb today. 

The highlight architect of Tu Duc Tomb

Tu Duc tomb is called as Van Nien Co or Kiem Cung. There were many dead people when the tomb because people had to work from morning to midnight, leading to a rebellion.

Today, the buildings in this Tu Duc tomb complex contain the word "Khiem".

The complex consists of 5 main parts: 

Luu Khiem Lake

After getting into Tu Duc tomb, you must go through a brick tiled walkway from the gate of Khiem Cung to the gate of Vu Khiem. After, visitors will see the peaceful lake which its named as Luu Khiem. 

This lake was originally a small stream. In the summer, there are many shades of lotus covering the water face. So, if you come here this time, you will see the beauty of Vietnam's national flower. 

Tinh khiem islet

Looking away, at the heart of Luu Khiem Lake, there is a Tinh Khiem islet. This is the place that Tu Duc King grew many rare flowers and currently some are thriving. 

The King usually gets here to play chess, enjoy tea and read books while alive. 

Hoa Khiem Palace

After visiting Kiem Cung gate, visitors will see Hoa Khiem Palace which was a working place of the King and a place of worship for the King and his wife.  There is a lot of ancient stuff from the King in the tomb. 

Hoa Khiem Palace

Luong Khiem Temple

Tu Duc Kinh was a filial son, so he built a special space to worship for the departed son of his mother, Tu Du King Dowager. This was a Luong Khiem temple, near On Khiem Chamber. 

Minh Khiem Theater

Minh Khiem theater is the second Royal Theater for the King to entertain and one of the old theaters in Vietnam.  The theater is behind Hoa Khiem Palace. 

Minh Khiem Theater plays an important role in culture and architecture. 

However, to preserve the building, artistic performances are shown in Xung Khiem Pavilion.

The construction is worth a visit if you love Vietnamese art like Hue court music. 

The Royal Courtyard

Walking around about 500m to the Northwest, you will see the forecourt. 

There are 2 rows of sculptures of horses, elephants, and mandarins on the courtyard. This statue are quite shorter, not taller than the King and accompanies the King on his journey to the afterlife.

Royal Courtyard

Tu Duc Royal Tomb

Passing a green lake which is in the shape of a crescent moon, you may reach the Tu Duc Tomb. 

The tomb is built with three floors of stones. As the legend goes, when Tu Duc passed away, there was a grieving crew to cruise down Luu Khiem lake and lay the King. 

Until now, no one knew the King's body was a secret spot. Because all the servants who bury Tu Duc, were executed to protect his remains. 

How to get to Tu Duc Tomb? 

There are many options to come to Tu Duc tomb such as car, motorbike, or private car. You may book a Hue private tour a day via Vietnam Trust Car Rental. 

Visitors will visit Tu Duc Tomb and many tour attractions in Hue such as Khai Dinh Tomb, Hue citadel, perfume river.... 

Remember to wear hats, sunscreen, sunglasses...  If you come to Tu Duc tomb during the wet season, prepare raincoats and umbrellas. 

Tu Duc Tomb is one of the best places to visit in Hue. With its surrounding natural landscape, creating captivating scenery for visitors  to seesight.  You should come here to enjoy the clear air, see the beautiful scenery.