About Khai Dinh Tomb
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Khai Dinh Tomb is one of the most unique architectural works in the complex of Hue ancient capital relics. The tomb of this king was built on the slope of Chau Chu mountain, about 10km from the center of Hue city, with a combination of Asian and European styles, creating a magnificent and unique whole
The process of building Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue
King Khai Dinh was the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty, he was also the last person to build a mausoleum. Khai Dinh Tomb began construction in 1920 and lasted for 11 years. King Khai Dinh died in 1925 but the mausoleum was not completed until 1931. This is a small but extremely expensive project because the construction materials: porcelain, glass, bricks, stones, cement, steel, tiles... are all imported from China, Japan, France.
Unique architecture of Khai Dinh Tomb Hue
Design style: Legend has it that King Khai Dinh ascended the throne during the decline of feudalism, but he lived lavishly and had a taste for flamboyance. And his mausoleum also partly reflects the style of this king.
Overall structure: The overall structure of the Tomb is a rectangular block rising up to 127 steps. Surrounding Khai Dinh Tomb are mountains and streams, which are both feng shui elements and spectacular natural scenery when viewed from Khai Dinh Tomb.
Interior architecture:
The highest artistic value of the tomb is the interior decoration of Thien Dinh Palace. The three middle rooms in the palace are decorated with porcelain, ceramic and colored glass.
On the ceiling of Thien Dinh Palace is the painting "Cuu long an van" - a very unique image of 9 dragons hidden in the clouds drawn by Vietnamese artisans with both feet and hands.
Especially the 1-ton treasure canopy, with soft, delicate curves. Below the Buu Tan is a bronze statue of King Khai Dinh cast in France in 1922 at the king's request.
Most Nguyen Dynasty kings, when they died, often hid their acupuncture points to avoid grave robbers. Only King Khai Dinh, who was later known to all, was buried under the bronze statue in Thien Dinh Palace in Khai Dinh Tomb.
Bright colors: The tomb is decorated with many colorful colors, mainly yellow, green, red... creating a shimmering, magical space and also true to King Khai Dinh's taste.
Historical significance: Khai Dinh Tomb is not only the resting place of the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty but also a turning point marking the cultural exchange between Vietnam and the West in the early 20th century.
In addition, when coming to Khai Dinh Tomb, visitors will discover many historical documents about the image of King Khai Dinh ascending the throne, the king's activities during his reign, the context of the king's death...
Additional informations
- Address: Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province, Vietnam
- Ticket price: 150,000 VND/person (you can refer to the ticket according to the tour route)
- Opening hours: 7am - 5pm.
Pro tips
- Do not go on weekends and holidays to avoid crowds.
- Prepare comfortable clothes to climb the stairs and bring a hat, sunscreen and heat.
- You can hire a tour guide to better understand the history and architecture of Khai Dinh Tomb.
Conclusion
After nearly 100 years of history, Khai Dinh Tomb is still solid, maintaining its magnificent beauty, it has been and is a destination not to be missed when traveling to Hue. Come here to explore one of the most unique architecture of the mausoleum combining classical and modern styles in Vietnam in the early 20th century.
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