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Hue imperial style blends with Southern Vietnamese folk art.
Located on Vu Tung Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, the Ong Ba Chieu Mausoleum is the resting place of General Le Van Duyet, who made significant contributions to stabilizing and developing the southern region under the Nguyen Dynasty. The architectural complex, comprising the tomb, temple, and auxiliary structures, is built in the style of Hue imperial palaces combined with Southern folk elements, creating an atmosphere that is both majestic and approachable.
The Tam Quan Gate of the Mausoleum of Ông Bà Chiểu, built in 1949, is a spiritual architectural symbol of Saigon – Gia Định.
The Tam Quan Gate of the Le Van Duyet Mausoleum, built in 1949, is a spiritual architectural symbol of Saigon – Gia Dinh. Designed in the traditional "tam quan" style, with three arched doorways and a yin-yang tiled roof, it bears the strong influence of Hue's imperial architecture. Above the gate are three Chinese characters, "Thuong Cong Mieu," expressing reverence for General Le Van Duyet. This is not only the entrance to the mausoleum complex but also a distinctive and easily recognizable image of the city, marking many cultural and religious activities and a favorite destination for tourists.
The stone stele recognizing the Mausoleum of Ông Bà Chiểu as a National Historical and Cultural Monument testifies to the long-standing value and importance of the structure.
An architectural corner of 177 years of memory.
Moss-covered tiled roofs, dark yellow brick walls, and time-worn wooden columns create a serene atmosphere amidst the modern city. Photographer Lam Uy Huynh, who took the photos, shared: "The first time I came here to shoot a series of photos of women in traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses, I was very impressed by the ancient architecture, rich in the culture of old Saigon. Later, I returned a second time to photograph the architecture specifically. I wanted to preserve the memory of these historical sites in a city that is changing every day; capturing these images is a way to preserve the soul of Saigon."
The Ông Bà Chiểu Mausoleum is situated on a high, turtle-back-shaped plot of land, surrounded by greenery, creating a tranquil space amidst the bustling city. The grounds cover approximately 18,500 m² and include the following structures: a memorial stele, a front hall, a rear hall, and the main tomb of General Lê Văn Duyệt and his wife Đỗ Thị Phẫn.
The interior of the temple consists of three bays and two wings, with intricately carved and gilded wooden architecture made of ironwood.
The temple complex, known as Thuong Cong Linh Mieu, comprises the Front Hall, Middle Hall, and Main Hall, distinguished by its dominant red and gold colors, symbolizing solemnity, authority, and good fortune. It serves as a place of worship and remembrance for the Left General and his wife, and is also the center of traditional rituals within the historical site.
The moss-covered details, the yellow walls, and the weathered roof tiles make the Ông Bà Chiểu Mausoleum a space that is both solemn and evokes a sense of timelessness. According to photographer Lam Uy Huynh, standing amidst this nearly 200-year-old space, I felt as if time had stopped. The old details, the roof tiles, the yellow walls… all tell the story of a bygone era. My strongest emotion is one of reverence, because each frame is not just an architectural masterpiece, but also a spiritual memory of those who once lived and preserved this place.
The "Dragon and Horse Supporting the Painting," made of ceramic and glass, decorates the wall of the front hall.
The Ông Bà Chiểu Mausoleum is not only a historical site where many people come to light incense and pay their respects, but also a unique cultural and religious destination in Saigon. For those who love tranquility, it offers a sense of peace and a slower pace of life amidst the bustling city. Many photographers, researchers, and young culture enthusiasts visit as a way to connect with old Saigon, a quiet Saigon rich in memories and stories.
