Visit Khai Dinh Mausoleum to explore the last remaining structure of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Hue, known as the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty, has always been one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country. With its rich history, Hue tourism attracts visitors with its unique culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and numerous ancient tombs. Each beautiful tomb in Hue holds invaluable architectural and historical value, becoming a source of pride for the people of the former imperial capital.

The Khai Dinh Mausoleum is a blend of modern and classical architecture, featuring many grand and elaborate structures that reflect the luxurious lifestyle of King Khai Dinh during his reign.

History of formation

Khai Dinh Mausoleum, also known as Ung Lang, is considered the most famous mausoleum in Hue. It is the tomb of King Khai Dinh, the 12th and most modern king of the Nguyen Dynasty. The construction of Khai Dinh Mausoleum took 11 years (from 1920 to 1931) and is located on Chau Chu Mountain, in Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy district, about 10 km south of Hue city center.

The tomb of King Khai Dinh is one of the monuments within the Hue Imperial Citadel Complex, which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1993. The tomb is considered to have the most outstanding architecture and is the last construction of the Nguyen dynasty.

The Khai Dinh Mausoleum is rectangular in shape, with 127 steps leading up to it. Utilizing a large amount of reinforced concrete, the structure combines traditional Nguyen Dynasty architecture with various foreign architectural styles, from French architecture and Western influences such as Romanesque and Gothic styles to Hindu and Buddhist architecture. All construction materials for the mausoleum were purchased by King Khai Dinh himself, including iron, steel, cement, and Ardoise tiles, from France. He also sent ships to China and Japan to buy porcelain and colored glass for the construction.

Considered the pinnacle of ceramic and glass art, most of the structures within the mausoleum are adorned with these two materials. Under the brilliant golden sunlight, the glass pieces reflect, creating an incredibly magical atmosphere. Thanks to the contributions of Vietnamese artisans, Khai Dinh Mausoleum has become a symbol of the highest achievement in ceramic and glass art.

The principal designer of this structure was the artist Phan Van Tanh, the author of the three largest "Nine Dragons Hidden in the Clouds" paintings in Vietnam, which adorn the ceilings of the three central chambers of the Thien Dinh Palace. No one knows what pigments he used during the painting process, but over time the paintings have not faded or been damaged by insects. This is truly a unique highlight within the Khai Dinh Mausoleum complex that every visitor should see firsthand.

The highlight of the Khai Dinh Mausoleum in Hue is its location within the complex.

The tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh in Hue can be described as a harmonious blend of various architectural styles, combining elements of both ancient Vietnamese and Western architecture. It includes five main points that visitors must explore when they arrive:

The Tam Quan Gate leading to Khai Dinh Mausoleum

The Tam Quan Gate is located on the first level of the mausoleum, comprising two main structures: the Ta Tong Tu and the Huu Tong Tu. This is where the memorials of national heroes who contributed to the country are kept. Even from the gate itself, you can sense its grandeur. To reach this gate, you need to climb 37 steps out of the mausoleum's total 127 steps.

Nghi Mon Gate and Bai Dinh Square

Climbing another 29 steps will take you to the Nghi Mon area and the Bai Dinh courtyard located on the second level of the Khai Dinh Mausoleum in Hue. This area is notable for its two rows of lifelike statues of civil and military officials, a distinctive feature that surprises visitors when they see it firsthand.

Thien Dinh Palace - the highest point of Khai Dinh Mausoleum in Hue.

Located on the fifth level, the highest point of the mausoleum, is the elaborately and exquisitely constructed Thien Dinh Palace. The palace is rectangular in shape, with a marble floor and its entire interior decorated with exquisitely crafted and beautiful reliefs made from ceramic and glass. All of this exudes a sense of solemnity, adding to the mausoleum's allure.

Khai Thanh Palace – where the altar of King Khai Dinh is located.

This is where the altar of King Khai Dinh is located. The hall is made of concrete painted in a bronze color, and the decorative motifs around it are also in a golden color like the palace. Above is a plaque inscribed with the name Khai Thanh Dien, and beneath this hall lies the king's remains.

Bronze statue of King Khai Dinh inside the mausoleum.

The bronze statue of King Khai Dinh, located at Ung Lang, serves as a precious artifact related to the Nguyen dynasty kings. It also provides future generations with a vivid image of what this king looked like during his lifetime.

After nearly 100 years of existence, the tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh has become a unique tourist attraction in the ancient capital of Hue, and very few visitors to the ancient capital can miss this architectural masterpiece. The special and unique features of the structure continue to amaze and surprise both domestic and international tourists.

The Khai Dinh Mausoleum is the last architectural work of the Nguyen Dynasty and also the most outstanding among the beautiful mausoleums in Hue, attracting a large number of tourists. Despite its modest size, it was the most expensive and labor-intensive construction project. The Khai Dinh Mausoleum is not only considered the most beautiful mausoleum but also possesses many features that make it a must-see for visitors to this poetic city.

Additional information

Khai Dinh Mausoleum

Address: Thuy Bang commune, Huong Thuy district, approximately 10 km south of Hue city center.

Entrance fee:

Adult ticket price: 150,000 VND/person

Children's ticket price: 30,000 VND/person.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao