The Tu Duc Tomb is peaceful and poetic, and especially highlights conventional Vietnamese architecture in comparison to other Nguyen structures. The Seni World travel guide will show you its history, cultural experiences, attractions, transportation, and essential travel tips.
Introduction To The Tu Duc Tomb
Located in a peaceful pine forest about 6 kilometers Southwest of the city center of Hue, the Tu Duc Tomb is one of the most poetic, serene, and largest royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is set amidst beautiful lotus lakes, ancient shady pavilions, and winding, mysterious pathways.
This complex is not only a mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, but it is also a luxurious retreat for him during his lifetime. Its elegant combination of traditional architecture and green nature displays the emperor’s love for literature, tranquility, as well as harmony with the natural world. So Tu Duc Tomb is one of the best destinations for travelers in the Central Vietnam itinerary.
History Of The Tu Duc Tomb
Built between 1864 and 1867, the Tu Duc Tomb was created and designed by Emperor Tu Duc himself, who reigned over the Nguyen Dynasty from 1848 to 1883. Although he planned this tomb as his final resting place, Tu Duc was never actually buried here because of the fear of grave theft.
Therefore, he was laid to rest in a secret region, and based on various legends, all 200 workers who buried him have been reportedly executed to hold the mystery forever. Nowadays, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc is a wonderful and valuable evidence for a testament to imperial grandeur, as well as artistic sensibility in Vietnam’s feudal era.
Unique Architecture Of The Tu Duc Tomb
The Tu Duc Tomb is well-known for its peaceful and poetic vibe, and especially highlights conventional Vietnamese architecture in comparison to other Nguyen structures. Here are 5 unique architectural features of the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the wonderful attractions in Hue, for you:
Harmonious Integration With Surrounding Nature
In contrast to many royal tombs, which can be grand, luxurious, and imposing, the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc is a peaceful and poetic complex that seamlessly blends into the encircling green pine forest, beautiful lotus ponds, and rolling hills. The panorama was carefully built and designed to reflect Emperor Tu Duc’s love for both poetry and nature.
The tomb highlights conventional Vietnamese architecture with great curved roofs, natural wooden columns, and complex carvings. All of them have little Chinese impact in comparison to other Nguyen structures. Moreover, the buildings in this complex are organized asymmetrically, increasing the natural glide of the site in place of enforcing an inflexible royal order.
Dual-Purpose Design: Tomb And Retreat
Particularly in comparison to the tombs of other emperors, the Tu Duc Tomb was constructed not only as a burial place for him, but it is also as a living retreat. He used it during his lifetime as an area to create poetry, relax, and escape from busy court affairs. It consists of serene pavilions and lakes, and performance areas, basically a “mini-palace” in nature.
Emperor’s Stele Pavilion With The Longest Inscription
The stele pavilion at the Tu Duc Tomb includes one of the biggest and longest inscriptions amongst all tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. The most interesting point of this stele pavilion is that the Emperor Tu Duc wrote the epitaph himself, reflecting on his failures and regrets. It displays humility not commonly seen in royal tombs and is also a unique feature of this tomb.
The Minimalist Burial Area
Notably, the actual burial area of Tu Duc in this tomb is pretty simple. The main tomb phase, in spite of the largest area of the complex, is surprisingly modest and simple. According to the legend of local people, the exact burial position of the emperor remains unknown, and is rumored to be hidden mysteriously elsewhere to save the grave from robbery.
4 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss In The Tu Duc Tomb
Besides discovering the unique architecture of the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, you can also have cultural experiences around this destination. Here are 3 cultural experiences you shouldn’t miss when visiting this emperor’s tomb in the Hue itinerary:
Listen To The Hue Royal Court Music
Hue Royal Court Music, or Nha Nhac Cung Dinh Hue, is a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage. On special events and holidays, or throughout cultural excursions, travelers may revel in these types of performances in Hue. These elegant and ancient songs once entertained emperors and give you an immersive vibe in this wonderful journey.
Explore Traditional Vietnamese Garden Architecture
Don’t forget to walk through the complicated designed landscapes, such as Xung Khiem Pavilion, Luu Khiem Lake, and Du Khiem Pavilion, which mix nature and conventional aesthetics. These places were the imperial lounges of Tu Duc for him to compose poetry and unwind in the stillness and serenity of nature, and are now perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Witness The Imperial Garden Landscaping Techniques
The Tu Duc Tomb complex has a wonderful royal scenery of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visiting this attraction, you will see that all the plants, lotus ponds, and bonsai trees are carefully cared for to maintain the natural balance and harmony of this place. It also shows conventional feng shui concepts and principles strongly, as well as a cultural belief of the royal that if nature is shaped exactly, it will bring spiritual power.
Take Part In Guided Historical Tours Or Cultural Talks
Many local tour guides or cultural talks surrounding the Tu Duc Tomb provide rich stories about the imperial court lifestyle of the Nguyen Dynasty in general, and Tu Duc’s complex personality in particular. Choosing these tours, you can have a unique context behind the special architecture, rituals, as well as the daily lifestyles of Vietnamese royalty in the 19th century.
Entrance Fee Of The Tu Duc Tomb
Here is a table that Seni World has summarized the Tu Duc Tomb entrance fee in Hue. Besides, we have also collected combo tickets, including the Tu Duc Tomb, for you to refer to:
| Ticket Type | Adult (from 13 years old) | Child (7 to 12 years old) | Child Under 7 |
| The Tu Duc Tomb | 150,000 VND | 30,000 VND | Free |
| Imperial City, the Tu Duc Tomb, and the Khai Dinh Tomb | 420,000 VND | 80,000 VND | Free |
| Imperial City, the Tu Duc Tomb, and the Minh Mang Tomb | 420,000 VND | 80,000 VND | Free |
| Imperial City, the Tu Duc Tomb, the Khai Dinh Tomb, and the Minh Mang Tomb | 530,000 VND | 100,000 VND | Free |
Opening Hours Of The Tu Duc Tomb
Seni World has also collected all the Tu Duc Tomb opening hours for travelers. Based on them, you can schedule a comfortable and happy trip to this iconic attraction in Hue:
- In the Summer season (from March 16th to October 15th): 06:30 AM to 06:00 PM
- In the Winter season (from October 16th to March 15th): 07:00 AM to 05:30 PM
The opening hours of the ticket booth here are a little different from the entrance hours, including:
- In the Summer season (from March 16th to October 15th): 06:30 AM to 05:30 PM
- In the Winter season (from October 16th to March 15th): 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM
The period from January to April, especially from February to April, is the best time to visit Hue as well as the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc. This is the reason why the open hours of this attraction can be different. Therefore, you need to carefully ask the manager of this place before booking the ticket to explore.
How To Get To The Tu Duc Tomb
Visiting the Tu Duc Tomb from the Hue city center, you should choose the right way to be comfortable and have a low price. Here are hints from Seni World about how to get to the well-known Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc in Hue:
| Mode Of Transport | Typical Travel Time (From Hue City Center) | Estimated Cost (VND) | Notes |
| Taxi | From 10 to 15 minutes | About 70,000 to 120,000 VND | This is a convenient option and ideal for groups or travelers seeking comfort. |
| Cyclo | From 30 to 40 minutes | About 100,000 to 150,000 VND | You can have a leisurely ride on a cycle, the traditional and iconic transportation of Vietnam. It has a slower pace, scenic, but less practical for long distances. |
| Motorbike | From 10 to 15 minutes | About 100,000 to 150,000 VND per day (rental) | Motorbikes are flexible, adventurous, and you can easily rent one at hostels or local rental shops. |
| Bike | From 25 to 35 minutes | About 50,000 VND per day (rental) | Biking is an eco-friendly selection of transportation, a scenic ride along quiet roads. It is good if the weather is pleasant. |
| Tour Service | Half-day or full-day | About 300,000 to 800,000+ VND | The tour service includes a local guide and typically features multiple attractions, such as the combination of the Tu Duc Tomb, the Khai Dinh Tomb, and the Minh Mang Tomb. |
Things To Know Before Traveling To The Tu Duc Tomb
To have a safe, memorable, and exciting journey in the Tu Duc Tomb in Hue, please remember the following essential travel tips. These tips will help you discover this attraction comfortably, but still respect the spirituality, culture, and protect yourself best:
- Arrange a combo of visiting: Because of the relation and the nearby areas, you can integrate the exploration of the Tu Duc Tomb with nearby tombs like the Khai Dinh Tomb and the Minh Mang Tomb for a full day of history, culture, and memories of the past.
- The suitable time: You should go to this place in the early morning or in the late afternoon to keep away from crowds and heat.
- Bring the valid ID for your children: The Tu Duc Tomb offers reductions available for children and students with a valid ID.
- Wear secure shoes: Because the grounds of this place are large and have various partly hilly areas, you need to wear secure and comfortable footwear to protect yourself.
- Get dressed respectfully: Don’t forget to wear clothing politely and respectfully (shoulders and knees covered), especially if coming into any shrine regions.
- Don’t be noisy: Remember to avoid loud behavior because this is a historic and spiritual attraction. Let’s have respectful behavior and voice.
- The offline Tu Duc Tomb map: You need to download an offline map of the Mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc to know exactly how you walk, so you can prepare to go on the right road and easily take memorable photos and videos here.
- Cash is the king: You need to bring cash (VND or Vietnam Dong) for buying tickets and small purchases because ATM are not common at this destination.
- Protect your skin: Especially in the Summer season, you should remember to prepare sunscreen with high SPF and a hat to protect your skin.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a bottle of water to make sure that your body has enough water in the sun when walking around the Tu Duc Tomb.
Final Thoughts: Is The Tu Duc Tomb Worth Visiting?
The Tu Duc Tomb is an iconic attraction in Hue, which has a peaceful and poetic vibe, and especially highlights conventional Vietnamese architecture in comparison to other Nguyen structures. If you want to take a Tu Duc Tomb adventure, as well as consult about interesting things to do in Hue, and receive support for the visa process, let’s contact Seni World, a reputable tour operator from Vietnam. We are here to help you from A to Z on your Tu Duc Tomb discovery journey.
