Tomb of Emperor Gia Long - The First King of the Nguyen Dynasty

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Where is Location of Gia Long Mausoleum?

Tomb of Emperor Gia Long is the final resting place of Emperor Gia Long (reigned 1802–1820), the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty and the first to officially use the national name “Vietnam”. Built between 1814 and 1820, it is the oldest and largest royal tomb complex in Hue, covering a vast area of more than 28 km² surrounded by 42 mountains and hills.

Tomb Location: Hương Thọ, Hương Trà District, Thua Thien Hue
Opening Hours: Daily from 7.30 AM – 5.30 PM
Entrance Fee: 150.000VND/Adult (buy combo ticket if you visit other sites)
Dress Code: Required (you can borrow scarfs at the entrances of temples)

Tomb of Emperor Gia Long (Gia Long Mausoleum)

History and Architecture of Gia Long Tomb:

The mausoleum began construction in 1814 and was not completed until 1820. The entire mausoleum is a mountain complex with 42 hills and mountains, large and small, of which Dai Thien Tho is the largest mountain chosen as a precedent of the mausoleum and is the name of the whole mountain. From the banks of the Perfume River to the mausoleum, there is a wide road on both sides growing pine and melancholy soaring, blue, creating a cool, quiet air. Two majestic pillars are located on the outside, signaling the tomb.

With a circumference of up to 11,234.40 m; Thien Tho Lang includes the following tombs:

Quang Hung Tomb of Mrs. Thai Tong Hieu Triet Queen, the second wife of Lord Hien Nguyen Phuc Tan (1620-1687).
Vinh Mau’s Mausoleum of Anh Tong Hieu Nghia Queen, wife of Lord Nguyen Phuc Tran (1650-1725).
Truong Phong Mausoleum of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu (1697-1738).
Legendary Mausoleum of Ms. Hung To Hieu Khuong Queen (1738-1811), second wife of Nguyen Phuc Con (Luan) and mother of King Gia Long.
Hoang Co tomb of Thai Chief Princess Long Thanh, sister of King Gia Long.
Thien Tho Mausoleum of King Gia Long and his wife.
Tomb of Thien Tho Huu of Mrs. Thuan Thien Cao Queen, second wife of Gia Long king, mother of Minh Mang king.

Gia Long Tomb (Mausoleum of Emperor Gia Long)

The entire tomb is a complex of 42 hills and mountains with big and small names, of which Dai Thien Tho is the largest. The tomb of the king lies on a large flat hill. Dai Dai Tho used to be the front screen, after that there were 7 mountains as protectors, on the left and right side, there were 14 mountains of left dragon and white tiger. The tomb is divided into 3 areas:

The middle part is the tomb area of the king and Mrs. Thua Thien Cao Queen. Crossing the adjoining courtyard with solemn stone statues and 7 courtyard levels is Buu Thanh at the top of the hill.
To the right of the tomb is an impregnated area with Minh Thanh Palace worshiping the Emperor and First Queen
On the left of the tomb is Bi Dinh, now there is only a large stele with an inscription of the holy deed of King Minh Mang praising his father, carved very exquisitely.

Gia Long Mausoleum is a masterpiece of the arrangement between nature and architecture. The first king of the Nguyen Dynasty rested in a quiet and poetic space.