Gia Long Tomb

If asked in Hue tourist sites, which tomb should you go to? It was the tomb of Gia Long King – the founder of the Nguyen Dynasty. Although it is further away from other mausoleums, those who like the simplicity of architecture, the wildness of nature, the romantic romance of the landscape, will certainly love this place.

Gia Long Tomb – one of the famous tombs in Hue

The tomb does not only host King Gia Long but also contains a large group of tombs for the King’s family and relatives. Those tombs were built over a 17th and 19th century and recognized as one of UNESCO World Heritages.

Speaking of the King and Queen tomb alone, they were built over a period of time that saw the come and leave of three different kings. Gia Long is the most distant tomb compared with other emperors’ tombs but it is the most scenic and impressive with regard to the natural landscape. There is no complicated building nor extravagant palace. The tomb complex was fenced by mountains and hills.

The steles for King and Queen are parallel and share the same size. On top of the steles is the coal-black roof. The simple yet elegant styles are said to symbolize and love and loyalty of the King and the Queen in war and peace.

Visiting Gia Long mausoleum, the “ancient” beauty is unique in Hue

Gia Long tomb is a bit further away from Hue downtown area. One can go by boat along the perfume river about 18km and land at the wharf of the tomb. The land where the tomb was built to Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district, Hue.

Though being the most distant tomb in comparison with those of other kings, Gia Long Tomb is the most scenic and impressive with regard to the natural landscape of boundless mountains, pine forests, and paths among grass and wildflowers. There’s no complicated building or extravagant palace but a complex fenced by 42 mountains and pine hill, named after the biggest mountain of the complex: Dai Thien Tho.

Gia Long Tomb – Hue tourist destination should visit once

The tomb is divided into 3 main parts. In the middle stand the tombs of the King and Queen. After the Honour court and upon the hilltop is Buu Thanh, containing a symbol of happiness and longevity. On the right of the complex is Minh Thanh Temple, where the King and his wife are honored. Formerly, here’s the place to display artifacts related to the king’s military life. On the left is a stele pavilion, with 2 parallel coal-black roof styles for the couple. Those simple yet elegant styles are said to symbolize the love and loyalty of them throughout war and peace. However, due to war and time, only the left stele remains.

There’re 2 ways to reach Gia Long Tomb, which is really a remote spot, even for local people. One is traveling by boat along Perfume River, which can be taken at the wharf at city downtown. The boat trip is really worth a try since it provides a unique chance to capture the scenic landscape of upstream Perfume River.

The other method is to go 16km by car or motorbike to Kim Ngoc Wharf (from Thieu Tri Tomb, go along the riverside road for about 3km) and take the boat there. It’s more convenient if tourists take motorbike as the boat can carry them along to the site. However, the road is not in very good condition. In the case of traveling by car, people have to walk for some kilometers (depends on where the boat lands them).

In many tourist locations, Gia Long tomb always gives visitors a feeling of ancient, quiet, along with the pristine hilly space makes this place become more impressive in the heart of every visitor. Discover the famous tombs of your vietnam tours.