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Hue First Royal Tomb: Gia Long Tomb

One of the most well-visited and well-preserved royal tombs in Hue is Gia Long Tomb, also called the Thien Tho Royal Tomb. Vietnam's stunning architectural wonder, Gia Long Tomb, highlights the rich history and culture of the nation. It is located in Hue. Gia Long Tomb is the best place to visit in Hue.

If you have an interest in history and culture, you should pay a visit to the final resting place of the first emperor who established the Nguyen Dynasty. Among the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty, Gia Long Tomb Hue possesses the most exquisite feng shui position. It is particularly well-known for the devoted affection that existed between Empress Thua Thien Cao and Emperor Gia Long.

I. About the location, entrance fee and opening hours of Gia Long Tomb
II. How to get to Gia Long Tomb
III. Story of Gia Long Emperor
IV. History of Gia Long Tomb
V. Highlights of Gia Long Tomb
VI. Travel tips to Gia Long Tomb
VII. Reviews of clients on Gia Long Tomb

I. About the location, entrance fee and opening hours of Gia Long Tomb

Location: Hương Thọ, Hương Trà District, Thua Thien Hue
Entrance fee: 150.000VND/Adult (buy combo ticket if you visit other sites)
Opening hour: Daily from 7.30 AM - 5.30 PM

II. How to get to Gia Long Tomb

Gia Long Tomb is the best place to visit in Hue. Gia Long Tomb can be reached in several ways. Taking a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, also called the Huong River, is the most unusual option. It takes around two hours to get there by boat because the tomb is so far away.

In addition to taking a boat journey, you can hire a private vehicle, a Grab bike, a bike or motorcycle, or a taxi. However, rather than travelling alone, tourists who are not familiar with the routes should have local drivers or riders take them there. The distance between the tomb and the city centre is 20 kilometres.

III. Story of Gia Long Emperor

Nguyen Phuc Anh, the true name of Emperor Gia Long, was born in 1762. He served as the first Emperor of the Nguyen monarchy, which was the final feudal monarchy in Vietnamese history.

Under the name "Gia Long," he came to the throne in 1802, and he controlled the nation until he died in 1820. Additionally, the Vietnam national title was formally used in 1804 by King Gia Long.

Song Guogong Tong Phuoc Khuong is the father of Ms. Tong Thi Lan, also known as Empress Thua Thien Cao. She is well-known for being elegant, kind, and courteous. At eighteen, she entered the palace and was made Nguyen's consort. And despite all of history's ups and downs, she never stopped standing by and supporting the Emperor.

The picture of two tombs close to one another demonstrates the Emperor and his wife's devoted devotion. They triumphed over all of life's ups and downs. As a result, it is a lovely picture that represents eternal, holy love. The Emperor still desired to spend many afterlives with his bride after they died because they had spent many wonderful days together while they were still living. Because of this, Gia Long tomb stands out from other royal tombs in Hue. Gia Long Tomb is the best place to visit in Hue.

IV. History of Gia Long Tomb

The tomb was constructed over six years, from 1814 to 1820. Beginning on February 21, 1814, with the death of Empress Thua Thien Cao, the principal consort of Empeor Gia Long. The mandarins of Kham Thien Giam received an order from the Emperor designating the location of the Empress's burial. Later on, the tomb was enlarged to create a massive mausoleum complex that measures 11,234.40 meters in circumference.

In addition to Gia Long Tomb, there is a complex housing the tombs of other Emperor family members. As a result, Gia Long Tomb's construction history is convoluted. They were all constructed at various points both before and after the 17th and 19th centuries, which are almost two centuries apart.

Numerous historical events related to the Vietnam War have left the Gia Long mausoleum complex slightly damaged by certain constructions. With an expenditure of more than 40 billion VND, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center renovated the Gia Long Tomb relic complex in 2020. Nowadays, Gia Long Tomb is the best place to visit in Hue.

V. Highlights of Gia Long Tomb

Viewers of the Gia Long Tomb are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding natural splendour. The tomb complex's buildings and monuments are also open for exploration by guests. In particular, guests will have a deeper understanding of the emperor and Empress Thua Thien Cao's fidelity and love.

While magnificent, Gia Long Tomb is as uncomplicated as a martial general's way of life. There is hardly much architectural density. In addition, the tombs are incredibly roomy and arranged horizontally. Furthermore, the hills and mountains that surround the tomb spread out like a natural wall, giving it a surface scale. Gia Long Tomb is the best place to visit in Hue.

The stunning Burial Area, the Bi Dinh Pavilion, the burial places of the royal family, and the Minh Thanh Palace are a few of the tomb's highlights. A different perspective on the history and culture of the Nguyen Dynasty can be gained from each of these buildings.

One striking aspect of the Gia Long Tomb is the construction of every dragon on the steps and courtyards using brick and lime. Unlike other mausoleums built later, none of them have stone carvings on them.

1. Minh Thanh Palace

One magnificent structure that exemplifies the accomplishments of the Nguyen Dynasty is the Minh Thanh Palace. Its elaborate carvings, sculptures, and paintings, which highlight the dexterity and inventiveness of the feudal dynasty's artisans, are a feature of its traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Built of ironwood, Minh Thanh Palace is dedicated to the devotion of Emperor Gia Long and Empress Thua Thien Cao. in the design of Bach Son Hill's "double roof, duplex house." The term "brilliant completion" is Minh Thanh. A different way to put it is "finished by tomorrow."

In addition, lapis lazuli tiles decorate the palace's roof. In addition, carp transform into dragons to adorn the Arris roof. In contrast to 2016, the restoration work has been replaced with new tiles while maintaining the same paint colour. Moreover, Minh Thanh Palace has two rows of East-West homes on each of its two sides. At the now, the guardians of Gia Long's mausoleum remain in these two rows of houses. By the end of 2022, Minh Thanh Palace had been finished and renovated. In the centre of the palace stood the altar dedicated to Emperor Gia Long. Additionally, the postcards of Empress Thua Thien Cao and the To Cao Emperor (Gia Long) were placed on the altar. Gia Long Tomb is the best place to visit in Hue.

2. Burial Area For Emperor And Empress

Gia Long Tomb's burial chamber is the most unique of Hue's royal tombs since it has two graves. In remembrance of the woman who stood with him through all of life's challenges, Gia Long Emperor and Thua Thien Empress were buried together. It represents happiness and loyalty beyond everything else.

Visitors will pass through two areas to get to this holy grave area: the courtyard and the wall system that encloses it, known as bửu thành. You will first enter the royal courtyard, which is lined with some impressive stone statues of elephants, horses, and military and civil servants.

A seven-level staircase then appears. You may see the burial place atop the mountain after ascending the 7 Honor Courtyard steps. It is further secured by the bửu thành wall system, which only allows a locked door to open on rare occasions.

3. Minh Thanh Shrine

The Minh Thanh Shrine, where the Gia Long Emperor and Thua Thien Empress are worshipped, is located to the left of the burial area. They use the shrine to store their altars and sentimental items. It provides guests with a clean, outdoor space with verdant trees and a well-organized design, even with ageing elements.

In line with the resting place, the Minh Thanh Shrine is built solidly rather than ostentatiously like other royal graves. Hats, belts, and saddles, among other items connected to King Gia Long's military career, were revered in the past at Minh Thanh Shrine. Additionally, you are welcome to pay respectful homage to this sombre sanctuary and offer prayers in front of its altars. It is the best place to visit in Hue.

4. Bi Dinh Pavilion – Merit Records

Bi Dinh in Gia Long Tomb, a record of the significant achievements of the Gia Long Emperor, is located to the tomb's left. A merit record site like this one may be found in almost every royal tomb of the Nguyen Emperors. Mature pine trees surround it, making the area tranquil and soothing.

You will be looking at a sizable stele called Minh Đức Thần Công, which displays the Minh Mang Emperor's evaluation of Gia Long's (his father's) life and achievements. It's interesting to note that, even after almost 200 years, the characters are still legible due to the intricate and beautiful carving.

5. Burial Areas For Royal Family Members

In addition to the main three sections, the Gia Long Royal Mausoleum has places for his family members to be buried. Numerous members of the Nguyen Dynasty royal family were interred here, including Gia Long's mother (Thoai Thanh Tomb) and elder sister (Hoang Co Tomb). Remarkably, the perimeter of the Gia Long mausoleum increased to around 11,234 meters as a result of numerous burial locations.

VI. Travel tips to Gia Long Tomb

When visiting any holy site, including Gia Long Tomb, you should be mindful of the dress requirements. In particular, you should respect the locations and local customs by dressing courteously and modestly.
You should wear light clothing and stay away from heavy items because you will be moving around a lot when visiting the tomb. We advise dressing in T-shirts, loose-fitting jeans, and comfy sneakers.
For this outdoor excursion, we also advise applying sunscreen and wearing hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves.
For greater convenience, you should purchase combo tickets or sign up for excursions that include multiple sites. Tickets in combination save you money. Tours provide reliable transportation and guides.

VII. Reviews of clients on Gia Long Tomb

Review of Louis on Google Map

Gia Long Tomb is a bit far from the centre of Hue, it takes about 40 minutes by car from the centre of Hue city, the landscape of the relic is very large and beautiful. We buy tickets outside and drive to visit the mausoleum. King Gia Long was a military general so he did not choose a meticulous artistic design but chose a majestic landscape, not fussy about details. The impression is the double burial (it is very rare for a king to build a mausoleum exactly like the queen).

Review of Finneas on Google Map

I have been to Hue many times, but this is the first time I have visited Gia Long Tomb! I feel nostalgic, remembering Him, the first King of the Nguyen Dynasty, who had the merit of expanding the territory, so that today, Vietnam has a name on the world map! In the past, if you wanted to visit Gia Long Tomb, you had to cross the ferry, but now there is a bridge so it is more convenient to travel. From Minh Mang Tomb to Gia Long Tomb is about 3 km. The road is also easy to travel. It is the best place to visit in Hue.

Review of Tonny on Google Map

Gia Long Tomb has a beautiful landscape and is a sacred place. The entrance fee is 150.000VND, and there are bicycles for rent that run on rice for 10.000VND, electric bicycles for 50.000VND, and electric cars for groups. Gia Long Tomb, also known as Thien Tho Lang, was built in 6 years (1814-1820) and includes many tombs of King Gia Long's royal family. The mausoleum is located in a wild, picturesque mountain area in Dinh Mon village, Huong Tho commune, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province.

Gia Long Tomb is a masterwork of how architecture and environment can coexist. The Nguyen Dynasty's first monarch slept in a serene and elegant setting. Gia Long Tomb is the best place to visit in Hue.

For further information, please contact VietNam Travel Agency Autour Asia.

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5/5 - (1005 Vote)

Jessie

5.0 Excellent

What to discover in Hue?

In Perfume River Hue, there are also a lot of interesting things to do. One must-do activity for visitors to the ancient imperial city of Hue is to take a dragon boat ride along the Huong (Perfume) River.

Tomer

5.0 Excellent

Where is the best place to visit in Hue?

Vietnamese Buddhist temple Tu Hieu Pagoda is well-known and has a lengthy history dating back more than 160 years. In addition to its spiritual importance, Tu Hieu Temple is a destination that visitors just must see.

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