Gia Long Tomb (Thien Tho Tomb)

Gia Long Tomb is a relic in the complex of Hue monuments recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage on December 11, 1993. Gia Long Tomb or Thien Tho Lang, is the tomb of Emperor Gia Long (1762-1820), the founding king of the Nguyen Dynasty. Gia Long Tomb is actually a complex of many mausoleums in the royal family, now located in Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra town, Thua Thien Hue province.

The history of construction of Gia Long Tomb is very complicated, because here is not only Gia Long mausoleum, but also a complex of mausoleums of many members of the king's family and clan... Tomb complex These tombs are scattered over a large area of Dinh Mon village. All were built at different times and before and after nearly two centuries apart (the 17th - 19th centuries).

The entire mausoleum is a group of mountains with 42 hills and mountains, large and small, of which Dai Thien Tho is the largest mountain chosen as the tomb's criminal record and is the name of the whole mountain group: Thien Tho Son. All are planned in a protected area of more than 28 square kilometers, forming a majestic landscape running from the foot of Truong Son range to the shore of Ta Trach - a confluence of Huong Giang.
From the banks of the Perfume River to the mausoleum, there is a wide road on both sides planted with tall, green pine and durian trees, creating a cool and quiet atmosphere. Two majestic pillars located at the outermost signal the mausoleum area. In the past, there were columns signaling, reminding people to be respectful when passing through this area, and there are 85 such columns in the complex of Gia Long mausoleum. The king's mausoleum is located on a large flat hill. Before, there is Dai Thien Tho mountain, after 7 mountains are the occipitals, on the left and right there are 14 mountains which are left dragon fruit and right white tiger. The overall mausoleum is divided into 3 areas: The middle part is the tomb of the king and Queen Thua Thien Cao; On the right is the impregnated area with Minh Thanh Palace as the center; On the left is Bi Dinh. In addition, there is a system of adjacent mausoleums, of which the most notable is Thien Tho Huu tomb of Queen Thuan Thien Cao - the woman who gave birth to the most talented king of the Nguyen Dynasty - King Minh Mang.

Gia Long mausoleum is monumental, but as simple as the life of a martial general. The architectural density is relatively sparse. The constructions are spread out horizontally. It is vast and spacious, but here there is no pavilion and no citadel. The surrounding mountains and hills spread out like a natural circle. The simplest is the burial area of the king and queen's body. Two stone tombs lie parallel, only a hand apart, have the same size and shape, above both have two roofs flowing down to look like roofs that time has dyed coal black. Not a single carving, gilded paint, all are just flat, bare stone slabs, creating a quiet and majestic atmosphere in the middle of this place. The two tombs are located next to each other, showing the noble and loyal feelings between the king and queen who have been born and died together during their wartime life. That is the unique point of Gia Long mausoleum that cannot be found in any other Nguyen tombs. Minh Thanh Palace, the main architectural work in the impregnated area, is not fancy or cumbersome. The carved electric ribs are simple but strong. The decorative motifs in the interior are carved with the word "longevity" in the middle and stylized leaves around. There is a remarkable feature that all dragons in the courtyards and steps of Gia Long Tomb are covered with lime brick, not carved with stone like in other mausoleums later.

Gia Long Tomb is not monumental, not as sophisticated and beautiful as the tombs of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh, Tu Duc.. but the beauty here is the majestic and poetic landscape with green pine forest surrounding, and a calm lake. , the long green lawn, the cows leisurely graze creating a beautiful and peaceful picture; The tomb's position has a mountain in front, the mausoleum's architecture is simple but exudes majesty, making guests feel the wandering life of the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty, the citadel was many but also many failures and to There are quite a few controversies in the afterlife.

Opening hours: The mausoleum is open every day of the week from 07:00 - 17:30

Sightseeing ticket price:

Adults: 50,000 VND

Elderly people: 25,000 VND

Children: free