The Tomb of Khai Dinh is a royal mausoleum in Hue, Vietnam, built for the 12th emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. It is a unique blend of Vietnamese and French architectural styles, reflecting the cultural influences of the colonial era. The tomb is located on a steep hillside, surrounded by pine forests and overlooking the Perfume River. The construction of the tomb took 11 years, from 1920 to 1931, and cost a fortune at the time.
The Tomb of Khai Dinh is open to visitors every day from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
The Tomb of Khai Dinh’s entrance fee is 150,000 VND (about 6.5 USD) per person. You can buy tickets at the gate or online in advance.
You can also join a guided tour that includes the tomb and other attractions in Hue, such as the Imperial City and the Thien Mu Pagoda. Tours are available in different languages and prices.
To get to the Tomb of Khai Dinh, you can take a taxi, a motorbike, or a bicycle from Hue city center. The distance is about 10 km and the ride takes about 20 minutes. You can also take a boat along the Perfume River and enjoy the scenic views. The boat trip takes about an hour and costs around 100,000 VND (about 4.3 USD) per person.
Some tips for visiting the Tomb of Khai Dinh are:
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will have to climb many stairs to reach the main building.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no shops or restaurants nearby.
- Respect the local customs and culture, and do not touch or damage any artifacts or structures.
- Avoid visiting during peak hours (10:00 am to 2:00 pm) or national holidays, as it can get very crowded and noisy.
Some prohibitions for visiting the Tomb of Khai Dinh are:
- Do not smoke or litter inside or outside the tomb.
- Do not take photos or videos inside the main building, as it is considered sacred.
- Do not wear hats, sunglasses, or revealing clothes inside the main building, as it is a sign of disrespect.
Some of the highlights of the tomb are:
- The gate of honor, which is decorated with dragons and phoenixes, symbols of royalty and power.
- The courtyard, which features stone statues of mandarins, elephants, horses, and soldiers guarding the tomb.
- The main building, which is called Thien Dinh Palace. It has three floors and a roof covered with colorful ceramic tiles. The interior is adorned with intricate mosaics made of glass and porcelain fragments.
- The sarcophagus chamber, which is located in the basement of the main building. It contains a bronze statue of Khai Dinh and his coffin covered with gold and silver. The walls are painted with scenes from his life and reign.
