Gia Long Tomb
About 14km South of 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.
Location
Gia Long Tomb is located approximately 18 km from the downtown area of Hue. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Perfume River, arriving at the tomb's wharf. The site is situated in the Huong Tho commune, Huong Tra district, Hue.
Photo Instagram by @besthuecitytour
History
The tomb complex not only serves as the final resting place for King Gia Long but also houses a significant number of tombs belonging to the King’s family and relatives. These tombs were constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Focusing on the tomb of the King and Queen, it was built during a time that witnessed the reigns of three different kings. Gia Long's Tomb, although the most distant from the other royal tombs, is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, with no elaborate buildings or extravagant palaces. The tomb complex is enveloped by mountains and hills, contributing to its serene beauty.
Photo by @mollyvertravel
The steles dedicated to the King and Queen are positioned in parallel and are identical in size. Each stele is topped with a coal-black roof. These simple yet elegant structures are believed to represent the enduring love and loyalty shared by the King and the Queen in times of both war and peace.
Architecture
Despite being the most remote among the tombs of the emperors, Gia Long Tomb stands out for its stunning natural surroundings, characterized by vast mountains, pine forests, and pathways adorned with grass and wildflowers. The complex, surrounded by 42 mountains and hills, derives its name from the largest mountain within it: Dai Thien Tho.
Photo by @catalin_chitu_22
The tomb complex is organized into three main sections. At the center are the graves of the King and Queen. Beyond the Honor Court and atop the hill is Buu Thanh, symbolizing happiness and longevity. To the right of the complex is the Minh Thanh Temple, where the King and his wife are revered. This area once displayed artifacts related to the King’s military life. On the left is the stele pavilion, featuring two parallel coal-black roof steles for the couple, symbolizing their love and loyalty through both war and peace. Unfortunately, due to the ravages of war and time, only the left stele remains intact.
How To Get There
There are two primary ways to reach the relatively remote Gia Long Tomb, which can be challenging even for locals. The first option is to take a boat along the Perfume River, departing from the wharf in downtown Hue. This journey offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the picturesque landscapes along the river.
The second option is to travel 16 km by car or motorbike to Kim Ngoc Wharf (from the Thieu Tri Tomb, take the riverside road for about 3 km) and board a boat there. For those who ride a motorbike, this option is more convenient as the boat can accommodate their vehicles. However, the road conditions may not be optimal. If traveling by car, visitors may need to walk a few kilometers, depending on where the boat drops them off.
Useful Information
- Location: Lăng Gia Long, Huế
- Best for: Family, couple, solo
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Distance to city center: 11.3km (7.0 mi)
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