Located in a tranquil area, the Tomb of King Thieu Tri has always been a destination rich in historical values. With its eccentric mausoleum architecture, sophisticated and harmonious carvings, it attracts a large number of tourists every year. The site promises to be a highlight on your Hue travel.
1. About Thieu Tri Tomb Hue Vietnam
1.1. Where is the Tomb of King Thieu Tri?
Thieu Tri Tomb is in Cu Chanh Village, Thuy Bang Commune, Hue City, about 8 kilometers away from the city center. It stands in the middle of paddy fields, leaning against the foot of Thuan Dao Mountain. The Tomb of King Thieu Tri is among the most impressive tourist attractions in Hue Vietnam.
Among various Hue imperial tombs, the Tomb of King Thieu Tri is easy to reach by any means of transportation. You can use Google Maps to search for the way or ask for help from the welcoming locals. Hue people are gentle and amicable, so they will surely show you the way.
1.2. The history of Thieu Tri Tomb
The Tomb of King Thieu Tri is the resting place of King Thieu Tri - a king who was famous for his patriotism and love for his people. During his reign, he wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the development of the country. Crowned to the throne at the age of 34, King Thieu Tri ruled the country for 7 years (from 1841 to 1847), then passed away at the age of 41.
During his lifetime, King Thieu Tri wanted to avoid wasting government coffers, so he did not want to build a tomb for himself too early. Not until the king was sick did he share his last thoughts with his son, King Tu Duc, about his final resting place.
King Tu Duc started building the tomb for his father in February 1848, after King Thieu Tri’s death. Following his father's wishes, King Tu Duc built a unique royal tomb in Hue near the foot of a mountain. He also built fewer temples to avoid wasting resources as his father wished, which was a quite modest feature compared to other Hue royal tombs.
1.3. Entrance fee to Tomb of King Thieu Tri
The entrance fee to the tomb is very affordable and applies to both local and foreign visitors, which is 50,000 VND for adults and free for children.
>>> Don’t forget to check out Thai Hoa Palace in Hue!
2. The unique architecture of the Tomb of Emperor Thieu Tri
Visiting the Tomb of King Thieu Tri Hue is obviously one of the great things to do in Hue. Not only does it have great historical significance, this tomb also has a unique design that will surely bring visitors many unforgettable memories.
Feng shui is a well-focused aspect of any Vietnamese ancient architectural work, and the Tomb of King Thieu Tri is no exception. To show the harmony between the tomb and the surroundings, there is no outside wall. Instead, it makes use of the mountains in the area as a natural barrier, which further enhances the tomb's imposing look.
The tomb overlooks an immense rice paddy field that stretches from the shore of Perfume River to Lim Bridge, which makes up a picturesque and serene sight. The structure of the tomb includes two parts, the worshiping area on the left and the tomb area on the right.
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2.1. The worship area
The worship area begins with the crescent moon-shaped Dien Lake, which is a common feature found in every royal tomb of the Nguyen Dynasty. A triple-arch gate is located near the lake. Behind the gate is a courtyard that leads to another gate - Hong Trach Mon.
Hong Trach Mon leads to Bieu Duc Temple, the center of the worship area. The temple has a double roof, a common feature of temples in the Nguyen Dynasty. The roof is embellished with figures of majestic dragons. Altars for King Thieu Tri and his wife are placed inside for tourists and locals to worship.
2.2. The tomb area
The tomb area is located behind a lake called Nhuan Trach, which connects with Dien Lake. Here, there are stone sculptures of elephants and horses, along with two rows of statues of mandarins. These animal and mandarin statues resemble gatekeepers guarding King Thieu Tri's eternal sleep. At the back is Duc Hinh Pavilion, but due to the ravages of time, only its floor remains. The tomb area is enclosed by another crescent moon-shaped lake called Ngung Thuy.
>>> Check out another widely visited attraction in Hue: Perfume River!
3. BEST tips for visiting Thieu Tri Tomb in Hue
Before visiting the Tomb of King Thieu Tri, tourists should take note of the following tips:
- It usually takes 2 to 3 hours to explore the whole structure of the tomb.
- The best time to visit the site is from January to February, when the weather is just right for sightseeing.
- Tourists should avoid traveling in the rainy season at the end of the year.
- Dress modestly, avoid revealing clothes.
- Taking pictures is not allowed in some parts of the tombs.
- A tour guide is recommended if tourists wish to know more about the site.
- Besides the Tomb of King Thieu Tri, many Hue tombs of other kings are also worth a visit, such as Khai Dinh Tomb, Tu Duc Tomb, the Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, etc.
4. Where to stay when visiting the Tomb of King Thieu Tri?
In addition to the joy that Hue can bring, you may want to visit other places of interest nearby like Hoi An and Da Nang. Coming to these places, you should plan your accommodation in advance. It is highly recommended that you book a room at the top-notch hotels and resorts of Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. With a large number of amenities, such as swimming pools, bars, gyms, and more, the top quality hotels and resorts of Vinpearl will absolutely bring you the best experience during your stay.
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Like Hue, Hoi An and Da Nang have various sites that are worth seeing. On top of the list is VinWonders Nam Hoi An amusement park, where you can take part in many exhilarating games, immerse yourself in a water park, go sightseeing in the River Safari, and so much more.
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The Tomb of King Thieu Tri is a not-to-be-missed attraction when you come to this beautiful ancient capital of Hue. Hopefully, the information in the article will help you better plan for your upcoming trip to this mesmerizing city of Vietnam.