Explore the Historic Khai Dinh Royal Tomb in Hue, Vietnam

The Nguyen Emperor Khai Dinh’s Royal Tomb is unique among the royal tombs in Hue, Vietnam. While other royal tombs are expansive and evoke reflection, Khai Dinh’s final resting place is grandiose in its design and execution.

Moreover, local tour guides assert that this tomb was intentionally constructed to be challenging to reach. Set on a mountainside, its inner sanctum requires climbing 127 steps from street level, an aspect that clearly would have frustrated court officials mandated to pay their respects to the late emperor.

Consequently, modern transportation and tours make visiting Khai Dinh’s tomb much easier than for the ancient courtiers. Continue reading to discover how to experience Khai Dinh’s monumental site with ease.

The View from the Gate

From street level, visitors are required to climb a series of steps to arrive at the tomb’s imposing wrought-iron gate. The tomb’s exterior appears gray and formidable. Notably, Khai Dinh utilized modern materials such as concrete and wrought iron for this structure. Uniquely, the tomb includes electricity, a first in designs of Hue tombs.

Despite its eastern architectural ethos, the design reflects considerable Western influence, likely stemming from the Emperor’s participation in the 1922 Marseilles Colonial Exhibition in France. Construction began in 1920, taking eleven years to finish, but it was still incomplete when Khai Dinh succumbed to tuberculosis in 1925. His son, the last Emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai, ultimately completed the tomb in 1931.

Dragons Alongside Stairs to the Forecourt

Upon passing through the gate, visitors enter a courtyard lined with traditional mandarins’ buildings constructed from reinforced concrete. To reach the forecourt level before the mausoleum, an additional 37 steps must be climbed.

The stairs leading up to the forecourt feature two dragons that create a decorative railing, enhancing the tomb’s aesthetic appeal. Khai Dinh’s royal tomb is considerably smaller than those of his predecessors, encompassing roughly 1.3 acres—a stark contrast to the expansive Tu Duc’s massive tomb site elsewhere. To compensate for its smaller size, the design incorporates intricate details that add depth and richness to the experience.

Honor Guard Formation on the Forecourt

Flanking the forecourt, also referred to as the imperial audience court, are two pillars that lead to the octagonal stele pavilion, where Khai Dinh’s imperial hagiography is inscribed.

Like the other royal tombs in Hue, Khai Dinh’s site boasts an honor guard composed of stone figures, including mandarins, elephants, and horses. Uniquely, this honor guard is carved from stone and is arranged in two rows flanking the forecourt, adding to the atmosphere of reverence.

The Stele Pavilion

At the center of the forecourt lies the octagonal stele pavilion, dedicated to commemorating Khai Dinh’s life and reign. Like other parts of the tomb, the pavilion is constructed with reinforced concrete.

Emperor Khai Dinh began his reign during tumultuous times in 1916, under the French colonial rule, leading to a challenging period characterized by subservience. The funding for his tomb was a point of contention, as he heavily imposed financial burdens on the peasantry, raising questions about the ethics of its construction. Consequently, Khai Dinh’s decision to build the tomb on the slope of Chau Chu Mountain may reflect his unpopularity—a narrative that local guides do not easily refute.

Inside Thien Dinh Palace

Another staircase leads to the apex of the tomb complex—the ornate Thien Dinh Palace, which can be accessed from the right-side entrance (the front is locked).

Contrasting with the somberness of the surrounding tomb, the Thien Dinh Palace is vibrant and striking. Its exterior is adorned with elaborate glass and porcelain, presenting a style that may be classified as “baroque.” Inside, visitors will find a ceiling decorated with nine painted dragons soaring through the clouds, while the walls are embellished with various porcelain and glass pieces.

The left and right sections, once designated for tomb caretakers, now display Khai Dinh’s personal artifacts, such as a gold chair, photographic portraits, and a commanding statue of the Emperor portraying him as a conqueror.

Inlaid Porcelain Mosaic, Thien Dinh Palace

Featuring a close-up view of the ceramic mosaic that decorates the middle row walls of the Thien Dinh Palace, these features exhibit a riot of color and texture, which is unparalleled in Vietnam.

Crafted by Vietnamese artisans, the mosaics illustrate a lush interior that has been referred to as a work of “Vietnamese neo-classicism.” These artists creatively used broken porcelain and glass to design intricate tile wall motifs that pervade the palace’s walls, creating a visually stunning effect.

The Emperor’s Crypt, Thien Dinh Palace

At the rear center of the palace lies a striking centerpiece: a life-size bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh, seated under a canopy intricately adorned with mosaics of ceramics and glass. This statue, cast in France in 1920, resides beneath a canopy that weighs over a ton, counteracting its delicate appearance.

Completed in 1931 by Khai Dinh’s successor Bao Dai, the tomb represents the conclusion of an era. Shortly afterward, global events like World War II and the Cold War would spell the end of the Nguyen Dynasty; subsequently, Bao Dai became the last ruling Nguyen emperor, albeit in a ceremonial capacity under various foreign administrations, including Japanese and French rule, followed by the South Vietnamese government.

The conclusion of the Nguyen dynasty has led to Khai Dinh’s tomb being the last royal resting place constructed in Hue.

Khai Dinh Royal Tomb: Transportation, Fees, and Other Important Information

Getting to Khai Dinh’s tomb: The site is located six miles from Hue and can be accessed via package tours, xe om, and cyclo drivers from the town center. For more details, please refer to our article on How to Visit Hue Royal Tombs. You can also view Khai Dinh Tomb’s location on Google Maps.

Operating Hours and Admission Fees: Entrance to Khai Dinh’s Royal Tomb is VND 100,000 (approximately US$4.30), paid at the gate. The Tomb is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Must Haves: Visitors are advised to bring a parasol, sunglasses, and a bottle of water during the sunny months (April-September), along with an umbrella and raincoat during rainy periods (October-March). Comfortable footwear is essential, as there are 127 steps to navigate.

It is important to note that Khai Dinh’s royal tomb lacks wheelchair-friendly access, and an elevator is not available; thus, individuals with mobility challenges may want to consider skipping this destination.