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Gia Long Tomb is not only the resting place of the first emperor of the Nguyen dynasty but also a clear historical mark for a dynasty of the nation. If you are someone who loves travel destinations rich in cultural identity and historical depth, this is a must-visit spot. Join NVK Travel in the following article to discover many interesting things about this location.
Aerial view of Gia Long Tomb
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Gia Long Tomb is also known by another name, Thien Tho Tomb. Currently, this historical site is located in Long Ho ward, Phu Xuan district, Hue city. Unlike many other tombs, Thien Tho Tomb is a collection of several royal tombs belonging to the Nguyen dynasty across different reigns. Therefore, the historical value of this site is priceless.
Gia Long Tomb has a very poetic and picturesque landscape.
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To better understand this cultural tourist destination, NVK Travel will accompany you to learn a brief overview of Gia Long Tomb.
Gia Long Tomb was constructed in 1814 and completed in 1820 during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang. When Empress Thua Thien passed away, this mausoleum complex was officially commenced, serving as the resting place for the Nguyen royal family. With its unique architecture, the structure blends into nature as it is situated on 42 different hills. From the design to the scenery, everything harmonizes to create a quiet and comfortable space.
This is a love story that exemplifies a steadfast and faithful love admired by many. The empress shared hardships with Emperor Gia Long through the tumultuous days of war and suffering without ever uttering a word of complaint. She was like a ray of sunshine illuminating the king's challenging life. Beautiful on the outside, capable and devoted on the inside, she wholeheartedly assisted her husband, making Empress Thua Thien his confidante.
The deep and eternal love between the two has been passed down and evokes much admiration. After her passing, the king was so heartbroken that he had a tomb built to resemble the ancient royal tombs. Since then, the two tombs side by side have symbolically been together for eternity. Their tumultuous love story has been told up to the present day.
Below are some notable attractions at Gia Long Tomb that you should visit at least once in your lifetime.
Close-up of the tombs of the king and empress
This is the burial place of Emperor Gia Long and Empress Thua Thien. The two tombs are placed side by side, very simple and not at all extravagant as many might think. The king's and empress's tombs are unadorned, without gold plating, just two adjacent stone tombs that testify to their loyal love.
If viewed from the peak between the two tombs, visitors will see the peak of Dai Thien Tho precisely to the centimeter. This is a feng shui detail that the king particularly cared about. Later, this unique feature made Gia Long Tomb famous for its unparalleled architecture.
The stone tablet recording the achievements of the first emperor of the Nguyen dynasty
Bi Dinh is a stop that carries the majesty of the royal family and marks a historical milestone. When visiting here, tourists will see a large stone tablet recording the achievements of Emperor Gia Long, inscribed by Emperor Minh Mang.
The space of Gia Long Tomb is always kept quiet, combined with the lush nature, helping visitors to deeply feel the scenery here. Bi Dinh is not only a typical historical relic but also a unique architectural masterpiece, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Vietnamese.
Minh Thanh Palace viewed from the outside
The architecture of Minh Thanh Palace is very simple, not luxurious but still retains the inherent majesty of the royal family. This is the place used for worshiping and offering to Emperor Gia Long and Empress Thua Thien. Upon entering, visitors can easily see many artifacts that have accompanied the founding emperor of the Nguyen dynasty through countless battles.
The palace roof is covered with warm yellow tiles, the bright color of royalty but carries a rare simplicity. The architecture is designed in the shape of the character "ding". This is a common construction style of ancient feudal dynasties.
The resting place of the second empress
Thien Tho Huu Tomb is the resting place of the second wife of Emperor Gia Long, namely Empress Thuan Thien. She is the mother of Emperor Minh Mang. Like other places in Gia Long Tomb, this site is also built in a minimalist style, not extravagant or elaborate.
Gia Thanh Palace is where later generations worship her, located right next to Thien Tho Huu Tomb. Similar to Minh Thanh Palace, this place is surrounded by nature, providing a feeling of relaxation and tranquility. All the structures here carry a historical imprint, attracting many visitors for exploration and learning.
The entrance to Thien Tho Tomb with lush greenery
Since this is a solemn tourist destination, please keep the following tips in mind to have the best experience.
This is the first and basic thing when visiting Gia Long Tomb. This place is a resting and worshipping site for the Nguyen royal lineage. Therefore, one should choose to dress modestly, in accordance with cultural norms. Absolutely avoid overly revealing clothing to maintain the inherent dignity.
Picturesque scenery at this location
The opening hours of Gia Long Tomb are from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Visitors should note this time to avoid arriving during closing hours when entry is not permitted. Additionally, you may choose to visit early in the morning to avoid overcrowding.
Thien Tho Tomb is a solemn and dignified place. Therefore, when visiting, tourists should maintain decorum in their speech and behavior. Avoid speaking carelessly or laughing loudly. Let’s work together to build a healthy tourism environment.
You can choose to experience traveling by bicycle.
When traveling to Hue, tourists often choose various means of transportation depending on their needs. Gia Long Tomb is about 20km from Hue, located in a remote mountainous area somewhat far from the center. Typically, there are two main roads for you to choose from.
Gia Long Tomb is always considered one of the attractions with the highest historical and cultural value. Hopefully, the above article will help tourists understand more about this location before visiting. So what are you waiting for, contact NVK Travel now for support with allHue travel tours today.
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