Minh Mang Tomb Hue Vietnam: Perfect Beauty Of Architecture & Nature
With historical value and stunning scenery, Hue is a fantastic destination to visit in Vietnam. Visiting Hue, you will discover that each tomb has a unique architectural style.
While Khai Dinh Tomb has a unique beauty with the architecture influenced by the cultures of the East and West, Minh Mang Tomb still retains the traditional and ancient Confucian charm.
This article is a complete travel guide to Minh Mang Tomb, with tips on how to get there, entrance fees, things to see and do.
About Minh Mang Tomb in Hue Vietnam
Minh Mang tomb is located on Cam Khe mountain, about 12 km west of Hue city.
The process of choosing a location took a long time—14 years of searching for a prime position to be Cam Khe Mountain.
King Minh Mang then changed the mountain’s name to Hieu Son and named his tomb Hieu Lang.
The construction began in April 1840 with direct orders from King Minh Mang. In early 1841, the King passed away at the age of 50 years old.
After that, King Thieu Tri continued the work, and it was completed in 1843.
In general, the tomb of Minh Mang has about 40 large and small constructions.
All works were arranged in a balanced axis, extending from Dai Hong Mon to the foot of La Thanh wall behind the King’s tomb.
How to get to Minh Mang Tomb
There are different ways to get from Hue to the tomb of Minh Mang.
From Hue city center, you can take a dragon boat down the Perfume River to the intersection of the Ta Trach and Huu Trach rivers.
If you decide to ride your bike or travel by car, you can follow Highway 49, pass Tuan Bridge across Perfume River to Minh Mang tomb.
Best time to visit Minh Mang Tomb
The best time to visit the tombs in Hue is January and February.
At this time, the weather is cool and pleasant, so it’s great to visit historical sites, including the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty.
How long does it take to visit Minh Mang Tomb?
It takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to get a glance at the tomb of Minh Mang.
However, you need all day to visit the other attractions such as Hue Imperial City, Khai Dinh Tomb, and the Pagoda of Celestial Lady.
Minh Mang Tomb entrance fee
Entrance tickets to Minh Mang Tomb:
- 100,000 VND per adult
- 20,000 VND per child (7 – 12 years old)
Package tickets
However, if you plan to visit the historic sites in one day, you should purchase a package ticket:
- Route 03 points (Imperial city – Minh Mang Tomb – Khai Dinh Tomb): 280,000 VND per adult and 55,000 VND per child (7 – 12 years old).
- Route 04 points (Imperial city – Minh Mang Tomb – Tu Duc Tomb – Khai Dinh Tomb): 360,000 VND per adult and 70,000 VND per child (7 – 12 years old).
Best places to stay in Hue Vietnam
I recommend staying in Hue city center you can reach the attractions within 30 minutes ride.
If you’re looking for a party hostel in Hue, Vietnam Backpacker Hostels Hue is an excellent option.
Also, Rosaleen Boutique Hotel is highly recommended if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation in Hue. In addition to an outdoor swimming pool, the hotel offers a tasty breakfast and excellent service.
Things to see in Minh Mang Tomb
Dai Hong Mon
Dai Hong Mon is the main entrance to the mausoleum.
The gate has three walkways with high and low roofs decorated nicely, resembling the typical architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty.
While the curved roof creates a distinctive image, the red color symbolizes the life and longevity of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The gate only opened once to bring the King’s coffin. To go through it, you must enter either one of the two side gates – Ta Hong Mon and Huu Hong Mon.
Bai Dinh
Bai Dinh is a large yard behind Dai Hong Mon with two rows of commanders and elephants.
Bi Dinh
Bi Dinh is located on Phung Than Son hill at the end of the yard.
Inside Bi Dinh, you will find a stele “Thanh Duc Than Cong” written by King Thieu Tri on the biography and merit of King Minh Mang.
Courtyard
After visiting Bi Dinh, you will find a large yard divided into four significant steps. It was designed to reduce the overwhelming feeling by the immensity of architecture.
Hien Duc Mon gate
At the end of the courtyard is Hien Duc Mon, the opening gate for the worshiping area.
Worship area
It is the place to worship the tablets of King Minh Mang and Queen Ta Nhan. The area was decorated solemnly in an ample, peaceful space.
Minh Lau
Minh Lau is a place where the King reflected on the summer nights. This work has an outstanding architectural value for the whole construction.
Thong Minh Chinh Truc Bridge
The two ends of the bridge were elaborately designed with a three-gate gate carved dragon-shaped. At the end of the bridge, you will find Buu Thanh.
Tan Nguyet Lake
The tomb impresses its visitors with the magnificent architecture that blends in perfectly with the breathtaking natural scenery.
Buu Thanh
Passing the bridge across Tan Nguyet lake, you will get to Buu Thanh – a circular pine hill surrounded by walls.
Behind Buu Thanh is a deep green pine forest, bringing a sense of solitude to the King’s resting place.
Walking 33 steps, you will reach the gate.
King Minh Mang was buried behind this gate.
Final thoughts
From a desolate mountainous area, a majestic mausoleum has been created by the hands of labor and human creativity. The tomb is brilliant in harmony between architecture and nature.
