Khai Dinh's Tomb

Emperor Khai Dinh reigned from the Imperial Citadel of Hue from 1916 until 1925. His tomb, utterly distinct from the styles developed in other Nguyen Dynasty tombs fuses Asian and European elements.

Photo: Mark BowyerEntrance to the mausoleum

Set in  beautiful hills 10kms from the citadel, Khai Dinh’s Tomb is perhaps the best known of the Nguyen dynasty tombs. Completed in 1931, six years after his death, it was the last lavish tomb of the Nguyen Dynasty.

As his reign coincided with the apogee of French colonialism, he enthusiastically added European motifs to his parting monument. The result is striking rather than stunning.

Photo: Mark BowyerKhai Dinh's Tomb, Hue

The tomb was built into a steep hillside and consists of four terraces energetically decorated with stern mandarins, dragons and elephants. There are plenty of stairs as well. The temple interior takes the design hyperactivity to another level. At its centre is a life sized bronze statue of the emperor himself.

One of the rooms to the left of the main temple contains a small collection of Khai Dinh. memorabilia. It’s one of the few times in Hue where the traveller can add some human dimension to the Nguyen Dynasty period.


Tips.
Khai Dinh’s tomb is 10kms from Hue and is easily accessed on a pleasant cycle. Minh Mang and or Tu Duc’s tomb can also be easily added to the cycling tour. Khai Dinh’s and Tu Duc’s tombs are those normally visited by travellers short on time.