Khai Dinh Tomb overview
Located in Chau E mountain, about 10 km from Hue city center, Khai Dinh tomb is the smallest of 7 Royal tombs in Hue, but it took the longest time, effort, and money for construct. While the construction of Gia Long Tomb, and Minh Mang Tomb lasted respectively 6 years (1814 1820) and 4 years (1964-1967), that of Khai Dinh Tomb lasted up to 11 years (1920-1931).
At this time, not only this Tomb but many other architectural structures were built in a new style, which suited the King’s taste, with the use of concrete and embossed decorative patterns made from glazed ceramic, porcelain, and glass pieces. These structures include An Dinh Palace, Kien Trung Pavilion (in the Purple Forbidden Citadel), Hien Nhon Gate, Chuong Duc Gate, Truong An Gate in the Royal Citadel, and others. These structures, especially Khai Dinh tomb, are kept almost intact. They mark a new and strange period of architecture in the history of Vietnamese fine arts.
Stele House in front of the main temple – Thien Dinh Palace
Who is Khai Dinh and why was the tomb built for him?
Khai Dinh King and historical significance
Khai Dinh King (8 October 1885 – 6 November 1925) was the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty the last dynasty in Vietnam. He reigned from 1916 to 1925, During his reign as king, he became known for his pro-French policies, which were deeply unpopular with many of his subjects.
He was also criticized for his extravagance and for levying high taxes on the Vietnamese people. But understand him, all of the power of the king and royal family is controlled by the French.
Like other kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, the concept of eternal life after death. For them, tombs are not just the places where the dead are buried; tombs are also the places where they live their eternal lives in the other world. So this tomb is a forever palace of Khai Dinh after his death.
Architectural features of Khai Dinh Tomb
Khai Dinh tomb looks like a castle because it is built of concrete on a mountainside. The local building materials such as wood, stone, bricks, and lime make up an insignificant part of this work of architecture. Its iron doors, checked bricks, slate tiles, lightning conductors, electronic light systems, and sharp stupas are all exotic components. The elimination of the green color of the ancient tree leaves and the absence of lakes and ponds in the Tomb, make the whole architecture, but the stair look hardly gentle and fresh. The big stone dragons on both sides of the flight of steps on each of the five floors of the Tomb make the entire concrete-built architecture look beautiful and more inflexible.
Overall the tomb is a rectangular block rising to 127 steps. Maybe when you step foot in here, look at the step likely bored, and don’t want to walk. But if you overcome these steps, you will have no regrets at all.
Interior of Khai Dinh tomb
In the aspect of painting, the cement walls and ceilings of the tomb are painted dark green, so they look as if they were made of marble.
The huge paintings of dragons and clouds on the ceilings of the three middle rooms of Thien Dinh Palace have been recognized by modern Vietnamese painters as monumental, with the highest artistic value in Vietnamese painting.
Mosaic art in Khai Dinh tomb
The mosaic art on walls, the 20th-century artisans created thousands of royal and folk images from tens of thousands of multi-colored ceramic, porcelain, and glass pieces. The images look so lively and pleasing to the eye.
The paintings of the four seasons, five blessings, eight weapons, tea sets, five-fruit trays, oil lamps, clocks, and medals are also created skillfully in the same way. Thanks to the artisans’ excellent plastic skills, these images look so elegant, flexible, glossy, and sparkling although they are made of hard materials.
The wooden drapery above the King’s throne, made of hard, stiff wood, looks as if it was very light and could easily move with each breath of wind passing by. The folds are inflexible, but the carving sophisticated, made by skillful artisans. Looking at the decorative patterns of trees, leaves, and flowers engraved on some panels, visitors have the feeling that they can sense the wind blowing, bamboo trees leaning, rain falling, and willow trees hanging down.
Behind Khai Dinh throne, there is a pattern of the sun. The sun refers to the King – the son of god, and the setting sun refers to the deceased of the king. With their great intelligence and creativity, extraordinary perseverance and diligence, and talented and refined hands, the Vietnamese artisans under King Khai Dinh’s reign blew a fresh breath of air into the contemporary fine arts with the extremely sophisticated, original, and charming art of ceramic and porcelain embossment.
The main structure in Khai Dinh Tomb is Thien Dinh Palace, the highest, and most delicate. The entire furniture of this palace is decorated with reliefs made of porcelain and crystal. Create masterpieces of art are artists Phan Van Tanh.
Statue of Khai Dinh
There are two statues of King Khai Dinh in the Tomb: one depicting him sitting on the throne and the other depicting him in a standing posture.
The presence of the statues of the King in this Tomb makes it different from the other Hue Royal Tombs. The seated statue was made by two Frenchmen in France in the 1920s. It is hollow cast, so it is not as heavy as it looks. After it was taken to Hue, it was gilded.
The standing statue was made by the Vietnamese, after finishing this statue, he was also bestowed the title of “Bat Pham” (8th grade in the official hierarchy Mandarin of the Nguyen Dynasty). This statue was originally placed in An Dinh Palace. In 1960, the political and social situation changed, so the statue was moved to the stele house in Khai Dinh tomb. Since 1975, it has been kept in a secret room in the Tomb to cover the costly structures and decorations in Khai Dinh tomb.
Khai Dinh is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who built it, with intricate carvings and beautiful mosaics decorating every surface.
Inside, you can explore the various chambers and learn about the life and legacy of Khai Dinh, the emperor who commissioned the tomb. Overall, the journey to Khai Dinh tomb is a must-see experience for anyone visiting Hue, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Vietnam, as well as the natural beauty of the region.
The cost of building of Khai Dinh tomb
Under the reign of Khai Dinh, most of the king’s power was controlled by the French, so almost all of his time was spent building tombs and designing customs. The Court had to increase the land tax to 30% nationwide, with the highest expenditure being on buildings and decorative materials imported from other countries. It included iron, cement, and slate tiles from France: well as good-quality ceramics, bottles, and glass from China and Japan.
Khai Dinh tomb is a beautiful and historically significant site that is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture. The tomb is a reflection of the Nguyen dynasty’s extravagant architectural style and is a reminder of the country’s colonial past. Despite Khai Dinh’s controversial policies, his mausoleum remains a popular tourist attraction in Vietnam and a testament to his desire to leave a lasting legacy. If you’re planning a trip to Hue, be sure to add Khai Dinh tomb to your itinerary.
Travel Guide for Visiting Khai Dinh Tomb
Entrance fee and opening hours
The admin fee for visiting Khai Dinh tomb is currently 150,000 VND (approximately $6.50 USD) per person and 30.000 vnd per child (7-12 years old). You should make a plan to visit Khai Dinh tomb with other sites and get combo tickets such as Hue Imperial Citadel + 2 tombs only 420.000 vnd/ adult and 100.000 vnd per child
What are the opening hours of Khai Dinh tomb?
Khai Dinh tomb is open to visitors every day from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. These hours provide ample time for tourists to explore the tomb and admire its intricate architectural features and historical significance. It is important to note that the tomb is a popular tourist destination, and it is advisable to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds. Additionally, visiting in the morning is an ideal time as the weather is cooler, and the natural light is perfect for taking photographs.
Best time of day to visit Khai Dinh tomb
When you visit the tomb, it’s best to go in the morning. This time of day has several advantages. First, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, so you can relax and enjoy your visit. Second, there are usually fewer people around, so you can take your time and really appreciate all the details. Plus, the morning light often highlights different features of the tomb’s design, giving you a unique perspective that you won’t get at other times of the day. So, if you want to have the best possible experience, make sure to plan your visit for the morning hours!
Restrictions on photography at Khai Dinh tomb
Photography is allowed inside the tomb, but there are a few restrictions. Flash photography is not allowed, and visitors are asked to be mindful of their surroundings and not to touch any of the artifacts or decorations.
Dress code for visitors
Certainly, visitors to the Khai Dinh tomb are recommended to dress modestly out of respect for the historical and cultural significance of the site. While there is no strict dress code, it is advised to avoid wearing revealing clothing such as shorts, tank tops, or skirts above the knee. This is particularly important as the tomb is a religious site and it is important to show respect for local customs and culture.
It is worth noting that the weather in Hue can be hot and humid, so visitors may want to dress in lightweight and breathable clothing. Loose-fitting clothing is also a good option to ensure comfort while exploring the tomb. Additionally, visitors should wear comfortable shoes as there are many stairs to climb when exploring the site.
How to get to Khai Dinh tomb?
To get to Khai Dinh’s tomb, you can take a taxi or hire a motorbike taxi from Hue. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, with rolling hills and lush vegetation. As you make your way toward the tomb, you will pass by quaint villages and local markets, where you can try traditional Vietnamese delicacies and engage with friendly locals.
Add Khai Dinh tomb to your Hue itinerary
If you visit Hue, consider a guided full-day tour that includes the Imperial Citadel and the more impressive royal tombs such as Minh Mang Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb. Plus points, your trip also includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda and a boat ride on the Perfume River.
The tour should already include transport, a tour guide, lunch, and more importantly, a decent guide who can reveal a lot about the sites, many of which have been damaged by war or fallen into disrepair. A downside of taking the guided tour, though, is coming to the sites with a small group of people (max 12 people) which means you’re always going to be traveling with a group and following the guide.
Join tour in Hue: take part in Hue Royal Tomb tours, you will visit this beautiful tomb
If you want to visit Hue city by yourself and want to spend more time anywhere you need for taking pics, and have more time for lunch… The private car service is the best choice: you can read more detail here: Hue city tours by private car