Hue Day Trip from Danang, Vietnam

Hue Ancient City, a former imperial capital of Vietnam, is renowned for its historic citadel, royal tombs, and rich cultural heritage. 1020

I joined a day tour to Hue Ancient City from Da Nang, with Lập An Lagoon as the first stop.

The next stop on the tour was the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh.

The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, located near Hue in central Vietnam, is one of the most striking and unique royal tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. Built between 1920 and 1931 for Emperor Khai Dinh, the 12th ruler of the dynasty, it reflects a fascinating blend of traditional Vietnamese, European, and modern architectural styles.

The Nguyen Dynasty mausoleums in Hue, Vietnam, are grand tomb complexes built for the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled from 1802 to 1945. These mausoleums are not just burial sites but also places of spiritual significance and monumental architecture, reflecting the emperors’ power, vision, and beliefs about the afterlife. Each mausoleum is unique, combining traditional Vietnamese architecture with elements of Chinese and European styles.

Key Features of the Mausoleums:

Integration with Nature: Many mausoleums are set amidst hills, rivers, and lakes, symbolizing harmony with the natural environment.

Distinctive Designs: Each mausoleum reflects the personality and preferences of the emperor it was built for.

Symbolism: Architectural elements often include symbolic motifs, intricate carvings, and inscriptions reflecting Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist principles.

Hierarchical Table of Nguyen Emperors

The Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945) was the last imperial dynasty of Vietnam, ruling for 143 years. It was established by Emperor Gia Long, who unified Vietnam after years of civil war. The dynasty is significant for its contributions to Vietnamese culture, architecture, and governance, but it also faced challenges, including colonial interference and internal strife.

The capital was established in Hue, where the imperial citadel and royal tombs remain as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A map of the region with the location of the tombs.

A picture of Emperor Khai Dinh

The interior is richly decorated with intricate mosaics of porcelain and glass, creating colorful and detailed patterns on the walls and ceilings.

The room behind it

This central chamber houses the emperor’s gilt bronze statue and altar. The ceiling is adorned with magnificent frescoes depicting dragons in vivid detail.

Walked into the next room

Compared to other tombs, Tomb of Dong Khanh: Smaller but notable for its blend of Vietnamese and Western architectural influences.

The design combines Vietnamese and French elements, incorporating modern materials like concrete, steel, and glass, which were unconventional at the time.

The courtyard features stone statues of mandarins, soldiers, and elephants, symbolizing the emperor’s court and his journey to the afterlife.

The Nguyen emperors implemented a centralized monarchy with Confucian principles, modeled on the Chinese system.

Built iconic structures like the Imperial City, Forbidden Purple City, and numerous royal mausoleums.

French colonial forces gradually eroded the dynasty’s sovereignty, beginning with the Treaty of Saigon in 1862 and culminating in Vietnam becoming a French protectorate in 1883.

The emperors were reduced to figureheads under French control, with limited power.

The Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh stands out among the Nguyen tombs for its modern influences and opulent design, reflecting the emperor’s exposure to Western culture and his desire to leave a lasting legacy. Despite being smaller than other royal tombs, it is renowned for its architectural uniqueness and artistic splendor.

After the Mausoleum of Emperor Khai Dinh, we went to Thien Mu Pagoda Temple.

Thien Mu Pagoda (Chùa Thiên Mụ), also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, is one of the most iconic and oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Located on Ha Khe Hill, overlooking the Perfume River in Hue, this historic site is a symbol of the city and an important religious and cultural landmark.

Built in 1601 during the reign of Nguyen Hoang, the first Nguyen lord, it is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam.

The site was chosen based on a legend of an old woman (Thien Mu) who appeared on the hill and predicted a great leader would build a pagoda there to bring prosperity to the land.

Phuoc Duyen Tower: A seven-story octagonal tower standing 21 meters tall, built in 1844, is the pagoda’s most recognizable feature.

Back side

Main Sanctuary: Houses a golden Buddha statue and serves as a place of worship.

Back side

I followed the path that took me to the rear side of the Main Sanctuary.

The rear side features numerous large buildings and spacious courtyards.

After exploring the back of the Main Sanctuary, I returned to the front.

On the riverside

Then we hopped on the tour van and went to the last place of the tour, the Hue Imperial City.

Entering the Hue Imperial City

A view of the interior of the city wall.

The gate that we just passed through

A map of the Inperial City

Stage of Flag – 19th-century monument consisting of 3 pyramidal platforms with cannons & a large flagpole.

Meridian Gate – Main gate to the Imperial City, built in 1833, with a pavilion on upper level used for ceremonies.

Entering the Meridian Gate

Thái Hòa Palace

Climbing up to the pavilion on the Meridian Gate

The pavilion on the top of the gate building

Inside the pavilion on the gate building

The pavilion is used as a little museum

Looking at the Thái Hòa Palace from the pavilion on the Meridian Gate building

At the other side is the Stage of Flag

Came down from the top of the gate and walking toward the Thái Hòa Palace

Back side

Thái Hòa Palace (Palace of Supreme Harmony) is an iconic structure within the Imperial City of Hue, Vietnam. Built in 1805 during the reign of Emperor Gia Long, it served as the ceremonial hall where Nguyen emperors held important state events, including coronations and receptions.

The palace was closed to the public, and we walked around it to see what was behind it.

View of rear side of the palace

Beyond the palace lies a vast courtyard surrounded by more structures, each contributing to the grandeur and functionality of the Imperial City.

Behind the palace stretches a vast, seemingly empty expanse of open grounds.

Hue’s ancient city suffered significant destruction during wars, especially the Vietnam War, with many structures damaged or lost, but ongoing restoration efforts aim to preserve its heritage.

I walked across the open space and arrived at this arcade walkway.

On the other side, there is another arcade building, with an empty space in the middle. The central area appears to have ancient building foundations, remnants of structures that no longer exist.

On the other side of the arcade, where this lady is taking pictures, there are…

these buildings

Back on this side of the arcade…

and looking at the empty middle ground

And the other side of the arcade is …

these buildings

Back on this side of the arcade again …

Walked to the center of the middle ground

and on my right side is the Kiến Trung Palace

and the back side is the Thái Hòa Palace

Kiến Trung Palace, located within the Imperial City of Hue, Vietnam, was originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Khai Dinh in 1921. The palace blended traditional Vietnamese architecture with European influences, showcasing a unique mix of styles. It served as a private residence for Emperor Khai Dinh and later Emperor Bao Dai, the last emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Unfortunately, Kiến Trung Palace was heavily damaged during the wars of the 20th century. Restoration efforts are currently underway to revive its historical and architectural significance, aiming to preserve it as a symbol of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

The interior of Kiến Trung Palace was known for its opulence and a harmonious blend of Vietnamese tradition and Western influences, reflecting the Nguyen Dynasty’s aspirations to modernize. The palace featured grand reception halls, private living quarters, and elaborately decorated spaces adorned with intricate carvings, vibrant frescoes, and European-style furnishings.

A side gate of the palace

I turned around and looked back at the palace side