Khai Dinh Tomb

Khai Dinh Tomb is a hillside tomb in Hue, dedicated to Emperor Khai Dinh who ruled from 1916 to 1925. It may be symptomatic of the decline of Vietnamese culture during the colonial era. Unlike Hue’s other tombs, the grandiose concrete structure, built between 1920 and 1931, is a synthesis of Vietnamese and European elements. Even the stone faces of the mandarin honor guards are endowed with a mixture of both features.

After climbing 36 steps between 4 dragon banisters, you arrive at the first courtyard, flanked by two pavilions. The Honor Courtyard, with its rows of elephants, horses and civil and military mandarins, is 26 steps further up the hillside. In the center of the courtyard is an octagonal Stele Pavilion.

Thien Dinh, the main building, is divided into 3 halls. The wall and ceiling are adorned with murals of Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects and Eight Fairies; other designs are made from colourful bits of broken porcelain and glass embedded in cement. Under a one-tonne concrete canopy is a gilt bronze statue of Khai Dinh in regalia. Khai Dinh is worshiped in the last hall.

Recommended Tours with Khai Dinh Tomb:  4 Days Saigon - Hoi An - Hue Culture Tour;  8 Days Vietnam Snapshot Tour;  13 Days Amazing Vietnam Tour;  etc.