Tomb of King Gia Long - the First King of Nguyen Dynasty

By Ngoc Tu Dinh - August 2, 2023
Tomb of King Gia Long - the First King of Nguyen Dynasty

Gia Long's Tomb, about 40 minute driving to the west of Hue Imperial Citadel, is a relic of the Complex of Hue Monuments which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage on December 11th, 1993. The Gia Long Tomb or Thien Tho Lang Mausoleum, is the tomb of King Gia Long (1762-1820), the founding king of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Gia Long's Tomb is actually a complex of many mausoleums of the royal family. Today it is located in Huong Tho commune, Hue city.

mausolée de gia long

The construction of the mausoleum took 6 years (1814-1820), since Queen Thua Thien Cao (main queen of King Gia Long) died on February 21, 1814. The king had his mandarins in Kham Thien Giam to search for the most suitable land where he would bury his wife. Later the tomb developed into a large mausoleum complex with a circumference of 11.234,4 m (according to L. Cadière documents), including the following mausoleums:

  • Quang Hung Mausoleum of Queen Thai Tong Hieu Triet, who is second wife of Lord Hien Vuong Nguyen Phuc Tan (1620-1687), mother of Lord Nguyen Phuc Thai
  • Vinh Mau Mausoleum of Queen Anh Tong Hieu Nghia, wife of Lord Nghia Vuong Nguyen Phuc Thai (1650-1725)
  • Truong Phong Mausoleum of King Nguyen Phuc Thu 
  • Thoai Thanh Mausoleum of Queen Hung To Hieu Khuong (1738-1811), who is the second wife of Nguyen Phuc Con and mother of King Gia Long.
  • Hoang Co Mausoleum of Princess Long Thanh, who is the sister of King Gia Long
  • Thien Tho Mausoleum of King Gia Long and his wife
  • Thien Tho Huu Mausoleum of Queen Thuan Thien Cao, who is the second wife of King Gia Long and mother of King Minh Mang

mausolée de gia long photos

The whole mausoleum area consists of 42 large and small hills, each with its own name. The biggest hill is called Dai Thien Tho, and it was chosen as the main hill for the mausoleum and gave the whole mountain group its name: Thien Tho Mountain. These mountains span over a protected area of more than 28km2, creating a grand mountain landscape from the Truong Son Range to the Ta Trach shore, a branch of the Perfume River.

King Gia Long personally reviewed the location selection, planning, and design, as well as supervised the construction progress. According to ancient history, a geography master named Le Duy Thanh (the son of scholar Le Quy Don) discovered this place. He believed that it was a special spot where all the positive influences from many mountains and hills converged, and their goodness would last for thousands of years (according to L. Cadière).

tombeau de gia long

The king's tomb is situated on a large and flat hill. It is surrounded by several mountains, including Dai Thien Tho mountain in front and 7 mountains in the back. To the left and the right, there are 14 mountains known as "dragon to the left" (Ta Thanh Long) and "tiger to the right" (Huu Bach Ho). The mausoleum is divided into three main areas:

  • The central part holds the tombs of King Gia Long and Queen Thua Thien Cao. Beyond a courtyard with majestic stone statues and seven levels of sacred ground, you'll find Buu Thanh area at the hilltop. Inside Buu Thanh, there are two stone chamber-shaped tombs that are built following an ancient Vietnamese architectural tradition, symbolising happiness and loyalty.

gia long king tombs

  • On the right of the mausoleum, there's a worshipping area with Minh Thanh Palace at the centre. Minh Thanh Palace honors the King and his first queen. Minh Thanh means "shining perfection". There is also another explanation that it means "completed tomorrow," possibly because parts of the palace remain unpainted and simple in their carving, according to L. Cadière. Inside the palace, you could find some relics belonging to King Gia Long's life during wartime, like scales, hats, and saddles.

tombeau de gia long

  • On the left of the mausoleum is Bi Dinh, where only a large stele remains with the inscription "Thanh Duc Than Cong," a tribute from King Minh Mang to his father. The stele was carved so intricately and sharply.

tombeau de gia long

Gia Long's tomb beautifully blends nature and architecture, with nature playing a vital role in creating the stunning landscape. When people visit the mausoleum, they can find a peaceful and poetic space to contemplate their life's ups and downs, along with the achievements and setbacks of the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty.

>> Highlights of Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An | Private experience - 04 Days

>> Hue full day excursion from Danang

>> Vespa Tour Hue Imperial Adventure - Half Day



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Ngoc Tu Dinh
Travel Expert
I'm Ngoc Tu Dinh, a local travel expert from Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam. Exploring Vietnam has been my passion for years, and I've spent 10 years as a tour guide throughout Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. I hope that my understanding of Vietnamese culture, allow me to offer a unique perspective in this blog. Currently, I am based at IZITOUR. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, I'm here to help you make the most of it! Feel free to leave your comments at the end of the article. Your feedback is important, and I look forward to responding to you.

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