Beside the famous Tomb of Tu Duc, Tomb of Khai Dinh is also one of the not-to-be-missed places in Hue that is worth a discovery. For those who are keen on exploring ancient culture, tradition and architecture of Vietnam, Tomb of Khai Dinh is an optimal choice.
Khai Dinh Tomb quick facts
Despite being the smallest royal tomb, Tomb of Khai Dinh is one of the most striking tombs that would definitely offer you an insight into its outstanding characteristics.
The building was started in 1920 and the construction was totally completed 11 years later. The tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Khai Dinh representing the integration of ancient Vietnamese architectural style and the significant impact of modernity. Tomb of Khai Dinh is also the most costly, which was mainly financed by the French. The construction of the tomb was started by Emperor Khai Dinh. However, when he died at the age of 40, the building was continued by his successor, Bao Dai who completed the tomb few years later.
Khai Dinh Tomb highlights
Tomb of Khai Dinh has a lot to offer from its architecture to artifacts represented in the tomb. Constructed with material encompassing slates, concrete and iron, the tomb is a perfect combination of ancient, traditional patterns and modern features.
One of the most impressive features is the building with a strong influence of Western patterns. It is a rectangular structure accompanied with 127 steps which is on the opposite side of the mountain. Moreover, Tomb of Khai Dinh also stands out of the crowd for its unique giant sculpture of dragons. Go upstairs and head to Honour Courtyard where you can capture statues of mandarin honour guards representing the Vietnamese patterns blended with the European styles. What’s more, the main building of the tomb known as Thien Dinh is also a must-see one whose walls are decorated with glass. You can catch a glimpse of paintings on the ceiling.
Actually, Tomb of Khai Dinh is such a great place for both domestic and international visitors to come and explore the taste of the former imperial city of Vietnam. For a hassle-free and secure exploration of Vietnam, reputable Vietnam tour operators can provide valuable insights into local practices, ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
