Mausoleum of Emperor Dong Khanh (Tư Lăng): A Unique East-Meets-West Legacy
The Mausoleum of Emperor Dong Khanh, officially called Tư Lăng, stands as a fascinating architectural anomaly among the Nguyen Dynasty tombs in Hue. It houses the remains of Emperor Dong Khanh (Nguyễn Phúc Miên Tông), the 9th Emperor, who reigned for a brief period from 1885 to 1888. The tomb’s construction history spans 35 years (1888–1923) and four imperial reigns, resulting in a complex that beautifully illustrates the transition from pure Vietnamese traditionalism to the infusion of European colonial styles.
I. Architecture: A Blend of Eras
This mausoleum clearly divides into two distinct architectural sections: the worshipping area and the tomb area. This division dramatically showcases the evolving artistic tastes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Worshipping Area (Ngung Hy Palace): Ngung Hy Palace retains a more classical Vietnamese appearance. Visitors will admire the traditional double-eaves roof and the spectacular interior. Significantly, the palace features hundreds of stunning gilded lacquer paintings, which make it one of the best-preserved examples of this court art in Vietnam. However, a closer look reveals colorful stained-glass windows and European-style elements, showing the subtle, early French influence.
The Burial Area: The section surrounding the actual tomb (Buu Thanh) marks a more dramatic shift. The Stele Pavilion (Bi Dinh) is built in a distinct Roman-style architectural form, a bold departure from the traditional Vietnamese structures seen in older tombs. In essence, this space introduces the modern Western influence that would become fully dominant in the later Khai Dinh Tomb. Therefore, Dong Khanh’s tomb serves as a valuable transitional piece.
II. History: A Long and Interrupted Construction
Emperor Dong Khanh initially ordered a temple, Truy Tu, to worship his father. Tragically, he died before the complex was completed. Subsequently, the succeeding Emperor Thanh Thai used the existing Truy Tu Temple as the shrine for Dong Khanh, renaming it Ngung Hy. The Emperor’s corpse was simply buried on a nearby hill. Ultimately, it was his son, Emperor Khai Dinh, who completed the entire complex and the burial vault between 1916 and 1923, choosing an eclectic, modernized style for the final structures. Consequently, the long and complex construction process explains the unique architectural duality.
III. Essential Visitor Information (2025)
Dong Khanh’s Tomb is conveniently located near the more famous Tu Duc Tomb, making it an easy addition to a one-day tomb tour. Travelers enjoy its smaller size and peaceful, verdant surroundings.
Official Name: Tư Lăng (Tu Lang)
Location/Address: The mausoleum is situated in Thuong Hai Village, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City, approximately 6 km from Hue City Center.
Getting There: Tourists commonly reach the site via taxi, xe om (motorbike taxi), or by visiting it as part of a multi-tomb private car tour. The proximity to Tu Duc Tomb means you can easily travel between the two.
Opening Hours: The tomb welcomes visitors daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entrance Fee (as of 2025): The current individual admission price is set as follows:
Adults: 100,000 VND
Children: Free of charge
Combo Ticket Option: You can save money by purchasing a combo ticket that includes the Tu Duc and Dong Khanh tombs.
