1. The history of Minh Mang Tomb Hue
Minh Mang tomb is located on Cam Khe Mountain, near Bang Lang junction, on the west bank of the Perfume River, 12km from Hue. Minh Mang Tomb was built from 1840 and completed in 1843 with the efforts of ten thousand workers and artisans. It can be said that Minh Mạng Tomb is different from the other tombs because of its architecture.
Minh Mang Tomb offers a balance between nature and structure that no other tomb in Hue can match. This balance between landscapes and building reveals a lot about the character and characteristics of Emperor Minh Mang during his reign. Famous for being a staunch Confucian, a doubter of Christ and largely disliked by his European counterparts, he contributed a lot to the Vietnamese people during his reign.
2. The architecture of Minh Mang Tomb
The total area of Minh Mang Tomb in Hue is about 18 hectares, including 40 large and small structures arranged symmetrically. The structures are distributed on 3 large axes and parallel to each other, with Than Gia street as the center. The shape of Minh Mang Tomb in Hue resembles a person resting with his head resting on Kim Phung Mountain, his legs stretched out to the river junction in front. The two halves of Trung Minh Lake are like two arms hanging down naturally, extremely leisurely.
Minh Mang Tombs is surrounded by the green of trees, the peaceful, quiet space of rivers and lakes, and the solidity of mountains. This charming beauty is further embellished by a lotus pond that always exudes a fragrant scent in the middle of the mausoleum grounds.
2.1. Dai Hong Mon Gate
Dai Hong Mon is the main gate, the entrance to King Minh Mang’s tomb. The gate was built of lime and brick, has 3 paths and 24 thatched roofs with sophisticated architecture and decorative motifs of carp turn into dragons, dragons and clouds. According to historical records, Dai Hong Mon was only opened once to bring King Minh Mang’s coffin into the tomb, then it was closed until now. To enter and exit the tomb, visitors must go through two side gates, Ta Hong Mon and Huu Hong Mon.
2.2. Bai Dinh Yard
Behind Dai Hong Mon Gate is a large courtyard paved with Bat Trang tiles called Bai Dinh. On both sides of the courtyard are rows of stone statues of mandarins, elephants and horses standing in attendance. The highlight of this courtyard is the Thanh Duc Than Cong stone stle written by king Thieu Tri to remember the biography and merits of his father.
2.3. Minh Lau
Minh Lau in Minh Mang Tombs means “Shining grace of heaven”, a place for the King to contemplate on cool moonlight nights. The building has a square architecture, two floors, eight roofs, located on Tam Dai Son hill and behind is the Longevity flower garden. Minh Lau is beautifully decorated, imbued with the breath of Confucianism and philosophy of life.
2.4. Hien Duc Mon Gate and Sung An Palace
The center of Minh Mang Tomb includes Hieu Duc Mon and Sung An Palace, where the King’s tablet and his queen Ta Thien Nhan are worshiped. Entering the palace, you will feel the sacred, ancient space with a world full of relaxation and transcendence. The building also has 17 stone steps leading visitors to Hoang Trach Mon with a cool blue sky, shaded trees, fragrant wild flowers and the immense beauty of the lake interspersed with small lotus platforms.
2.5. Buu Thanh
This is a circular wall surrounding the emperor’s tomb. The walls are made of bricks, covered with yellow tiles, and topped with a lotus-shaped dome. The tomb is located between the city walls, hidden from view, as a sign of respect and mystery.
3. Best time to visit Minh Mang Tomb
The best time to visit the tomb is in the morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler and the light is softer
Wear comfortable, formal clothing as the tomb is a sacred and historic place. You should also bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as the sun can be very harsh.
Minh Mang Tomb is one of the most impressive and harmonious monuments in Vietnam, reflecting the splendor of the royal court and the peaceful beauty of Hue. The tomb is not only a place to admire the architecture and the art of the Nguyen Dynasty but also a place to learn about the history and culture of the kings and their subjects. The tomb is also a place to connect with nature and the universe and experience the peace and harmony of the place
