Gia Long Tomb: Everything You Need to Know from A-Z (2026)

Gia Long Tomb is the resting place of King Gia Long – the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb possesses an elegant beauty, blending with nature, and standing out with a harmonious layout and excellent feng shui. Not only a historical relic, Gia Long Tomb in Hue is also a destination that attracts tourists because of its quiet space, full of meaning about love, loyalty, and the majesty of a dynasty that has gone down in history.

1. Things to know about Gia Long Tomb

1.1. Where is King Gia Long's Tomb?

• Location: Gia Long Tomb is located in Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra Town, Hue City.
• Distance from Hue to Gia Long Tomb: The tomb is located about 16 km southwest of the city center. With this distance, tourists can easily travel and explore within a day.

Nestled deep amidst mountains and hills, Gia Long Tomb has a peaceful, open space, completely different from the noise of other tourist attractions, clearly showing the aura of the founding king.

1.2. When is the best time to visit Gia Long Tomb?

Visiting the tomb will be more wonderful if you choose the right time, in terms of both weather and lighting, to fully appreciate the beauty of this place.

1.2.1. Ideal time of the year

Hue has two distinct seasons: dry season and rainy season. King Gia Long's Tomb is located amidst mountains and hills, and the road leading to it has red dirt sections, so in the rainy season (from October to January), it is often slippery and difficult to travel.

The most ideal time to visit is from March to August. The weather at this time is dry, beautifully sunny, suitable for moving around and taking pictures. Especially, if you love nature and want to admire the picturesque scenery, April and May are when many wild flowers bloom in the tomb area, creating a rare poetic space.

1.2.2. The most beautiful time of the day

If you want to enjoy the fresh air and gentle beauty of Gia Long Tomb, you should arrive early in the morning, around 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM. At this time, the mist still hangs lightly on the mountains, and the soft sunlight reflects on the ancient walls, creating a very poetic scene.

In addition, late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) is also an ideal time to visit. When the sun is less harsh, you will have the opportunity to admire the sunset casting shadows over the lake and the hills around the tomb – an unforgettable peaceful sight.

1.3. Gia Long Tomb ticket prices and latest opening hours 2025

If you are planning to travel to Gia Long Tomb in Hue in 2025, below is the latest information on ticket prices and opening hours so you can proactively arrange your itinerary.

1.3.1. Detailed Gia Long Tomb ticket price list for Vietnamese and international tourists.

According to updates from the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre, the ticket price to visit King Gia Long's Tomb in 2025 is applied as follows:

Target audience	Ticket price (VND/person)
Vietnamese tourists	50,000 VND/person
International tourists	100,000 VND/person
Children	Free

Note: The above ticket prices may change according to local regulations. Tourists should double-check the information at the official website or at the ticket counter upon arrival.

1.3.2. Exact opening hours of Gia Long Tomb by season 

Gia Long Tomb in Hue is open to welcome guests every day of the week, including holidays, with time frames divided by season as follows:

• Summer (April – September): 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Winter (October – March): 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

The average visiting time is about 1 - 2 hours. To avoid the harsh sun and have a more pleasant experience, you should come in the early morning or cool afternoon, you will have a more comfortable mood when exploring this Hue tourist destinations .

1.4. Detailed transportation guide to Gia Long Tomb

Although the road to Gia Long Tomb is not too crowded, you need to note a few points when traveling.

1.4.1. Traveling to Gia Long Tomb by motorbike/self-driving car

Traveling by motorbike or self-driving car is the most popular and flexible choice for tourists who want to explore King Gia Long's tomb.

Route suggestion:

• Departing from Hue City center, follow Bui Thi Xuan Street → turn onto Le Ngo Cat Street → Minh Mang → continue straight on Kim Long Street to Tuan Bridge.
• From Tuan Bridge, follow Route 49 towards Huong Tho Commune, drive about 10km more to reach the Gia Long Tomb area in Hue.
• The road is quite beautiful, with some steep hills and curves, so you need to go slowly and carefully observe the signposts.

Notes when traveling by motorbike:

• Fill up the gas tank before you go because the last section of the road is quite deserted with few gas stations.
• You should bring a standard helmet and a sun protection jacket.
• Google Maps may not be 100% accurate; it is best to ask locals when getting close to the Huong Tho Commune area.

If you travel by car, currently there is no large parking lot at the tomb gate, but you can park at nearby empty lots, supervised by locals with parking fees ranging from 10,000 - 20,000 VND.

1.4.2. Traveling to Gia Long Tomb by taxi/service car 

For tourists unfamiliar with mountain pass roads, choosing to travel by taxi or service car is a safe and convenient solution to get to King Gia Long's tomb. Suitable for family groups, the elderly, or international tourists who need comfort throughout the journey.

You can refer to some traditional taxis when traveling from Hue:

• Mai Linh Taxi Hue: 0234 3 89 89 89
• Thanh Cong Taxi: 0234 3 57 57 57
• GILI Taxi: 0234 3 82 82 82

You can book modern ride-hailing cars through mobile apps, helping you be proactive and convenient, especially during rush hours.

• Advantages: Knowing the exact fare in advance, easily tracking the route, and making payments.
• Popular apps: Grab and Xanh SM operate very well in central Hue.

1.4.3. Experience the Dragon boat on the Perfume River to Gia Long Tomb

The boat departs from Toa Kham wharf, goes downstream for about 1.5 - 2 hours to get close to the King Gia Long tomb area. The cost of renting a boat ranges from 400,000 - 700,000 VND (maximum 10 - 12 guests), suitable for travel groups who want to experience the river space and admire the beautiful scenery on both banks.

1.5. Suggested convenient journey to Hue with Queen Cafe Bus

If you intend to go to Hue and combine it with a visit to Gia Long Tomb in Hue, you can choose the high-quality sleeper bus Queen Cafe Bus. This is a reputable bus company, specializing in the Hue – Da Nang – Hanoi route, highly rated for its punctuality, cleanliness, reasonable prices, and being super economical for tourists from afar. 

Queen Cafe Bus is highly appreciated by many passengers thanks to its stable vehicle quality and professional service. The buses are equipped with soft beds, free Wi-Fi, stable air conditioning, and a clean space, bringing a relaxing feeling.

Check out our price list for popular routes to Hue:

BUS ROUTE TO HUẾ	PRICE	BOOK TICKETS
Hanoi ⇔ Hue	350.000 VNĐ – 550.000 VNĐ	Place it here
Da Nang ⇔ Hue	150.000 VND/pax	Place it here
Hoi An ⇔ Hue	150.000 VND/pax	Place it here
Ninh Binh ⇔ Hue	350.000 VNĐ – 500.000 VNĐ	Place it here
Quang Binh ⇔ Hue	180,000 VND	Place it here

Queen Cafe Bus offers the following online booking methods:

• Hotline: 0906.413.468 – 0914.215.809
• Zalo: 0905.746.884 – 0914.215.809
• Website: https://queenbus.com.vn/
• Fanpage: Queen Cafe Open Bus

2. Explore the architecture inside Gia Long Tomb

Inside Gia Long Tomb is a vast architectural complex, standing out for the harmony between humans and nature, unpretentious but full of majesty. This is the highlight that makes King Gia Long's tomb distinct from other structures in the Tomb of Hue.

2.1. Harmonious overall layout between architecture and nature

Gia Long Tomb in Hue is planned along a main vertical axis, stretching across many hills, surrounded by natural forests and lakes. All items are arranged symmetrically, without disrupting the inherent landscape, creating a perfect balance between heaven, earth, and man-made structures.

2.1.1. The 3 main parts structure spread over 3 hills.

The entire King Gia Long tomb consists of 3 main parts:

• Thien Tho Lang (tomb of the king and queen): located in the center, on top of the highest hill.
• Tam Dien (Worship Palace): where the king and queen are worshipped, located on the adjacent hill.
• Stele Pavilion - memorial structure: located on the remaining hill, holding a large stele recording the merits of King Gia Long.

The architecture is distributed according to the natural terrain of the mountains, creating depth for the space and reflecting the subtle feng shui mindset of the Nguyen Dynasty.

2.1.2. Pristine, rustic beauty, making nature the main theme.

Although inside Gia Long Tomb there are not many elaborate carved details. Instead, there is simplicity and tranquility, taking nature as the highlight. Trees growing naturally, clear blue lakes, and surrounding mountains create a pristine, contemplative scene, true to the spirit of a founding king.

2.2. The central area of Gia Long Tomb: The Double Tomb and Buu Thanh (Enclosure Wall)

The central area of Gia Long Tomb is the double tomb and Buu Thanh, the resting place of King Gia Long and Queen Thua Thien Cao. This is the most important area, expressing the profound philosophical thought of the ancients.

2.2.1. The meaning of the two parallel stone tombs - the symbol of "Can Khon hiep duc" (Heaven and Earth in virtuous harmony).

Two stone tombs lying parallel within the same Buu Thanh are called the double burial form, symbolizing Can Khon hiep duc - heaven and earth in harmony, yin and yang in balance. This is a unique feature only found at King Gia Long's tomb, expressing the cherishing of spousal affection and the concept of harmony in the universe according to Confucian - Taoist - Buddhist ideology.

2.2.2. Magical feng shui details with the Dai Thien Tho mountain peak.

The most magical feng shui highlight here is the role of the Dai Thien Tho mountain peak. This majestic mountain was chosen as the "hậu chẩm" (backrest) for the entire tomb area. This "leaning on the mountain" terrain not only creates a majestic scene but also carries the meaning of enduring power and eternal protection. The presence of Dai Thien Tho, combined with the mountain ranges on both sides forming the "dragon courting, tiger crouching" posture, explains why this location is considered the convergence of the sacred aura of heaven and earth.

2.2.3. 7 tiers of ritual yards and two rows of stone statues of civil and military mandarins, elephants, and horses.

From the gate into Buu Thanh, there are 7 tiers of stone-paved ritual yards leading up to the tomb area. On both sides of the yard are two rows of stone statues including civil mandarins, military mandarins, elephants, and horses standing in attendance – symbols of majesty and loyalty. These stone statues are carved with standard dimensions, bearing the characteristic sculptural style of the early Nguyen Dynasty, helping to clearly recreate the solemn atmosphere.

2.3. The left area: Bi Dinh (Stele Pavilion) and the "Thanh duc than cong" stele

Located on the left side of the main axis inside Gia Long Tomb, Bi Dinh is where a large stele is placed, engraved with the essay "Thanh duc than cong" praising the merits of King Gia Long. The stele is nearly 3m high, personally composed by King Minh Mang, showing filial piety to his father and serving as a precious historical document about the early Nguyen Dynasty.

Bi Dinh's architecture is simple but sturdy, set in a spacious area amidst a pine forest, creating a solemn and pure feeling.

2.4. The right area of Gia Long Tomb: Minh Thanh Palace and memorabilia

Symmetrical to Bi Dinh, on the right side is Minh Thanh Palace, the place of worship and preserving memorabilia related to King Gia Long. Despite undergoing many upheavals, the palace area still retains its foundation traces and some well-preserved artifacts.

This is a place to help tourists understand more about the life and career of the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty, as well as the spiritual values that King Gia Long's tomb wants to convey.

2.5. Adjacent structures to Gia Long Tomb: Thien Tho Huu Tomb and Gia Thanh Palace

Besides the central area, Gia Long Tomb in Hue also has adjacent structures such as Thien Tho Huu Tomb – the burial place of concubines and royal relatives, along with Gia Thanh Palace used for worshipping.

All form a complete complex, spreading over many hills, harmoniously connected with nature. 

3. The stories and historical values that make Gia Long Tomb different

Not only outstanding in architecture and feng shui, King Gia Long's tomb also carries many emotional stories, creating historical depth for an entire dynasty.

3.1. The immortal love story behind the double burial tomb at Gia Long Tomb

3.1.1. The camaraderie through thick and thin of King Gia Long and Queen Thua Thien Cao.

One of the special points that makes many people seek out Gia Long Tomb in Hue is the sacred romance between King Gia Long and Queen Thua Thien Cao. Experiencing periods of turmoil and war, the Queen always stood side by side with the King, wandering everywhere together. That bond is not just husband and wife, but also companions on the journey to build the Nguyen Dynasty. This exact thing makes many tourists explore King Gia Long's tomb to feel that close love on site.

3.1.2. The decision to build a double burial tomb - a symbol of eternal connection.

After the queen died, King Gia Long decided to build a double burial tomb – a rare thing in the mausoleum culture of the feudal era. Two tombs placed next to each other in the same Buu Thanh show eternal fidelity and attachment.

When coming here, tourists not only get to explore historical relics but also feel the profound humanistic story of love and loyalty.

3.2. Explaining the "Number One Feng Shui" position of Gia Long Tomb

King Gia Long's tomb is not only the resting place of the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty but is also famous for its terrain, which is dubbed the "Number One Feng Shui" in the mausoleum system in the ancient capital of Hue.

3.2.1. The merit of the geographer Le Duy Thanh in discovering the precious land terrain.

Behind the prime location of Gia Long Tomb is the merit of an outstanding figure: geographer Le Duy Thanh, son of the great scholar Le Quy Don. With profound knowledge, he chose the Huong Tra mountain area to build the tomb – a land that is both sacred and isolated, yet still conveniently connected to the citadel. Understanding this, tourists today when visiting the tomb not only admire the landscape but also further admire the sophistication and deep vision in the feng shui thinking of the ancients.

3.2.2. Analyzing the "van nien cat dia" (ten thousand years of auspicious land) terrain of Gia Long Tomb:

The terrain inside Gia Long Tomb is considered to converge all elements of ten thousand years of auspicious land, ensuring longevity and sacred aura for posterity:

• Tiền án (Front screen): Dai Thien Tho Mountain in the front, creating a shielding posture, protecting the dragon vein.
• Hậu chẩm (Backrest): 7 large mountains behind serving as a solid fulcrum, like the throne of the Son of Heaven.
• Tả Thanh Long – Hữu Bạch Hổ (Left Azure Dragon - Right White Tiger): Two low mountain ranges stretching on both sides, creating a balanced embracing posture, symbolizing power and protection.
• Minh đường (Bright hall): The Ta Trach stream of Huong River winding and gathering water in front, bringing vitality to the entire tomb area.

This very ingenious arrangement, where every natural element carries its own mission, has created a unique feng shui masterpiece in the Ancient Capital.

3.3. The characteristic architectural features few people know about Gia Long Tomb

Not only outstanding with its overall layout and feng shui, King Gia Long's tomb also possesses many unique architectural details that not everyone notices when visiting.

3.3.1. Dragon details are molded with lime and brick instead of stone.

Unlike many later Nguyen Dynasty tombs that often carved dragons out of stone, Gia Long Tomb in Hue uses lime and brick materials to mold dragon figures. Although simpler, the lines still exude majesty and strongly bear the architectural style of the early Nguyen Dynasty. This is a special highlight inside Gia Long Tomb that many tourists often overlook.

3.3.2. The system of 85 signaling pillar columns in the ancient tomb complex.

One of the unique architectural features showing the scale of the ancient Gia Long Tomb is the system of 85 stone pillar columns (trụ biểu). Erected along the roads leading into the tomb, they act as solemn milestones, both pointing the way and silently signaling to pilgrims that they have entered a sacred land. This is a characteristic detail, reflecting the orderliness and stature of the first royal mausoleum of the Nguyen Dynasty.

4. A-Z experiences for visiting Gia Long Tomb

For the trip to King Gia Long's tomb to go smoothly and meaningfully, tourists should carefully prepare in terms of attire, attitude, and behavior when visiting.

4.1. Important notes on attire and behavior inside Gia Long Tomb

4.1.1. Choose polite and modest attire.

Gia Long Tomb in Hue is a historical and spiritual relic site, so you should wear modest clothes, avoiding outfits that are too short or offensive. If traveling in the summer, you should choose lightweight, breathable clothes but still maintain solemnity.

4.1.2. Maintain a solemn attitude, do not make noise.

Inside Gia Long Tomb is the resting place of the king and queen, it is necessary to maintain a serious attitude, avoiding loud talking and laughing, joking, or climbing on the structures. This not only shows respect but also contributes to preserving the sacred space of the relic.

4.1.3. Maintain general hygiene.

During the visit, tourists need to pay attention not to litter, not to carve or draw on walls or stone statues. Because the tomb is isolated amidst the mountains and forests, garbage collection and landscape conservation face many difficulties. Therefore, everyone's awareness of maintaining general hygiene is the most practical action to contribute to protecting the pristine beauty of the relic.

4.2. Suggestions for the most impressive "check-in" spots at Gia Long Tomb

King Gia Long's tomb is also an attractive destination with many photo angles bearing bold ancient and pristine natural qualities, very suitable for tourists who love photography.

4.2.1. The cool green pine road leading into Gia Long Tomb.

Right from the entrance gate, tourists will encounter the pine-shaded road leading into Gia Long Tomb in Hue. This is an ideal setting to take photos with nostalgic colors, especially in the early morning when the sunlight pierces through the row of trees.

4.2.2. The panoramic view of the 7 majestic tiers of ritual yards at Gia Long Tomb.

From the central position, you can capture the entire scene of Gia Long Tomb with 7 tiered stone ritual yards, creating impressive depth. The photo here both shows the majesty of the structure and shows the symmetry in ancient architectural design.

5. Comparing Gia Long Tomb with other tombs

When visiting the Nguyen Dynasty tombs in Hue, each structure carries its own unique architectural features and historical values. The comparison table below will help tourists easily recognize the differences between these tombs.

Criteria	Gia Long Mausoleum	Minh Mang Tomb	Tu Duc Tomb	Khai Dinh Tomb
Style	Simple, blending with nature	Majestic architecture, heavily bearing royal style	Ancient, harmonious with nature	Unconventional, combining East - West
Layout	Divided into 3 main areas, the tomb of the king and queen in the center	Divided into many separate areas, with a temple system	Layout like a garden, with lakes and surrounding trees	Tight layout, using modern materials
Highlights	Double burial tomb, perfect feng shui	Stone statues, large temples	Temple structures	Exquisite carving, mixed architecture between Europe and Vietnam
Impression	Solemn, quiet, pristine	Splendid, magnificent, expressing power	Contemplative, quiet, in harmony with nature	Grand, splendid, luxurious

Depending on your preferences and sightseeing needs, you can choose a tomb to explore for yourself.

6. Final words

Not as splendid and elaborate as other tombs, Gia Long Tomb conquers tourists with a very unique beauty: the absolute harmony between architecture and majestic nature, between the authority of a founding king and an immortal love story. It is a symphony of history, feng shui, and human love.

Hopefully, with the detailed experiences in the article, you are ready for your own journey of discovery. Wishing you a truly meaningful and fulfilling trip to the Ancient Capital.

And to start that journey to the heritage land, Queen Cafe Bus is always ready to be a reliable companion, bringing you a comfortable and convenient beginning.