Perched on the slopes of Chau Chu Mountain, about 10km from downtown Hue, the tomb of Khai Dinh, the 12th king of the Nguyen Dynasty, stands out as one of the city’s most visited historic landmarks.
Unlike the sprawling mausoleums of other kings of the Nguyen Dynasty, Khai Dinh’s tomb is known for its distinctive blend of Hindu, Buddhist, Roman, and Gothic architectural styles. The tomb’s most notable feature is Thien Dinh Palace, where a bronze statue of the king – crafted in France by Paul Ducuing – stands at its center.
A key highlight inside the palace is the elaborate “Nine Dragons Hiding in Clouds” mural painted on the ceiling. With its dramatic hillside setting and fusion of artistic influences, Khai Dinh Tomb continues to captivate visitors exploring Hue’s imperial heritage.
