The Mausoleum of Khai Dinh - The Puppet King

Leaning against the Chau Chu Mountain in the outskirts of Hue, this elaborately designed, hillside tomb has elements of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. Featuring blackened concrete, the Gothic inspired monument casts a striking silhouette against the verdant green countryside. While comparatively smaller than other Royal tombs, the building itself is far more elaborately designed than others of its era.

Khải Định became the Emperor of Vietnam in 1916. Due to his close collaboration with the French Government, Khải Định was very unpopular amongst the people of Vietnam. Public opinion thought him as nothing but a puppet, just a salaried employee of French colonial powers. To add insult to injury, in anticipation of his death, he also increased tax by a whopping 30% to fund construction of this lavish mausoleum.

His reign ended prematurely when he died in 1925 of tuberculosis, hidden behind the walls of the Forbidden Purple City. Construction began in 1920 and took 11 years to complete. The tomb was respectfully completed by Bảo Dai, Khải Định's successor, posthumously in 1931.

The building as a whole reflects Asian philosophy, including the five traditional elements to create balance. Twelve stone statues stand guard at the base of the stairs to the palace and the biggest dragon sculptures in all of Vietnam flank the side walls. Inside, the walls and ceiling are decorated with colourful murals of the Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects and Eight Fairies.

Under a graceless, gold-speckled canopy sits a gilt bronze cast of Khải Định. Due to his unpopularity and the risk of the desecration of his body, it is unclear whether the Emperors bones are actually interred here. Some believe the Emperors bodied is buried at a secret place and this tomb is merely a dwelling for his spirit.

Location : Khải Định, Thủy Bằng, Hương Thủy, Thừa Thiên Huế 530000

How to get there : The tomb of Khai Dinh is 10km from Hue in Chau Chu village. A half day TukTuk tour of several tombs in the area will cost about 20 USD.

Attraction Info : The entrance fee for the tomb is 150,000vnd adults and 30,000vnd for children.

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