The Tomb of Minh Mang, also known as Hieu Mausoleum, was built by King Thieu Tri for his father, the second emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. The tomb is located on Cam Khe Mountain, near Bang Lang crossroad, 12 kilometers away from Hue.
The Tomb of Minh Mang was a major construction project employing the efforts of 10,000 workers and artisans, lasting for four years from 1840 to 1843.
The solemn mausoleum is both impressive in its vivid design and harmonious with nature, deeply embedded with many Confucian elements, reflecting the principles of King Minh Mang himself. It is renowned for being one of the most majestic tombs that follow all the model architectural characteristics of the Nguyen dynasty.
The entire ground of La Thanh stretches to an area 1,750 square meters, designed with absolute symmetricality as the main approach to create an extremely satisfying view. From above, the shape of the mausoleum resembles a person who is lying down comfortably for a rest: Head towards the Kim Phung mountain, two parts of Trung Minh Lake on both sides of the body, legs resting on the fork of the river.
The Tomb of Minh Mang is surrounded by a vast green shade of many trees, the quiet tranquility of rivers and lakes, the stability of mountains and hills, together creating a picturesque scene that leaves visitors in awe. In general, the tomb is 18 hectare wide, including about 40 large and small sub-structures, each crafted in a meticulous manner to make sure they are both aesthetically pleasing and able to withstand the test of time.
All works are arranged in symmetrical pairs on both sides of the tomb's main axis, extending from Dai Hong Mon to the foot of La Thanh wall behind the royal tomb.
The magnificence of the Tomb of Minh Mang is the result of combining the essences of classical and traditional architecture with Confucian elements, which creates a solemn atmosphere without taking away its poetic beauty.
The tomb is an attractive destination for tourists visiting the ancient capital of Hue, welcoming hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign visitors every day./.
