The Tomb of Tu Duc is a major attraction on the outskirts of Hue in Thua Thien-Hue Province. It is an elaborate 19th century tomb complex with numerous buildings in a park-like setting.
The tomb is seven kilometers outside Hue and primarily features the Emperor’s Pleasure Palace, his tombs, and those of his wife and son, as well as their temple. The Tomb of Tu Duc served as second Imperial City and featured up to 50 buildings at the height of its prominence.
Much of the place is now in ruins and the Emperor’s tomb itself is hemmed in and pretty modest. The tomb of Tu Duc can be found in a small valley in Thuong Ba village amid a pine forest. The 20-ton stone tablet in the middle of the complex is the centerpiece and there are also lakes all around.
Getting There & Away
The Tomb of Tu Duc is seven kilometers from Hue and takes about 20 minutes to get to by motorbike taxi. Buses also run out here. Hue is served by nearby Phu Bai Airport, while more flights come in from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi (45 minutes) to Danang Airport 2 hours to the south or a 3 hour, 30 minute bus ride away.