Tomb of Dong Khanh, Hue (must see)

The Tomb of Dong Khanh in Hue stands out as the smallest of the Nguyen dynasty’s imperial mausoleums, shaped more by circumstance than ceremony. Originally built in 1888 as a temple-Tu Truy-dedicated to Emperor Dong Khanh’s father, Nguyen Phuc Hong, it was swiftly repurposed the following year when Dong Khanh died unexpectedly at age 25 after a brief three-year reign. With no time to design a traditional royal tomb, the existing temple was adapted to serve as his final resting place.

Despite its modest scale, the site includes 20 closely grouped buildings oriented toward the southeast. Unlike the typical stone courtyards seen in other imperial tombs, the ceremonial yard here features terracotta statues coated with cement-an economical yet visually distinct approach. The tomb’s rapid construction, completed in just eight months, reinforces its status as an improvised solution rather than a grandiose imperial statement.

The centerpiece of the complex is the Ngung Hy Temple, an ornate structure blending traditional Vietnamese aesthetics with French colonial influences. Its golden-red interiors and uniquely decorated roofs-adorned with terracotta figures of fishermen and floral motifs-set it apart from other royal sites in Hue. This fusion of East and West reflects the cultural and political complexities of the late 19th century.

Just 30 meters from the temple lies the emperor’s sarcophagus, notable for its Roman architectural elements rather than the customary Chinese style. Inside the temple, visitors can also view 24 illustrations depicting scenes from Dong Khanh’s era, offering insight into a short-lived reign overshadowed by instability and foreign influence.