Emperor Tu Duc's mausoleum and Tu Hieu Pagoda, including a café visit

On this half-day tour, you’ll experience attractions that will bring you closer to imperial Hué.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Emperor Tu Duc’s estate and burial site, situated in a scenic valley near Hué. Tu Duc was the fourth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty in Vietnam, ruling from 1847 until his death in 1883. He constructed the estate as a paradise where he could find space for peace and reflection. The emperor spent his final years here, surrounded by lush forests, peaceful walking paths, and beautiful pavilions where he could indulge in his poetic talents. The emperor’s tomb is beautifully located at the end of a lagoon, and the area exudes a harmonious blend of impressive architecture and natural beauty. Despite building his own tomb on the grounds, Emperor Tu Duc is not actually buried here; instead, his remains were interred at an unknown location, guarded by thousands of servants who were executed to keep the grave’s location a secret. This has added a mysterious atmosphere to the site.

The tour will then continue to Tu Hieu Pagoda, also known as the ‘root of the temple’, founded by the famous Buddhist monk and philosopher Thich Nhat Dinh. The pagoda consists of two twin temples where monks recite Buddhist sutras several times a day, creating a meditative atmosphere. Seventy monks reside here permanently, although the pagoda’s doors are open to anyone wishing to learn about meditation or simply find peace. At Tu Hieu Pagoda, you can also visit a crescent-shaped lake filled with carp, surrounded by pine trees, and a graveyard where officials from Vietnam’s last imperial era rest.

The tour will conclude at a café where you can enjoy a refreshing treat knowing that the café’s proceeds support people with hearing impairments or who were born with brittle bones. The friendly staff will also demonstrate how to make delicate paper flowers – a fun activity that allows you to take home a little souvenir from a day filled with experiences.

Duration: approximately 4 hours
This tour is exclusively for TourCompass’ own guests.
We recommend booking this tour when arranging your holiday.