Close-up of An Lang relic in Hue after restoration

An Lang relic (An Cuu ward, Hue city) is currently the burial place of three kings Duc Duc, Thanh Thai and Duy Tan.

An Lang relic (An Cuu ward, Hue city) is currently the burial place of three kings Duc Duc, Thanh Thai and Duy Tan.

Compared to other tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, An Lang has a simple and modest architecture. However, this place still carries the typical features of Nguyen Dynasty architecture.

Compared to other tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, An Lang has a simple and modest architecture. However, this place still carries the typical features of Nguyen Dynasty architecture.

The mausoleum consists of two areas: Long An Palace and the tomb of the king and queen. The rectangular tomb area has an area of 3,445 square meters, and does not have a stele and stone statues like other royal tombs.

Long An Palace in the center of the mausoleum area is a structure built according to the model of the palaces in Hue. Inside there are 3 altars to worship the tablets of the kings: Duc Duc and his wife, King Thanh Thai and Duy Tan.

Previously, after a long time of existence, due to the impact of natural disasters, many items at An Lang were seriously degraded. In order to preserve a special national historical and cultural relic, a world cultural heritage, in 2017, the People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province issued a Decision approving the project to preserve, restore and renovate this relic, including the items of the temple area and the mausoleum area with a budget of more than 40 billion VND.

Tourists visit An Lang.

Tourists visit An Lang when the relic opens after restoration .

The scope of the project will preserve, renovate, and support the Long An Palace area with an area of 557m2, completely demolished; renovate the foundation. Renovate, reinforce, and preserve the maximum frame system, roof system, and wooden components in the palace.

The details are meticulously restored.

The details are meticulously restored.

Mr. Doan Cong Quoc Tuan (tour guide specializing in Hue and Central heritage) said that, after hearing that An Lang was open, he and his colleagues came here to admire and learn.

Mr. Doan Cong Quoc Tuan (tour guide specializing in Hue and Central Vietnam heritage) said that, after hearing that An Lang was open, he and his colleagues came here to admire and learn. "Personally, I find the restoration of this An Lang relic very beautiful, many details are inlaid with porcelain very meticulously and it also makes me feel not new. An Lang put into operation is a meaningful piece in the system of 7 mausoleums of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, containing many historical values" - Mr. Tuan said.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Do (from Quang Tri) commented:

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Do (from Quang Tri ) commented: "Personally, I think this relic is quite beautifully restored. However, the relic management needs to add some things such as a bilingual explanation system, direction signs,... to make it more convenient for visiting and learning about the relic, especially for foreign tourists."

On August 2, speaking with Lao Dong Newspaper reporters, Mr. Le Cong Son, Deputy Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said that during the initial opening period, visitors will be able to visit Duc Duc Tomb for free without having to buy an entrance ticket.

On August 2, speaking with Lao Dong Newspaper reporters, Mr. Le Cong Son, Deputy Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, said that during the initial opening period, visitors will be able to visit An Lang relic for free without having to buy entrance tickets.

“Regarding the entrance fee collection, we are preparing to submit a plan for the Provincial People's Council to approve. As for the explanation system or signboards, we will urgently proceed to add them to create the most favorable conditions for tourists when visiting this relic,” said Mr. Le Cong Son.