Emperor Tự Đức was the longest reigning monarch of Nguyen dynasty (1848 - 83). Despite having over 100 wives and concubines, he was unable to father an heir. Therefore, he was forced to write his own epitaph on the deeds of his reign.

 

Lăng Tự Đức was constructed over three years from 1864 to 1867.  Here, the Emperor could enjoy unmatched amenities such as boating on the lake, hunting small game on the tiny island in the lake's middle, relaxing at Xung Khiem Pavilion, and reciting or composing poetry in the company of his concubines. Upon his death in 1883, Emperor Tự Đức was buried in a secret location somewhere in Huế.

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Check out my personal photos below. Enjoy!