Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb also known as Son Lang is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sam Mountain area. The Tomb is located on National Highway 91, opposite Ba Chua Xu Temple. After visiting Ba Chua Xu Temple, you should visit this famous tomb.
Thoai Ngoc Hau real name is Nguyen Van Thoai. He is a Martial General of the Nguyen Dynasty. He had great merit in helping King Gia Long and King Minh Mang unify and build the country. His most impressive work is Vinh Te Channel, which is named after his main wife.
The work has not been known to have been build in which year, only has been known that when his second wife Truong Thi Miet died 1821, Mr.Thoai Ngoc Hau buried her here. In 1826 his main wife Chau Thi Te died, and he also buried her here. Thus, it can be said that Son Lang had been built by Mr.Thoại Ngọc Hau before his death in 1829).
The tomb campus is very large, surrounded by brick walls. There are two entrances built with bricks, looking majestic. In front of and between the two gates, there is a stele house built with white marble. Inside has a stele with the name “Vinh Te Son” (Vinh Te Mountain). On the right side of the right gate, there is a small cool house. Inside is a statue of an old-style soldier standing beside a statue of a horse like preparing to the general going somewhere.
Passing the gate are three tombs in the middle of the tomb area. Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb is in the middle, and on the left is the tomb of the main wife Chau Thi Te, on the right is the tomb of the second wife Truong Thi Miet (built back a little to show respect). All of them were built with o duoc glue ( a kind of glue made of the juice of a kind of leaves named as o duoc) because there was no cement at that time. In front of each tomb is a screen with very small Chinese words. At the foot of each tomb, there is a stele being written the merit of the person that passes away. All of the tombs look majestic.
Going out of the tomb area, following steps, you will arrive at the temple of Mr.Thoai Ngoc Hau. The temple is leaned against Sam Mountain. The temple has 3 compartments decorated edges, horizontal lacquered boards and pairs of wood panels carved meticulously. The compartment in the middle has a Bat Buu set (8 ancient weapons), a pair of umbrellas and especially the altar of Mr.Thoai Ngoc Hau, whose bust is made of copper, his face is full, seemingly lenient. The compartment on the right has the altar of Huu Ban worshiping the literature officers and the compartment on the left has the altar of Huu Ban worshiping the martial arts officers. The duty of these officers is helping General Thoai Ngoc Hau in the work of the country. Looking generally, the decoration inside the temple is very orderly and solemn.
Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb belongs to the beauty-spot area of Sam Mountain and was recognized as a national historical relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information on December 1, 1997. After visiting Thoai Ngoc Hau Tomb, you can visit Hang Pagoda on the slope of Sam Mountain and Tay An Pagoda also located in the Sam Mountain area. Wish you have a fun and useful trip.
