Tomb of the first-rank mandarin who oversaw the construction of Khai Dinh's tomb

Having served under six Nguyen emperors and overseen the construction of Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb, General Vo Van Khiem built his own tomb by the Bach Yen River, within his family's estate.

The tomb of General Vo Van Khiem (1864-1940), also known as Thien Khanh, lies beside the Bach Yen River in An Ninh Ha village, Kim Long ward. The tomb complex is surrounded by greenery, notably five ancient apricot trees and two mangosteen trees planted by the general himself.

The communal house used for ancestral worship and the main hall. Constructed entirely of concrete, the buildings feature intricately carved patterns.

A life-sized statue depicts General Vo Van Khiem. He served six Nguyen emperors, from Ham Nghi to Bao Dai.

He began his career as a royal guard for Emperor Ham Nghi. He then studied at the National Academy, passed the mandarinate exams, and became a civil servant. Under Emperor Khai Dinh, he rose to the rank of first-rank mandarin, the highest level in the imperial court system.

The altar, located within the communal house, is intricately carved with dragon and phoenix motifs in concrete. A phoenix statue, incense burner, and lamps adorn the altar.

The screen in front of the tomb features a stone stele in the center, flanked by two pomelos bearing peaches of immortality and two ornamental vases. The stele, made of Thanh stone, is inscribed with his biography in Nom script, detailing his birth, upbringing, education, and career as a mandarin.

In front of the stele is a spherical joss paper burner, symbolizing the idea that descendants, no matter how far they travel, will one day reunite.

The main hall houses the altar dedicated to General Vo Van Khiem and his family. The altar pieces are intricately carved from terracotta.

On the second floor, the general designed a shrine to honor his parents and relatives.

The communal house is adorned with Chinese poems.

Vo Van Khoi, 79, Khiem's fourth-generation descendant, said General Vo Van Khiem oversaw the construction of Emperor Khai Dinh's tomb. Khiem drew inspiration from the architecture of Nguyen Dynasty tombs when designing his own.