Unravelling the Mystery of the Ancient Tomb in Tao Đàn Park
The tomb lies approximately 30 metres from Trương Định Street (Bến Thành Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), within the grounds of Tao Đàn Park. Few people know that this is the tomb of the illustrious Lâm family.
The Tomb Recognised as a City-Level Historical Site
In front of the tomb stands a bronze plaque clearly stating: "Architectural and Artistic Heritage Site of the City: Ancient Tomb of the Lâm Family, recognised in 2014."
Behind the plaque is a burial complex built in traditional style. Two large adjacent tombs were constructed using a unique mixture called ô dước (a blend of slaked lime, fine sand, ground seashells, molasses, and sap from a forest tree).
The Ancient Tomb and Recognition Plaque in Tao Đàn Park
The complex includes a front hall, a worship courtyard, and a tomb house. In front of the tomb is a stele inscribed with Chinese characters. Based on this stele, it is identified that the tomb belongs to Mr. Lâm Tam Lang (who died in 1795) and his wife, Mrs. Mai Thị Xã (whose birth and death years are unknown).
From the inscription "Đại Nam. Hiển khảo trọng giang..." it is evident that the tomb was built during the Minh Mạng era, when the country was known as Đại Nam.
The Front of the Tomb
A park worker shared: “I’ve worked here for many years. Sometimes I’ve had to stay overnight, but I’ve never experienced anything strange. Yet somehow, unfounded rumours started spreading, scaring the public. It wasn’t until 2014, when the tomb was officially identified as the ancient tomb of the Lâm family and recognised as a heritage site, that the rumours ceased.”
From that point on, public interest shifted to the identity of the individuals buried in the tomb…
The Illustrious Lâm Family Lineage
According to the Lâm family genealogy in Kiên Giang Province:
"First Generation: Mr. Lâm Tam Lang (17?? – 1795). Lâm Tam Lang, styled Nguyên Thất, birth year unknown. He died in the autumn of the year Ất Mão (1795).
He was originally from Guangdong, China, and migrated to Vietnam, settling in Sài Gòn, Gia Định.
He had a wife named Mai Thị Xã (birth and death years unknown). Their original burial site is located at Vườn Ông Thượng, Sài Gòn (now Tao Đàn Park, District 1, HCMC)."
The Stele House with Names Inscribed — Always Adorned with Incense and Flowers
The family records also state that Mr. and Mrs. Lâm Tam Lang had four children. Their third child, Mr. Lâm Phong Quang, fathered Lâm Kim Diêu, who in turn fathered Lâm Quang Ky.
Lâm Quang Ky was the deputy general to national hero Nguyễn Trung Trực. He famously played the role of “Lê Lai saving the lord,” sacrificing himself in place of Nguyễn Trung Trực in 1868, at the age of 29.
Today in Rạch Giá, Kiên Giang, a major street named Lâm Quang Ky runs parallel to Nguyễn Trung Trực Street.
Legend has it that at dawn on 16 June 1868, the insurgent army led by Nguyễn Trung Trực, with Lâm Quang Ky as his deputy, attacked and captured the French-held Kiên Giang fort, maintaining control for five days. The French later launched a counterattack. Outnumbered and poorly equipped, the insurgents couldn’t hold the fort.
In a desperate bid, Lâm Quang Ky and a few brave soldiers stayed behind to delay the French. Nguyễn Trung Trực led the main force to retreat to Hòn Chông. Disguised in Nguyễn Trung Trực’s battle robes and carrying the command flag, Ky fought on to buy time.
Ultimately, he and six other soldiers were captured. He falsely declared himself as Nguyễn Trung Trực. Believing they had captured the rebel leader, the French halted their pursuit.
The next day, the truth was discovered. Enraged, the French executed all of them publicly at the Rạch Giá market. Locals began to call him the “Lê Lai of Kiên Giang.”
Thus, national hero Lâm Quang Ky was the great-grandson of Lâm Tam Lang. In the 7th generation, another notable figure of the Lâm family emerged.
The genealogy records state: “Lâm Đình Phùng is the fifth-generation descendant of Lâm Kim Diêu and seventh-generation descendant of the founding ancestor Lâm Tam Lang.”
Lâm Đình Phùng is the real name of the renowned musician Lam Phương, the talented composer behind beloved romantic songs such as “Phút Cuối” (The Final Moment), “Duyên Kiếp” (Fated Love), and “Tình Nghĩa Đôi Ta Chỉ Thế Thôi” (That’s All There Is to Our Love)