Hue Royal Tombs
There are eight royal tombs in Hue that are the final restong places of the Nguyen Kings. Theconstruction of each tomb was very meticulous and usually started while the respective king was still alive. Most of the tombs face the south west, the direction of the Imperial City, and they are built according to similar architectural designs.
Each tomb consists of two complexes. The first is reserved for funeral services and the second one is exclusively for the tomb. Generally, each tomb is enclosed by a surrounding, rampart called la thanh. However, each tomb’s internal configuration is different, since these particular arrange ments reflected the tastes and personality of monarch.
Tomb of Gia Long
The Tomb of Gia Long is located 16km from the centre of Hue, on top of the Thien Tho Mountain, on the left bank of the Pefume River. Construction of the tomb began in 1814 and was completed in 1820.
The Tomb of Gia Long is 2km from the bank of the Huong River and is accessible by boat from Hue. To go by road, you must stop at Kim Ngoc Wharf, csoss the river, and then walk about 2km.
 Gia Long Tomb |
 Gia Long Tomb |
It is open from 6:30am to 6pm in summer, and from 7am to 5pm in witer.Located in a vast land covered with a wide canopy of old pine trees, the mausoleum was built according to a monumental but simple design.
Tomb of Minh Mang
 Minh Mang Tomb |
 Minh Mang Tomb |
The construction of the Tomb of Minh Mang started in 1840 and was completed in 1843. It is located in an enclosed hilly area of about 20ha in Cam Khe Village, Huong Tra District, 12km from the centre of Hue.
The surrounding rampart has three entrance gates and is comprised of approximately 30 structures arranged along an imaginary axis. The Tomb of Minh Mang has an air of magnificence and formality, and its architectural design harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings.
Tomb of Tu Duc
 Tuc Duc Tomb |
 Tuc Duc Tomb |
The Tomb of Tu Duc is situated on Duong Xuan Mountain, in Thuong Ba Village, Xuan Thuong Commune on the banks of the Perfume River. The construction started in 1864 and was completed in 1867. Also called Tomb of Modesty, the nesropolis complex is enclosed by a thick wall following the contours of the hill, among a pine tree forest.
Tuc Duc’s tomb is 8km from the centre of Hue. Starting from Le Loi Street toward the train station, cross the bridge, then turn right on Bui Thi Xuan St. Go along this street for about 3km and then turn left for about 100m to the Royal Arena. From there, go another 2km and then turn left.
Tomb of Khai Dinh
 Khai Dinh Tomb |
 Khai Dinh Tomb |
The tomb built between 1920 and 1931. It is located on top of the Chau E Mountains, 10km from Hue. Located in a vast expanse of wilderness, Khai Dinh Tomb look like a magnificent palace perched on the slope for a limestone mountain. It is accessible by climbing 109 stone steps.
From Le Loi St., turn left to Dien Bien Phu St. At the end, turn left along Minh Mang Road to the Tomd of Khai Dinh. It is open from 6.30am to 6pm in summer, and from 7am to 5pm in winter.
