Royal Tombs
On the southern part of the Imperial Citadel, you’ll find seven royal tombs that serve as a monument to important Nguyen rulers like Minh Mang, Tu Doc, and Kaih Dinh.
The tombs are worth the visit — apart from the beautiful Vietnamese architectural details combined with traditional geomancy, each tomb has courtyards filled with statues of horses, elephants, and mandarin scripts. These prominent tombs were designed to represent each deceased ruler — Minh Mang’s tomb reflects his balance in all things, Tu Doc’s monument shows his love for elegance, and Kaih Dinh’s resting place exudes a unique balance between depressing and grand. The four other royal tombs — those of Duc Duc, Gia Long, Dong Khanh, and Thieu Tri — are also available for visits, though they’re less accessible compared to other tombs.
Location
The Royal Tombs are located in the southern part of the Imperial Citadel.
Opening Days and Hours
Opens daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
Entry Fee and Bookings
Entrance is VND 100,000 (USD 4.50). Tours to the tombs start at USD 10 per person.
How to Get There
- Fly from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to Hue via Vietnam Airlines.
- From the airport, board a taxi to city centre.
- Rent a motorbike or bicycle to the Royal Tombs.
Suggested For
- Solo travelers
- Couples
- Families
- Groups of friends
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is 3 hours.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
To avoid having to endure the heat of the sun, visit the tombs from 8:00 to 11:00.
Activities
Guided tour to the Royal Tombs.
Food
Dining options near the Royal Tombs include Y Thao Garden, Ganesh Indian Restaurant, Lac Thien, Family Home Restaurant, Mandarin Cafe, Nook Cafe and Bar, and Nina’s Cafe.
Nearby Attractions
- Pagoda of the Celestial Lady
- The Mieu
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Green Bamboo Art Gallery
Stay
Duy Tan Hotel, Gold Hotel, Cherish Hotel, Century Riverside Hotel, Hotel La Perle, Hotel Romance, Hue Serene Palace Hotel, Emm Hotel, Orchid Hotel, and Alba Spa Hotel are some of the nearby hotels offering accommodation. Rates range from USD 30 to USD 75.