Hue has sven tombs of seven Emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, planned and constructed in the hilly southwest of the Citadel. Each tomb has dozen of splendid monuments in perfect harmony with poetical nature. According to Oriental outlook, life is ephemeral and dealth means returning to the peaceful and eternal world. The royal tombs are therefore the living world of the deceased.

Tomb of Gia Long is located 16km from the center of Hue, on the top of the Thien Tho Mountain, on the west bank of the Perfume River. Gia Long’s tomb is a wonderful picture of nature and architecture, which provides a superb view of the boundless mountains and the solitary pine forest.

Tomb of Minh Mang is located 12km form Hue, on Cam Ke mount, near Bang Lang fork, on the west bank of the Perfume River. Visiting Minh Mang’s tomb, one is impressed by the majesty and symmetry of the architectural constructions.

Tomb of Tu Duc is located in a narrow valley in Duong Xuan Thuong Village (currently Thuong Ba Village, Thuy Xuan Commune, Hue City). Tu Duc’s tomb is not only one of the most beautiful works of the Nguyen Dynasty, but it is also romantic scenery of mounts and lakes.

Tomb of Khai Dinh is located on the slope of Chau Chu Mountain (also called Chau E), 10km from Hue City. The tomb of Khai Dinh is one of the most surprising among the royal tombs of Hue.