Minh Mang (Minh Menh) Tomb in Hue

The Minh Mang Tomb is located on the western side of the Perfume River, approximately 12 km south of the Hue City centre, in Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra District. This is the site where the gorgeous Perfume River is joined by two tributaries.

King Minh Mang ordered the construction of the tomb to begin in 1840. King Thieu Tri resumed the effort after his father's death in 1841, as planned by his father. After two years, the monument was eventually built.

Minh Mang Tomb is a complex of 40 structures that includes palaces, temples, pavilions, and other structures. It is considered the most majestic of all the Nguyen Dynasty royal graves. Many people believe Hue is a wonderful combination of built and natural beauty, with architecture that blends in seamlessly with the surrounding scenery.

It's built along a symmetrical axis (known as Than Dao) that spans from the Great Red Gate to the foundation of the Encircling Wall behind the Tomb of the King. Apart from the central entrance, there are two more gates: the Left Rad Gate and the Right Red Gate, both of which lead to the Honour Courtyard, which is home to two rows of stone statues of mandarins, elephants, and horses. The square Stele Pavilion is located atop Mount Phung Than, on the other side of the three gates, and houses the stele "Thanh Duc Than Cong," which is inscribed with the King's biography and merits written by his son. The Hien Duc Gate leads to Sung An Temple, which houses the statues of King Minh Mang and his wife. On the other side of the temple, there are three stone bridges, one of which is allocated exclusively to the king. The Hoang Trach Gate finally leads to the Minh Lau Pavilion. It stands on three terraces that symbolise heaven, earth, and water. The crescent-shaped New Moon Lake (Ho Tan Nguyet) is located closer to the burial location and embraces the circular wall that surrounds the grave (Buu Thanh).

From a distance, the complex resembles a human, with the hill serving as his pillow and his hands and feet reaching for the river. There are over 700 meters between the entrance gate and the back door. Although the fence is tall, it does not obscure the view of the adjacent mountains or Cam Ke Hill.

Even though traveling by car or motorcycle is now easier and more convenient thanks to the completion of Tuan Bridge, a boat voyage from Hue to see this mausoleum, as well as Thien Mu pagoda and Hon Chen Temple, is not a terrible idea. Before going, tourists should negotiate with boat owners. The cost varies according to the number of sites and distance traveled, but it is usually extremely affordable.