An aerial exploration of Hue's imperial tombs

Travel blogger Quy Coc Tu, real name Ngo Tran Hai An, recently shot a series of aerial photos depicting the tombs of Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945) kings, apart from those of Bao Dai and Ham Nghi who were buried abroad. Ham Nghi reigned from 1884-1885, while Bao Dai is Vietnam's last king, ruling 1925-1945.
The mausoleum of Gia Long (pictured), the first Nguyen Dynasty king, reigning 1802-1820, is located in Dinh Mon Village of Huong Tra District, about 20 kilometers west of downtown Hue. He is buried beside Queen Thua Thien Cao who supported the king through many trials and tribulations.

Minh Mang was the second Nguyen ruler, reigning 1820-1839. His tomb is located on Cam Khe Mountain, around 12 kilometers from downtown Hue. It took three years (1840-1843) and 10,000 workers and soldiers to complete.

An aerial view of Thieu Tri Mausoleum, the tomb of Emperor Thieu Tri, the third Nguyen Dynasty king (reigning 1841-1847).
This area, located in Huong Thuy District, around eight kilometers from Hue's center, is part of the Hue Monuments Complex recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site in 1993.

Khiem Lang, or the Tomb of Modesty, is tucked under Vong Canh Mountain. King Tu Duc, the fourth emperor, reigned for over 36 years from 1847, the longest of any Nguyen Dynasty ruler. His tomb, with some 50 structures and surrounded by a 1.5-kilometer-long wall, was built in 1873.
Today, the area includes a large park with natural streams, an array of pine trees, and birds singing.

King Duc Duc's mausoleum, also known as An Lang, is located in An Cuu Ward, around two kilometers from downtown Hue. The area covers nearly six hectares, including the tombs of the king, queen and 42 princes and princesses.
Duc Duc reigned for three days in July 1883 before being deposed, the shortest among the 13 Nguyen rulers.

Hiep Hoa's mausoleum is the burial place of King Hiep Hoa. The son of King Thieu Tri, he ascended the throne at 37 and only reigned for four months as the sixth Nguyen Dynasty emperor before being deposed in November 1883. The site is located in a deserted pine forest of An Tay Ward.
After 130 years, in August 2013, Hiep Hoa's mausoleum was restored but remains a lesser-known destination.

The mausoleum of King Dong Khanh, the ninth emperor to rule the country from 1885-1889, is located in Hue's Complex of Monuments in Thuong Hai Village of Xuan Thuy Ward. The tomb features both feudal and European architecture.
Dong Khanh mausoleum is also the burial place of King Ham Nghi who died in January 1944 while in exile in Algerian capital Algiers. In 1965, his body was brought to France. It was finally interned in Hue in 2008.

The tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, located on the slopes of Chau Chu Mountain, lies about 10 kilometers from central Hue. It took 11 years to build, starting in 1920.
The site is much smaller than those of other Nguyen Dynasty rulers. At the entrance, there are 37 steps leading to the main gate with dragons carved along the walls. Khai Dinh reigned from 1916 to 1925.

As the official Nguyen Dynasty residence, Hue's Imperial Citadel began construction in 1804. Oriented to face the Huong (Perfume) River, the royal enclosure modeled its temples, gardens, and palaces after Beijing’s Forbidden City.
Despite Vietnam War damage, its sheer size and heritage value make it a top local attraction.

Nam Giao esplanade was once the most important religious site in Vietnam, with Nguyen emperors habitually offering animal sacrifices and elaborate gifts to deities each spring. Built in 1806, ceremonies commenced here in 1807. Its altars no longer present, the esplanade is the only relic that remains relatively intact in Hue.