Emperor Minh Mang's MausoleumEmperor Minh Mang's Mausoleum

The peak of the Nguyen Dynasty was reached during the reign of Emperor Minh Mang (1820-1840). His tomb was built 12km from Hue in four years (1840-1843). In January 1841, Emperor Minh Mang passed away when his tomb was still under construction. His successor, Emperor Thieu Tri carried on the construction one month after his coronation, following exactly the layout of his father.

On August 8, 1841 the remains of Emperor Minh Mang was officially buried in Buu Thanh, but the tomb construction was not completed until early 1843. This complex is the harmony of the majestic architecture and the magnificent scenery. It also houses the excellent collection of stone sculptures. The tomb is said to be at its most beautiful in the mid of March when lotus in the lakes of Trung Minh and Tan Nguyet are all in blossom.

The tomb consists of about 40 monuments of various sizes; all lie within an oval shaped wall with a circumference of 2000m. Along the mausoleum is the Salutation Court, Stele House, Sung An Temple, Minh Lau Pavilion, and the tomb itself being at the back of the complex.