DO NOT MISS THIS SITE WHEN TRAVELLING TO HUE. There are many beautiful, old tombs and temples in Vietnam. It would be difficult, however, to imagine one looking more fantastic than this. Imposing and dark from the street, with a large iron gate in front of a long, steep, exterior stairway. After the initial stair climb, there is a landing/ plaza with many life-size sculptures of people and animals. Also there, an ornate pavilion, multiple spires, 5 claw sculpture dragons, more gates, and more stairs... All the stair climbing is worth it once you see the interior of the tomb at the very top.
Eye- popping, detailed, ceramic tiles in all shapes colors and sizes are utterly amazing. It seems no surface was left un- decorated. It is easy to see why the construction took 11 years- 5 years AFTER the death of the Emperor. So happy the tour itinerary included this stop! Able to learn much about this important historical figure, all that he did for Hue and Vietnam. Also happy weather was dry to help manage slippery steps and fully enjoy outdoor areas and sculptures.

Quite a grand tomb for a emperor who reigned for 11 years and the mosaic decorations are really beautiful. There are a few steep steps to get to the tomb with no other access for wheel chairs etc, didnt see any WC,s around either. Gets pretty busy like all tourists spots, lost of buses

There are numerous tombs in this area but we only visited this one, and glad that we did.
The decorations are ornate and in great detail.
We were informed by our guide that Vietnamese artists did the art. However, the cement was from France, ceramics from China and glass from Japan.
I wouldn't have thought that a tomb could be this pretty before I visited this place.
Some statues of officials, soldiers and animals stand at attention on the grounds, resembling the Terracotta Army in Xi'An, China.