Tombs

Tu Duc is on the most expansive grounds, and takes the most time to see. It's rivalled by Ming Mang, which is also on a large plot, but we thought Tu Duc was a little better. Choose between the two so you don't suffer from tomb burnout, but then definitely see Khai Dinh -- it's in a different style from the others, is smaller, easier to visit, and in better shape. Gia Long is, by far, the best adventure in terms of a visit, it's usually deserted, and the ethereal natural beauty of the spot is hard to beat.

Getting There

Tu Duc

From Le Loi head south on Dien Bien Phu (across from La Residence), for 2km until it ends at Nam Giao. Take a right on Le Ngu Cat, go 2.2km to where it tees with Nguyen Tran Cong Chua. Take a left, the tomb is 700 metres down, on the left.

Khai Dinh

From Le Loi head south on Dien Bien Phu (across from La Residence), for 2km until it ends at Nam Giao. Jog right then immediately left, heading south on Minh Mang. The tomb is 5km down on the right.

Minh Mang

From Le Loi head south on Dien Bien Phu (across from La Residence), for 2km until it ends at Nam Giao. Jog right then immediately left, heading south on Minh Mang. Five km down you'll pass Khai Dinh Tomb on the right. Continue 1.3km, to where a short right turn leads on to the main highway. Take a left on the highway (northbound) 1km to the turn for Minh Mang on the left -- look for the roadside cafes and a blue sign. After turning left go straight, 2km, to where there's a left turn at the base of a hill -- more cafes mark the spot, but no sign. Take that left, the tomb is 800 metres down.

Gia Long Tomb

From Le Loi head south on Dien Bien Phu (across from La Residence), for 2km until it ends at Nam Giao. Jog right then immediately left, heading south on Minh Mang. Five km down you'll pass Khai Dinh Tomb on the right. Continue 1.6km to where the road ends at the river. Take a left, and the first boat landing is about a kilometre down the road. You'll need to catch a boat across to see the tomb. There are several more boat landings further down the road, but the road gets progressively rougher.