The royal tombs at a glance
The tombs of Hue belong to the complex of Hue monuments, which UNESCO listed in 1993. They lie outside the central imperial district, upriver on the Perfume River. The three best-known tombs belong to the emperors Tu Duc, Khai Dinh and Minh Mang. Each is a separate site with its own ticket, and they are built in different styles.
Khai Dinh rises in terraces, Tu Duc is a garden and lake complex, and Minh Mang follows a central axis. You do not need to see all three. If you have time for one, choose by what you like: a lake and pavilions, a climb with a view, or a long, ordered layout. This guide covers prices, differences and the logistics.
Entry prices and combos
Adult and child prices in Vietnamese dong (VND), 2026.
| Ticket | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| One tomb (Tu Duc, Khai Dinh or Minh Mang) | VND 150,000 | VND 30,000 |
| Tu Duc plus Dong Khanh | VND 200,000 | VND 30,000 |
| Minh Mang plus Gia Long | VND 240,000 | VND 30,000 |
| Imperial City plus any two of the three tombs | VND 420,000 | VND 80,000 |
| Imperial City plus all three tombs (valid up to 2 days) | VND 530,000 | VND 100,000 |
The adult prices are listed by the local tourism office. The child prices come from a legal text reproduced by a private database, so confirm them at the ticket counter. A combo is cheaper than separate tickets if you also plan to see the Imperial City: three tombs and the Imperial City cost VND 650,000 separately and VND 530,000 as a combo. The details of the Imperial City ticket are on our Imperial City page.
Our picks: royal tombs tours
Two private tours with a driver and a day tour by bus and dragon boat.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hue Citadel and royal tombs by bus and dragon boat
Full-day or half-day tour with hotel pickup within 3 km of the centre, an English or Vietnamese-speaking guide, a dragon boat ride, water and insurance. Entry fees and lunch depend on the option you choose.
Check availability →
Private tour with dragon boat, pagodas and a royal tomb
Private hotel pickup, a private dragon boat and an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver. Entry fees are paid in cash on site, and an English-speaking guide costs $45 extra.
Check availability →Private tour of three royal tombs and a pagoda
Hotel pickup, an English-speaking driver, an air-conditioned car and parking. Entry fees are paid in cash on site, and an extra Citadel stop costs $8.
Check availability →Royal tomb tours from Hue
Guided visits to the tombs and the Imperial City, boat trips on the Perfume River and day trips from Hue, with live prices and availability.
Tu Duc Tomb
The Tu Duc tomb is built around the artificial Luu Khiem Lake. The Du Khiem and Xung Khiem pavilions stand on its shores, and the emperor also used the grounds as a retreat. It is the tomb to choose if you like gardens and water more than a climb.
A combo with the Dong Khanh tomb costs VND 200,000 for adults. Opening hours for each tomb can differ from those of the Imperial City, so check at the gate.
Khai Dinh Tomb
The tomb of Khai Dinh joins Eastern and Western influences. It climbs in several levels, and the local tourism portal counts 127 steps. The tomb is about 10 km (6 mi) from Hue. Do not assume it is step-free or accessible for wheelchairs.
The view from the upper levels looks out over the hills. Wear shoes with grip for the steps.
Minh Mang Tomb
The Minh Mang tomb lies on Cam Khe Mountain, on the Perfume River. The national tourism authority puts it about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Hue, with grounds of about 18 hectares (44 acres) and around 40 historic buildings. The distance has no exact start point, so do not use it to time a taxi.
Its layout follows a long axis, with pavilions and bridges along the way. A combo with the Gia Long tomb costs VND 240,000 for adults. Give it more time than you think, because the grounds are large.
How to get to the tombs
The tombs are spread out, so most visitors go by car with a driver or on an organized tour. One transport company lists a private city tour that covers the citadel, a pagoda and the tombs in 8 hours, at USD 48 by sedan, USD 58 by SUV and USD 60 by van (listing checked October 2026). Entrance fees and a guide are not shown as included, so ask. Do not count on a public bus. Ask your hotel how to get to the tombs on your day.
For a first visit, a guided tour takes care of the order of the sites. If you go alone, plan the tombs by location, and start early. Our where to stay guide helps you choose a base.
Check conditions before you go
Heavy rain can close the monuments. On 3 November 2025 the Ministry of Culture suspended visits to all monuments of the Hue complex because of flooding, after closures from 27 to 30 October and a reopening on 31 October. Floods hit Hue again in early October 2026, with reports dated 9 October 2026. Check that the tomb you want is open on your day.
The tombs are places of memory, so dress respectfully and speak quietly. For the rest of your stay, see things to do in Hue, and for the pagoda and the river, our Thien Mu Pagoda and Perfume River guides. If you continue south, Hoi An is about 130 km (81 mi) from Hue by road.
Royal tombs of Hue: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter the tombs?
An adult ticket costs VND 150,000 for each of Tu Duc, Khai Dinh and Minh Mang in 2026. Children pay VND 30,000. Combos exist for Tu Duc plus Dong Khanh (VND 200,000) and Minh Mang plus Gia Long (VND 240,000).
Which tomb is the best one to visit?
That depends on your taste. Tu Duc is a lake and garden complex, Khai Dinh is a terraced climb with 127 steps, and Minh Mang is a long axis of pavilions. If you only have time for one, pick by what you like most.
Can I visit all three tombs in one day?
It is possible with a driver or a tour. One transport company lists an 8-hour private city tour that covers the citadel, a pagoda and the tombs. A combo ticket valid up to 2 days gives you some flexibility. Start early, because the tombs are spread out.
How far are the tombs from the center of Hue?
Khai Dinh is about 10 km (6 mi) from Hue and Minh Mang about 12 km (7.5 mi), according to the tourism sources. The measuring point is not exact, so treat these as rough figures.
Is a guide necessary?
No, but a guide helps you understand the layout and the history. A private city tour with a driver is listed at USD 48 to 60 for 8 hours, without entrance fees shown.