Entering Minh Mang Tomb-Emperor Minh Mang made many important reforms during his reign and Vietnam was a strong nation with an enlarging territory.
The tomb and monuments were constructed between 1840 and 1843.
Huu Tung Temple-a small construction honoring military mandarins under the reign of Minh Mang Emperor.
Minh Pavilion-Built in 1841, symbolizes the emperor's provisional step-over before his arriving at the final resting place. It's significance is to praise Minh Mang Emperor's talent and contribution.
This wall protects the emperor's tomb and only opens once a year on the occasion of the emperor's death anniversary.
Brian and I having a bit of fun
We stopped for lunch at a nearby place where the girls were swarmed by Vietnamese paparazi.
Our last tomb was Khai Dinh Tomb-ruled from 1916-1925. Designed like a European castle of middle ages.
There are 3 terraces: Lowest-Left and Right House, where meritious officials are worshipped; Middle-Stele House and Bai Dinh courtyard where statues of civil and military mandarins, soldiers, elephants and horses are set; Highest-Thien Dinh Palace, where Khai Dinh, the 12th Emperor of Nguyen Dynasty, is worhipped and buried.
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The statue of Khai Dinh-cast in FRance in 1922 and under it is the grave of the emperor.
Our driver then dropped us off at the Thiên Mụ Pagoda-a historic temple built in 1601
Built on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, this pagoda is an icon of Vietnam. It was constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. It has seven stories and is the tallest religious building in Vietnam.
From here, we got on our dragon boat for a ride on the Perfume River.
It dropped us off at the Imperial City-the Citadel. Started in 1804 during the reign of Gia Long and completed in 1833 under Minh Mang, the Imperial City was the center of government and court life throughout the Nguyen Dynasty.
From here we took another cyclo ride back to our hotel
A quick swim before heading out to dinner
A great Italian place for a little change from the Vietnamese food-was really good! They presented us with shots (thankfully the kids were alcohol free!) when we sat down-Cheers!
Calling it a night, squishing into our elevator with all of us girls sporting some new Vietnamese dresses
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