Tomb of Minh Mang, Hue

Seeing the sights from the back of an elephant

This was my favourite pagoda/tomb of the day because you can ride round the grounds on the back of an elephant.

Many of the tombs need repairs and renovation, but money is tight, so things are being done bit by bit. There is also a lack of employment outside the cities.

The people at Minh Mang Tomb have a solution to both these problems, and are giving great pleasure to the tourist poplulation at the same time with their elephant rides.

For a couple of dollars the elephant and mahout will take you round the Lake of Impeccable Clarity and the outside of the grounds. They will even let you dress up as emperor and empress!

The elephants appear to be well cared for and the mahouts and handlers clearly enjoy their work and rest.

For another dollar you can have your photograph taken on the elephant and it will be delivered to your hotel in Hue later that evening.