Vietnam’s former imperial city Hue seeks to make funerals solemn, brief, encourages cremation

Its People’s Committee announced the new regulations for organizing funerals in a “civilized” manner, solemnly, economically, and respectfully in line with Vietnamese culture.

They also require respect for local religious beliefs and traditions.

Funerals cannot play loud music that disturbs neighbors or feature superstitious rituals.

The entire funeral, from the time of death until the procession, must not exceed 72 hours, except in special cases approved by the local commune.

The city also encourages families to use reusable funeral wreaths during memorial services, limit the consumption of alcohol and tobacco, avoid lavish feasts, and choose cremation or other environmentally friendly burial methods that are consistent with cemetery planning and local conditions.

Commune- and ward-level authorities are responsible for ensuring compliance and handling penalties for violations.

People attend a burial ceremony in Hue, central Vietnam. Photo by Read/Vo Thanh

Hue is home to Vietnam’s former Imperial Citadel, where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945.

For long, funeral ceremonies in the city city have gone on for several days and families built elaborate tombs for their dear ones.

In some coastal communities, where relatives live overseas, funerals could last more than a week while waiting for them to return home.

To reduce traditional burials and the construction of large tombs, the city People’s Council is set to offer sweeteners from now through 2030 like subsidizing 100% of the cremation costs.