Due to the fast pace of urbanisation, the sprawl has taken up land that was once agricultural and even surrounded cemeteries.
In many locations, the cemeteries are just a few steps away from residential blocks, making for a strange cityscape. According to Hanoi's cemetery development plan to 2030 with view toward 2050, major cemeteries in the inner city will have to be closed, but new graves continue to be added each year.
In Quan Hoa Ward, Hanoi, cemetery of 200 graves has become surrounded by homes. According to current urban planning policy, the cemetery should be built at least 1.5km away from any residential area. However the graves lie right next to the doors of occupied homes, walkways and wells. It was once in an isolated area, but over the last 20 years, it has become residential.
People there have learned to live alongside the graves, but on memorial days relatives come to visit the graves, and smoke from incenses and burnt offerings waft through whole area. Recently, the land has shown signs of contamination. The residents are hoping local authorities will move the graves.
Many such cemeteries have existed for a long time and covered in brush. They do not meet environmental standards and are not maintained. As land encroachment continues, many are choosing to build their own graves beforehand to reserve the land.
A number of elderly citizens of HCM City also complain that they find it very difficult to acquire a burial plot as land in the city is increasingly scarce.
Cemeteries in Tay Ho District, Hanoi
Cemetery next to tall buildings in Thanh Tri District
Old graves near homes
Graves and houses in Hanoi
A lone grave near high-rise buildings
Cemetery surrounded by houses in Quan Hoa Ward