Thien An Monastery: A TRULY tranquil place in Hue to find peace of mind

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Thien An Monastery is located on a green pine hill (Source: Collected)

Not only is Hue Vietnam famous for its antique beauty, this city also attracts tourists with its breathtaking settings of poetic rivers and pine forests. Thien An Monastery, tucked away in the lush green of a pine forest, is an appealing destination in Hue that travelers should not miss out on.

1. About Thien An Monastery in Hue Vietnam

1.1. Where is Thien An Monastery? How to get there?

Thien An Monastery is situated in the middle of a pine forest in Thuy Bang Commune, Huong Thuy District, Thua Thien Hue Province. It is about 10 kilometers to the south of the city center.

To get there, follow Hoai Thuong Street before turning onto Le Ngo Cat and Minh Mang Streets. Continue to Khai Dinh Street until you see the signpost to Thien An Monastery. 

After more than a kilometer along a road flanked by leafy pine trees, you will see the humble yet imposing monastery. There are two ways to reach the monastery from here: the steep path and the stairway. The stone steps adorned with traditional lamp posts are often favored.

The stone steps leading to the monastery (Source: Collected)

1.2. When was Thien An Monastery Hue built?

Thien An Monastery is situated on the highest hill of a group of 140 hills that overlap over an area of approximately 60 hectares. 

In January 1935, Father Wandrille Carrière went to Vietnam to survey the country, and he selected Da Lat as the location for the first Benedictine monastery in Vietnam. In 1938, Father Dom Romain Guillaume came to Vietnam to manage the monastery’s construction. When he came to Hue in 1940, he found Thien An Hill to be a more suitable place, thus the monastery’s location nowadays.

>>> Explore Dieu De Pagoda – one of the most eminent sightseeing spots in Hue City!

2. The highlights of your sightseeing tour to Thien An Monastery

2.1. Admire the ancient architecture of the monastery

Thien An Monastery is a special Catholic work that breathes Asian architectural vibes. Tourists will be surprised by the unique blend of Eastern and Western styles here. 

The structure of Thien An Monastery (Source: Collected)

The most remarkable manifestation of this delicate combination is the appearance of the tower, which is to the right of the chapel. This structure often appears in Vietnamese temples and pagodas, thus making people wonder if this is a monastery or a pagoda. 

Like other churches, Thien An Monastery has a statue of Jesus nailed to the cross, an aisle in the middle, and rows of chairs for praying. Despite having undergone several repairs, the architecture of Thien An Monastery has been well preserved, giving it a unique appearance of Asian-European confluence.

The convent-style architecture of Thien An Monastery has allowed it to blend in with the surrounding forest while maintaining a sense of seclusion and beauty.

2.2. Enjoy the peaceful nature and capture great photos

Situated on a high hill and surrounded by the lush greenery of pine trees, Thien An Monastery is an ideal location for those in search of a tranquil retreat. The pine trees along the winding path to the monastery create exquisite scenery that is bound to enchant any visitor.

Coming to Thien An Monastery, travelers will get to indulge in the refreshing air and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. 

2.3. Attend services held at the monastery

Where to go in Hue Vietnam for a Benedictine mass? Thien An Monastery is the ideal choice for those seeking quiet contemplation and personal retreats. Services take place at 7:25 am on weekdays and 5:25 am on Sundays.

Attending a mass at Thien An Monastery (Source: Collected)

3. When is the best time to explore Thien An Monastery Hue?

From January to April is the best time to visit Thien An Monastery as well as other Hue tourist attractions. The weather in Hue during this time is pleasant, with lots of sunshine and clear skies, which are perfect for sightseeing activities. The temperature ranges between 20 – 25 degrees Celsius.

For travelers who are willing to exchange hot weather for even more excellent blue skies, the summer months (from May to early August) are another great time to visit Thien An Monastery.

>>> Read more: Hue weather: Essential things to know to identify the best time to go!

4. Useful notes for a visit to Thien An Monastery on your Hue trip

• Dress discreetly and avoid revealing clothes
• Keep quiet when attending the services and wandering around Thien An Monastery
• Do not enter the areas considered private by the monastery’s monks
• Do not litter
• Prepare a good camera if you love taking photos

Show respect when you visit any religious site (Source: Collected)

The poetic city of Hue is also home to many other intriguing attractions with tranquil settings and exceptional historical significance, such as Thien Mu Pagoda, Perfume River, Dong Ba Market, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thai Hoa Palace, Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, Hue Night Walking Street, etc. 

Hue is often visited along with Hoi An and Da Nang thanks to their close proximity. After discovering the tourist attractions in Hue Vietnam, travelers can come to Da Nang and Hoi An to explore the stunning beaches and the ancient town there. 

You can also relax and unwind at VinWonders Nam Hoi An, an entertainment complex with a water park, a river safari, and cultural spaces. With a plethora of recreational activities, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is the perfect destination for a fascinating outing with friends and family in Central Vietnam.

The enchanting cultural spaces at VinWonders Nam Hoi An

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Da Nang and Hoi An are also ideal destinations for leisure vacations with numerous opulent hotels and resorts. Vinpearl Da Nang and Vinpearl Hoi An are two such outstanding accommodations. These properties possess first-class facilities, spectacular settings with exceptional sea views, and excellent services. If you are looking for a place to relax, these are absolutely the right places to go.

The luxurious settings of Vinpearl Da Nang

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Initially a living and praying place for contemplative monks and nuns, Thien An Monastery has become a popular tourist attraction in Hue. If you are seeking a tranquil retreat in the ancient citadel, don’t forget to add this quiet monastery amidst the pine hills to your bucket list!

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