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10/03/2023
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The beautiful Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnam (Source: Collected)
During your travel journey to Hue City, besides enjoying folk music performances on Perfume river, visiting Thien Mu Pagoda should be one of the top activities on your bucket list. As one of the most beautiful ancient Buddhist landmarks in Vietnam, the architecture of this pagoda always makes a great impression on tourists’ minds. This article will provide you some interesting information about this destination.
1. About Thien Mu Pagoda Hue Vietnam: Location, legend
Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda) is located on Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Huong Long Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province. Possessing a prime location on the North bank of Perfume River, which is about 5 kilometers far from the center of Hue City, the pagoda is the familiar venue for many cultural and religious activities of the local people.
Thien Mu Pagoda lies on a hill overlooking the splendid Perfume River (Source: Collected)
According to legend, there was an elderly woman in red emerging on top of Ha Khe Hill every night and foretold locals that the Lord would one day pass by and erect something of immense significance. The hill was then given the name Thien Mu Son, which means Mountain of Lady from Heaven. After hearing the tale while actually passing by the hill, Lord Nguyen Hoang made the decision to construct a pagoda and give it the name Thien Mu. The pagoda is still present today and is widely regarded as the iconic symbol of the old city of Hue despite having undergone many renovations.
2. The best time to visit Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue
Thien Mu Pagoda welcomes tourists from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm everyday; however, it is advised that you visit this location in the morning to easily enjoy the tranquil atmosphere here and comfortably admire the picturesque view of Perfume river as there are not many visitors coming here at that time.
If you want to participate in some traditional cultural activities and enjoy delicious vegetarian food, you can visit Thien Mu Pagoda on some special occasions such as the 1st or 15th day of any lunar month or Tet holiday.
3. The architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda: 5 attractions not to be missed
3.1. Dai Hung Palace
Dai Hung Palace, featuring a magnificent architecture, is the main sanctuary of Thien Mu Pagoda. This place is used to worship Maitreya Buddha – the god who brings carefree joy and Dharma Master Thich Don Hau – Abbot of the pagoda. In addition, Dai Hung Palace is also home to a great picture, dating from 1974, an extremely delicate bronze bell representing sun and moon and a splendid statue of Buddha.
Dai Hung Palace in Thien Mu Pagoda (Source: Collected)
3.2. Phuoc Duyen Tower
Phuoc Duyen tower, the pagoda’s most distinctive feature, was built in 1884 by King Thieu Tri. This 21-meter-tall octagonal tower with seven stories and worshiping Buddha statues on each of its floors. Standing on both sides of the tower are two quadrilaterals with two steles of the Thieu Tri period. This tower is considered the highest stupa in Vietnam and is frequently the topic of poetry and folk rhymes about the city of Hue. More significantly, Phuoc Duyen Tower is regarded as the special emblem of the previous imperial capital.
Phuoc Duyen Tower in Thien Mu Pagoda (Source: Collected)
3.3. Tomb of Venerable Thich Don Hau
Venerable Thich Don Hau, the most famous abbot in Thien Mu Pagoda, is said to devote his whole life to the development of Buddhism in Vietnam. Moreover, he was also respected by the locals for taking part in countless public activities to help those who were in need. When he passed away, the locals and pagoda administrators buried him under the tower located at the end of the campus to show their gratitude to the revered monk.
3.4. Dia Tang Palace
Dia Tang Palace, located right behind Dai Hung Palace, possess a large green garden in front of it. Entering this palace, you will be greeted by magnificently adorned interiors. Furthermore, there are numerous altars with exquisite engravings, not to mention precious artifacts such as paintings, stone stelae, and metal bells displayed inside the palace.
3.5. Tam Quan Gate (The three-arched entrance gate)
The three-arched entrance gate, being regarded as the main gate of Thien Mu Pagoda, is another notable feature of this relic site. It has a two-story structure with eight roofs, brick walls, and a wooden floor. The center arch of the gate is supposed to serve the monarchy, while the other two are for the nobles and the infantry, respectively.
4. How to get to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue?
Located on Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, about 5 kilometers away from the heart of Hue City, Thien Mu Pagoda can be easily reached from any part of the city. There are numerous means of transportation that tourists can choose from to move to this attraction, among which the two most popular are taxis and motorbikes. From downtown, it will take you 15-20 minutes to get to Thien Mu Pagoda, depending on traffic.
Tourists taking pictures with Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue (Source: Collected)
To get to Thien Mu Pagoda, you should follow Dang Thai Than Street to the end of the road. Turn right to Yet Kieu Street before turning left to Le Duan Street. When reaching a roundabout, turn right to Kim Lon Street. Go straight for 2 kilometers, you will see the pagoda.
5. Important notes for your visit to Thien Mu Pagoda Hue
Before visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, take note of the following:
- Pay close attention to the special set of guidelines and religious convictions pertaining to the Vietnamese ritual of worship
- Mind your personal belongings and valuables, especially when participating in Thien Mu Pagoda’s celebration
- Dress politely (no shorts, mini skirts, or tank tops)
- Only take pictures or film with permission
- Burn only one incense stick per visitor
- Do not smoke
- Do not bring food or drinks into the pagoda
Besides visiting Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, it is highly recommended that you spend time exploring some nearby tourist attractions such as Hoi An and Da Nang. When you are in Hoi An, you should visit VinWonders Nam Hoi An. VinWonders Nam Hoi An is an amusement park offering all sorts of exciting activities in its 5 subdivisions:
- Adventure Land: A place where thrill-seeking tourists can put their bravery to the test by playing heart-pounding games
- Island of Folk Culture: A place that shows the architectural features from every region of Vietnam and vividly recreates a Vietnamese traditional craft village
- Water World: A water paradise with slides and pools for kids, families, and friends, as well as 11 exciting games to cool off the summer
- Harbor Corner: A place where you can immerse yourself in a space of contrasting cultural features of the past and present, of the East and West
- River Safari: Vietnam’s first and largest river safari, with over 50 species and 550 individuals of animals
Children playing at VinWonders Nam Hoi An
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If you are going to spend your vacation in Hoi An and Danang, it is suggested that you stay at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. This accommodation offers customers opportunities to experience world-class services and all sorts of amenities, such as outdoor swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, babysitting services, restaurants, bars, gyms, and so on. With an all-in-one system, the properties of Vinpearl can satisfy the most demanding needs of customers.
A luxurious room at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An
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Thien Mu Pagoda is a must-visit attraction in Hue, Vietnam because of its extraordinary architecture. Visitors to the pagoda have an opportunity to escape from the bustling daily life and immerse in the serene spiritual atmosphere. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam, make sure to include this location in your itinerary!
Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An here
