Tu Dam Pagoda: Standing out as one of the most significant landmarks in Hue

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Throughout history, Tu Dam Pagoda has held a very special place in the spiritual life of Hue people in particular and Vietnamese people in general. Coming here, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

1. An overview of Tu Dam Pagoda in Hue Vietnam

1.1. Location

Tu Dam Pagoda is two kilometers away to the west of Hue city center, on a lowland in Truong An Ward. In the same area, there are three other pagodas: Linh Quang Pagoda, Phan Boi Chau Pagoda, and Thien Minh Pagoda. Right in front of Tu Dam Pagoda is Kim Phung Mountain, the highest mountain in Hue.

Tu Dam Pagoda viewed from outside (Source: Collected)

1.2. History

Built in 1963, Tu Dam Pagoda is over 300 years old. By 1935, this Buddhist structure was renovated, thanks to the flourishing Buddhist revival movement at that time.

In the 1930s, the Annam Buddhist Association changed the pagoda’s architectural layout, adding gates, meditation rooms, and living quarters for monks. Side structures like guest homes, kitchens, and auditoriums also underwent renovations.

In 1951, 51 representatives from Buddhist centers across Vietnam gathered at Tu Dam Pagoda to discuss the unity of Vietnamese Buddhism. In 1960, Tu Dam Pagoda became the headquarters of the provincial Buddhist Sangha.

>>> Beside Tu Dam Pagoda, don’t forget to check out Thien Mu Pagoda – the OLDEST pagoda in Hue at over 400 years old!

2. What are the architectural highlights of Tu Dam Pagoda?

2.1. The Triple-arch Gate (Tam Quan Gate)

The first thing you see when visiting Tu Dam Pagoda is the Triple-arch Gate, also known as Tam Quan Gate. This gate has three entrances, with the middle one bigger than the other two. The name of the pagoda is engraved on the top of the middle entrance.

On the right side of the Triple-arch Gate is a hundred-year-old Bodhi tree (Source: Collected)

2.2. The ancient halls and houses with unique features

Tu Dam Pagoda has a large area covered in cool shade from the rows of trees. The main hall is ornately decorated, with a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni on lotus platform and two statues of Bodhisattvas on the sides. It is 42 meters long, 35.9 meters high, built in the traditional architecture of Hue’s ancient pagodas. 

To the right of the main hall are a guesthouse and the monks’ quarter. In addition, Tu Dam Pagoda also has a souvenir room with modern architecture, which doubles as a Buddhist museum. This place displays many relics of the pagoda throughout history.

Coming to Tu Dam Pagoda will bring visitors a tranquil experience (Source: Collected)

2.3. An Ton Tower

An Ton Tower is located to the left of Tam Quan Gate, near Dien Bien Phu Street. The tower is 27 meters tall with 7 storeys. The higher the storey is, the smaller the space is. There is a bronze Buddha statue on each floor of the tower.

An Ton Tower is the symbol of Tu Dam Pagoda (Source: Collected)

3. When and how should you pay a visit to Tu Dam Pagoda?

Hue is a city in the North Central Coast of Vietnam. Therefore, Hue weather is affected by both the tropical monsoon and subtropical climate of the Northern and Southern regions.

There are two main seasons in Hue: the dry season and the rainy season. The best time to visit Hue is the dry season from April to September. During this time, it is sunny and there is no rain, which makes it very convenient for tourists to visit this solemn pagoda.

Tu Dam Pagoda in summer (Source: Collected)

There are many ways to get to Tu Dam Pagoda. If you go by bus, take bus number 5. And don’t forget to ask the driver to remind you when to get off.

If you drive by yourself, you can start from Hue city center, go down Dien Bien Phu Street, turn right at the intersection with Su Lieu Quan Street, and you will reach your destination.

4. Extra tips for the best experience on your trip to Tu Dam Pagoda

To have the most satisfying trip to Tu Dam Pagoda, don’t forget to take note of these tips below:

• Dress modestly, avoid non-revealing clothes
• Remember to take off your shoes before entering the main hall
• Walk quietly 
• Refrain from making loud noises
• Don’t litter

Those are some of the tips you need to keep in mind before coming to Tu Dam Pagoda. Apart from the pagoda, there are many other places to visit in Hue, such as Perfume River, Dong Ba Market, Khai Dinh Tomb, Thai Hoa Palace, Dieu De Pagoda, Mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities, Hue Night Walking Street, etc. They are all waiting for you to explore.

Perfume River – the symbol of Hue (Source: Collected)

Hue is not the only destination worth visiting in the central region of Vietnam. Why not take a tour around Da Nang and Hoi An too? They are not very far from Hue and both have their own charms.

In Da Nang, you can dive in the beautiful beaches and visit the magnificent Son Tra Peninsula. Meanwhile, only 30 kilometers away from Da Nang, Hoi An is a must-see spot on your journey thanks to its traditional beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

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It can be said that if you are in Hue but do not come to Tu Dam Pagoda, that means you haven’t truly been to Hue. Coming here, not only can you admire the unique architecture of the pagoda, you can also learn about its history and find inner peace. Don’t forget to put this place in your Hue’s itinerary!

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