Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue

The name of the pagoda comes from a legend: a long ago, an old woman appeared on the hill where the pagoda stands today. She told local people that a Lord would come and build a Buddhist pagoda for the country's prosperity. Lord Nguyen Hoang, on hearing that, ordered the construction of the pagoda of the "Heavenly Lady".

Several kings of the Nguyen Dynasty such as Gia Long, Minh Mang, Thieu Tri and Thanh Thai, all had the pagoda restored. Phuoc Duyen Tower (at first called Tu Nhan Tower) was erected in 1884 by King Thieu Tri. This octagonal tower has seven storeys (21m high). Dai Hung shrine, the main-hall, presents a magnificent architecture. As well as bronze cast statues, it shelters some precious antiques: the bronze gong cast in 1677, the wooden gilded board with Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu's inscriptions (1714). On both sides of the pagoda are a room for the bonzes and a guest-room for visitors.

The pagoda is surrounded by flowers and ornamental plants. At the far end of the garden stretches a calm and romantic pine-tree forest. The pagoda was heavily damaged in 1943. Bonze Thich Don Hau hence organized a great renovation of the pagoda that lasted for more than 30 years.

Nowadays the pagoda is very well-maintained and very welcoming to all visitors.

Hue Attractions

Located in the Centre of Vietnam, 658km from Hanoi, 1,080km from Ho Chi Minh City, 108km from Da Nang. Thua Thien-Hue offers very diversified and beautiful landscapes. Nature and human beings create a harmoniously beauty. The province provides a well-balanced blend of royal heritage and folk culture. As a matter of fact, tourists discover dozens of handicraft villages, with annual festivals that are painstakingly organized. Hue Citadel has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO since December 1993, Hue Royal Musical (Nha nhac) has been declared as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage since November 2003.

More Hue Attractions

• Gia Lac Spring Fair Festival
• Bach Ma National Park
• Thien Mu Pagoda
• Dong Khanh Tomb
• Tu Duc Tomb
• Hon Chen Temple Festival

• Perfume River
• Duc Duc Tomb
• Gia Long Tomb
• Khai Dinh Tomb
• Mineral Stream of My An
• An Hien Garden House

• Principal Gate
• Dynastic Temple The Mieu
• Minh Mang Tomb
• Thieu Tri Tomb
• Canh Duong Beach
• Lang Co Beach

Add to Favorites Make Home Page   Return