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Thien Mu Pagoda Hue - explore the 400-year-old sacred pagoda

When traveling to Hue, visitors will experience the place that most fully preserves the soul and beauty of the national culture. Among them, Thien Mu Pagoda Hue is considered the "soul" of this land. This is a check-in point not to be missed when visiting this ancient capital. Let's explore with HoaBinh Tourist the fascinating and interesting things in this 400-year-old sacred temple!

Introduction to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, is also known by another name, Linh Mu Pagoda, located on Ha Khue Hill in Kim Long ward, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province. The pagoda is located on the north bank of the Perfume River, about 5km west of Hue city center. This place possesses charming scenery, becoming a must-see stop for tourists every time they visit the ancient capital.

According to historical records, Lord Nguyen Hoang, the first Lord of Dang Trong, was the one who built this pagoda. Over time, the pagoda has undergone many restorations. Among them, the most prominent is the restoration in 1710, during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. He completed and changed many architectural structures of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. 

In particular, a Dai Hong Chung weighing more than 2 tons was newly cast and placed right at Dai Hung Palace. Up to now, the pagoda still deserves the title "The First Ancient Pagoda.". It is not only a purely spiritual place but also a beautiful landscape of the ancient capital.

Instructions on how to get to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

1. The way to Thien Mu Pagoda

To have the opportunity to see the image of Thien Mu Pagoda towering on the Perfume River from Hue Citadel, you go through Dang Thai Than Street and then turn left onto Yet Kieu Street. Go a little further and turn left onto Le Duan street. Meet the roundabout and turn right onto Kim Long Street. Continue going another 2 kilometers, and you'll reach your destination.

2. How to get to Thien Mu Pagoda

Hue tourism is very developed. So, there are many moving services that you can use. Such as:

  • Motorbike: Hue tourist destinations are not too far apart. By traveling by motorbike, you will be more proactive about your destination as well as time. You can rent a daily motorbike service at the hotel where you stay. Rental prices range from 80,000 - 150,000 VND/day.
  • Taxi: only 5km from the city center, so traveling to Thien Mu Pagoda Hue by taxi is also not a bad idea. Cheap and saves time. Before renting a taxi, you should refer to the price list of taxi services in Hue to avoid being expensive!
  • Motorbike taxi: If your driving skills are weak and you don't like taking a taxi, renting a motorbike taxi to go to Thien Mu Pagoda is also very reasonable. In particular, technology taxi service in Hue is also very developed. It doesn't take too much time to wait and catch the bus!

Opening hours and ticket prices to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue

  • Opening hours to visit Thien Mu Pagoda: All day
  • Sightseeing ticket price: Free

If you are planning your budget for this trip to Hue and don't know how much the ticket to visit Thien Mu Pagoda costs, don't worry! The pagoda is open freely all days of the week to serve tourists and Buddhists for sightseeing.

What is there to explore at Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue?

1. Admire the beautiful, poetic and peaceful pagoda

Thien Mu Pagoda Hue is located on the banks of the romantic Perfume River, wearing a peaceful and tranquil beauty. From afar, visitors can see the ancient pagoda appearing with the shape of a giant turtle carrying the ancient tower on its back.

The majestic pagoda reflects its reflection on the lyrical Huong River. The space is tinged with poetry, full of poetry that cannot be found anywhere else. Coming here, visitors seem to step into a fairyland, feeling pure and peaceful.

This pagoda is covered with pine trees, ornamental plants and exquisite lotus ponds. The fragrant lotus scent spreads everywhere. Leaving behind all the noise and fatigue outside, visitors here only hear the sound of slow footsteps, the gentle sound of falling leaves, sometimes a clear, humming, echoing bell, or the sound of wood emanating from the gong in the main hall, all of which create a solemn yet calm Buddhist space. The poetic and peaceful scenery of this place makes visitors stop to admire the scenery and want to stay forever.

2. Admire the ancient architecture of Thien Mu Pagoda

Map of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue

Every corner of the painting "Thien Mu" shows poetry and poetic qualities that make you go from one surprise to another. Join us to explore the unique architectural features and lyrical landscapes of this place that have been featured in countless books and music!

Dai Hung Palace

Located right in the main hall of Thien Mu Pagoda, Dai Hung Palace is a place to worship Maitreya Buddha, the God who brings carefree joy. The statue depicts Maitreya Buddha with a gentle appearance, large, knowledgeable ears, a large belly filled with tolerance, and a kind smile. The palace is built entirely of solid cement. The side is repainted in wood, giving us a feeling of closeness and familiarity.

Not only displaying the Maitreya Buddha, Dai Hung Palace is also home to a great painting, dating from 1974, and an extremely delicate bronze moon-shaped bell. Going deep inside is the temple, in the center is the statue of Tam The Buddha; on the left is Van Phu Bodhisattva; and on the right is Pho Hien. In particular, the land deep in Dai Hung Palace is the burial place of Dharma Master Thich Don Hau, Abbot of the pagoda.

Phuoc Duyen Tower

Phuoc Duyen Tower is a check-in point not to be missed when traveling to Thien Mu Pagoda Hue. This project was built right behind the welcome gate area. Although located in front, Phuoc Duyen Tower is considered the "soul" of the pagoda. This architecture, along with other works, forms a cohesive complex, unique and different but still full of Hue characteristics.

Phuoc Duyen Tower was built in 1844 by King Thieu Tri. At first, the name was Tu Nhan Thap. Then change it to the current name. At that time, to complete the tower, raw materials such as clay, stone and Bat Trang ceramics had to be brought in from outside.

The body of the tower is built of rustic bricks, and the curb part is built of solid stone. All combined to form an octagonal tower, the higher it gets, the smaller it gets, with a total of 7 floors, each 2m. In general, the design of each floor is completely the same, painted in pink. Over the years, it has carried the mark of "time," highlighting the unique value of the ancient capital's architecture.

The tomb of the late Venerable Thich Don Hau

Venerable Thich Don Hau is a famous abbot at Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue. He devoted his whole life to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism. In addition, he is also respected by the people for his countless public activities and for helping them. When he passed away, the people and temple administrators buried the Venerable under the tower at the end of the campus to show gratitude to the revered monk.

Ksitigarbha Palace

This project is located right behind Dai Hung Palace. The scenery here brings you peace and quiet. In front is a large yard with grass and trees and a cool green lake. Surely this will be an interesting stop on your trip to explore Thien Mu Pagoda that you cannot miss. When visiting Dia Tang Palace, don't forget to pay your respects to the Buddhas worshiped here!

Triple gate

This is the main entrance of the pagoda, located behind Phuoc Duyen tower. The gate has 3 paths, symbolizing the 3 worlds: Human - Demon - God. The gate is designed with 2 floors and 8 roofs. On the second floor of the middle gate, there is Buddha worship. The top of the roof is carved with many extremely unique patterns. Both sides of the path are guarded by statues of Ho Phap.

3. Listen to the true story of curses surrounding Thien Mu Pagoda

The process of formation and development of Thien Mu Pagoda is associated with many mystical stories that are constantly mentioned by later generations. Among them, the story of "love resentment" stands out.

The story goes that in that land, there was a couple who loved each other passionately. But ironically, the ideology of that time did not accept that a man without wealth and a lowly family could marry the child of a noble lady. This couple is also in the same situation. Therefore, their love cannot avoid fierce opposition from the girl's family.

Too miserable for their fate, the two threw themselves into the Huong River together. It was thought that "if we can't live together, we die together," but only the boy left, while the girl drifted to shore and was rescued by people.

The girl's love pain was almost healed over time. Meanwhile, the boy was still waiting for the girl in the dead moon but never found her. He was frustrated and "entered" Thien Mu Pagoda. From then on, people spread the curse that "any loving couple coming here will not have a good ending.". The curse has not yet been broken, making the pagoda more sacred and mysterious.

Referring to the legend of Thien Mu Pagoda, the abbot here said that: in fact, this is a story woven to deter loving couples from taking advantage of hidden corners in the pagoda to do things that affect their respect. serious and quiet. Therefore, this curse is completely unreal. However, I also want to remind everyone who comes to visit to have a polite attitude and a tilted page so as not to lose the beautiful image and value of Thien Mu Pagoda.

Notes when going to Thien Mu Pagoda

To make your trip more complete, don't forget the notes below!

  • Costume: When visiting Thien Mu Pagoda or any other temple, the clothing style always emphasizes elegance and discreetness. Do not wear skirts or clothes that are too short. This is really odd when you visit a temple. In addition, choose an outfit color that matches the tone of the temple; it will look better in the picture!
  • Words: With a quiet, quiet space, a few loud laughs will turn you into a ridiculous person in the eyes of other tourists. Therefore, please try to keep order, walk and stand without crowding to ensure the sanctity of the Buddha's door!
  • Bring water: there are no restaurants or food services in the temple. Therefore, you should bring water and some snacks. After use, remember to throw the trash in the right place!

Thien Mu Pagoda is a memorable destination for many tourists from all over every time they visit. This place not only converges the beauty of architecture, historical elements, and style but is also adorned with the personality of Hue people—quiet and reserved.

Hopefully, through this article, you will know where Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue, is located and the places to visit at the pagoda to have unforgettable experiences when coming to the ancient capital of Hue. It will be more complete and meaningful if you and your friends and family can experience classy service right on Hue Land. For any information you need advice on, please contact HoaBinh Tourist through the hotline at 0939.311.911 - 0913.311.911 for 24/7 support.