Hue is the location where the national cultural treasures have been perfectly preserved. Thien Mu Pagoda is regarded as one of such treasures. It stands out for its ancient architecture, holiness, and mythology, filled with a variety of obscure historical legends. If you have never visited this pagoda, let's explore the amazing and intriguing features of this 400-year-old holy sanctuary with us!
1. Where is Thien Mu Pagoda Hue Vietnam? How to get there?
- Location
Thien Mu Pagoda is located on Ha Khue hill, which belongs to the territory of An Ninh Thuong village, Kim Long ward, Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province.
- Thien Mu Pagoda opening hours:
The pagoda is open all day, so you can feel free to visit. However, if you want to take stunning photos and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the pagoda, 6:00 am - 8:00 am would be the most suitable time frame. Besides, if you want to admire the romantic sunset on the banks of the peaceful Huong River, please be there from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.
- Thien Mu Pagoda entrance fee: Free
- How to get there: Thien Mu Pagoda is only about 5km from the center of Hue city, so you can easily travel to Thien Mu Pagoda by various means of transport, such as cyclo, taxi, or motorbike rental.
- Motorbike: If you want to travel by yourselves, you can rent a motorbike and follow the route: From the Imperial City of Hue, take Kim Long Street. From here, go about 2km to reach Thien Mu Pagoda. The motorbike rental costs 100.000 - 150.000 VND per day.
- Boat: Take a dragon boat to Thien Mu Pagoda. It just takes about 30 minutes. As such, you could enjoy the cool breeze blowing on the banks of the Huong river.
- Bicycle: Cycling to Thien Mu Pagoda is a stimulating experience. However, it will be best if you cycle early in the morning to avoid the harsh noonday sun and heavy traffic.
- Cyclo: It would be a great experience to catch a cyclo to visit Thien Mu Pagoda because you will have opportunities to admire the peaceful scenery and be introduced to Hue. The cost varies, from 40.000 to 100.000 VND/ trip, depending on the length of each trip.
- Taxi: The most convenient option for reaching Thien Mu Pagoda is to take a taxi. You have the choice between a traditional taxi or the environmentally friendly option of XANH SM Taxi.
XANH SM Taxi - the first electric taxi company in Vietnam, operated entirely with VinFast electric cars. Customers who travel by XANH SM taxi not only receive an excellent standard of service, but they also join XANH SM in its efforts to reduce vehicle emissions and safeguard the environment. XANH SM provides standard and luxury taxi service, airport taxi, with attractive promotions.
Customers can easily book a taxi in 04 ways:
(1) Call the national hotline 1900 2088
(2) Wave on the street like a traditional taxi
(3) Book on the Taxi Xanh SM app. Click HERE to download the app
(4) Use the beVinFast service on the multi-service customer platform BE to book Xanh SM taxi
- The best time to visit Thien Mu Pagoda Hue
According to the travel experience of numerous visitors and Thien Mu Pagoda facts, there are two prime periods for you to visit the pagoda: From January to February and from May to June. January to February offers you beautiful weather, with low temperatures and a little light rain. On the other hand, if you visit Thien Mu Pagoda between May and June, you can admire red phoenix flowers blossoming in the sky.
2. Find out about the history of Thien Mu Pagoda Hue
The most ancient pagoda in Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, sometimes called Linh Mu Pagoda, was constructed in 1601 by Lord Nguyen Hoang - the first Lord of the Kingdom of Annam (Outer Land). According to numerous documents, Lord Nguyen Hoang personally inspected the landscape before entering the Thuan Hoa Citadel to plan the development of the Nguyen family's fortune and career. While galloping along the Huong River, he came across a small hill named Ha Khe jutting up by the blue river, resembling a dragon rotating its head.
At the same time, residents spread the story of an older woman wearing a red shirt with a kind face. Every night she goes to Ha Khue hill and tells everyone that there will be a faithful Lord who will build a temple to guard the dragon veins. Feeling that the story resembled his idea, Nguyen Hoang immediately ordered the soldiers to build a pagoda on the hill. At this time, the pagoda was named Thien Mu Tu (The midwife of heaven in English).
In 1862, King Tu Duc changed the pagoda’s name to Linh Mu because he feared that the word “Thien”, which means heaven, would offend heaven and prevent him from having children to continue the lineage. It was not until 1869 that the 4th king of the Nguyen Dynasty allowed the name Thien Mu to be reused as before. However, today, people still call it by both names everywhen they refer to this ancient pagoda.
Thien Mu Pagoda has undergone many renovations so far. One of the most significant restorations took place during the tenure of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu (1691 - 1725). At this time, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu ordered to cast a bell weighing more than two tons, which featured an inscription etched on it. Around 1714, he renovated other structures like the Tang Kinh Cac, the Thuyet Phap house, and the Thien Vuong Palace.
More specifically, he also sent people to China to buy more than 1,000 sets of Buddhist scriptures. What he did was to praise and honor the philosophy of the Buddha. He also kept all the sutras in Tang Kinh Cac, which is considered a place to store the old official documents of the Nguyen Dynasty. Besides, There is a very detailed set of scriptures about Venerable Thach Liem - a man who earned great praise for assisting the Nguyen Dynasty in reviving Buddhism in the Inner Land.
3. Explore the architectural highlights of Thien Mu Pagoda
3.1. Tam Quan Gate
It is the main entrance of the pagoda, located behind Phuoc Duyen Tower. The gate contains three pathways for the three worlds: the human, the devil, and the god. The gate has two floors and eight roofs. A Buddhist shrine is located on the second floor of the middle gate. Especially many distinctive patterns have been etched onto the roof's top. At the same time, the statue of the Dharma Protector stands on both sides to guard the gate.
3.2. Dai Hung Palace
Located in the main hall of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Dai Hung Palace is a place to worship Maitreya Buddha, who brings carefree joy. Maitreya Buddha is depicted with a gentle appearance, big ears, and a big belly, representing an immensely kind and generous heart, capable of elevating everyone. The Palace is built entirely of solid cement. The side is painted with wood color, giving us a sense of belonging.
3.3. Phuoc Duyen Tower
Phuoc Duyen Tower is an unmissable check-in site when visitors arrive at Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue. This work is situated right after the welcome gate. More importantly, the Phuoc Duyen tower is likened to the "soul" of the pagoda. This architecture, together with other works, forms a cohesive complex, bringing unique and different features but still bold Hue.
Phuoc Duyen Tower was built in 1844 by King Thieu Tri on the occasion of the longevity ceremony of Queen Thuan Thien - the grandmother of King Thieu Tri. At first, it was named Tu Nhan Thap. Then it was changed to the current name. At that time, to complete the Tower, the clay, stones, and Bat Trang pottery materials had to be transferred from outside.
The Tower's body was built of rustic bricks; the curb was made from stone. All combined to form an octagonal tower block. This Tower has a height of 21 meters and 7 floors. The higher it is, the smaller it is. Each floor has a Buddha statue. Inside there is a spiral staircase that leads to the top floor, where the former golden Buddha statue is located. Overall, the design of each floor is exactly the same, painted in pink. Over the years, it has carried the vestige of time, highlighting the unique value of the ancient capital's architecture.
3.4. Dia Tang Palace
3.5. Tomb of Venerable Thich Don Hau
Most Venerable Thich Don Hau was a famous abbot in the pagoda. He devoted his whole life to the development of Buddhism in Vietnam. In addition, he was also respected by the people through countless public community services, helping people in need. As a result, when he passed away, citizens and pagoda administrators buried the Venerable under the tower at the end of the campus to express their sincere gratitude to the revered monk.
4. A short guide for your visit to Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue
4.1. What are the Thien Mu Pagoda dress code and other notes?
Because Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue is a spiritual tourist destination,
you should follow the rules and dress code when visiting this place:
- Wear discreet and polite clothes.
- Do not wear clothes that are too short or revealing. When going inside to pray, take off your hat.
- Bring an umbrella and water, especially in summer because it is a large pagoda that may take a lot of time and energy to discover
- Do not talk loudly, play, or say profanity.
4.2. Where to stay for the best experience during the trip?
Visiting Hue, tourists can pick a wide variety of hotels, ranging in price from cheap to luxurious. If you would like to combine traveling to both Hoi An and Da Nang, you should experience accommodation services at the hotels and resorts of Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An to have the most fantastic experience. These resorts welcome you with lavish accommodations, one of the city's largest outdoor infinity pools, breathtaking sea views, and the magnificent splendor of the sunset. Therefore, giving yourself or your family a wonderful stay here is worthwhile.
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An to enjoy priceless moments with your friends and family at one of Vietnam's stunning beach resorts!
In addition to Thien Mu Pagoda and many famous destinations in Hue, Hoi An, and Da Nang, there is an absolutely attractive spot for visitors to explore - the entertainment complex in VinWonders Nam Hoi An. This place is the convergence of all incredible attractions for travelers, such as delicious food, beautiful landscape, and famous check-in spots. Nevertheless, the most outstanding feature worth mentioning is a variety of indoor and outdoor soothing activities that are suitable for visitors of all ages.
>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An to immerse yourselves in the most extraordinary recreational activities!
Every time traveling to Hue, visitors from all over the world indeed find the Thien Mu Pagoda to be a remarkable place. In addition to the beauty of the ancient architecture and historical details, the peace and understated demeanor are also reflected in this location. After reading this article, you will be fully aware of the extraordinary beauty and history of Thien Mu Pagoda. Therefore, if you are passionate about discovering historical and architectural information, don't forget to stop at the famous pagoda!
>>> Book rooms in Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An to enjoy a perfect stay in paradise in Vietnam!
_1713172306.png)
