Thien Mu Pagoda

The Thien Mu Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady, is an iconic historic temple located in the city of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Built in 1601 on the orders of Nguyen Hoang, the first of the Nguyen Lords, it stands on the Ha Khe Hill overlooking the northern bank of the Perfume River. The most prominent feature of the pagoda is the 21-meter-high Phuoc Duyen Tower, an octagonal structure with seven tiers built by Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. Each of the seven levels is dedicated to a different manifestation of Buddha, making it one of the tallest religious structures in the country. The temple grounds house several significant relics, including a massive bronze bell cast in 1710 weighing over 2,000 kilograms and the blue Austin motor vehicle that carried the monk Thich Quang Duc to his self-immolation in Saigon in 1963. Throughout the 20th century, the pagoda remained a focal point for Buddhist political activism and social movements. Its serene location and blend of traditional architecture and lush gardens make it a profound symbol of Vietnamese cultural identity.

Nearby cities

Chan May - Lang Co

A stunning lagoon commune between Da Nang and Hue, famous for Lăng Cô Bay and luxury resorts.

Cửa Việt Commune

A historically significant coastal area in Quang Tri province with wide sandy beaches and authentic fishing life.

Hòa Liên

A scenic coastal area in Da Nang, featuring hidden coves and rugged natural beauty.

Da Nang

Major port city on the central coast with modern beaches and bridges.

History & landmarks

Golden Bridge

A stunning pedestrian bridge in the Bà Nà Hills, seemingly held aloft by two giant stone hands.

Nature

Perfume River

A river that flows through the city of Huế, named for the fragrant flowers that fall into the water from upstream orchards in autumn.

Nong Fa Lake

A deep blue volcanic crater lake in the remote southeast of Laos, surrounded by dense forests and local legends about mountain spirits.

My Khe Beach

A long, wide sandy beach in Da Nang, used as a recreational spot by American troops during the Vietnam War and now a popular tourist dest…

More places

Imperial Citadel of Huế

A walled enclosure within the city of Huế, the former imperial capital of Vietnam.

Tomb of Khải Định

An elaborate tomb built for the second-to-last emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty, featuring a blend of Vietnamese and European architecture.

Battle of Lăng Cô Bay

A site of naval and coastal conflict during the Indochina Wars, strategically located near the Hải Vân Pass.

Bạch Mã National Park

A national park in central Vietnam stretching from the coast to the Annamite Mountains.

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Hamburger Hill

The site of a brutal ten-day battle in 1969, known for its high casualties and the controversy it sparked back in the US.

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Dong Amphan National Biodiversity Area

A remote and densely forested nature reserve where rare predators and untouched crater lakes can be found.

Vịnh Mốc Tunnels

A tunnel complex built to shelter an entire village from bombing during the Vietnam War.

Dong Amphan National Park

One of the most remote and least explored protected areas in southeastern Laos, harboring dense forests and rich wildlife.