Hue Thien Mu Pagoda by Dragon Boat

Hue Thien Mu Pagoda by Dragon Boat

Thiên Mụ Pagoda (Vietnamese: Chùa Thiên Mụ; also called Linh Mụ) is a historic temple in the city of Huế in Vietnam. Its pagoda has seven stories and is the tallest religious building in Vietnam. The temple is often the subject of folk rhymes and ca dao about Huế, such is its iconic status and association with the city. It is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the former imperial capital.

The pagoda sits on the Hà Khê hill, in the ward of Hương Long in Huế. It is around 3 km from the Citadel of Huế constructed by the Nguyễn Dynasty and sits on the northern bank of the Perfume River.

When in Hue, you should tour a part of Hương River (Perfume River) on a dragon boat to have a different look of this fabled river. The itinerary begins from Toa Kham Boat Dock.

Along the river, you will see Đông Ba Market - the biggest commercial center of Huế and the neighboring areas, Trường Tiền Bridge - designed and constructed by the renowned French Eiffel Construction Company, Thương Bạc Pavilion – a center of foreign relations under Nguyễn Dynasty, Phú Xuân Bridge – a long white bridge stands out from the deep blue Hương River and the two green grass riversides, Nghinh Lương Đình - the pavilion where the emperors used to commence their morning boat trip on the most elegant river of Huế, Dã Viên Islet - a unique royal garden was established under the reign of Tự Đức in 19th century.

Our destination is Thiên Mụ Pagoda. The pagoda is situated on Hà Khê hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River, in Hương Long village, 5km from Huế city, 50 minutes by boat. 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 Thích Đôn Hậu hence organised 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.