Hue is famous for its imperial tombs, ancient citadel, and romantic scenery. However, the city is also home to many beautiful and sacred temples that reflect its rich spiritual heritage. From centuries-old pagodas to peaceful retreats hidden among pine forests, each temple offers unique architecture, fascinating history, and a tranquil atmosphere. In this guide, let’s explore the top temples in Hue that you should add to your travel itinerary.
The temples in Hue are beautiful, famous and sacred
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda
If you travel to Hue, don’t miss Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda. The pagoda lies deep in a quiet valley, surrounded by mountains and pine forests. It offers a peaceful retreat for anyone looking to escape the city’s noise and crowds.
The pagoda follows the Theravada (Nam Tong) Buddhist tradition. Monks, nuns, and local Buddhists built it in 1989. They transformed a barren hillside into a serene spiritual destination where visitors can pray for peace, happiness, and good fortune. Covering nearly 10,000 square meters, the complex has two main areas: the Outer Institute and the Inner Institute. The Outer Institute hosts Buddhist ceremonies and religious activities, while the Inner Institute provides a quiet retreat for monks, nuns, and devoted practitioners.
At an elevation of about 300 meters above sea level, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda enjoys a cool and refreshing climate. Towering forest trees and a tranquil lake surround the temple. A small stream filled with blooming water lilies winds through the pine forest, creating a peaceful setting where visitors can relax and leave their daily worries behind.
To reach the pagoda, start from Kim Long Street and pass Thien Mu Pagoda. Continue along the road beside the Perfume River, passing the Van Thanh and Vo Thanh areas until you reach Xuoc Du Bridge. Drive for another kilometer, then turn right at the entrance to Dong Cham Cultural Village. Follow the road a short distance, and you will arrive at the pagoda.
Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue City
Address: Ha Khe hill, Huong Long commune, city. Hue, Thua Thien – Hue province.
Join Halo to discover the second temple in Hue that you must definitely visit, which is Thien Mu Pagoda. It is often said that the oldest temple in Hue is probably Thien Mu Pagoda. With an age of more than 400 years, this place is not only a famous spiritual place of worship but also a tourist attraction in the ancient capital.
Visiting the temple, you will see that this place is surrounded by a stone and brick citadel shaped like a turtle. The first image associated with the symbol of Thien Mu pagoda is Phuoc Duyen tower. 7-storey tower, 21m high, built of bricks. Explore deep inside is Dai Hung Palace, the main hall and also the largest room of the temple.
The best time to visit the pagoda is around January and February, when the weather in Hue is the most pleasant. However, if you want to see the pagoda in the season of phoenix flowers, you can go to May or June. The temple is open from morning to 6 pm, you can combine visiting this place with the Citadel, Minh Mang Tomb, Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda because it is on the same route.
See More: Visit Thien Mu pagoda by Hue city tour
Tu Hieu Pagoda
Tu Hieu Pagoda is one of the most famous temples in Hue and is well known as a symbol of filial piety. Patriarch Nhat Dinh founded it as a small hermitage called An Duong Am. Like Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda, it sits quietly behind a peaceful pine forest. The pagoda is closely linked to a touching story of a devoted son caring for his elderly mother. It also houses the tombs of Nguyen Dynasty eunuchs, making it a unique historical site.
Visitors admire Tu Hieu Pagoda for its elegant architecture and tranquil natural surroundings. The peaceful pine forest creates a calm and almost magical atmosphere. A tree-lined path leads to the temple, where traditional Hue architecture blends beautifully with lush gardens. Intricate wood carvings, colorful ceramic mosaics, and dragon-and-phoenix motifs showcase the craftsmanship of the Nguyen Dynasty.
The temple has 3 traditional compartments and two wings forming a closed whole. The main hall is the place to worship the ancestors. One thing that is different at Tu Hieu pagoda from other temples is that besides the statues of Tam The Buddha and Shakyamuni Buddha, the temple also worships paintings instead of statues, which is also a special feature that makes the solemn place of worship closer. .
Bringing the mysterious wild beauty between religion and life, Tu Hieu Pagoda is the place where the people of the ancient capital of Hue come to feel peace of mind and peace in life, forgetting all worries and worries. of the mundane life.
Thien Lam Pagoda
Referring to Hue pagoda, it is impossible to ignore Thien Lam pagoda. This place is not only a spiritual burial that many people come to worship but also a “very beautiful” check-in place because of its Thai-style architecture.
As soon as you enter the temple, you will be attracted by the white stupa with a golden peak about 15m high, shaped like an upside down bell, with a sharp peak. The stupa consists of 2 floors, the upper floor worships Shakyamuni Buddha and the Saint Sangha, the lower floor is the main hall where monks and Buddhists practice. In addition, the pagoda also has many other beautiful architectural works such as the unicorn unicorn statue, the tops of the towers on the stone slabs in the style of Theravada sect, the magnificent stupa, etc. only at Thien Lam Pagoda.
Exploring the temple, you will feel peace and tranquility. At the same time, this place is also a beautiful virtual living spot for young people thanks to its bold architecture in the style of the land of the Golden Temple.
Tu Dam Pagoda in Hue City
Tu Dam Pagoda is one of the famous pagodas in Hue. The pagoda has a unique architecture with a harmonious combination of tradition and modernity. Although it has been repaired many times, the temple still has ancient architectural beauty.
Tu Dam Pagoda has the architecture of 3 Tam Quan gates, the main pagoda and the Hoi house. In which Tam Quan Gate is a gate with 3 aisles, this is a very common gate in Vietnamese temples. The main pagoda includes the front hall, the main hall and the Ancestral house. The main hall is decorated with respect to Buddha statues.
Although not the oldest temple in Hue, Tu Dam Pagoda is a place with a long history and culture. This is an important temple in the cause of Vietnamese Buddhism from the past to the present. To get to this place, you can travel by motorbike or take a taxi. The temple is only 2 km from Hue city center!
Conclusion
The land of the ancient capital never fails to evoke gentle, nostalgic feelings in every visitor. By exploring the 5 famous temples in Hue mentioned above, you’ll discover a sense of peace and serenity, allowing your soul to rest and your worries to fade away.
