Thien Mu Pagoda

“The Pagoda of the Celestial Lady” anchors Hue with its sublime structure and folkloric charm. Featuring seven delicately ornate stories dedicated to Buddha, the pagoda is an unattested symbol of the city. Most visitors value it for its mythic origins. Thien Mu Pagoda had long been a principal site for religious rituals before it gained the spotlight in the world of travel. As the story goes, the “celestial lady” once stood here and foretold that a shrine would be constructed by a ruler on the very spot. The Nguyen lord Hoang fulfilled this holy prophecy in the early 17th century. By doing so, he granted Hue its long-lasting popularity.

In the temple, aesthetic satisfaction is hard to miss. Among the most prominent elements adorning Thien Mu is the elegant pavilion featuring a massive bell. Also worth seeing is the marble turtle carrying a stele on its back. Buddhist symbolism makes itself evident in every corner. And, several Buddha statues bring about a soothing effect to the site. There are other works of art inside the sanctuary that bear witness to the rule of Nguyen lords. Beyond architecture, Thien Mu offers a pleasant time in a romantic atmosphere with fragrant pine forests on one side and the dreamy Perfume River on the other.