Buzz
Embracing a fusion of East and West atop the pine-covered hills of Thien An, little known to many, monks labor, pray, and live by the teachings of God at Thien An Monastery.
Not quite the hidden gem for the locals in Hue, Thien An Monastery is easily found, with its romantic pine forest making it a popular spot for timeless wedding photos. Every time I visit my hometown, I take a moment to immerse my soul in this serene haven.
The path to Thien An Monastery
Heading from Minh Mang Street, continue straight on Khai Dinh Road until you see a right turn with a sign saying 'Thien An Convent' – that's the path to the place I'm mentioning. From the very first moment you turn, I'm confident that many will encounter the familiar sight of pine forests, a surprising sight in the Imperial City.
The pine forest seen from the convent. The last time I was here, part of the forest had been burned, creating a visually stunning two-tone landscape.
After a road of just over a mile, flanked on both sides by pine forests right up to the entrance, the modest yet dignified convent gradually comes into view. We neatly park our vehicles, securing them carefully as we prepare to step into the atmosphere of this place.
Panoramic view of the convent from a distance.
Ascending to the convent, there are two paths: a stairway and a sloping path. We took the stairway up and descended the slope to explore every corner. Constructed from stone, adorned with columns featuring a hint of traditional Asian imagery, these steps immediately leave a strong impression on visitors to the convent.
Ideal steps for a wedding photoshoot.
The gently sloping stairs, accompanied by shade-providing trees, create a delightful atmosphere for leisurely strolls.
Climbing the entire stairway leads to the main courtyard of the convent, comprising a spacious garden and a prayer hall connected to the living quarters of the nuns at the rear. On a fortunate occasion, I was guided through the living quarters for a tour, but this time, we only wandered around the garden and briefly entered the prayer hall.
The garden, paved with clean stones, hosts a multitude of rare and beautiful ornamental plants.
The statue of Mother Mary holding the Infant Jesus, enveloped by artistically shaped arching trees.
Noticing the prayer hall still closed, we took the opportunity to capture some beautiful shots with the surrounding foliage.
Architectural marvels of the Thien An convent.
The architectural style and decorative sculptures outside the convent blend the grandeur of Catholicism with the subtle, elegant touch of East Asian aesthetics. Most notably, a tall tower on the right side of the prayer hall stands out.
Frontal view of the prayer hall. Intricate carvings of phoenixes, flowers intermingled with depictions of Jesus and saints.
At first glance, resembling some of the temples in Hue, the tower raises questions about whether it's a temple or a convent. Even I don't know why the tower was constructed this way, but isn't that the unique charm of this place? I believe the more mysterious, the more intriguing!
Close-up of the tower showcasing its distinctive architectural style.
The convent serves as a residence for contemplative nuns. Each day, the nuns devote a significant portion of their time to communal prayers and specific contemplative practices. As the evening prayer time approached, we were invited inside the prayer hall along with a group of pilgrims who had traveled from afar.
Inside the prayer hall, the atmosphere is simple yet profoundly solemn. A wooden crucifix with the figure of Jesus hangs prominently in the center. Flanked by rows of seats for the nuns to recite prayers, the lower section accommodates pilgrims. Each row is adorned with numerous liturgical books neatly arranged.
The hallway of the prayer hall.
Contemplative nuns during the evening prayer session.
A Sanctuary of Serenity
Nestled quietly amidst the secluded hills of Hue, Thien An Convent is a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility. After immersing ourselves in the resonant evening prayers for a few minutes, we left our seats to explore the remaining corners while the sun still graced the sky. On the downward slope, there's a room selling handmade items by the monks, including their renowned quality-tram oil.
Seizing the opportunity to capture moments with the pine forest before departing.
Thien An Convent isn't a typical tourist spot, nor is it a resort, yet it possesses a peculiar allure, transforming visitors into a different realm where time seems to stand still. That's why I always add it to the list of must-visit places in Hue, with a simple advice: 'If you have the time, visit Thien An Convent, whether you believe in God or not.'
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