Top 10 Spiritual Landmarks in Hue

Tu Duc Tomb (also known as Khiem Tomb) is a historical monument located within the Imperial City of Hue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized on December 11, 1993. It is the final resting place of Emperor Tu Duc (Nguyen Phuc Hong Nham), the fourth ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty, who reigned for 36 years from 1847 to 1883, making him the longest-reigning emperor of the Nguyen dynasty. The tomb complex is situated in a narrow valley in the Dương Xuân Thượng village, now part of Thủy Xuân Ward in Hue City. Initially named Vạn Niên Cơ (meaning 'Eternal Foundation'), the tomb was renamed Khiêm Cung (meaning 'Humble Palace') after the rebellion known as the Chày Vôi Uprising. After the emperor's passing, the tomb was finally named Khiêm Lăng (Humble Tomb).

Construction began in 1864 with the involvement of 50,000 soldiers, and by 1866, the tomb's name was changed to Khiêm Cung. It was completed in 1873. Considered one of the most beautiful tombs of the Nguyen emperors, Tu Duc Tomb boasts intricate architecture and scenic landscapes. The tomb is often described as a park-like space, blending harmoniously with nature, with winding paths, lush vegetation, and serene lakes. The architecture is soft and flowing, designed to integrate into the natural environment, reflecting the artistic tastes and love for nature of Tu Duc, often referred to as the 'poet emperor'. The tomb is regarded as one of the finest works of the 19th century.

The graceful lines and stunning views make Tu Duc Tomb a masterpiece of classical architecture and an enduring symbol of Vietnamese cultural heritage.

The Imperial City of Hue (a collective term for the Imperial Palace and the Forbidden Purple City) is the most famous tourist destination in Thua Thien Hue Province, showcasing the opulent architecture of a bygone royal era.

Serving as the residence and administrative center for the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam, the Nguyen Dynasty, The Imperial City of Hue was home to 13 emperors, starting with Emperor Gia Long, until the abdication of Emperor Bao Dai in August 1945. The city is enclosed by four gates: the main gate, Ngo Mon, lies to the south, while the northern gate, Hoa Binh, the western gate, Chương Đức, and the eastern gate, Hiển Nhơn, complete the complex. In front of Ngo Mon is the Ky Dai (flag tower) and a large square, which hosts cultural and festive events during holidays. The entire palace complex follows the architectural principles of 'left for men, right for women,' and 'left for literature, right for martial arts.'

The Imperial City of Hue is divided into several distinct areas:

• The Forbidden Purple City: A secluded space reserved exclusively for the emperor and his family, surrounded by multiple palaces such as Duyet Thi Duong, Can Chanh, Can Thanh, Kien Trung, and Khon Thai.
• The Grand Ceremony Area: This includes everything from Ngo Mon to Thai Hoa Palace, where important ceremonies like coronations, diplomatic receptions, royal birthdays, National Day celebrations, military inspections, and other royal rituals took place.
• The Royal Shrines: Located along the central axis of the Imperial City, these shrines honor the Nguyen emperors and include The Miếu, Hưng Miếu, Thái Miếu, and Tổ Miếu.
• The Imperial Living Quarters: This includes the Diên Thọ and Trường Sanh Palaces, which were reserved for the emperor’s mother and grandmother, along with the Phụng Tiên Palace where women, not permitted in the Royal Shrines, could offer their prayers.
• The Gardens and Learning Halls: These areas were dedicated to education, recreation, and philosophical teachings by learned ministers for the royal princes during the reigns of Emperors Thiệu Trị and Tự Đức.

Từ Đàm Pagoda was established around 1695 by the venerable Minh Hoằng – Tử Dung, a Chinese-born monk from the Linh Tế Zen sect (the 34th generation). Initially named Ấn Tôn, the pagoda's purpose was to propagate the essence of Zen. In 1703, it underwent major repairs and renovations under the guidance of Minh Hoằng. During this time, Nguyễn Phúc Chu, the 6th Lord of the Nguyễn Dynasty, officially recognized the pagoda by issuing a royal decree granting it the title 'Sắc Tứ Ấn Tôn Tự'. Like many other temples in Vietnam, Từ Đàm combines traditional and modern architectural styles. Situated in a spacious, serene setting, the pagoda is surrounded by lush greenery. The structure consists of a grand entrance gate (Tam Quan), the main temple hall, and the assembly hall. The Tam Quan gate, a distinctive three-gated entrance common to Vietnamese temples, is tall and wide with an elegant tiled roof. Behind the gate stands a sacred Bodhi tree, which provides cool shade year-round. This tree, which was brought from India in 1936 as a cutting from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, was donated by the president of the French Buddhist Association, Mrs. Karpeies. The pagoda's courtyard is spacious, paved with smooth stones, and can accommodate thousands of visitors for gatherings and ceremonies.

The main temple consists of a front hall, the main sanctuary, and the ancestral hall. The front hall is elevated on granite stone foundations, 1.5 meters high, with a classic pagoda roof design that gives the building an impressive height. The roof is adorned with symmetrical, gracefully curved dragon motifs, which stand out above the harmonious arrangement of traditional 'yin-yang' tiles. Beneath the roof, reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha are elegantly arranged on framed panels. Along the pillars of the front hall are finely carved calligraphic couplets. To the left and right of the hall, there are two separate bell towers. The main sanctuary is solemnly decorated with a statue of the Buddha, seated majestically on a lotus throne, flanked by statues of the Bodhisattvas Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Unlike other temples in Hue, Từ Đàm Pagoda is dedicated to a single deity, so the interior decoration is relatively simple. To the right of the main hall is a guest house and a monk's quarters. In front of the guest house, there is a small garden with a bust of the Buddhist layperson Tâm Minh, who contributed greatly to the pagoda and the Vietnamese Buddhist renaissance.

Từ Đàm Pagoda regularly welcomes Buddhist leaders, scholars, and devotees from across Vietnam and abroad. Visitors not only come to learn about the temple's rich history but also to admire its stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.

Thiền Lâm Pagoda, also known as the 'Standing Buddha - Reclining Buddha' temple, is nestled on Quảng Tế Hill in Thủy Xuân Ward, Huế. The location offers breathtaking natural scenery and a cool, refreshing atmosphere. Established in 1960 by Venerable Hộ Nhẫn, the temple originally began as a small hermitage. Over time, it has grown into a complex of several structures, including statues, a memorial tower, a Buddha tower, and various monastic buildings scattered throughout the hill. Thiền Lâm is the only ancient temple in Huế that follows the Southern Buddhist tradition, incorporating architectural elements inherited from Buddhist countries around the world, setting it apart from other temples in the region.

Thiền Lâm Pagoda is renowned for its abundant depictions of the Buddha, especially those of the Buddha Śākyamuni. Visitors can find statues of the Buddha in various poses throughout the temple grounds. At the base of Quảng Tế Hill, a towering statue of the 'Begging Buddha' stands at 8 meters tall. As visitors enter the temple complex, they will encounter the impressive 7-meter-long statue of the 'Reclining Buddha' to the left. These two statues are why the temple is affectionately known as the 'Standing Buddha - Reclining Buddha' temple. At the farthest corner of the grounds, visitors will find a majestic white stupa with a golden spire reaching high into the sky. The stupa is divided into two levels: the lower level houses the main hall, while the upper level enshrines relics of the Buddha Śākyamuni and other revered Buddhist saints.

Trúc Lâm Monastery - Bạch Mã is a must-visit destination for spiritual tourism in the ancient capital of Huế. It is a Zen monastery of the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử tradition, founded by Venerable Tôn Sư Thượng Thanh Hạ Từ. The monastery sits at the foot of Bạch Mã Mountain, amidst the tranquil Truồi Lake, in Lộc Hòa commune, Phú Lộc district, offering visitors a peaceful atmosphere and a deep connection with nature.

Visitors to Trúc Lâm Monastery travel by boat across Truồi Lake to reach the serene retreat, which emerges like a misty watercolor painting surrounded by green mountains and clear waters. The monastery sits on a peninsula, where its beauty stands out in harmony with the surrounding lush forests. To reach the monastery, visitors must climb 172 stone steps, a symbolic test of their sincerity and devotion as they journey to this sacred place.

The tranquility of the forest, the expansive green landscape, the mist curling around the mountaintop, and the melodic calls of birds all combine to create a serene and meditative experience. The sound of the temple bell resonates through the air, blending with the delicate songs of birds and occasional animal sounds, further enhancing the monastery's peaceful, ethereal ambiance.

Thanh Duyen Pagoda is another spiritual destination for travelers visiting Hue. The pagoda is located on Tuy Van Mountain, a small hill near the Tư Hiền River entrance, which is now part of Vinh Hiền Commune, Phú Lộc District.

Built in the late 17th century during the reign of Lord Nguyễn Phúc Tần, it was later renovated by Lord Nguyễn Phúc Chu in the year Nhâm Thân. Further renovations were made in 1825 under Emperor Minh Mạng, and it was officially named Thanh Duyen Pagoda in 1836, with the addition of Đại Từ Các and the Diệu Ngự Tower.

The pagoda follows traditional Nguyễn architectural style, featuring the "trùng thiềm điệp ốc" design, with the layout comprising Thanh Duyen Pagoda, Đại Từ Các Hall, and the Diệu Ngự Tower. The pagoda itself is a three-gabled structure with two side wings, surrounded by a wall. Behind the pagoda is the Đại Từ Các, a three-gabled building with a gate and a surrounding wall. On top of the mountain stands the Diệu Ngự Tower, a three-story structure about 12 meters high. Behind the tower is a small temple with a stone screen in front, featuring a long horse sculpture, all surrounded by a wall. Inside the main pagoda are three altars dedicated to the Buddha and two altars dedicated to the Buddha of the Three Worlds, Avalokitesvara, and the 18 Arhats, with the most unique feature being the 18 Arhat statues made of bronze.

Hon Chen Temple is the final destination in Mytour's list of spiritual attractions to visit in Hue. Hon Chen Temple is a famous religious site and scenic landmark located within the Hue Imperial City complex, in the Hai Cat village, Huong Tho Commune, Huong Tra District.

The temple complex consists of approximately 10 buildings, large and small, located halfway up the Ngoc Tran Mountain slope, overlooking the Perfume River, and surrounded by tall trees. Hon Chen Temple includes the Minh Kính Đài in the center; to the right are the Quan Cu House, Trinh Cat Viện, and Thanh Pagoda; to the left are the Ngũ Hành Shrine, the altar of the officials, the Tiger God shrine, and the Ngoai Cảnh Temple. Near the riverbank is the Thủy Phủ Shrine.

Minh Kính Đài is the ceremonial altar for rituals at Hon Chen Temple. It is divided into three sections, from top to bottom: the First Hall, the Second Hall, and the Third Hall. The architecture of Minh Kính Đài is notably decorated with images of the phoenix, with intricate ceramic inlays on the roofs. The design gives the impression that these mythical birds are coming together from the forest, heralding good omens for the sacred land.

Hon Chen Temple is not only a historical and religious monument but also a stunning natural site, offering a unique cultural experience. As such, it attracts many visitors, especially during the annual festivals in the third and seventh months of the lunar calendar.

Huyen Tran Cultural Center, also known as the Princess Huyen Tran Temple, is located at 151 Thiên Thai Street, An Tây Ward, Hue City. The temple offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere, blending Zen elements with imagery closely associated with Buddhism and the cultural heritage of Hue.

Princess Huyen Tran was born in 1287. In 1293, King Tran Nhan Tong abdicated in favor of his son, Crown Prince Tran Thuyen, who ascended the throne as Emperor Tran Anh Tong. Tran Nhan Tong retired to the Yen Tu Mountain to pursue a life of spirituality. In 1301, he visited Champa, where King Che Man received him warmly and hosted him for nearly nine months. Upon departure, Tran Nhan Tong promised to marry his daughter, Huyen Tran, to Che Man, although Che Man already had a wife, Queen Tapasi, from Java. After multiple requests from Che Man, the Tran Dynasty eventually agreed to the marriage in 1306 when Che Man offered two regions, Chau O and Chau Ry, as dowries. Huyen Tran was married to Che Man and became Queen Paramecvari of Champa.

One year later, after giving birth to Prince Che Da Da, King Che Man passed away in May 1307. According to Champa customs, when the king died, the queen was expected to commit suicide on the funeral pyre. Upon hearing this, Emperor Tran Anh Tong sent Tran Khac Chung to rescue Huyen Tran. Using a clever strategy, Tran Khac Chung saved her, bringing her back to Đại Việt by sea. This journey lasted a year, and according to historical records, Tran Khac Chung and Princess Huyen Tran became romantically involved.

In August 1308, Huyen Tran arrived in Thang Long, where she followed the wishes of her father, the former Emperor Nhan Tong, and joined Buddhism at Trâu Sơn Mountain in present-day Bắc Ninh. In 1309, under the guidance of the royal priest Bao Phat, she took the Bodhisattva vows and was given the Buddhist name Huong Trang. In 1311, Huong Trang and one of her attendants established a hermitage at the foot of Hổ Mountain, which later became the Nộm Sơn Pagoda, also known as Quảng Nghiêm Tự. She passed away on the 9th day of the first lunar month in 1340, and the local people honored her as "Thần Mẫu" (the Mother Goddess) and built a temple next to the Nộn Sơn Pagoda. Her death anniversary is celebrated annually as the Huyen Tran Temple Festival at Ngũ Phong Mountain in Hue.

Subsequent dynasties deified her as the national protector. The Nguyễn dynasty officially recognized her for her contributions to the country, conferring her the title "Trai Tĩnh Trung Đẳng Thần." In 2006, the Huyen Tran Cultural Center was established, with its grand opening held on March 26, 2007, to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Thuận Hóa and Phú Xuân.

Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous landmarks in Hue, known not only in the poetic works of this ancient city but also in local songs. Often regarded as a sacred temple, Thien Mu is a must-visit site for any traveler coming to this historic capital. Also known as Linh Mu Pagoda, it sits atop the Ha Khe Hill on the northern bank of the Perfume River, in Kim Long Ward, about 5 kilometers west of the city center. Built in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the first ruler of the Nguyen Dynasty in the Central Region, Thien Mu is arguably the oldest pagoda in Hue.

With the rise of Buddhism in the Central Region, the pagoda underwent significant renovations during the reign of Lord Quoc - Nguyen Phuc Chu (1691-1725). In 1710, Lord Quoc commissioned the casting of the Đại Hồng Chung bell, weighing over two tons and inscribed with a poem. He also initiated several large-scale construction projects. Notably, in 1714, major expansions were made, including the construction of the Thiên Vương Hall, Đại Hùng Hall, the preaching hall, the Tàng Kinh tower, and the Zen hall. Many of these structures no longer exist today. Lord Quoc personally wrote and engraved a large stone stele (2.6 meters tall and 1.2 meters wide), commemorating these architectural endeavors. The stele rests on the back of a large stone turtle, with a simple yet elegant design.

Thanks to its natural beauty and subsequent expansions, Thien Mu Pagoda became the most beautiful pagoda in Central Vietnam. Throughout history, the pagoda has been restored multiple times during the Nguyen Dynasty. In 1844, Emperor Thieu Tri, the successor to Minh Mang, built the Từ Nhân Tower, now known as the Phước Duyên Tower. This seven-story octagonal tower stands 21 meters tall, with each level dedicated to a different Buddha. From the top of the tower, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the serene Perfume River and watch the gentle boats drifting along its waters.

Thien Mu Pagoda is recognized as one of the 20 most beautiful destinations in Hue. With its rich history and architectural masterpieces, including the Phước Duyên Tower, Đại Hùng Hall, Địa Tạng Hall, Quan Âm Hall, stone steles, and bronze bells, Thien Mu today houses many valuable cultural and historical relics. The statues of the Guardian Deity, the Ten Kings, and Maitreya Buddha, as well as the inscriptions here, reflect the golden age of this iconic pagoda.

A visit to Hue would be incomplete without a stop at Thien Mu Pagoda. Over centuries, every structure within this sacred site has embodied reverence, blending the artistry of human hands with the stunning natural surroundings. Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, visitors will have the opportunity to peacefully drift along the Perfume River and experience the tranquil life of Hue.

Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue is located on the Châu Chữ Mountain, just outside the Imperial City, about 11 kilometers to the south. This tomb, also known as Ung Tomb, has become a symbol, representing the height of porcelain and glass art.

When compared to the tombs of other Nguyen dynasty emperors, Ung Tomb is much smaller in scale (117m x 48.5m), but it is a remarkable creation, requiring extensive labor and time. The architecture of the tomb is distinct from traditional Nguyen designs, featuring a bold, innovative approach that blends multiple architectural styles, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Roman, and Gothic. This fusion reflects the cultural exchange between East and West during the transitional period and reflects the unique personality of Emperor Khai Dinh.

The tomb complex itself is a towering rectangular block, with 127 steps leading upwards. The path to the tomb passes through 37 steps, adorned with massive dragon sculptures. Two rows of buildings flank the path, built in a unique two-layer, eight-roof style with reinforced concrete beams. Another 29 steps lead to the main courtyard, where pairs of statues of imperial soldiers stand guard, and six pairs of mystical stone statues protect the tomb.

The Thiên Định Palace, situated at the highest point of the tomb, is the focal architectural feature and showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the builders. The three central rooms are elaborately decorated with mosaic artwork made of porcelain. The walls are adorned with paintings, the floor is covered with colorful ceramic tiles, and the ceiling features a breathtaking “Nine Dragons Hidden in Clouds” design. A highlight of the palace is the royal canopy, which appears to be made of silk, but in fact, it is a nearly one-ton concrete structure. Beneath the canopy rests a bronze statue of Emperor Khai Dinh, cast in France in 1920. The entire interior of the Thiên Định Palace not only reflects the architectural beauty of the tomb but also embodies the philosophical ideas and desires of the emperor.

Despite facing criticism from various perspectives, the Khai Dinh Tomb in Hue remains a true masterpiece of art and architecture, enriching the legacy of the Imperial City tombs and attracting many tourists.