Thiên Mụ Temple, Buddhist temple on Hà Khê hill, Huế, Vietnam
The seven-story Phước Duyên tower stands 21 meters tall on the northern bank of the Perfume River, marking the entrance to this religious complex.
Nguyễn Hoàng, the first ruler of the Nguyễn Dynasty, ordered the construction of this temple in 1601 to ensure prosperity for his family line.
The temple maintains a collection of religious artifacts, including a 3,285-kilogram bell cast in 1710 that produces sounds reaching across the region.
Visitors can reach the temple complex through multiple transportation options from central Huế, with regular guided tours available throughout the day.
The temple preserves the Austin automobile used by monk Thích Quảng Đức during his protest against religious persecution in Vietnam in 1963.
Location: Huế
Part of: Imperial City of Hue
GPS coordinates: 16.45360,107.54481
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:31
Vietnam retains an architectural heritage that spans several centuries. From the Confucian temples in Hanoi to the Cham towers in the country's interior, including the imperial citadels of Hué, these structures reflect influences from Hindu, Chinese, and European traditions that have shaped the land. Each building illustrates a specific period, from the 7th century with Po Nagar's towers to modern constructions of the 20th century. The Temple of Literature in Hanoi, founded in 1070, embodies the Vietnamese educational tradition with its five successive courtyards. In Hué, the Thien Mu Pagoda has stood since 1601 with its seven-story tower rising 70 feet (21 meters) over the Parfum River. The Cham towers of Binh Dinh and Nha Trang showcase the craft of this civilization through their brick ornaments and stone sculptures. The port city of Hoi An features an architectural ensemble from the 15th century, combining Chinese, Japanese, and European styles. These sites offer a tangible journey through the country's architectural and cultural evolution.
Vietnam extends more than 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) from mountain regions in the north to the Mekong Delta in the south, offering travelers a wide range of natural and historical sites beyond urban centers. The country includes Buddhist temples like Bai Dinh and Thien Mu Pagoda, cave systems such as Son Doong and Hang En, and rice terraces at Y Ty and Hoang Su Phi. Geographic features span from limestone formations in Ninh Binh to coastal areas at Phu Quoc and Ly Son islands, and waterfalls at Ban Gioc along the Chinese border. Historical sites document different periods of Vietnamese history. The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi preserves royal palace remains, while Po Nagar Cham Towers in Nha Trang date to the 7th century. My Son Sanctuary in Quang Nam holds temple ruins from the Champa civilization, and Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City served as an underground network during the Vietnam War. The Mekong Delta in the south consists of waterways, floating markets and traditional villages, while Mui Ne sand dunes and Lang Co Beach present different coastal landscapes.
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Imperial City of Hue
3.9 km
Trang Tien Bridge
5 km
Tomb of Khai Dinh
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Tomb of Tự Đức
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Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang
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Hall of Supreme Harmony
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Bach Ma National Park
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Thanh Toan covered bridge
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Firebase Bastogne
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Hue Museum of Royal Fine Arts
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Tomb of Emperor Thiệu Trị
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Tomb of Đồng Khánh
3.7 km
Nghênh Lương đình
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Temple of Literature, Huế
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Long An palace
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Pavilion of Splendour
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Independence Stadium
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Huong River Opera House
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Triệu Tổ miếu
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Khe Su 4 Quán Dì Hường
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Nhà Nâu Trại Suối Khe Su 3
43.6 kmReviews
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