About 5km west of the city center of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Hue, located on Ha Khe hill, on the left bank of the Perfume River. Any visitor who has been here takes time to return to this dreamy place of worship to find peace, pay homage, and enjoy the scenery.
Four pillars and the steps leading up to Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the most famous scenic spots of the ancient capital Hue. The pagoda is built on top of a high hill right by the Perfume River opposite the Long Tho area. In front of the pagoda is a tower designed in an octagonal shape, a layout based on the Bagua. This tower consists of 6 equal levels, but as it rises, the area becomes smaller. Each level has a small roof protruding with quite sophisticated, regular, and unusually lively decorative patterns. Each side has a fairly large rectangular arched door, but around it are many dragon and moon models. At the top is a small 8-sided roof. In the center is decorated with a wine flask with a pointed tip. Surrounding it are various cloud patterns.
Legend has it that when Lord Nguyen Hoang came to be the Governor of Thuan Hoa and also the Governor of Quang Nam, he personally surveyed the terrain here to prepare for his plans to expand the business and build a homeland for the Nguyen family in the future. During one of his horseback rides along the Perfume River upstream, he came across a small hill rising beside the clear, winding water, shaped like a dragon turning.
Thien Mu Pagoda stands as a historical witness to the events that took place on both banks of the Perfume River.