Top 13 Most Sacred and Ancient Temples in Hue

Explore Hue's famous temples, renowned for their ancient architecture, tranquil ambiance, and the distinctive spiritual value of this former imperial city.
Hue is not only famous for its ancient tombs and majestic temples but also known as a land of sacred, serene pagodas nestled amidst peaceful nature. Eachpagoda in Huecarries its own historical imprint, distinctive architecture, and a unique tranquil atmosphere characteristic of the ancient capital. In this article,TravelVietwill introduce you to some prominent pagodas that are deeply intertwined with Hue's spiritual life and culture.
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Top 13 Beautiful and Serene Pagodas in the Heart of Hue's Ancient Capital
Amidst the tranquil rhythm of the ancient capital, Hue's pagodas emerge with a rare blend of ancient beauty and serene ambiance. More than just spiritual centers for locals, these pagodas attract visitors with their distinctive architecture, peaceful surroundings, and long-standing historical significance. The following list of beautiful and serene pagodas in the heart of Hue's ancient capital will guide you to peaceful havens, rich in Hue's Buddhist culture.
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda
Location: Huong Tra Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: All day
Admission fee: Free

Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda
Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda is a rare gem among Hue's pagodas, boasting a serene beauty hidden within a lush green valley in Huong Tra Ward. Tucked away amidst vast pine hills and tranquil mountain ranges, it offers a profound sense of peace, completely detached from the bustling pace of city life.
Built in 1989 following the Theravada tradition, the pagoda has been meticulously cared for by monks, nuns, and Buddhists, transforming what was once a wild area into a sprawling green space of approximately 10,000m². The pagoda grounds are divided into an outer sanctuary (Ngoai Vien) – where Buddhist rituals and activities take place – and an inner sanctuary (Noi Vien) dedicated to quiet contemplation. The small, pine-shaded path leading to the pagoda, along with its tranquil scenery, makes Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda an ideal retreat for those seeking peace in the heart of the ancient capital.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Location: Kim Long Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission fee: Free

Thien Mu Pagoda
When Hue is mentioned, many immediately think of Thien Mu Pagoda – a spiritual symbol intrinsically linked to the poetic Perfume River. This is one of Hue's oldest pagodas, renowned for its ancient beauty and the solemn atmosphere characteristic of the ancient capital. The pagoda's most striking feature is the majestic Phuoc Duyen Tower, standing approximately 21m tall with seven imposing brick-built tiers, rising proudly by the riverbank.
Behind the tower lies the Dai Hung Shrine – the solemn main hall, housing many precious Buddhist artifacts. Visiting during spring or early summer, travelers will experience a sense of peace, sacredness, and picturesque scenery, making Thien Mu Pagoda an indispensable stop on any Hue itinerary.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
Location: Loc An Commune, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission fee: 60,000 VND/person

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
Nestled amidst the emerald waters of Truoi Lake and backed by the majestic Bach Ma mountain range, Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is often likened to a heavenly realm on Earth. Beyond its solemn Buddhist architecture, it captivates visitors with its picturesque scenery, where mountains and water blend harmoniously.
For many travelers, this Hue pagoda possesses a uniquely rare beauty; to visit, one must take a boat across the lake to reach the monastery's gate. The monastery grounds comprise the Monk's Quarter (Tang Vien), Nun's Quarter (Ni Vien), and Outer Quarter (Ngoai Vien), harmoniously arranged amidst the pristine forest, creating a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. This serene setting makes Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery an ideal place to find peace and contemplation amidst nature.
Tu Dam Pagoda
Location: 01 Su Lieu Quan Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Admission fee: Free

Tu Dam Pagoda
In the heart of peaceful Hue city, Tu Dam Pagoda is a familiar spiritual site for many Buddhists and visitors from all over. With a solemn yet approachable appearance, this Hue pagoda stands out for its harmonious blend of traditional and modern architecture. Despite undergoing several renovations, the pagoda has retained the distinctive ancient charm of Hue's Buddhism.
The pagoda grounds include the Tam Quan Gate, the main hall, and the assembly house, with the main hall majestically adorned with numerous revered Buddha statues. More than just an important religious center, Tu Dam Pagoda is also associated with many historical events of Vietnamese Buddhism, contributing special cultural and spiritual value to the ancient capital.
Bao Quoc Pagoda
Location: 17 Bao Quoc Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
Admission fee: Free

Bao Quoc Pagoda
Perched on the peaceful Ham Long Hill, Bao Quoc Pagoda has long been considered one of the ancient capital's prominent spiritual destinations. More than just a place of study for monks, nuns, and Buddhists, this Hue pagoda also bears a strong imprint of history and Buddhist culture.
The pagoda's layout follows the Chinese character 'khẩu' (mouth), with enclosed buildings forming a harmonious and solemn complex. Stepping through the Tam Quan Gate, visitors enter a spacious courtyard shaded by green trees, interspersed with tranquil gardens, creating a rare peaceful atmosphere. The main hall is built in the traditional 'trùng lương trùng thiềm' style, featuring intricate dragon motifs, delicate ceramic mosaic patterns, and numerous reverently arranged Buddha statues. This ancient and meditative beauty makes Bao Quoc Pagoda an ideal stop for those seeking tranquility in the heart of Hue.
Tu Hieu Pagoda
Location: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: All day
Admission fee: Free

Tu Hieu Pagoda
Nestled amidst a cool pine forest on the outskirts of Hue, Tu Hieu Pagoda embodies the solemn and profound beauty characteristic of the ancient capital. This Hue pagoda is associated with a touching story of a monk's filial piety towards his elderly mother, thus it is often regarded as a symbol of filial devotion in Buddhism.
Initially just a small hermitage named Am An Duong, through periods of renovation and expansion, the pagoda gradually evolved into an architectural complex harmoniously blending with nature and a meditative space. Decorative ceramic reliefs and intricate dragon and phoenix patterns create an ancient, artistic beauty. Besides the solemn Buddha statues, it is also known as the resting place for Nguyen Dynasty eunuchs, adding a unique historical dimension to Tu Hieu Pagoda.
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Thien Lam Pagoda
Location: Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: All day
Admission fee: Free

Thien Lam Pagoda
Among Hue's spiritual attractions, Thien Lam Pagoda makes a strong impression with its unique Thai-inspired architectural style. From a distance, visitors can easily spot this Hue pagoda with its prominent white stupa and glittering golden spire rising high amidst the lush green surroundings.
The stupa is bell-shaped and divided into two levels: the upper level is dedicated to the Holy Monks and Sakyamuni Buddha, while the lower level serves as a place for monks, nuns, and Buddhists to practice. Additionally, the pagoda grounds feature many distinctive miniature landscapes, such as a one-horned Qilin statue, Theravada-style stone slabs, and various structures reflecting Southern Buddhist aesthetics. This harmonious blend of exotic architecture and tranquil space has made Thien Lam Pagoda a popular check-in spot for many visitors to Hue.
Dieu De Pagoda
Location: Bach Dang Street, Phu Xuan Ward, Hue City

Dieu De Pagoda
Situated on the gentle Dong Ba River, Dieu De Pagoda is one of only three remaining National Pagodas in Hue, bearing a strong historical imprint of the Nguyen Dynasty. With its airy location near Gia Hoi Bridge, it has long been regarded as a sacred Hue pagoda, attracting numerous Buddhists and visitors for worship.
According to ancient records, the pagoda was once built with a large surrounding wall and four symmetrical gates symbolizing the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism – a rather unique structure compared to many other pagodas. Passing through the Tam Quan Gate, visitors will find the Bi Dinh and Chung Dinh pavilions on either side of the courtyard, with the Dao Nguyen Cac in front and the solemn Dai Giac Shrine at the very back.
Despite undergoing several architectural changes over time, Dieu De Pagoda has retained its ancient grandeur, featuring roof tiles adorned with 'two dragons flanking the moon' motifs and large columns intricately carved with clouds and dragons. The tree-shaded grounds and the echoing sound of the pagoda bell create a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of Hue city.
Thanh Duyen Pagoda (Tuy Van)
Location: Tuy Van Mountain, near Tu Hien Estuary, Thua Thien Hue Province
Opening hours: All day
Admission fee: Free

Thanh Duyen Pagoda (Tuy Van)
Hidden on the slopes of Tuy Van Mountain, overlooking the Tu Hien Estuary, Thanh Duyen Pagoda possesses a rare beauty that is both ancient and pristine. This Hue pagoda is steeped in history, dating back to the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu in the late 17th century, and was later designated a National Pagoda by Emperor Minh Mang after its renovation in 1830.
The pagoda's architecture is harmoniously structured into three parts: Pagoda, Pavilions, and Stupa, featuring prominent curved tiled roofs amidst rustling green pine forests and sea breezes. Revered Buddha statues, intricate reliefs, and the blending mountain-sea landscape create a uniquely meditative atmosphere. In 1996, the pagoda was recognized as a National Historical-Cultural Relic, becoming an attractive spiritual destination and scenic spot for those wishing to delve into the cultural depth of the ancient capital.
Ba La Mat Pagoda Hue
Location: Nguyen Sinh Cung Street, My Thuong Ward, Hue City

Ba La Mat Pagoda Hue
Built in 1886 by Lady Cong Ton Nu Thi Tu – the wife of Mr. Nguyen Khoa Luan, Ba La Mat Pagoda is associated with the spiritual journey of a Nguyen Dynasty mandarin after he became a monk. For over a century, this Hue pagoda has retained many of its ancient architectural features and characteristic tranquil atmosphere.
The pagoda grounds, spanning approximately 2,500m², are enclosed by walls and shaded by lush green trees, creating a peaceful ambiance. Despite undergoing several renovations, the pagoda's overall traditional architecture has been largely preserved, offering a solemn and profound feeling to anyone who visits.
Tuong Van Pagoda
Location: Tran Thai Tong Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuong Van Pagoda
Located near the famous Tu Hieu Pagoda, Tuong Van Pagoda is one of Hue's ancient temples, over 170 years old. Beyond its long historical value, it is also considered a quintessential Hue pagoda, showcasing traditional architecture deeply rooted in Hue's Buddhist style.
The entire pagoda complex is built in the shape of the Chinese character 'khẩu' (mouth), comprising enclosed structures such as the main hall, ancestral shrine, monks' living quarters, and dining hall. At its center is a spacious courtyard filled with green trees and ornamental flowers, creating a tranquil and nature-friendly atmosphere. This harmonious blend of ancient architecture and green space has made Tuong Van Pagoda a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking a meditative sanctuary in the heart of the ancient capital.
Phuoc Duyen Pagoda Hue
Location: An Ninh Thuong Hamlet, Kim Long Ward, Hue City
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phuoc Duyen Pagoda Hue
Situated on the banks of the Bach Yen River and at the foot of Ru Vi Hill, Phuoc Duyen Thien Uyen Pagoda exudes a serene beauty amidst a picturesque landscape of mountains and water. Secluded from bustling residential areas, this Hue pagoda is an ideal place to find tranquility and spiritual contemplation. The pagoda was built in 1948 by Most Venerable Thich Danh Le, covering a total area of approximately 4,000m² with an overall architectural layout resembling the Chinese character 'khẩu' (mouth).
Within the pagoda grounds are many important structures, including the main hall, lecture hall, scripture repository, and stupas of various venerable monks. Additionally, the statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, along with the lush greenery and tranquil pond, creates a deeply meditative atmosphere, making it a meaningful spiritual destination when visiting Hue.
Thien Minh Pagoda
Location: 91 Dien Bien Phu Street, Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City
Visiting hours: All day

Thien Minh Pagoda
Built in 1905, Thien Minh Pagoda was initially a small, simple hermitage before being renovated and expanded into the solemn pagoda it is today. Having undergone major renovations in 1970 and 2001, this Hue pagoda has become more spacious while still retaining the inherent solemnity of a monastic sanctuary.
More than just a religious center for local Buddhists, Thien Minh Pagoda also attracts many scholars and tourists who come to admire the scenery, learn about Buddhist teachings, and participate in traditional festivals. Its quiet atmosphere and simple yet solemn architecture create a meaningful spiritual stop in the heart of Hue city.
Hopefully, this list ofpagodas in Huewill help you better appreciate the serene beauty and profound spiritual culture of the ancient capital. Each pagoda not only bears a long historical imprint but also offers a peaceful sanctuary for visitors to pause and find inner calm amidst the hustle and bustle of life. If you have the chance to visit Hue, don't forget to spend time exploring these pagodas to fully experience the unique solemnity and tranquility of this place.
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Update day : 15/03/2026
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