Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue Vietnam: All You Need to Know

Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue is no stranger to the people of the ancient capital and tourists because of its impressive and bold Thai architecture. This is an ancient temple of the Theravada sect, featuring unique Thai architecture. Therefore, in recent times, this temple has become the most famous Hue tourist destination, attracting a large number of tourists to visit and worship.

• Location: Quang Te Hill, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city
• Opening Hours: 5:30 - 19:00 every day
• Entry Ticket Price: Free of Charge
• Dress Code: Decent Cloths Recommended

Hue Thien Lam Pagoda is located quite close to the city center, known by the familiar name of Standing Buddha - Lying Buddha or Thien Lam Pagoda. The pagoda is located on Quang Te hill, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city - Thua Thien Hue. In addition, many tourists also call this place by beautiful names such as: "Thailand on Hue land", "Golden pagoda land in the heart of the ancient capital"... to describe the unique architecture of the temple.

History of Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue Vietnam:

The land of the ancient capital is famous for its ancient pagodas such as: Truc Lam Pagoda, Hue Zen Monastery, Thien Mu Pagoda, Tu Lam Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda... Each temple has its own ups and downs of history and Zen pagoda. So is Lam. Previously, the temple was just a small room or in other words "a small cup of leaves in the middle of the grave" and was the place where Venerable Ho Nhan practiced meditation every day.

In 1966, local people and Buddhists everywhere donated to build the temple. Under the abbot of Thien Lam Hue Pagoda of Venerable Ho Nhan, the temple has been repaired many times and increasingly perfected. Gradually, Thien Lam Pagoda is not only a place to meditate but also become the most spiritual tourist destination in Hue.

Architecture of Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue:

Thien Lam Pagoda is the only ancient temple that follows the Nam Tong sect. Therefore, the pagoda was built according to unique architecture similar to Thai temples. The gate is made of yellow as the main color and is carved with exquisite details. However, inside the space of the temple and the architectural works still partly show the quality of meditation.

• Outside courtyard of Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue:

The first impression when arriving at the temple are 2 Buddha statues with 2 postures: Standing - Lying prominently on the top of Quang Te hill. Standing Buddha statue with majestic appearance, Reclining Buddha statue with elegant posture makes visitors seem to forget all fatigue and daily worries.

Next is the entrance to the temple grounds with the levels painted in yellow. This is the ideal background loved by many young people, helping you to take photos of Thailand without having to book a plane ticket.

On the left side of the campus is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha meditating under the protection of the Snake King and the Buddha. To the right is the beautiful Ngu Uyen (deer garden) with Queen Ma Gia and her maids. In addition, the scene where the teachers and students of Tang Tang went to ask for sutras were also vividly recreated in the garden of Thien Lam Pagoda.

• Courtyard of Thien Lam Temple in Hue:

Stepping into the courtyard of the temple, you will see many statues that represent the history of Shakyamuni Buddha. However, the highlight of this area is the 1.6 meter tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha meditating on a 2m throne.

On the left side is the statue of Venerable Ho Nhan, made of wax like the real thing through the talent and ingenuity of the artisans. Besides, the pagoda also stands out with a very large red bell, weighing up to 700kg.

• Burmese Stupa of Thien Lam Pagoda:

The deeper you go inside Thien Lam Pagoda, the more you will see many statues and especially the beautiful Burmese stupa. The stupa has a height of 15m, modeled after the Sirimagala pagoda of Myanmar. The bottom has a circular layout, the top is a bell with a pointed top. Around the stupa there are 4 lion statues looking in 4 directions East - West - South - North.

The Burmese Stupa is divided into 2 parts. Below is the main hall with a quiet, dignified space with pictures of the Buddha's life from ordination to nirvana. Behind the main hall is the living room and meditation room. Above the stupa is to worship the relics of Shakyamuni Buddha and the holy Sangha.

How to Get to Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue?

Thien Lam Pagoda is about 5km from the city center, so moving here is quite easy. You just need to go straight to Hung Vuong Street, then turn to Nguyen Hue Street. When you reach the end of the road, turn left and go straight along Dien Bien Phu street. Finally, just turn right onto Thanh Hai Street and keep going straight to see the Standing Buddha. At this point, you turn left and you will come right to Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue. If you are not sure how to go, you can refer to the road map right below!

Things You Need to Know When Visiting to Thien Lam Pagoda in Hue:

• Thien Lam Pagoda is a spiritual tourist destination, so you should choose polite, discreet clothes, in accordance with fine customs and traditions.
• Always walk lightly, speak quietly, and maintain general order when visiting the temple.
• Do not play, cut trees or pick flowers in the temple.
• If you want to make an offering, you can pray and put it in the dew box inside the main hall.
• If you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to sit and chat, meditate and listen to the teachings of the monks.
• Thien Lam Pagoda also has a guest house area so you can rest when you arrive or after visiting.

Adventure Journey

See Also:

• Best Hue Local Food You Should Not Miss
• Best Things to Do & to See in Hue Vietnam
• Top 5 Most Famous & Sacred Pagodas in Hue