Nestled in a serene pine forest near the historic Nam Giao Esplanade, Tây Thiên Pagoda stands as a testament to Hue’s rich Buddhist heritage. With over a century of history and royal patronage, this sacred site preserves invaluable artifacts and the spiritual legacy of prominent monks in Vietnamese Buddhism.
Overview of Tay Thien Pagoda
Founded in 1902 by Venerable Lam Tinh of the 41st Linji Zen lineage, Tây Thiên Pagoda was originally named Thiếu Lâm. After renovations in 1904 and 1926 under Emperor Khai Dinh, it was renamed Tây Thiên Phật Cung Tịnh Xá. By 1933, Emperor Bao Dai granted it royal recognition. The pagoda houses sacred relics like the alms bowl of monk Tam Tinh, six paintings of the Eighteen Arhats, and a wooden statue of Pure Land patriarch Hue Vien. Especially notable is the Amitabha Buddha statue, cast and offered by Emperor Khai Dinh. From 1935, Tây Thiên Pagoda also operated as a Buddhist University under Venerable Thich Giac Nhien, a key figure in the formation of the Unified Buddhist Sangha of Vietnam.
How to get to Tay Thien Pagoda
Tây Thiên Pagoda is about 5km southwest of Hue city center, located in a pine forest to the south east of Nam Giao esplanade, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city
Address: Alley 47 Minh Mang, Thuy Xuan ward, Hue city
Nearby attractions
- Nam Giao Esplanade: The imperial altar for Heaven worship ceremonies.
- Tu Duc Tomb: One of Hue’s most poetic royal mausoleums.
- Incense-making Village: A colorful village famous for traditional incense making (Thuy Xuan Ward).
👉 Book your private cultural tour to Tây Thiên Pagoda and nearby heritage sites with Hue Smile Travel for a truly insightful experience of Hue’s spiritual heartland.
