Nestled at the southwestern foot of Ngu Binh Mountain, Viên Thông Pagoda is a serene and sacred destination in Hue. Known as a spiritual center associated with the revered Zen master Lieu Quan, this ancient pagoda is a must-visit for those seeking cultural depth and historical heritage in central Vietnam.
Overview of Vien Thong Pagoda
Originally built by the venerable Lieu Quang (Thiền sư Liễu Quán), Viên Thông Pagoda became a hub of Zen Buddhism in Dang Trong (South Vietnam). After his early training in Phu Yen and Phu Xuan (Hue), Lieu Quan became a monk here in 1695. In 1702, he entered meditation under the guidance of Venerable Minh Hoang Tu Dung and achieved enlightenment in 1712. He passed away in 1742 in the lotus position at this very pagoda.
Viên Thông Pagoda was later destroyed during the Tay Son reign but has undergone several renovations since 1814. It features traditional Vietnamese architecture, with a main hall (“Tien Duong”) named Tue Van Cac, guesthouses, a kitchen, and an ancestral house for mother worship. The site holds relics such as a Minh Mang-era chime and original woodblocks, preserving the essence of Zen teachings.
How to get to Vien Thong Pagoda
Address: An Tay, Hue city
Nearby attractions
- Ngu Binh Mountain – Symbolic guardian of Hue’s landscape.
- Bao Quoc Pagoda – Another important Zen site linked to Lieu Quan’s early studies.
- Tu Hieu Pagoda – Resting place of Thich Nhat Hanh and famous for its tranquil setting.
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