Thiên Mụ Pagoda★★
Kim Long, Huế
Täglich 7:00–17:00
Frei
The Thiên Mụ Pagoda (Heavenly Lady) is Huế's landmark — a seven-story tower on a hill above the Perfume River. Founded in 1601, it is the oldest pagoda in the city and an active Buddhist monastery.
The pagoda became famous through a tragic photo: In 1963, the monk Thích Quảng Đức drove to Saigon in the Austin car displayed here and publicly immolated himself — in protest against the oppression of Buddhists by the Diệm regime. The photo went around the world and changed the course of the Vietnam War.
The pagoda is beautifully situated: The view over the meandering Perfume River is peaceful and timeless. The gardens are well-maintained, and the soft clicking of the monks' prayer beads accompanies the visit. Free admission.
