Tu Dam Pagoda
One of Hue's oldest Buddhist temples, founded 1695 — quieter and more authentic than Thien Mu, with a beautiful bonsai garden.
Overview
Tu Dam Pagoda is one of Hue’s oldest and most significant Buddhist temples, founded in the 17th century by Zen master Minh Hai on the bank of the Perfume River. Its name means “relax the mind” — and the serene gardens, ornate gates, and bronze Buddha statue make it one of the most peaceful stops in the city.
Get There
Tu Dam Pagoda is 3 km from central Hue, at No. 1 Su Lieu Quan Street, Truong An Ward.
By bus: Take route 5 — ask the bus assistant to let you off at the right stop.
By motorbike or car: From the city centre, take Hanoi Street, turn right onto Le Loi Street, continue to Dien Bien Phu Street, then turn right onto Su Lieu Quan Street. The pagoda is about 500 metres along on the right.
By taxi or ride-hailing: 10–15 minutes from the centre — just share the address with the driver.
Hotels
Hotel recommendations coming soon.
🏨 Search hotels & guesthouses — Booking.comOther
History
Tu Dam Pagoda dates back to the Nguyen Dynasty in the 17th century, making it one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Hue. According to legend, the people of Thuan Hoa Village invited Zen master Minh Hai — renowned for his teachings and spiritual guidance — to build a pagoda on the bank of the Perfume River. The name "Tu Dam" derives from a Buddhist teaching meaning "relax the mind," reflecting the pagoda's purpose of helping people find inner peace. It has undergone several renovations over the centuries and served as the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of Vietnam, playing a significant role in the Buddhist crisis of the 1960s.
Architecture
The pagoda is arranged across five distinct sections:
- Tam Quan Gate (Triple-arched Gate): The main entrance, three doorways symbolising the past, present, and future. Decorated with intricate carvings in red and gold.
- Tien Duong (Front Hall): An open area for offerings and prayer, with a manicured garden, bonsai trees, pond, and a large bell and drum used during ceremonies.
- Main Hall and Ancestor House: The heart of the pagoda, housing a bronze Buddha statue over 2 metres tall. Walls are covered in frescoes depicting Buddhist stories. The adjacent Ancestor House preserves the ashes of late monks and nuns.
- An Ton Tower: A four-storey tower behind the Main Hall storing important religious texts and documents, with a small museum of pagoda artefacts.
- Exhibition Room: Near the entrance, displaying artworks and cultural items related to the pagoda's history and Buddhism in Vietnam.
Visiting Tips
- Free entry — donations welcome
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered
- Visit on Sunday mornings when Buddhist services are held
- Combine with the Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities nearby
