Hue: Thien Mu Pagoda 顺化:天姥寺

Adhere to a legend, a fairy lady appeared on Ha Khe hill foretelling the people that a Lord would come to build a Buddhist pagoda for peace and prosperity to the country. One day, while Lord Nguyen Hoang was passing the vicinity, he was told of the prophecy. To fulfill the prophecy, he ordered the construction of the pagoda in 1601 and named it Thien Mu Pagoda, literally 'Heavenly Lady Pagoda'. It became a religious heart of Buddhism in Hue.

The most pleasant way to get to Thien Mu Pagoda is cruising up along the poetic Perfume River (香江) in a dragon boat on a clear sunny day. A truly unforgettable experience.

The 45 minutes boat excursion offers many picturesque views of the river and life on the two banks of the river. A great platform for photography too!

Dragon boats drop tourists off right at the foot of the Pagoda complex.

Climbing up a steep staircase from the river edge to the entrance gate of four pillars.

Another short climb of steep staircase lead to the front part of the Pagoda complex.

Phuoc Duyen Tower or 'Source of Happiness Tower' was an addition structure built in 1884 by Emperor Thieu Tri. Overlooking Perfume River, this octagonal shape tower stands at 21m and has seven storey; each of which is dedicated to a different Buddha. 

To the left of the tower is a pavilion with a huge bronze bell named Dai Hung Chung with a height of 2.5 m, 4.5 feet in circumference and weights 3285kg. It was cast in 1710 by Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu. It has been claimed that the bell is audible 10km away. 

To the right of the tower is another pavilion housing an inscribed stone stele which records the history of Buddhism in Hue. It was craved in 1715 with a height of 2.58m standing on the back of a marble turtle, a symbol of longevity. 

Upon entering a second gate, walk through a garden courtyard to Dai Hung Shrine. 

Dai Hung Shrine- the main hall with brightly bronze statues of Shakyamuni Buddha (釋迦牟尼佛), Manjusri Bodhisattva (文殊師利菩薩) and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (普賢菩薩).  

On the left behind Dai Hung Shrine, housed a national relic-The blue Austin car which Venerable Thich Quang Duc drove to Saigon on 11th June, 1963 to perform a self-immolation. He left his car at the center of an intersection, sat down calmly in a lotus position and burnt himself to death in protest against South Vietnam President Diem regime's policies of discrimination against Buddhists and violations of religious freedom. 

Hanging on the wall is a picture of the burning monk taken by an American journalist, Malcolm Browne. His photograph that shook the world with deep emotions was awarded a Pulitzer Prize as well as The World Press Photo of the year in 1963. 

(For more shocking photos and further reading:  http://lightbox.time.com/2012/08/28/malcolm-browne-the-story-behind-the-burning-monk/#1) 

The living quarters of the monks and novices- so spic-and-span!  

At the end of the complex, amid the pine forest is the tomb of the late Venerable Thich Don Hau, an abbot who has devoted all his life to Thien Mu Pagoda. 

There are lots of souvenirs and food stalls outside the pagoda complex where tourists can shop or take a break before continuing to explore their next destination. 

NOTE:

1. Thien Mu Pagoda is open daily from 8am-5pm. Entrance is Free. 

2. Thien Mu Pagoda is easily accessible by land or river. Boats are readily for hire along the Perfume River side on Le Loi street, near Trang Tien Bridge. 

3. Be respectful. Do not make too much noise while inside the Pagoda complex.

4. Have some money ready for temple donation boxes. (on one's own free will).

5. Dress modestly. No below knees attire nor sleeveless top for both men and women. Ladies should not be in their period.

6. There is no public transport/bus service to/from the pagoda. If you're taking a taxi, you may need to ask the taxi driver to wait. (Waiting fare may apply) or take an option to return to the city by a dragon boat. 

7. In case you take a dragon boat to the pagoda and wish to return to the city by taxi, you may pay a vendor (outside the pagoda) to help you to call a taxi. 

8. Accept a country's culture. Don't complain.