The Landmark of Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda, and the History of Vietnam

Thien Mu Pagoda is located about 5km northwest of Hue city center. It takes about 10-15 minutes by car from Hue Railway Station and is situated right next to the Perfume River. This pagoda, built on a hill by the riverside, is a prominent landmark of Hue, with the seven-story Phuoc Duyen Tower visible from afar. It is easily accessible by taxi or motorbike, and you can also reach it by taking a river tour boat. Monk Thich Quang Duc is a significant figure who, during the Vietnam War in 1963, performed a symbolic act of self-sacrifice in Saigon to protest the Buddhist oppression by the South Vietnamese regime. He set himself on fire in a public place, sacrificing his life, which shocked the world and led to criticism of the South Vietnamese government's religious discrimination policies. Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the important places where Monk Thich Quang Duc was active, and it displays relics and photos telling his story. Notably, the car he last drove is preserved in the pagoda, allowing visitors to feel the tragic history vividly. When I visited Thien Mu Pagoda, the explanation from the English guide helped me understand the history and cultural significance of the place more deeply. The guide shared the story of Monk Thich Quang Duc and showed us his last car, which was an unforgettable and intense moment. Additionally, the architectural beauty of Phuoc Duyen Tower and the scenery from the riverside made me realize that the pagoda is not only historically significant but also a place with a peaceful atmosphere.