Situated in Thua Thien – Hue, Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the oldest and most fascinating religious sites in Vietnam. It has long lured tourists by its beautiful and ancient architectural structures of worship.

Thien Mu Pagoda (also known as Linh Mu Pagoda) is located in Ha Khe hill, on the north bank of Perfume River, in Huong Long village. It is about 5 kilometers from Hue city, which is easy to reach from the city center. Built in 1601 for the order of the first Nguyen Lord, Nguyen Hoang, who at that time was the governor of Thuan Hoa (today known as Hue), Thien Mu Pagoda can be regarded as the oldest pagoda in Hue.

Looking for city tours in Hue to Thien Mu pagoda? We got you covered!

Hue city private tour from Danang or Hoi An

Thien Mu Pagoda: the soul of Hue
Nguyen Thanh Van

Not only the talented but the people whose footsteps have stamped many beautiful rivers world famous also said a lot about the Perfume River. Not only in words, but also in literature, poetry, music, and films. But perhaps, it is better to visit the place, to immerse in it, explore it, and … feel it yourselves on Vietnam vacation.

The Origin of Perfume River

The romantic river flows through Hue city, Thua Thien – Hue province. Perfume River has two sources. The left one originates from the Truong Son Mountains; it flows north-west through 55 majestic waterfalls, and then flows through the Bang Lang T-junction; the right source is shorter. After crossing over 14 waterfalls and through the wharf of Tuan, the right source reaches the Bang Lang T-junction and merges with the left source, forming the romantic Perfume River. Counted only from Bang Lang to Thuan An, the Huong River is 30 km long. The slope of the flow is not much higher than that of the sea; thus, the flow of the river is quite slow.

What Can Be Seen from a Perfume River Cruise

Perfume River is beautiful right from its source. It winds around the forests and mountains, carrying the aromas of tropical jungle herbs. The river slowly glides through the green, tree-shading villages including Kim Long, Nguyet Bieu, Vi Da, Dong Ba, Gia Hoi, Cho Dinh, Nam Pho, Bao Vinh, integrating with the fragrance of Hue flowers. The color of the water becomes greener after the flow crosses Ngoc Tran mountain – Hon Chen temple.

The greenish river twinkles just like sapphires under the sun. Traveling by boats to sightsee the dreamy Perfume River and listen to Hue’s folk songs at night is always a pleasure of tourists here.
The shades of the surrounding scenery such as streets, garden, pagodas, and temples are reflected on the river, making the beautiful river even more dreamy and romantic. It is said that it is Perfume River that makes Hue more peaceful, tranquil and harmonious with the long-lasting history and culture of the citadel.

Best Things to Do & See on a Perfume River Tour

Enjoy Hue Folk Song

Visit Hue, tourists will be immersed in local people’s folk songs when having a boat trip on Perfume River. One new feature of Hue folk song (Ca Hue) tour on Perfume River is that apart from utilizing traditional instruments to play traditional music, the instrumentalists can also play some familiar foreign songs for foreigners from different countries as well.

Hue folk songs tour is the combination of folk songs and royal court songs and is performed in two ways, North and South one. North music includes songs that are cheerful and formal. South music contains more than 60 sad songs. Orchestra performing Hue folk songs includes musicians wearing a turban, playing erhu, moon lute, flute, and monochord. The female singers wear traditional ao dai and play other instruments.

Get Closer to Local Life of Hue People

When the boat reaches Van Lau wharf, tourists will have chances to drop the floating lanterns on Perfume River under the instruction of the boat manager. This is an old custom of Hue people with the wish of being safe and sound. Each floating lantern represents its owner’s wishes.

Lighting the floating lanterns is considered an act to honor the spiritual and cultural values of Vietnamese people on big holidays and festivals.

Source: vietvisiontravel.com

Perfume River
Nguyen Thanh Van

Tam Giang lagoon is located in the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon system, which is the largest freshwater lagoon system in the Hue, Vietnam. Tam Giang Lagoon will attract those who first come to it – you will feel peaceful life, beautiful scenery and friendly local people here.

You should go to Tam Giang lagoon in the dry season (from February to July), this is the best time with no flood, the weather is less stormy and sunshine all day. Tam Giang lagoon this season has not huge waves but gentle. And the most beautiful scene when coming to Tam Giang Lagoon is probably dawn and sunset. The red sun shines like a break on the vast water surface. It all becomes yellow and creates a peaceful and romantic picture.

It would be great experience to take boat trip on the lagoon and join local people in their fish catching, preparing fresh seafood dishes then enjoy the natural flavor of this natural lagoon. Sit on a boat and watch people throwing their nets or do it yourself, chat with friendly people… The boat landing at the oasis on Tam Giang lagoon ancient fishing village.

Most of the people in Tam Giang lagoon live on aquaculture. The night was also the time when the villagers went out to the lagoon, dropped their nets, lured them to catch the fish for sale the next morning. You can see many huts on the lagoon, each is enough for 3-4 people in a family living. The people here are gentle, plain and especially hospitable.

Every visitor to Tam Giang lagoon wants to wander the boat to immerse in the sky and enjoy the romantic atmosphere. It will be an interesting experience if you can stay a night on this lagoon with local people, feel the fresh air and enjoy the natural delicacies.

Best recommendation is sunset tour on Tam Giang while you are in Hue city.

Tam Giang Lagoon In Hue
Nguyen Thanh Van