Thien Mu Pagoda
Situated on the left bank of the Perfume River is the age-old elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Vietnam. With the outstanding octagonal seven-story tower, it was constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri in 1844. The king had the pagoda built after having heard that Thien Mu, a Fairy Women, appeared to the people and prophesied that a lord would come to build a pagoda for the kingdom’s prosperity. After that some other small constructions were erected within the compound. For example, there is a six-sided pavilion that shelters an enormous bell of 2052 kg called Dai Hong Chung, which was cast in 1710. In addition the pagoda was the site of the anti-government demonstrators in the early 60s. A shrine and an Austin car behind the pagoda are worth taking a look. The story is the monk Thich Quang Duc, who resided at the shrine, drove the car from the temple to Saigon in 1963 to commit the self-immolation in protest of the government. #461 on Explore
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