How Many Huyen Khong Pagodas Are There in Hue? Distinguishing Huyen Khong Son Thuong and Huyen Khong Pagoda

To better understand the two Huyen Khong pagodas in Hue, it is first necessary to determine the location and general features of each site. Both are located in Huong Ho ward (Huong Tra town, Hue city), about 13–17 km west of the city center. Not only places of practice, these are also spiritual destinations combined with eco-tourism chosen by many travelers when exploring Hue.

• Huyen Khong Pagoda (Son Trung): Highlights a blend of Japanese, Indian, and Vietnamese architecture, an open space near the Huong River, and a tall stupa creating a distinctive feature that evokes a sacred yet welcoming feeling.
• Huyen Khong Son Thuong Pagoda: Nestled amid the pine forest of Van Tung Son, the pagoda features a simple ancient Vietnamese architectural style, focusing on harmony with nature and a quiet meditative space.

Although founded by the same lineage, the two pagodas have different orientations, with Huyen Khong Son Thuong established later as a more specialized “meditation space”. This difference is the factor that creates a unique character, allowing each location to offer a distinct experience for visitors.

Huyen Khong Pagoda was founded by Most Venerable Vien Minh and his disciples such as Tinh Phap, Tri Tham, Tan Can… in 1973 in the Lang Co area, at the foot of Hai Van Pass (Phu Loc district). In 1978, due to historical conditions, the pagoda was relocated to Nham Bieu – Luu Bao village, Huong Ho ward, Hue city. During its development, the pagoda was presided over by Most Venerable Gioi Duc from 1975 to 1989, and was succeeded by Most Venerable Phap Tong to the present. Since 1998, the pagoda officially became the office of Theravada Buddhism in Thua Thien Hue.

Location & how to get there: The pagoda is about 14 km from Hue city center. From Thien Mu Pagoda, you can travel along the Huong River for about 2–3 km, then turn right across Long Ho Bridge following the road signs. The route is convenient and suitable for both motorbikes and cars.

Architecture & highlights:

• The pagoda gate features a 13-tiered roof design, about 15 m high, decorated with peacock motifs and patterns influenced by Champa culture
• The 37 m high Dai Giac Stupa, modeled after the Mahābodhi Temple (India), is an important spiritual highlight
• A spacious main hall, along with structures such as a 2-story bell tower, Yen Ha Pavilion, Dharma Hall, and Monks' Quarters built gracefully
• Thanh Tam Viên garden with landscape gardens, lotus ponds, weeping willows, and an orchid system creating a green, tranquil space

The pagoda is an ideal place for worship, listening to Pāli chants, and participating in retreats, especially during the summer. With its serene atmosphere and favorable location, visitors can combine their visit with nearby attractions such as Thien Mu Pagoda or the Imperial City of Hue.

Address: Nham Bieu – Luu Bao Group, Huong Ho Ward, Hue City
Contact: 0976 214 876 (Most Venerable Phap Tong)

Thanks to the combination of spiritual value and unique architecture, Huyen Khong Pagoda is a suitable destination for both pilgrimage and sightseeing when visiting Hue.

In 1989, Most Venerable Gioi Duc (after handing over the abbottship of Huyen Khong Pagoda) founded the site in Dong Cham village (Hon Vuon). It began as a self-reliant farm on 50.4 hectares of wasteland (under the state greening program). After 17 years of tireless labor, this place became a cool green pine forest. It is currently presided over by Bhikkhu Gioi Duc.

Location & how to get there: 15-17 km from Hue center, at an elevation of 300 m. From Thien Mu Pagoda, pass Van Thanh – Vo Thanh – Xuoc Du Bridge, turn right into Dong Cham village, and travel about 3 km along a winding mountain road (well maintained). Motorbikes or small cars can both access it.

Architecture & highlights:

• Rustic ancient Vietnamese architecture: wood, fish-scale tiles, bamboo and thatch, without elaborate dragons or phoenixes.
• Simple main hall (dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha), romantic Purple Cloud Hermitage (Tu Van Am), Nghinh Luong Pavilion, a 500 m² stone grass garden, and calligraphy hanging on pine trees.
• Five Lakes (Son Anh Lake, Thuy Nguyet Pond, Vong Oa Pond…) connected by wooden bridges, creating a "fairyland" atmosphere.
• A 50 ha meditation forest with hanging valleys, meditation huts – an ideal spot for Vipassanā meditation.

Experience: Come here to breathe in the pine forest air, listen to birdsong, admire the lotus lake, and immerse yourself in nature. Perfect for those seeking deep peace away from the noise.

Address: Dong Cham Village, Huong Ho Ward, Hue City.

To have a complete journey in the ancient capital, besides choosing destinations, visitors should also grasp the key tips and distinction details when visiting these two famous pagodas in Hue. This will be the key to saving time while fully enjoying the beauty and identity of this place.

• Location and getting there: Huyen Khong Pagoda is easier to reach; simply travel about 2-3 km from Thien Mu Pagoda and turn right. In contrast, Huyen Khong Son Thuong requires a longer journey (about 30-45 minutes by motorbike) through hilly roads, making it suitable for longer day trips.
• Atmosphere and experience: While Huyen Khong Pagoda offers a modern feel close to the river, Huyen Khong Son Thuong is a symbol of seclusion amidst mountains and pine forests 
• Visiting notes: Both pagodas offer free admission, but please dress respectfully and maintain silence. The ideal time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. If going to Huyen Khong Son Thuong, bring drinking water and check the weather as hill roads can be slippery.

Through this article, it can be seen that Hue currently has two Huyen Khong pagodas – Huyen Khong 1 and Huyen Khong Son Thuong, each carrying its own imprint of history, architecture, and practice space. This distinction not only helps visitors understand more about the development of Theravada Buddhism in Hue, but also opens up opportunities to experience many unique spiritual aspects of the ancient capital. And if you wish to personally feel the peaceful meditation atmosphere amidst the pine forest and listen to the meaningful story of building the pagoda, join Sovaba Travel on the Huyen Khong Son Thuong tour. This will be a chance for you not only to pay respect at a unique pagoda, but also to find moments of rare peace in the heart of Hue's nature.