Vietnam - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 186

While many of the tombs can be reached by boat, you'll have more time to enjoy them
by renting your own bicycle or motorbike. Alternatively, hire a xe om or car and driver for
the day.

BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Thien Mu Pagoda
Built on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, 4km southwest of the Citadel, this
pagoda is an icon of Vietnam and as potent a symbol of Hue as the Citadel. The 21m-high
octagonal tower, Thap Phuoc Duyen , was constructed under the reign of Emperor Thieu Tri
in 1844. Each of its seven storeys is dedicated to a manushi-buddha (a Buddha that ap-
peared in human form).
Since the 1960s it has been a flashpoint for political demonstrations.

Royal Fine Arts Museum
(150 Ð Nguyen Hue; 6.30am-5.30pm summer, 7am-5pm winter) This recently renovated
museum is located in the baroque-influenced An Dinh Palace, commissioned by Emperor
Khai Dinh in 1918 and full of elaborate murals, floral motifs and trompe l'œil details. Em-
peror Bao Dai lived here with his family after abdicating in 1945. Inside you'll find some
outstanding ceramics, paintings, furniture, silverware, porcelain and royal clothing,
though information is a little lacking.

MUSEUM

Dieu De National Pagoda
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BUDDHIST TEMPLE

(Quoc Tu Dieu De; 102 Ð Bach Dang) Overlooking Dong Ba Canal, this pagoda was built
under Emperor Thieu Tri's rule (1841-47) and is famous for its four low towers, one to
either side of the gate and two flanking the sanctuary.
Dieu De was a stronghold of Buddhist and student opposition to the South Vietnamese
government and the American War, and many arrests were made here when police
stormed the building in 1966.

Bao Quoc Pagoda
(Ham Long Hill) Founded in 1670, this hilltop pagoda is on the southern bank of the
Perfume River and has a striking triple-gated entrance reached via a wide staircase. On the
right is a centre for training monks, which has been functioning since 1940.

BUDDHIST TEMPLE