Hue guide
Hon Chen temple
Discover the Sacred Hon Chen Temple (Temple of the Jade Cup) in Hue!
Nine kilometers from the Hue Citadel by road, traveling toward the source of the romantic Perfume River, lies a hidden spiritual gem: the Hon Chen Temple (Temple of the Jade Cup). Perched on the southern side of Jade Cup Mountain on the river’s left bank, this complex of some ten beautifully preserved structures is set amid verdant foliage.
Historically dedicated to the Goddess Po Nagar of the Champa Kingdom, it was later adopted to worship the Goddess Thien Y A Na of Vietnam. Constructed before 1555, the Nguyen Chronicle reveals it was restored twice under Emperor Minh Mang in 1832 and 1834. Later, in 1886, Emperor Dong Khanh enlarged and completed the temple. He held profound respect for the Goddess, calling himself her “Younger Brother” and her his “Older Sister.” He even decreed the two most important ritual ceremonies of the third and seventh months of the lunar year as national festivals! Today, Dong Khanh’s portrait is still honored inside, alongside a great number of rare and attractive artifacts handed down from the past. It was him who renamed it “Hue Nam Temple” (Temple of Grace for the Southern Kingdom).
A pleasant surprise for visitors: While the tiger was considered a beast to be exterminated at the Royal Arena across the river, it is beautifully sculptured and deeply honored right here on the temple grounds! 🐅
This belief building complex is truly one of Hue’s most fascinating beauty spots. If you’re planning to explore it, here is everything you need to know:
Annual Festival Dates
The temple is most vibrant during the Hon Chen Temple Festival, which takes place twice a year on the 2nd and 3rd days of the 3rd and 7th months of the Lunar Calendar. These festivals feature massive, colorful boat processions on the river and spectacular Hau Dong (spirit medium) rituals belonging to the Vietnamese Mother Goddess religion.
2026 Entrance Ticket Price
Adults: 50,000 VND (~$2 USD)
Children: Free
Bonus: If you visit on the exact days of the traditional festival, entrance is usually completely free! But you can not have space for walking around
Dress Code
Because this is a deeply sacred sanctuary, strict modest attire is required. Visitors must cover their shoulders and knees. Please avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or mini-skirts out of respect for the deities and local worshippers.
How to Get There
You have a few great options to reach the temple:
- By Motorbike / Car & Ferry Boat: You can ride a motorbike or take a car about 10km southwest of the city center to a local river wharf (Ben Than). From there, you simply take a short, rustic ferry boat across the Perfume River to land at the temple.
- By Dragon Boat: For a truly poetic experience, you can join a Hue city tour or rent a dragon boat directly from the city center. The boat cruises smoothly up the Perfume River, allowing you to take in the beautiful scenery before dropping you off right at the temple’s waterfront steps.
Tips When Visiting During the Festival Season
- Book early: If you want to travel by dragon boat during the 3rd or 7th lunar month, book your tour well in advance as boats sell out quickly due to the high volume of pilgrims.
- Immerse in the culture respectfully: The festival features mesmerizing trance dances and vibrant music. Feel free to observe, but maintain a respectful distance and ask before using flash photography on the spirit mediums.
- Prepare for the weather: If you go during the 7th lunar month (around August), Hue can be very hot and sunny. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water.
- Mind your belongings: The festival draws thousands of locals and tourists. Keep an eye on your valuables in crowded areas during the boat processions!
Have you ever taken a boat ride along the Perfume River to visit this magical spot? Let us know your experience in the comments!
