Thuyen Ton pagoda is located at An Tay ward, Hue city. Thuyen Ton pagoda is a about 7km from Hue city center. Its official name is Thien Thai Thien Tong Tu, also known as Thien Thai Noi to differentiate with Thien Thai Ngoai pagoda located on Nam Giao hill.
Thuyen Ton pagoda was founded by most venerable Lieu Quan from 1712 to 1722. The most venerable not only studied at Vien Thong pagoda, but also stayed at Thuyen Ton pagoda. Later, most venerable Thich Gia Nhien became the abbot of Thuyen Ton pagoda, the patriarch of Vietnam Unified Buddhist Sangha in the south in early 1870s. The tomb tower of Most Venerable Lieu Quan was constructed in a pine forest, at the foot of the mountain near Thuyen Ton pagoda. There is a seven-story tower and an old stele which is 1,4m high decorated with simplified sun, dragon, flower and leaves. The pagoda is surrounded by wall. The line "Dam hoa lac khu huu du huong" is carved on the entrance gate.
The pagoda was renovated for the first time in 1746. This time, it was expanded and a giant bell was cast. However, this place of worship was damaged while being occupied by Lord Trinh's force from 1775 to 1786 and destroyed under Tay Son reign. The pagoda was renovated by Nguyen Quang Thuy (the son of Emperor Nguyen Hue) in 1790. After Emperor Gia Long had recovered the country, Thuyen Ton pagoda was renovated by two princesses. The front and main hall were reconstructed.
Located at a peaceful mountainous area, Thuyen Ton pagoda covers the total area of about 30.000m2. Its entrance gate was made up by four large pillars. The central compartment is dedicated to worship the Buddha. Gods and goddesses are worshipped on the left compartment while "Canh Hung bat nien" bell is placed on the right compartment. The room of the late patriarch Thich Giac Nhien is situated to the east of the pagoda. The guest house and the room where the person in charge of managing the pagoda lives are to the west. Ancestors were worshipped on the back house. The monk's house is to the west while guest house and dining room are to the east.
Some antiquities and documents written in Sino Vietnamese still can be found at this pagoda.
Source: Geography book - Culture chapter - 2020