Excursions in Vietnam: Duc Son Pagoda

Duc Son orphanage
Duc Son Pagoda
Hue, Vietnam
Situated not far from Ming Mang's Tomb outside Hué sits an old pagoda which has become one of the best orphanages in central Vietnam.
Run by nuns, the Duc Son Pagoda and Orphanage provides a home to over 200 orphans and unwanted children. It offers children a much needed education and training in vocational skills as well as fun activities such as kung fu classes.
They run their own small business enterprises, such as a vegetarian food shop and an orchid garden, to help raise money.
Visitors are always made welcome and a visit to the orphanage can be combined with lunch to give visitors a better chance to interact with staff and children and learn more about the running of the place.
This works well with excursions to the emperor's tombs outside of Hué.