Spiritual life is an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture, reflected in pagodas that are not only famous for their sacredness but also preserve cultural and historical values of hundreds of years. From North to South, pagodas with unique architecture, harmonizing with majestic nature, create beautiful paintings, attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over to worship and seek peace in their souls. Let’s explore the most scenic pagodas in Vietnam.
Beautiful Pagodas in Northern Vietnam
1. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in the Bai Dinh – Trang An scenic complex, is a large spiritual tourist area (539 ha) situated on Bai Dinh mountain, 5km from the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and 12km from Ninh Binh city. This is one of the most famous and sacred spiritual destinations in Vietnam, welcoming tens of thousands of Buddhists and tourists every year.
Bai Dinh Pagoda seen from afar with its massive architecture
The first impression upon arriving at Bai Dinh Pagoda is perhaps the overwhelming sense of vast mountains and forests, impressive architectural scale, and sacred space. Bai Dinh Pagoda is divided into two areas:
- Ancient Pagoda Area (Bai Dinh Ancient Pagoda): Built by Zen master Nguyen Minh Khong in 1136, preserving ancient relics such as Sang Cave – Toi Cave, Cao Son God temple, Nguyen Saint temple and Ngoc Well.
- New Pagoda Area: Built from 2003 with architectural works typical of Vietnamese Buddhist culture such as Tam Quan gate, Bao Thap stupa, Phap Chu Palace, La Han corridor with 500 vivid monolithic blue stone statues, cultural park and Buddhist academy.
Bai Dinh Pagoda has set many Vietnam and Asia records: the largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the longest La Han corridor in Asia, the tallest and heaviest Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Asia, and the largest bronze bell in Vietnam.
Large Buddha statue in Bai Dinh Pagoda with a majestic beauty
The best time to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda is from January to March of the lunar calendar. Visitors can combine spring travel, pagoda visits to pray for good luck, and participate in festivals at Trang An and Bai Dinh.
Reference prices:
- Bao Thap stupa entrance ticket: VND 50,000/person
- Electric car service: VND 30,000/person/trip
2. Dong Pagoda Yen Tu
Dong Pagoda in Yen Tu is located in the Truc Lam Yen Tu complex, situated on the highest peak of Yen Tu mountain range (1,068m). This is one of the largest and highest pagodas in Vietnam, converging the sacred energy of the mountains. From the top of Yen Son, visitors can admire the vast blue sky.
Dong Pagoda on Yen Tu peak hidden in the clouds
Yen Tu was originally just a place for King Tran Nhan Tong to practice Buddhism. Dong Pagoda was built in the 17th century by a concubine during the Trinh Lord era. The interior, Buddha statues and bells are all made of copper. The new Dong Pagoda was inaugurated in 2007 at the site of the old pagoda.
Legend has it that Dong Pagoda in Yen Tu has cloud bells, wind bells and rain bells, responding to the prayers of Buddhists. Next to the pagoda is Tien Well, located on the mountaintop that never runs dry. Visiting Dong Pagoda to worship Buddha and drink Tien Well water is a dream of many tourists.
Cable car taking tourists to Dong Pagoda Yen Tu
To reach Yen Tu Pagoda, visitors can take a cable car. Sitting in the cabin, visitors can admire the beautiful scenery of Yen Tu Pagoda from above, and admire the Yen Tu forest with many ancient pine trees over 700 years old.
Reference prices:
- Entrance ticket: VND 40,000/person
- Round-trip cable car ticket for 2 legs: VND 200,000/person
- Cable car ticket per leg (one way): VND 100,000/person/leg
In addition to Dong Pagoda, the Yen Tu scenic complex also includes Trinh Pagoda, Giai Oan Pagoda, Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, Hue Quang tower garden, and Hoa Yen Pagoda.
3. Tam Chuc Pagoda
Tam Chuc Pagoda (Ha Nam) is located in Ba Sao commune, Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province, about 70km from Hanoi. Tam Chuc Pagoda is considered the largest pagoda in the world, stretching over an area of more than 5,000 hectares in the Tam Chuc tourist area complex.
Panoramic view of Tam Chuc Pagoda Ha Nam with lake and mountains
The Tam Chuc pagoda tourist complex will overwhelm visitors with its scale and meticulous investment. When visiting Tam Chuc, visitors should spend a day exploring the Kinh Pillar Garden, Phap Chu Palace, Tam The Palace, and Ngoc Pagoda Heaven Worshiping Platform.
Magnificent architecture of Tam Chuc Pagoda Ha Nam
The most beautiful time at Tam Chuc Pagoda is at dusk.
Reference prices:
- Boat trip on the lake: VND 200,000/adult/trip, VND 100,000/child/trip
- Electric car ticket: VND 30,000/person/trip, free for children
4. Ba Vang Pagoda
If Ha Long Bay is at the top for nature, Ba Vang Pagoda is the first spiritual tourist destination that comes to mind when mentioning tourism in Quang Ninh. Ba Vang Pagoda is located on the mountain of the same name, in Uong Bi city. Located at an altitude of 340m, Ba Vang Pagoda has a beautiful location with a river in front, mountains behind, and pine forests on both sides.
Ba Vang Pagoda Quang Ninh with prominent architecture
Ba Vang Pagoda has the largest main hall in Indochina, Than Well, Spiritual Spring Garden and a fountain. Visitors should also not miss the opportunity to stroll around the majestic mountains surrounding the pagoda.
Chrysanthemum flower festival at Ba Vang Pagoda
The best time to visit Ba Vang Pagoda is on the 8th day of the first lunar month (opening ceremony) or the 9th day of the 9th lunar month (Double Ninth Festival).
Reference price: Free admission
5. One Pillar Pagoda
The list of beautiful pagodas in Vietnam cannot be without One Pillar Pagoda – the pagoda with the most unique architecture in Asia. One Pillar Pagoda is located in the park behind Ong Ich Khiem street, in Ba Dinh district. This is a symbol of the Capital in terms of architecture and spiritual life.
One Pillar Pagoda Hanoi with unique architecture
The pagoda is like a lotus flower floating on the water, a harmonious combination of architecture and creative stone carving. The carved details depict cultural symbols imbued with Vietnamese identity.
One Pillar Pagoda was built during the Ly Dynasty
Visiting hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. On the 1st or 15th of the lunar month, One Pillar Pagoda organizes ceremonies.
Reference price: Free admission
Beautiful Pagodas in Central Vietnam
6. Thien Mu Pagoda
Thien Mu Pagoda is a spiritual symbol associated with the ancient capital of Hue. The pagoda is also known as Linh Mu, located on Ha Khe hill, opposite the Perfume River, about 5 km from the center of Hue city. With poetic and lyrical scenery, Thien Mu Pagoda is the inspiration for many works of art.
Thien Mu Pagoda Hue with ancient beauty
The pagoda was built in 1601, the earliest in Hue. Through many restorations, Thien Mu Pagoda is known for its Tam Quan gate, Phuoc Duyen tower, Dai Hung Hall, Huong Nguyen Hall and Quan The Am Hall.
Thien Mu Pagoda was built in 1601
The pagoda is open from morning until 6:00 PM. Visitors should stay to watch the sunset on the Perfume River.
Reference price: Free admission
In addition to private vehicles, visitors can take a dragon boat on the Perfume River from Toa Kham wharf to reach the pagoda.
7. Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra
Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra is located in Bai But, Son Tra peninsula, with a terrain leaning against the mountain facing the sea. The pagoda is famous for its sacredness, so it is both a tourist destination and a spiritual place to pray for peace.
Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra with a large statue of Guan Yin Buddha
From afar, visitors can easily see Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra with the tallest statue of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva in Vietnam (67m).
The pagoda has simple architecture. After going up the steps of the Tam Quan gate, visitors will see the Main Hall. The pagoda grounds also have La Han statues, a 9-story Xa Loi tower and Buddha statues under cool green trees.
Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang with harmonious architecture
Visitors can visit Linh Ung Pagoda at any time. If you come to the pagoda on the full moon day, Buddha’s Birthday, Vu Lan or Mid-Autumn Festival, you will be able to participate in festivals.
Reference price: Free admission
8. Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat
Truc Lam Zen Monastery is located on the top of Phung Hoang mountain, surrounded by green pine forests, facing Tuyen Lam lake. Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat is one of the 3 largest Zen monasteries in Vietnam, belonging to the Truc Lam Yen Tu sect.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat with peaceful architecture
In Truc Lam Zen Monastery, visitors will feel the peace and tranquility. There is Tinh Tam Lake located right in front of the main hall.
The Zen Monastery also has a flower garden with many beautiful and rare flowers.
Colorful flower garden in Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat
The road to the monastery is very easy to travel, all asphalt and no traffic jams. Visitors can get here by cable car from Robin Hill.
Reference prices:
- Free admission
- Cable car price: VND 50,000/person/one way, VND 70,000/person/round trip
Note: The Zen Monastery is a place of pure practice, so visitors need to walk and speak softly.
Beautiful Pagodas in Southern and Mekong Delta Vietnam
9. Buu Long Pagoda
Buu Long Pagoda is located about 20 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, situated on a hill west of the Dong Nai River, in District 9. Buu Long Pagoda is one of the most beautiful pagodas in Saigon, attracting city residents and tourists.
Buu Long Pagoda has unique architecture, harmonizing Thai, Indian belief culture and typical Nguyen Dynasty style. The pagoda uses white as the main color, dotted with sharp pointed tower details in bright yellow. Buu Long Pagoda was voted by National Geographic as one of the 10 most beautiful pagodas in the world in 2019.
Buu Long Pagoda with unique architecture
Buu Long Pagoda is surrounded by lush green trees and is airy. With its special location, the pagoda is chosen by many people as a destination for vegetarianism and meditation.
Peaceful space of Buu Long Pagoda
The best time to visit Buu Long Pagoda is in the early morning or at sunset.
Reference price: Free admission
Note: Buu Long Pagoda is known as a smoke-free pagoda, so visitors only need to pray and do not burn incense.
10. Xiem Can Pagoda
Xiem Can Pagoda is located in Vinh Trach Dong commune, Bac Lieu province. This is one of the largest and most magnificent Khmer pagodas in the Khmer pagoda system in the South.
Xiem Can Pagoda with typical Khmer architecture
Coming here, visitors can admire the Angkor-style architecture in the Southern Buddhism style. Typical structures are statues, Tam Quan gate, main hall and bell tower. At Xiem Can Pagoda, visitors can also learn about the customs, beliefs and typical life of the Khmer people.
Intricate reliefs at Xiem Can Pagoda
Reference price: Free admission
Before starting your journey to discover the most beautiful pagodas in Vietnam, please note a few things: wear modest clothing, walk and speak softly, follow pagoda regulations and contribute merits if possible. Wish you a meaningful and peaceful trip!