Vietnam, rich in history and culture, is a melting pot of religions and beliefs. Among them, Buddhism holds a particularly important place, reflected in the thousands of ancient and sacred temples scattered throughout the country. This article will take you to some of the most famous temples, places that are not only spiritual tourist destinations but also havens for finding inner peace.
Ba Chua Xu Temple, An Giang: A Pilgrimage to the Mekong Delta’s Sacred Site
Ba Chua Xu Temple, located at the foot of Sam Mountain in Chau Doc, An Giang, is one of the most famous and sacred spiritual destinations in Vietnam. Every year, the temple attracts millions of visitors from all over to worship, especially during the Via Ba Chua Xu festival (April 23-27th of the lunar calendar).
Ba Chua Xu Temple in An Giang, a sacred spiritual site in Vietnam
The sacredness of Ba Chua Xu Temple is associated with the legend of the Lady of the Realm statue, discovered by locals on the summit of Sam Mountain. The statue was said to be so heavy that it required nine virgin girls to move it. At the foot of the mountain, the statue became immovable. People believed that the Lady had chosen this place to settle and establish her temple.
The temple’s architecture is imbued with Vietnamese culture, featuring jade-green tiled roofs and intricate carvings. Inside, a solemn and reverent atmosphere prevails, where visitors can pray for health, peace, and good fortune.
Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue: Ancient Symbol on the Perfume River
Thien Mu Pagoda, situated on Ha Khe hill on the left bank of the Perfume River, is one of the oldest and most beautiful pagodas in Hue. With a history spanning over 400 years, Thien Mu Pagoda is not only a religious architectural work but also a cultural symbol of the ancient capital of Hue.
Thien Mu Pagoda, a famous temple in Hue, Vietnam
The pagoda is famous for its seven-story Phuoc Duyen Pagoda tower, a symbol of the temple, and ancient architectural structures such as the Dai Hung Shrine, Dia Tang Shrine, and Quan Am Shrine. The serene and peaceful space of the pagoda, combined with the poetic natural landscape along the Perfume River, creates a beautiful picture, attracting visitors from everywhere.
Linh Ung Pagoda, Da Nang: Home to Vietnam’s Tallest Lady Buddha Statue
Da Nang is proud to possess three Linh Ung Pagodas, each with its own beauty and meaning. However, the most famous is Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But, located on Son Tra Peninsula. This pagoda is renowned for its towering Lady Buddha statue, the tallest in Vietnam, facing the East Sea, protecting fishermen and bringing peace to the city.
Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang, a spiritual destination
Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But is not only a famous spiritual tourist destination but also an ideal spot to admire Da Nang from above. From here, visitors can take in the panoramic view of the beautiful coastal city and the majestic Son Tra Peninsula.
Linh An Pagoda, Da Lat: Discovering Zen in the Highlands
Linh An Pagoda, located in Nam Ban town, Lam Ha, Da Lat, is one of the largest and most beautiful pagodas in Da Lat. The pagoda is famous for its 54m-tall Lady Buddha statue, meticulously and exquisitely carved.
Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat, a spiritual tourist destination
Surrounding the pagoda are lush green pine hills, creating a tranquil and peaceful space. Coming to Linh An Pagoda, visitors not only admire the unique architecture but also enjoy the fresh and serene atmosphere of the Da Lat mountains and forests.
Vinh Trang Pagoda, Tien Giang: A Blend of East-West Architecture
Vinh Trang Pagoda, located in My Tho, Tien Giang, is one of the oldest and largest pagodas in the Mekong Delta. The pagoda is famous for its unique architecture, a harmonious combination of European and Asian architectural styles.
Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang, known for its unique architecture
Vinh Trang Pagoda preserves many ancient Buddha statues made of wood and bronze, intricately carved. In addition, the pagoda also features giant Buddha statues, such as the Amitabha Buddha statue, the Reclining Shakyamuni Buddha statue, and the Maitreya Buddha statue.
Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh: Vietnam’s Largest Buddhist Architectural Complex
Bai Dinh Pagoda, located in the Bai Dinh – Trang An eco-tourism complex, Ninh Binh, is one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam. The pagoda is famous for its massive, magnificent architecture and Buddhist records, such as the largest bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Asia and the largest bronze bell in Vietnam.
Panoramic view of Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh
Bai Dinh Pagoda is not only a famous spiritual tourist destination but also an ideal place to explore the natural beauty of Trang An.
Yen Tu Pagoda, Quang Ninh: The Cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism
Yen Tu Pagoda, located on Yen Tu Mountain, Quang Ninh, is one of the most sacred pagodas in Vietnam, known as the “ancestral land” of Vietnamese Buddhism. The pagoda is where King Tran Nhan Tong, the founder of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, practiced and propagated Buddhism.
Yen Tu Pagoda nestled on Yen Tu Mountain, a sacred Buddhist site
To reach Dong Pagoda on the summit of Yen Tu Mountain, visitors must climb thousands of stone steps, passing through lush green bamboo forests. Although arduous, upon reaching the summit and admiring the small Dong Pagoda amidst the clouds, all fatigue seems to disappear, replaced by a feeling of peace and tranquility.
Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi: Ancient Temple by West Lake
Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a small island in the middle of West Lake, Hanoi, is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. The pagoda has a history of over 1500 years, serving as the Buddhist center of Thang Long capital during the Ly – Tran dynasties.
Entrance path to Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda is famous for its ancient, serene architecture and valuable ancient Buddha statues of high artistic value. Coming to Tran Quoc Pagoda, visitors not only admire the beauty of the ancient temple but also enjoy the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of West Lake.
Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area, Tay Ninh: Nature and Spirituality Combined
Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh, is the highest mountain in the Southeast region of Vietnam, a symbol of Tay Ninh province. It is not only famous for its majestic natural scenery but also a renowned spiritual tourist destination with Ba Den Pagoda.
Crowds of visitors at Ba Den Pagoda, a popular spiritual site
Ba Den Pagoda is dedicated to Linh Son Thanh Mau, the goddess who governs the sacred mountain. Every year, the pagoda attracts millions of visitors to worship and pray.
Buu Long Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City: Thai Architecture in Saigon
Buu Long Pagoda, located in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, is a pagoda imbued with Thai architectural style. The pagoda is famous for its magnificent, stately architecture and exquisite decorative details.
Buu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, a spiritual tourism destination with Thai architecture
Coming to Buu Long Pagoda, visitors will feel like they are lost in a temple in Thailand. The pagoda is an ideal place to seek peace and tranquility amidst the bustling Saigon.
Conclusion
The most sacred temples in Vietnam are not only spiritual tourist destinations but also treasures of culture, history, and architecture. Take the time to explore these temples to learn more about Vietnamese culture and find peace within your soul.