Vietnam, with its rich history and long-standing Buddhist culture, is home to countless sacred temples. These temples are not only places of worship and pilgrimage but also attractive spiritual tourist destinations, drawing visitors from all over to pray for peace, good fortune, and find tranquility within their souls.
Discovering Vietnam’s Most Sacred Temples
1. Ba Chua Xu Temple, An Giang: Where Beliefs Converge
Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain has long been renowned as one of the most sacred spiritual tourist destinations in Vietnam. Every year, the temple welcomes millions of pilgrims from everywhere, especially during the Via Ba Chua Xu festival.
Ba Chua Xu Temple in An Giang, a sacred spiritual destination in Vietnam
The temple is located at the foot of Sam Mountain, in Chau Doc city, An Giang province. The temple’s sacredness is associated with the legend of the Lady (Ba Chua Xu) statue found by locals on the mountain peak and brought down. According to legend, only nine virgin girls could move the statue, and when they reached the foot of the mountain, the statue suddenly became extremely heavy, impossible to move further. People believe that the Lady chose this place to settle and establish a temple.
The architecture of Ba Chua Xu Temple is in the shape of the Chinese character “Quốc” (國), resembling a blooming lotus from afar. The interior of the temple is built in the Indian style, with intricate carvings. The Via Ba Chua Xu Festival at Sam Mountain is one of the largest festivals in Southern Vietnam, attracting a large number of tourists and locals.
Via Ba Chua Xu Festival at Sam Mountain, a major religious event in An Giang
2. Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue: Symbol of the Ancient Capital
Thien Mu Pagoda, with over 400 years of history, is one of the oldest and most famous pagodas in Hue. This pagoda is not only a religious architectural work but also a cultural symbol of the dreamy Hue city.
Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, a famous and sacred temple in Vietnam
The pagoda is situated on Ha Khe hill, next to the romantic Perfume River, creating a peaceful and tranquil setting. Phuoc Duyen Tower, 7 stories high, is the iconic symbol of Thien Mu Pagoda. Each floor of the tower enshrines Buddha statues and has stairs leading to the top floor, where a gold Buddha statue is worshipped.
Besides Phuoc Duyen Tower, Thien Mu Pagoda also has many other beautiful architectural structures such as Dai Hung Hall, Dia Tang Hall, and Quan Am Hall. Visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, tourists not only admire the ancient beauty of the pagoda but also immerse themselves in a tranquil space, finding peace in their souls.
Thien Mu Pagoda located by the Perfume River in Hue, Vietnam
3. Linh Ung Pagoda, Da Nang: Spiritual Anchor by the Sea
Da Nang is famous for its three Linh Ung Pagodas, each with its own unique beauty. However, Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But, located on Son Tra Peninsula, is the most famous, featuring the tallest Guan Yin statue in Vietnam.
Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang, a prominent spiritual site in Vietnam
Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But has a large area, with architecture harmoniously combining tradition and modernity. The pagoda space is airy, with many trees and flowers, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere. The 67m-high Guan Yin statue, standing majestically facing the East Sea, symbolizes protection and safety for the people of Da Nang.
Visiting Linh Ung Pagoda, tourists not only admire the beauty of the pagoda but also get a panoramic view of Da Nang city and the vast ocean. The best time to visit Linh Ung Pagoda is from March to September, when Da Nang’s weather is dry and sunny.
Tourists visiting Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang, admiring the scenery and temple architecture
4. Linh An Tu Pagoda, Da Lat: Serene Retreat in the Highlands
Linh An Tu Pagoda, also known as Su Gia Pagoda, is one of the largest and most famous pagodas in Da Lat. The pagoda is located in Nam Ban town, Lam Ha district, near the majestic Elephant Waterfall.
Linh An Tu Pagoda in Da Lat, a spiritual tourist destination in the highlands of Vietnam
The highlight of Linh An Tu Pagoda is the 54m-high Guan Yin statue, meticulously and exquisitely carved. Inside the pagoda, there are also 500 smaller Bodhisattva Guan Yin statues, arranged solemnly.
Linh An Tu Pagoda is nestled amidst the beautiful natural scenery of Da Lat’s mountains and forests, creating a tranquil and peaceful space. Visiting Linh An Tu Pagoda, tourists not only admire the beauty of the pagoda but also immerse themselves in nature, finding balance in life.
5. Vinh Trang Pagoda, Tien Giang: Architectural Intersection of Cultures
Vinh Trang Pagoda, located in My Tho, Tien Giang, is one of the most famous pagodas in the Mekong Delta region. The pagoda has unique architecture, a harmonious combination of Kinh, Chinese, and Khmer architectural styles.
Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang, renowned for its unique architecture in the Mekong Delta
Vinh Trang Pagoda has a large area, with many beautiful architectural structures such as the three-entrance gate, the main hall, the ancestral hall, and the guesthouse. Inside the pagoda, there are many ancient Buddha statues, exquisitely carved, especially the set of Eighteen Arhat statues made of jackfruit wood, of high artistic value.
Vinh Trang Pagoda is an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists when visiting the Mekong Delta. Visiting Vinh Trang Pagoda, tourists not only admire the unique architectural beauty but also learn about the history and culture of this land.
6. Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh: Top Spiritual Landmark
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a large pagoda complex, located in the Bai Dinh – Trang An eco-tourism area, Ninh Binh. Bai Dinh Pagoda is known as one of the largest pagodas in Vietnam, with magnificent architecture and majestic landscapes.
Panoramic view of Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh, one of the largest pagoda complexes in Vietnam
The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex includes many architectural structures such as the three-entrance gate, Quan The Am (Avalokiteśvara) Palace, Phap Chu (Dharma Master) Palace, Tam The (Three Lives) Palace, stupa, and Arhat corridor. Inside the pagoda, there are many large Buddha statues, made of bronze and stone, including the largest Shakyamuni Buddha statue in Asia.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is a famous pilgrimage destination for Buddhists and tourists from all directions. Visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, tourists not only admire the magnificent architectural beauty but also immerse themselves in a spiritual space, praying for peace and good fortune.
7. Yen Tu Pagoda, Quang Ninh: Origin of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism
Yen Tu Pagoda is a complex of pagodas and temples located on Yen Tu Mountain, Quang Ninh. Yen Tu is known as the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, a distinctive Zen sect of Vietnam.
Pagoda on Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh, the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism
To reach Yen Tu Pagoda, visitors must climb thousands of stone steps, following winding paths through the mountains and forests. On the top of Yen Tu Mountain is Dong Pagoda (Bronze Pagoda), a small pagoda cast in bronze, the symbol of Yen Tu.
Yen Tu Pagoda is a famous spiritual destination, attracting many Buddhists and tourists to pilgrimage and worship. Visiting Yen Tu Pagoda, tourists not only admire the beauty of the pagoda but also learn about the history and philosophy of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.
8. Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi: Ancient Pagoda 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. Tran Quoc Pagoda has a history of over 1500 years, associated with many important historical events of the country.
Path leading to Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi, an ancient temple on West Lake
Tran Quoc Pagoda has ancient architecture, with many architectural structures such as the three-entrance gate, the front hall, the upper hall, and the ancestral hall. Inside the pagoda, there are many ancient Buddha statues, made from precious materials such as bronze, wood, and stone.
Tran Quoc Pagoda is a famous spiritual destination for Hanoi residents and tourists from everywhere. Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda, tourists not only admire the ancient architectural beauty but also learn about the history and culture of Hanoi.
9. Ba Den Mountain Tourist Area, Tay Ninh: Sacredness in the Southeast
Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh, is a high mountain, famous for its beautiful natural scenery and the sacred Ba Den Pagoda. Ba Den Mountain is a symbol of Tay Ninh, attracting many tourists to visit and pilgrimage.
Crowds of visitors at Ba Den Pagoda in Tay Ninh, a popular pilgrimage site in Southern Vietnam
To reach the top of Ba Den Mountain, visitors can take a cable car or hike. On the mountaintop is Ba Den Pagoda, a famous sacred pagoda, where Ba Den (Black Lady), a goddess revered by the local people, is worshipped.
Visiting Ba Den Mountain, tourists not only admire the beautiful natural scenery but also pilgrimage, pray at Ba Den Pagoda, and find peace in their souls.
10. 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 with unique architecture, bearing a strong Thai style. Buu Long Pagoda is known for its magnificent, majestic beauty and tranquil space.
Buu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring stunning Thai-inspired architecture
Buu Long Pagoda has many beautiful architectural structures such as the main hall, stupa, and monks’ residence. The architectural structures are decorated with many exquisite patterns, bearing a strong Thai style.
Buu Long Pagoda is an attractive spiritual destination for Saigon residents and tourists from all directions. Visiting Buu Long Pagoda, tourists not only admire the unique architectural beauty but also immerse themselves in a tranquil space, finding peace in their souls.
Spiritual Travel Tips for Sacred Temples
When traveling spiritually to sacred temples, visitors should note the following:
- Dress Code: Dress respectfully and modestly, avoiding revealing or offensive clothing.
- Behavior: Maintain a respectful and solemn attitude, avoiding noise and disorder.
- Speech: Speak softly and politely, avoiding profanity or vulgar language.
- Actions: Do not touch or tamper with artifacts in the temple, and do not litter.
- Mindfulness: Keep a pure mind, praying for good things for yourself and your family.
Conclusion
The sacred temples in Vietnam are not only religious architectural works but also valuable cultural and historical heritages. Visiting these temples, tourists not only admire the unique architectural beauty but also learn about the history, culture, and philosophy of Buddhism. Hopefully, this article will provide you with useful information to choose suitable spiritual destinations and have a truly meaningful trip.