Vietnamese pagodas: 12 sacred sites to discover the spiritual essence

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Vietnamese pagodas are captivating tourist attractions (Source: Collected)

Vietnamese pagodas are must-see attractions for visitors on their Vietnam travel journey. These sacred structures symbolize the country’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage and offer a glimpse into the rich cultural history of Vietnam. From the impressive One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi to the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnamese pagodas will bring a unique and exciting experience to tourists.

1. Tam Chuc Pagoda – The largest pagoda in Vietnam

• Address: Ba Sao Commune, Kim Bang District, Ha Nam Province

Tam Chuc Pagoda is considered to be the largest pagoda in Vietnam, covering an area of over 5,000 hectares. Located within the Tam Chuc tourist complex, this is one of the most magnificent Vietnamese pagodas. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply want to take in the beauty of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, Tam Chuc Pagoda is a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese pagodas.

Tam Chuc Pagoda is the largest among Vietnamese pagodas (Source: Collected)

2. One Pillar Pagoda – A Vietnamese pagoda with unique architecture

• Address: Chua Mot Cot Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

One Pillar Pagoda in Vietnam is a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese pagodas and unique architecture. This cultural icon is one of the most unique and recognizable structures in Vietnam. Built in the 11th century, the pagoda is famous for its distinctive shape resembling a lotus flower emerging from a pond. Visiting One Pillar Pagoda is a great addition to any Hanoi travel itinerary, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Vietnamese pagodas.

One Pillar Pagoda is a long-standing Vietnamese pagoda (Source: Collected)

3. Ho Quoc Pagoda – One of the most sacred Vietnamese pagodas

• Address: Suoi Lon Hamlet, Duong To Commune, Phu Quoc City, Kien Giang Province

Ho Quoc Pagoda is one of the most sacred Vietnamese pagodas and a must-visit for those traveling to Phu Quoc. This pagoda has an area of about 12 hectares, almost the largest in the Mekong Delta region.

Situated on a picturesque hill overlooking the sea, this Vietnamese pagoda boasts stunning architecture with intricate details. In the middle of the temple courtyard is a Buddha statue made of jade with soulful carvings. 

As one of the most significant among Vietnam pagodas and temples, Ho Quoc Pagoda attracts many visitors who come to pray for good luck and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Ho Quoc Pagoda is a prominent spiritual tourism destination in Phu Quoc (Source: Collected)

4. Dau Pagoda – The oldest Vietnamese pagoda

• Address: Thanh Khuong Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province

As one of the oldest Vietnamese Buddhist pagodas, Dau Pagoda has stood the test of time for over 2,000 years. Its highlight is Hoa Phong Tower located in the center, which is a place for worship and prayers. Dau Pagoda is also famous for its lotus-shaped carvings, dragon sculptures, statues, and treasures in Hoa Phong Tower, such as a bronze bell cast in 1893 and a bronze gong cast in 1817. It has become a spiritual and historical symbol, attracting many visitors to come and explore the beauty of Vietnamese pagodas.

Dau Pagoda is a Vietnamese pagoda with ancient architecture (Source: Collected)

5. Bridge Pagoda – A national historical and cultural relic

• Address: Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Minh Khai Ward, Hoi An Ancient Town

Bridge Pagoda, also known as Japanese Bridge Hoi An, is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Hoi An. This pagoda-like bridge, or bridge-like pagoda, is made of painted wood and features two wooden animal statues at either end. The statues are a monkey and a dog, which were revered by the Japanese people here since ancient times.

6. Dai Tong Lam Pagoda with the most Buddha statues in Vietnam

• Address: National Road 51, Phu My Ward, Phu My Town, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province

One of the most beautiful Vietnamese pagodas that cannot be missed on any list is Dai Tong Lam Pagoda. This is a grand temple with many monumental structures. It has set multiple records, the most notable of which is having the most Buddha statues in Vietnam. Vietnamese pagodas are known for their beauty and serenity, and Dai Tong Lam Pagoda is a prime example of that.

The impressive scenery at Dai Tong Lam Pagoda (Source: Collected)

>>> Read more: Best places to visit in Vietnam

7. Long Son Pagoda with the largest Buddha statue in Vietnam

• Address: At the foot of Trai Thuy Hill, Phuong Son Ward, Nha Trang City

One of the must-visit Vietnamese pagodas in Nha Trang is Long Son Pagoda. Built in the 19th century, this is one of the most well-known Nha Trang pagodas. The pagoda has a Guinness World Record, which is having the largest outdoor Buddha statue in Vietnam. Being 24 meters tall, the statue was built in 1963. It features a 7-meter-tall lotus-shaped pedestal and a chamber containing the remains of the loved ones of many Buddhist followers.

8. Som Rong Pagoda with the largest reclining Buddha statue in Vietnam

• Address: 367 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ward 5, Soc Trang City

Som Rong Pagoda is one of the famous Vietnamese pagodas, covering an area of 5 hectares. It has various structures such as a main hall, a sala for meditation, and a library with over 1,500 books. 

The pagoda’s courtyard features an impressive outdoor statue of Buddha, which measures 63 meters in length, 22.5 meters in height, and 490 tons in weight. This is one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Vietnam today. 

The statue has attracted a large number of Buddhist followers and tourists to the pagoda, making it a famous spiritual destination in the Mekong Delta region.

Som Rong Pagoda is intricately adorned with delicate craftsmanship (Source: Collected)

9. Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra with the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam

• Address: Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang City

Linh Ung Pagoda is located about 10 kilometers away from the center of Da Nang City. From afar, it can be seen with a figure of the tallest statue of the Lady Buddha in Vietnam (67 meters tall). In addition to this statue, Linh Ung Pagoda also features rows of Arhat statues, a 9-story Xa Loi tower, and Buddha statues sitting under green trees. This Vietnam pagoda is both a tourist destination for admiring the beautiful scenery and a spiritual place for visitors to make prayers.

10. Dong Yen Tu Pagoda – A Vietnamese pagoda cast in bronze

• Address: Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery, Yen Tu Mountain, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province

Dong Yen Tu Pagoda is located on the highest peak of Yen Tu Mountain Range, at an altitude of 1,068 meters. Built in the 17th century, its Buddha statue, bell, and incense burners were all cast in bronze. As one of the few Vietnamese pagodas made entirely of bronze, the pagoda has an area of 20 square meters and a total weight of 60 tons. Beside the pagoda, there is also a well known as the Magical Well. This well is said to never run out of water.

Dong Pagoda is a magnificent landmark atop Yen Tu Mountain (Source: Collected)

11. Thien Mu Pagoda – One of the most famous Vietnamese pagodas

• Address: Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Huong Long Ward, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue Province

Thien Mu Pagoda, located on the banks of Perfume River in Hue, is one of the most famous Vietnamese pagodas. Built in the early 17th century, this seven-story pagoda is a symbol of the city and a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. 

The highlight of this pagoda is Phuoc Duyen Tower, a striking octagonal tower standing 21 meters tall adorned with elaborate carvings and decorations. Visitors can also explore the many temples, shrines, and courtyards in Thien Mu Pagoda, as well as enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area.

12. Bai Dinh Pagoda with the biggest bronze bell in Vietnam

• Address: Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province

Bai Dinh Pagoda is a vast complex of temples and shrines spanning over 539 hectares located on Bai Dinh Mountain. It is one of the Vietnamese pagodas that welcomes tens of thousands of Buddhist pilgrims and visitors each year. 

Since its construction, Bai Dinh Pagoda has established many records in Vietnam and Asia, such as having the largest gilded bronze Buddha statue in Asia, the largest bronze bell in Vietnam, the tallest and heaviest statue of Thich Ca Buddha in Asia, and more.

The sacred beauty at Bai Dinh Pagoda (Source: Collected)

>>> Discover: Vietnam where to go 2023: TOP extraordinary places for travel lovers

If you find yourself in Hanoi, don’t miss out on VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium. Vinpearl Aquarium, boasting a vast collection of over 30,000 sea creatures from all over the world, is one of the largest aquariums in Vietnam and offers an incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of the ocean. Meanwhile, VinKE is a distinctive playground that provides children with a chance to learn about diverse professions while participating in a range of engaging activities.

VinKE and Vinpearl Aquarium Times City

Furthermore, make sure to include VinWonders Nam Hoi An, VinWonders Nha Trang, and VinWonders Phu Quoc in your itinerary when you are exploring the renowned destinations of Vietnam. These are internationally recognized amusement and theme parks that offer stunning vistas, thrilling attractions, and unparalleled spectacles.

The entertainment paradise at VinWonders

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Vietnamese pagodas are famous for their unique architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and religious significance. These ancient structures are not only places of worship for Vietnamese people but also the cultural and historical symbol of the country. From the iconic One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi to the magnificent Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, Vietnamese pagodas offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and spiritual traditions of Vietnam.

>>> Remember to book voucher, combo, tour to Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Nang in advance!