Phap Van Pagoda: A must-visit for spiritual retreat in Hanoi

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Phap Van Pagoda is a famous spiritual site in Hanoi (Source: Collected)

1. Where is Phap Van Pagoda? How to get there?

• Address: 1299 Giai Phong Street, Hoang Liet Ward, Hoang Mai District, Hanoi

Phap Van Pagoda is located approximately 9 kilometers away from the city center of Hanoi and can be easily reached within 30 minutes by various transport options. If you are departing from Hoan Kiem Lake, make your way to Ba Trieu Street. Go all the way to the end of Ba Trieu Street then turn right onto Dai Co Viet Street. Go to a large intersection where you will turn left onto Giai Phong Street. Phap Van Pagoda is 5 kilometers ahead on your left.

For those unfamiliar with Hanoi’s streets, bus routes no. 08ACT, 16, 21B, 28, 29, 36CT, and E06 all have stops on Giai Phong Street near this Hanoi pagoda. The fare for a bus ride in the city is only 7,000 VND, making it an ideal option for budget-conscious travelers.

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2. The long-standing history of Phap Van Pagoda

It is not known exactly when Phap Van Pagoda was constructed. According to the ancient tablets found in the temple, some renovations took place over a century ago during King Thanh Thai’s reign. In 2010, the 1,000 anniversary of Hanoi, the pagoda had another renovation which led to its current appearance. 

The name of the pagoda is dedicated to Phap Van, one of the four deities in Vietnamese folklore. These deities are Phap Van (God of Cloud), Phap Vu (God of Rain), Phap Loi (God of Thunder), and Phap Dien (God of Lightning). They represent a fusion of Buddhist teachings with indigenous beliefs.

Phap Van Pagoda boasts a long-standing history (Source: Collected)

3. The architectural highlights of Phap Van Pagoda

Phap Van Pagoda’s layout includes a triple-arched gate, a main hall, and a Mother Goddess worship hall. Upon entering the pagoda, visitors will step into a vast courtyard shaded by tall trees, which leads to the main hall. Despite its recent renovation, Phap Van Pagoda beautifully preserves Vietnam’s timeless architectural traditions.

3.1. Triple-arched gate

The triple-arched gate stands tall with its three-tiered structure, along with curved roofs intricately adorned with dragon and phoenix carvings. A large bronze bell hangs at its highest point. This gate only opens during the time of festivals. On ordinary days, visitors will pass through the side entrance on the left. Stepping through the gate, you will feel the serene ambiance of the pagoda, a stark contrast to the bustling life of the adjacent streets.

The triple-arched gate is embellished with dragon and phoenix carvings (Source: Collected)

3.2. Main hall

After 13 stair steps to the main hall, you will see a striking gold-plated Buddha statue flanked by stone pixiu sculptures. In and around the main hall, there are numerous statues of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, which all radiate a solemn beauty. These statues embody the compassionate ideals of Buddhism. Behind them, there are altars honoring the temple’s founders.

3.3. Mother Goddess worship hall

After crossing a small courtyard behind the main hall, you will arrive at the Mother Goddess worship hall. Like many other temples in northern Vietnam, Phap Van Pagoda not only honors Buddhism but also includes a space dedicated to the Mother Goddess. The Mother Goddess worship hall is spacious, though it features a more modest collection of statues compared to the main hall. Many of these statues are over a hundred years old, which add to the serene atmosphere of the pagoda.

The solemn beauty of the halls in Phap Van Pagoda (Source: Collected)

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4. Essential tips for your visit to Phan Van Pagoda

As Phap Van Pagoda is a spiritual site, you should consider these tips before making your visit:

• Wear respectful attire and avoid revealing clothing.
• Only light incense outside and limit its use inside the pagoda.
• Refrain from posing in front of statues.

Besides, note that there is a pagoda in Thuong Tin District that also goes by the name Phap Van. Remember that the Phap Van Pagoda mentioned in this article is in Hoang Mai District.

After exploring the pagoda, you can visit nearby attractions such as Tu Ky Pagoda, located 600 meters away, and Yen So Park, located 1.7 kilometers away.

Read more: Hanoi itinerary: Guide to attractions, meals, and activities

Among various pagodas in Hanoi, Phap Van Pagoda serves as both a spiritual sanctuary for Buddhists and a picturesque display of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Here, you will surely enjoy a serene and peaceful experience.

If you have done a fair bit of cultural exploration, it is time to seek some entertainment! Located on the eastern outskirts of Hanoi, Ocean City stands out as a new destination for relaxation and entertainment. In Ocean City, you will find a vibrant array of attractions that will seamlessly create a memorable trip.

You can start your adventure at VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park, where there are thrilling water games that cater to all ages. After splashing around, you can come to Grand World, a bustling hub of shopping opportunities, diverse cuisines, and cultural shows, all set against a festive ambiance.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Ocean City

To enhance your trip in Ocean City, you can stay the night at StaynFun – the first homestay complex of Vinpearl. With a range of amenities, StaynFun serves as a perfect base for travelers to unwind amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Ocean City.

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