{"id":4930,"date":"2020-11-10T18:41:21","date_gmt":"2020-11-10T10:41:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=4930"},"modified":"2020-11-20T09:57:04","modified_gmt":"2020-11-20T01:57:04","slug":"vietnam-pagodas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/vietnam-pagodas\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Pagodas In Vietnam With Magnificent Architecture To Marvel At & Find Inner Peace"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pagodas in Vietnam<\/h2>\n
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As with many other Asian countries, Vietnam has a culture heavily influenced by Buddhism. The country is home to many beautiful pagodas with impressive architecture and stunning natural views, some with histories that date back millennia.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, whether you are a devotee in search of a place to pray, or an intrepid traveler hoping to marvel at a captivating piece of architecture and learn more about local culture, here are <\/span>10 pagodas in Vietnam<\/b> to check out on your next trip. <\/span>
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\n<\/span>All are open to the public for free, though you\u2019ll be required to dress conservatively – meaning no sleeveless tops, shorts, or short skirts – to enter.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. H\u01b0\u01a1ng Pagoda, Hanoi \u2013 a pilgrimage destination with scenic boat rides<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>A pagoda on the way up to the H\u01b0\u01a1ng T\u00edch Cave<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @tmyduyen1292<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The <\/span>H\u01b0\u01a1ng (Perfume) Pagoda<\/b> isn\u2019t one pagoda in the conventional sense of the word. Instead, the name refers to a cluster of religious temples and altars 60KM south of Hanoi, with the star attraction being the H\u01b0\u01a1ng T\u00edch Cave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vietnam
\n<\/span><\/i>The H\u01b0\u01a1ng T\u00edch Cave attracts thousands of pilgrims in the first few months of the lunar year<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image adapted from <\/span>@milivista<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Dubbed \u201cthe #1 cave under the southern skies\u201d by a feudal lord in the 18th century, the vast cave houses magnificent stalactites, sacred altars, and a 200-year-old Guanyin statue. Every year, especially during the first few months of the <\/span>Lunar New Year<\/span><\/a>, hundreds of thousands of Buddhist devotees embark on pilgrimages here to pray for good luck.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @bestpricevn<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The journey to the cave involves a scenic ferry ride through the charming Y\u1ebfn River, which will drop you off at the base of the mountain. From there, it\u2019s a climb up hundreds of stone steps to get to the cave, which many pilgrims consider a ritual to prove their devotion and cleanse themselves of earthly worries as they enter the sacred space. You\u2019ll also get to visit several temples and places of worship along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 20\u00b037\u201908.3\u2033N 105\u00b044\u201952.3\u2033E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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2. Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda, Hanoi \u2013 1,500-year-old pagoda in Hanoi<\/h3>\n
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With a history that can be traced back 1,500 years, the <\/span>Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda<\/b> in Hanoi was the center of Buddhist activity in ancient Vietnam, where emperors of yore would often come to pray and sightsee. Today, it remains a major landmark of the capital city.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @kypote<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Nestled on a small island on the West Lake, Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda exudes a dignified aura with a 11-story tower that captures attention even from afar. On each floor of the tower are marble statues of Buddha.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Alfredo Ramirez<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Further in, the pagoda opens into a courtyard that is home to a tall Bodhi tree. Come here to marvel at the beautiful architecture and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere with the scent of incense lingering in the air and a view of the West Lake.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> Thanh Ni\u00ean Str., T\u00e2y H\u1ed3 District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> Tue-Sun 8AM-11.30AM & 1.30PM-4PM | Closed on Mondays<\/span><\/p>\n

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3. One-Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi \u2013 unique architecture that resembles a lotus flower<\/b><\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @hoangthi_aries<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Almost a millennia old, the <\/span>One-Pillar Pagoda<\/b> is a symbol of Hanoi no less iconic than the likes of the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake or the Long Bi\u00ean Bridge. According to historical records, the pagoda was built in 1049 but destroyed by the French Occupation in 1954 during the Vietnam War. The building we see now was recreated in the likeness of the original pagoda in 1955.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @vanvan.sii<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

While the pagoda doesn\u2019t occupy a vast area of land as some of the other entries in this list, it impresses with its unique design where the humble one-story structure is perched atop a stone pillar standing in the middle of a lotus pond. It is meant to resemble a lotus flower, a symbol of purity in Buddhist teachings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, the One-Pillar Pagoda is a major tourist attraction and landmark of Hanoi, so much so that its image has been printed on the VND5,000 bill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> Ch\u00f9a M\u1ed9t C\u1ed9t Str., Ba \u0110\u00ecnh District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 7AM-6PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. B\u00e1i \u0110\u00ednh Pagoda, Ninh B\u00ecnh \u2013 in the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @amandine_np<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Nestled amidst gorgeous green mountains and twisting rivers, the <\/span>B\u00e1i \u0110\u00ednh Pagoda<\/b> of Ninh B\u00ecnh is not only a place of worship, but also a magnificent sightseeing spot that no visitor to the northern city should miss out on.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @trongthang92<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

With a massive size of 500 hectares \u2013 or over 900 football fields \u2013 this is the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam that also houses Asia\u2019s biggest bronze Buddha statue. Additionally, there are 500 Arhat statues along the pagoda\u2019s corridors.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @journeybyabg<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

But the most prominent piece of architecture here is a 100M-tall tower that can be spotted from miles away. This is also currently the tallest Buddhist tower in Asia. If you want, you can pay <\/span>VND50,000 (~USD2.16) <\/b>to take an elevator ride up to the top of the tower and enjoy a stunning bird\u2019s eye view of the entire area.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 20\u00b016’17.6″N 105\u00b051’24.2″E<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/a>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 6AM-10PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Thi\u00ean M\u1ee5 Pagoda, Hu\u1ebf – associated with folk verses and songs<\/h3>\n
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\"Vietnam
\n<\/span><\/i>Image adapted from:<\/span> @bonhuynh99<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

One does not simply come to Hu\u1ebf without paying a visit to the <\/span>Thi\u00ean M\u1ee5 Pagoda<\/b>, just 5KM away from the city center. Having stood guard over the H\u01b0\u01a1ng River for 4 centuries, the place has made its way into Vietnamese folk verses and songs passed down through generations of locals.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @haunp310<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Right as you enter, you\u2019ll find yourself captivated by the timeworn Ph\u01b0\u1edbc Duy\u00ean Tower, an octagonal 7-story building that towers over the yard. Deeper inside are gardens and altars paying tribute to the Buddha.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>The car of Monk Th\u00edch Qu\u1ea3ng \u0110\u1ee9c<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> Drew Unsworth<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The pagoda is also home to the old car which the now-world-renowned Monk Th\u00edch Qu\u1ea3ng \u0110\u1ee9c rode in before he committed self-immolation on the streets of Saigon in 1963 to protest the South Vietnam government\u2019s persecution of Buddhism.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>A view of the H\u01b0\u01a1ng River from the pagoda<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @hyen.yg<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Being a popular tourist spot, the pagoda can attract a lot of people, so we recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This way, you\u2019d be able to enjoy a serene atmosphere as befits such a solemn place, and perhaps catch a mesmerizing view of the sunset on the river.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 16\u00b027’11.1″N 107\u00b032’41.2″E<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/a>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 8AM-6PM<\/span><\/p>\n

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6. Linh \u1ee8ng Pagoda, \u0110\u00e0 N\u1eb5ng \u2013 with Vietnam\u2019s tallest Guanyin statue<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> Denys Pasishnyi<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

First-time visitors to the beaches of \u0110\u00e0 N\u1eb5ng would probably be intrigued by a giant Guanyin statue standing tall on the side of the mountain to their left. This statue \u2013 the tallest Guanyin statue in Vietnam \u2013 also marks the site of the <\/span>Linh \u1ee8ng Pagoda<\/b>, a must-see attraction of the central city.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pagoda is easily reachable simply by driving along the beach and up the S\u01a1n Tr\u00e0 Mountain for 8KM from the city center. From here, a stunning vista of the sea and the city in the distance is visible.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @chaeyean.ing<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

At the same time, the architecture boasts a beautiful bonsai garden with 18 Arhat statues leading up to the main hall. The Guanyin statue, meanwhile, is set on a spacious plaza to the left.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @lecacphuonguyen<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Every now and then, you can also spot a pig-tailed macaque, an endangered species living in the mountain, venturing into the pagoda\u2019s grounds to ask for treats from tourists.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @ynwazkl<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 16\u00b006’00.8″N 108\u00b016’40.3″E<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/a>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 6AM-9PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Bridge Pagoda, H\u1ed9i An \u2013 an iconic landmark printed on Vietnamese money<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @quynhgaaa<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Yet another iconic pagoda that has been printed on a Vietnamese currency bill is the <\/span>Bridge Pagoda<\/b> in H\u1ed9i An, which no visitor could resist checking in at while visiting the ancient town.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @thaoduyentrann<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

True to its name, the Bridge Pagoda serves as a bridge connecting the two sides of the Thu B\u1ed3n River, at the center of which is a small room with an altar where passers-by can light incense and pray.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>The bridge is printed on the VND20,000 bill<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @lazy.pig.070<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As the bridge is nestled right at the heart of H\u1ed9i An\u2019s famous Old Quarter, you can find plenty of souvenir shops, cafes, and food vendors on the streets around it. The area is especially beautiful at night, when the roads and buildings are illuminated by warm light emitting from hanging lanterns.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b> <\/span>15\u00b052’37.6″N 108\u00b019’33.9″E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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8. Linh Ph\u01b0\u1edbc Pagoda, \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t \u2013 home to many unique sculptures<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @ranniechan<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Visitors passing by the <\/span>Linh Ph\u01b0\u1edbc Pagoda<\/b>, 8KM away from the center of \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t, will no doubt have to stop to gawk at its impressive fa\u00e7ade with intricate porcelain sculptures and mosaics.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @nhumy.99<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

But that is just a teaser for the wonders kept inside. A 49M-long dragon statue whose scales are made of empty bottles and a Guanyin statue woven from 60,000 Immortelle flowers are just some of the architectural delights that await you here.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>The pagoda houses a Guanyin statue that\u2019s woven from 60,000 Immortelle flowers<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @hoangcan94<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The pagoda\u2019s skillfully crafted halls and towers offer no shortage of photo opportunities, and deeper inside, there\u2019s a 300M-long tunnel that recreates the 18 levels of Buddhist Hell in sculptures, which you can explore.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @yun.biutiphun<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b> <\/span>120 T\u1ef1 Ph\u01b0\u1edbc Str., \u0110\u00e0 L\u1ea1t<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 8AM-5PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

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9. V\u0129nh Nghi\u00eam Pagoda, Saigon \u2013 one of the most popular pagodas in Saigon<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @bawnsaitravels<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

For those visiting H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City and want to check out a spiritual attraction in the busy metropolis, the <\/span>V\u0129nh Nghi\u00eam Pagoda<\/b> is worth a trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Established in the early 1970s right in the heart of the city in traditional Vietnamese designs, the expansive pagoda sports a 7-story tower next to a clean, well-maintained courtyard. Here, a Guanyin statue stands in front of the central hall where the main altars are. Lanterns hanging between buildings over the yard exude a warm light after dusk.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @nata.kkoro<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Inside the pagoda, you\u2019ll also find a vegan restaurant offering an expansive menu of meat-free dishes, among which the <\/span>fried rice with lotus seeds (VND60,000, ~USD2.59)<\/b> is a signature. The crunchy fried rice complemented by the fragrance and light sweetness of lotus seeds makes for a satisfying healthy meal.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> OMG! \u00d4ng M\u01b0\u1eddi Gi\u00e1o<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

As V\u0129nh Nghi\u00eam Pagoda is an iconic spiritual site in H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City, many locals come here on the first and 15th day of every lunar month to pray for good luck. As such, we\u2019d recommend visiting outside of these days for a quieter scene.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 339 Nam K\u1ef3 Kh\u1edfi Ngh\u0129a Str., District 3, H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 6AM-8PM, Daily<\/span>
\n<\/span>Website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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10. \u0110\u1ea1i T\u00f2ng L\u00e2m Pagoda, B\u00e0 R\u1ecba-V\u0169ng T\u00e0u \u2013 featuring 10,000 Buddha statues<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @gcampionlougoon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Located in the province of B\u00e0 R\u1ecba-V\u0169ng T\u00e0u, 70KM away from H\u1ed3 Ch\u00ed Minh City, the <\/span>\u0110\u1ea1i T\u00f2ng L\u00e2m Pagoda<\/b> is a massive compound of Buddhist structures spanning an area of 100 hectares \u2013 the equivalent of around 185 football fields.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Vietnam
\n<\/span><\/i>The pagoda is home to 10,000 Buddha statues<\/span>
\n<\/span>Image credit:<\/span> @gcampionlougoon<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\u0110\u1ea1i T\u00f2ng L\u00e2m is currently the pagoda with the greatest number of Buddha statues in Vietnam, with a whopping 10,000 statues neatly arranged in long lines in its spacious grounds. Aside from that, it also holds multiple other records, such as being the pagoda with the biggest main hall in Vietnam and having the biggest granite statue of the Smiling Buddha in Vietnam.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span> @paleandwhale_<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

The compound is also home to a Buddhist school, where thousands of devotees are studying.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 10\u00b036’06.3″N 107\u00b003’31.8″E<\/span>
\n<\/b><\/a>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 7.30AM-6PM, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

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Vietnam pagodas with beautiful architecture<\/h3>\n
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Going for swims at beautiful beaches, hitting up lively theme parks, and immersing in the bustling atmosphere at night markets are all experiences that make you remember your time in Vietnam with fondness. But when you\u2019ve had your fill of all these lively activities, dropping by one of these <\/span>10 pagodas in Vietnam<\/b> to marvel at the architecture and enjoy some peace can also be a nice change of pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more things to do in Vietnam, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n