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One of the essential activities during Tet is visiting pagodas to pray for peace. Going to pagodas at the beginning of the year not only reflects the spiritual beliefs of Vietnamese people but also provides an opportunity to find tranquility and peace of mind. So, which pagodas should you visit during Tet? This is a common question for many. In this article, let’s explore some sacred pagodas from North to South with Flycorp.
Address: Nam Mau Village, Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Quang Ninh Province
Yen Tu Pagoda is the place where King Tran Nhan Tong chose to practice Buddhism after abdication. It is also the birthplace of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect, a renowned pagoda in Vietnam.
Yen Tu Pagoda enjoys a cool climate all year round, making it a great destination at any time. Its architecture is uniquely designed, featuring a majestic two-story, eight-roof gate. The pagoda roof is crafted with curved fish-scale tiles, while its sturdy columns are made from ironwood combined with large stone blocks, creating an imposing and dignified structure.
Inside, the pagoda is adorned with intricate golden lacquer decorations, including meticulously crafted Buddha statues, altars, mosaics, and doors. This creates a vibrant and solemn atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
Address: Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi
Perfume Pagoda is a sacred site that boasts stunning natural landscapes and unique temple architecture. Located in the sacred Huong Son area, it is not just a standalone pagoda but part of a large cultural complex with multiple temples and shrines. The Perfume Pagoda complex consists of two main pagodas: the Outer Pagoda and the Inner Pagoda.
The Outer Pagoda features an impressive three-story bell tower, with triangular gables at its highest level, showcasing ancient architectural styles. In contrast, the Inner Pagoda is situated within a natural cave. It captivates visitors with the inscription "Huong Tich Dong Mon" at the entrance and a stone-paved path of 120 steps leading to the cave.
Perfume Pagoda attracts visitors not only for its spiritual significance but also for its breathtaking scenery. Visitors can admire the crystal-clear Yen Stream and lush green surroundings all year round.
Address: Co Me Village, Ninh Vu Ward, Bac Ninh
Ba Chua Kho Temple is a spiritual destination favored by many Vietnamese. The temple draws crowds who come to pray, offer incense, and perform rituals. For many, this is not only a place to seek good fortune and prosperity in work but is also famous for the tradition of borrowing "spiritual capital" from Ba Chua Kho—a practice believed to bring financial success and smooth business endeavors.
The temple also stands out with its ancient architecture from the Ly Dynasty. It is part of the Co Me relic complex, which includes a communal house, a pagoda, and a temple. Visitors are greeted by a grand layout from the three-gate entrance to the main shrine and surrounding courtyards, each spacious and solemn, creating a majestic yet serene atmosphere.
Address: Phat Tich Village, Tien Du Commune, Bac Ninh Province
Phat Tich Pagoda is a legendary cultural relic from the Ly Dynasty, built in 1057. This pagoda is not only a sacred place of worship but also a symbol of deep-rooted faith among locals. Initially comprising interconnected structures, the pagoda was expanded in 1066 under King Ly Thanh Tong with the construction of the Linh Quang Tower.
The pagoda’s unique architecture follows the "Inner and Outer Courtyards" layout, consisting of three terraced foundations. The first tier features the famous "Tu Thuc Meets the Fairy" legend and a vibrant peony garden. The second, though worn with time, retains the marks of ancient works. The highest level is Long Tri, a rectangular pond that has since dried up.
Among its artistic treasures is a 1.87-meter-tall green stone statue of Amitabha Buddha and intricate sculptures of mythical creatures. The stone path leading up to the pagoda, flanked by 80 steps and lined with towering stone walls, adds to its mystical allure.
Address: Ninh Trung, Liem Son, Thanh Liem, Ha Nam
Also known as Phi Lai Dia Tang or Chua Dung, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is a cultural and spiritual heritage over 1,000 years old. Nestled between two symbolic hills, Tả Thanh Long (Left Blue Dragon) and Hữu Bạch Hổ (Right White Tiger), this pagoda preserves valuable artifacts representing Vietnam’s Buddhist history.
Visitors are welcomed by a vast courtyard of white pebbles, a departure from the typical red-brick temple courtyards. The spacious and serene environment, combined with its harmonious mountain and lotus pond backdrop, creates a unique atmosphere.
The pagoda grounds feature 12 circular pebble arrangements symbolizing the 12 links of dependent origination. A plaque inscribed with “Sea of Suffering” serves as a gentle reminder of mindfulness and wise choices in life.
A lush garden of herbs, wild vegetables, and fruit trees cultivated by monks and locals further adds to the pagoda's charm. Nearby, a 20-square-meter mushroom farm provides fresh ingredients for vegetarian meals at the pagoda, such as vegetarian hot pot or shredded mushroom floss.
Address: 46 Thanh Nien Street, Tay Ho, Hanoi
Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on a small island on the eastern side of West Lake, is one of Vietnam's oldest pagodas, dating back to 541 under the Early Ly Dynasty. It has undergone several restorations, the most significant being in 1815 when its area was expanded to 3,000 square meters.
The pagoda’s design follows the Northern Buddhist architecture style, featuring three main sections: the forecourt, incense-burning house, and main hall. Its open layout, flanked by airy corridors, enhances its tranquil ambiance.
Behind the main hall is a bell tower with a distinctive multi-tiered roof. The pagoda also houses a priceless cultural treasure—a gilded wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana, a masterpiece of Vietnamese Buddhist art.
Address: Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang
Linh Ung Pagoda, a prominent spiritual site in Da Nang, was built on June 19, 2004 (lunar calendar) and completed on July 30, 2010. Its construction was overseen by Thich Thien Nguyen and funded by Buddhist devotees.
The highlight of Linh Ung Pagoda is the tallest statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in Vietnam, standing 67 meters tall on a lotus base 35 meters wide. Inside the statue is a staircase leading to its 17 levels, each displaying 21 different Buddha statues, symbolizing "Buddha within Buddha."
The 20-hectare pagoda grounds include several structures such as the main shrine, ancestral hall, and monks' quarters. The intricately carved roofs and serene natural surroundings create a harmonious blend of solemnity and tranquility.
Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, also known as Tue Thanh Assembly Hall, is a prominent spiritual site for the Chinese community in Saigon. Beyond its role as a place of worship, it represents cultural and spiritual values for locals.
The pagoda’s architecture is distinctively traditional Chinese, comprising four adjoining houses arranged in the shape of the Chinese character "mouth" or "nation." At its center are the forecourt, central hall, and main shrine, with open courtyards allowing natural light and ventilation.
Intricate decorations, including motifs of the four sacred animals and relief carvings, showcase exquisite craftsmanship. The main hall is dedicated to the Goddess Thien Hau, alongside other deities like Kim Hoa Nuong Nuong, Long Mau Nuong Nuong, Quan Thanh, Earth Store Bodhisattva, and the God of Wealth.
We hope this article has answered your question, “Which pagodas should I visit during Tet?” Don’t forget to spend time with your family visiting these sacred sites to wish for a peaceful and prosperous new year. Flycorp wishes you and your family good health and abundant happiness in the new year!
