Bo Da- a unique pagoda in Bac Giang

Bo Da pagoda in Bac Giang has its own ancient beauty attracting numerous visitors and pilgrims.

Bo Da, also known as Bo or “Quan Am at mount Bo Da” is one of the most unique pagoda in Tien Son commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province and a major Buddhist center of the Truc Lan Yen Tu zen. 

 

The ancient entrance of Bo Da pagoda

The pagoda is situated at the foot of a beautiful pine hill that is surrounded by soil walls, mountains and rivers. Bo Da is called “soil pagoda” because it was made from a brown soil, antique walls and bricks.

Bo Da has unique architecture that is different from the traditional pagoda in the North of Vietnam. The pagoda contains 18 temples, nearly 100 ancient rooms with harmonious architectural layout, special materials: unique soil, bricks…Moreover, Bo Da has an ancient garden temple where ashes bones of more than 1,400 monks and nuns were buried.

 
The pagoda has still preserved the oldest Buddhist Vietnam prayer book that carved on wood. Pagoda also keeps a very interesting devise of Nguyen Hong famous writer that was a handwritten copy of the rules in the pagoda.

The place preserve lots of prayer book

Unique garden temples in Bo Da

Source: Tours-in-vietnam-travel.com

Chua Thay Pagoda

The home of Vietnamese water puppetry, Kim Megson makes the short trip to Chua Thay Pagoda, a 900-year-old shrine to the monk Tu Dao Hanh.

Not so long ago I found myself in need of a day away from the noise and commotion of Hanoi. I asked around for recommendations for somewhere interesting to spend a few hours; a quiet place a bit off the beaten track.

Talking to my Vietnamese friends it would seem that there are thousands of such destinations around Hanoi, each more unmissable than the last. After some deliberation, I settled on a trip to the 900-year-old Chua Thay Pagoda. Although well-known locally, it’s yet to be widely discovered by the country’s foreign population. I was told that the place was peaceful, historical and a little quirky — the perfect mix for a Vietnamese day trip.

The drive to Chua Thay, a 30km or so motorbike ride down the dusty and bleak Thang Long highway, doesn’t offer a great incentive to make the trip, especially on a chilly Hanoi day (although an elusive but apparently existent bus is said to head in that direction from Kim Ma). The destination ultimately rewards hardy travellers as it both lives up to its promise and still manages a surprise or two.

Lying at the foot of Sai Son Mountain in Quoc Oai District, the surrounding scenery is reminiscent of Ninh Binh, with the same rocky and forested outcrops looming out of the misty haze. The surrounding town, on a sunny day, is what the term ‘picture postcard’ was made for, but be warned — it looks a little less enchanting on an overcast afternoon.

Of Puppets and KingsChua Thay comprises of three buildings located parallel to each other. The main pagoda is the biggest, and lies in front of a large and still lake, with the two smaller temples to either side. Water puppetry hails from this part of the country, and performances take place on the water here at certain times of the year. Houses with colourful front doors surround the lake, and alongside the ancient buildings they look like they belong in a film set — perhaps a Buddhist reimagining of Lord of the Rings.

In summertime monks live and study in the pagoda, waking up daily at 4am to pray. In the winter it is often deserted, except during Tet, when people come to worship here and see the pagoda, which has long been the subject of art, song and traditional legends.

The figure behind all this is Tu Dao Hanh, a monk who lived in the area during the 11th Century. According to legend, Hanh was a humble and generous man who was very giving to the poor. He invented water puppetry to mark the lives of the rural population.
Before his death he told the monks that he would die in the mountains and requested that if his remains begin to smell and decompose he should be left there, but if instead they should give off a nice aroma then his body should be taken to Chua Thay and be preserved — it is said that the remains of Hanh are still entombed in Chua Thay. He was later regarded as a saint, and Buddhists believe he was reincarnated first as a teacher and then later as a king from the Ly Dynasty (who repopularised puppetry to celebrate).

Statues of the three incarnations can be seen in the pagoda. One reincarnation of a soul into another human body is very unusual in Buddhism, and two is remarkable. So this story is believed to show just how saintly Hanh was; Chua Thay even goes by the name Thien Phuc Tu, or ‘Pagoda of the Heavenly Blessing’.
High TempleHaving explored the pagoda at length with its imposing statues and shrines sat atop the usual offerings of choco pies and Vietnamese snacks, I ventured into the cold and braved a climb up the steep mountain steps to explore another temple higher up, sat above a huge cave. Aggressive roosters strutted along the rocks, their feathers flying around madly as they fought each other, occasionally tumbling into my path.

Adventurous visitors should take a look inside the large cave, which is said to contain the bones of Vietnamese soldiers who fought in the American War. This should only be attempted on a dry day though, as access is via steep rocks which are treacherous after rain.

Tours of the pagoda and mountain can be arranged in the town below, and will provide a more thorough explanation of the pagoda’s unique history and importance. If you can speak some Vietnamese it is also interesting to stop and have a chat with the head monk, who is happy to share information about its history and the lives of Tu Dao Hanh.

A visit to Chua Thay provides a refreshing escape from the bustle of Hanoi and helps broaden cultural horizons, too. It offers something memorable and a little different, and is guaranteed to inspire further day trips to some of Hanoi’s ‘thousands’ of lesser known places of interest.

 

Getting There

Follow Nguyen Chi Thanh and then Tran Duy Hung until you get to the Thang Long Highway heading out to Hoa Lac. Travel down the highway for about 20km. The turning off to Chua Thay is on the right hand side close to Quoc Oai.

Dtinews

Ton Thanh Pagoda

The ancient pagoda of Ton Thanh is located in My Loc Commune, Can Giuoc District, Long An Province. The 200 year-old pagoda is the place where Nguyen Dinh Chieu, a great poet and patriotic scholar lived and the most celebrated works in Vietnamese literature.

According to history books, Ton Thanh Pagoda with its initial name of Lan Nha was built by Buddhist monk Vien Ngo in the year of the 7th Gia Long (1808). In the year of the 5th Thieu Tri, Buddhist monk Vien Ngo, who followed the Buddhist religion for 40 years but did not reach the peak of the way in his religion, decided to sit in meditation without drinking water for 49 days and then passed away. To commemorate the monk who devoted his whole life to the Buddhist religion, the locals call the pagoda Tang Ngo or Ong Ngo and Lao Ngo. 

 Ton Thanh Pagoda is the oldest one in Long An Province.
According to “Dai Nam Nhat Thong Chi” (Essays on the United Great Vietnam)
Ton Thanh Pagoda was the most famous one in Gia Dinh Area (in the past). 
Despite being restored several times, Ton Thanh Pagoda built in 1808 retains its 19th
century architectual style.
Beautiful patterns of the pagoda's roof.
Visiting the pagoda, tourists have a chance to learn about the ancient architectural work
and its historical value.

Sixteen years latter, Ton Thanh Pagoda became famous for being the place where poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu wrote “Van Te nghia si Can Giuoc” (Funeral Oration for the Partisans of Can Giuoc). During three years living in the pagoda, from 1859 to 1861, the blind poet wrote many literary works and made up medicine to treat the locals. In a surprise attack on Tay Duong Military Post in Truong Binh Market on the night of the 15th day of lunar calendar in the Year of Cock (1861), one of the three wings of Can Giuoc Insurgent Army started from Tan Thanh Pagoda. The insurgent army killed a mandarin of the French, called Hai Phu Lang Sa by the locals. Being moved and fired up by the courageous sacrifices of Can Giuoc soldiers, poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu created “Van te nghia si Can Giuoc” at Ton Thanh Pagoda.

At present, the relics of poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu and the “Van te nghia si Can Giuoc” are still preserved at the precinct of the pagoda. They are two steles, one about poet Nguyen Dinh Chieu built in 1973 and the second excerpting “Van te nghia si Can Gioc” built in 1998. In the garden of the pagoda, there are a three-story tower in the shape of hexagon, 4.5m high, of monk Vien Ngo with the highest storey inscribed with scripts “Glory to Buddha Amitabha” and a square three-storey Tower, 3m in height of Buddhist Monk Tac Thanh.

After being restored several times, the pagoda has experienced a lot of changes. It now consists of a complex of a worshiping hall, a sanctum, a preaching house and corridors in the west and the east. Particularly, the pagoda only preserves the old architectural style with a system of four pillars in the main sanctum, several Buddhist statues from the early 19th century, parallels and the most valuable statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva which is 110m high and is made from bronze.

The central chamber of Ton Thanh Pagoda.
The ancient bell in Ton Thanh Pagoda.
A row of Arhats inside Ton Thanh Pagoda.

With historical values, Ton Thanh Pagoda has become a destination, attracting a large number of tourists.

VNP

Misty Yen Tu is magical experience

Yen Tu Mountain’s beauty is in the harmony between imposing mounts and ancient pagodas and temples lurking under pine forests and bamboo clusters, making tourists relax after trekking sloping roads.

 A splendid scene of Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh Province.

From Hanoi, tourists can take a motorbike or car for 125 kilometers, passing Uong Bi City then make a turn to Vang Danh Street for about 9 kilometers and finally turning left. There are two ways to reach Yen Tu Mountain’s peak: trekking or taking the cable car.

By cable car you travel about 1.2 kilometers to a height of 400 meters above sea level, near Hoa Vien Pagoda, tourists can take a panoramic view of magnificent Yen Tu Mountain. The second route is trekking for about 6 kilometers on stone steps; travelers need good health and good preparation. However, with the shade of immense forest, wild flowers and strange species, it makes the journey more interesting and eases the tiredness.

Yen Tu Mount, which stands some 1,068 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in the nation’s northeast region. It is also known as Elephant Mountain, because those with

creative minds think it resembles a reclining elephant looking out towards the sea. It has played a part in the nation’s history, as monks seek out its sanctuary and solitude.

Located in Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, it is also home to the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect.

Tourists take a cable car to Yen Tu peak.

King Tran Nhan Tong, (who lived until 1308) founded the Zen Buddhist sect with Phap Loa Ton Gia (1284-1330) and Ly Dao Tai (1254-1334). Before Tong came to prominence due to his religious activities, he had already established a reputation as a strong and true governor. Aided by legendary general Tran Hung Dao, the young king led the nation to victory in two out of three resistance wars against the Yuan-Mongol invasions in 1285 and 1288.
The journey to visit Yen Tu departs from Giai Oan (Salvation of Wandering Souls) River which runs Thuong Yen Cong Commune. The stream water is blue and pure round year.
It is said that 100 of the king’s concubines volunteered to continue serving him in his solitary life and followed him to Yen Tu. When the party reached the stream, the king told them to return to their native villages and start life anew. The concubines begged to stay, saying their life would be worth nothing if they were turned away. When their request was denied, they jumped into the stream where they met their deaths.
The next destination is Hoa Yen Pagoda nestled on a height of 534 meters which has two frangipani flower trees which are 700 years old. After leaving this site to conquer the peak, tourists can stop at some other sites such as To Tower, Mot Mai and Bao Sai pagodas, Yen Ky Sinh stone statue and Ngoa Van Temple.
Day by day Yen Tu has attracted more and more travelers, especially in the spring season. Now Yen Tu Festival is taking place until the end of the third month of the lunar calendar, so tourists can indulge in the animated atmosphere as well as get to know more traditional cultural features.

Source:SGT

Ngoc Lang temple – an old trace on the ancient land

Ngoc Lang temple (Ngoc Lang village, Binh Ngoc commune, Tuy Hoa city) has been a cultural-historical site for a long time, a cultural-belief activities’ venue of the local community associated with Ngoc Lang land’s formation and development.

                                                        Comtemporary NgocLangTemple

Ngoc Lang temple is situated in an area of about 3,000m2, surrounded by lush fields and gardens, lots of houses. The temple faces the South,  opposite Da Rang river, and Da Bia mountain far like a front-shielding.

Ngoc Lang temple is built in accordance to the traditional architecture, including three chambers, tile-roof, roof top decorated with “luong long trieu nguyet” (two dragons at two sides of the moon), the front side was simply decorated with three National language’s words “Dinh Ngoc Lang”, while the inside, above the main doorwith three Chinese words “Ngoc Lang Dinh”. Either side of the two walls is the remains of the old architecture from the late 19th century, 0.4 m thick, built of compounds.
On the walls of the corridor’s two ends still remain two “phu dieu” panes of the door-guarding deity with the majestic look. The altar inside the temple worships the “bai vi” of those leading to the development of  the new land and establishment of villages, including Le Van Xuyen, Le Thi Loi and Le Luu. Ngoc Lang temple also worships the White Horse deity, a Vietnamese people’s important belief.
The White-Horse-deity belief at Ngoc Lang temple showed that the Vietnamese had brought religious worship of the White Horse in the journey to explore the South land with the desire of being protected in life by the deity. With surveys, among temples in Phu Yen province, we first found that only at Ngoc Lang temple, has the White-Horse-god worshipping religious been seen, which is a unique feature in the monument.

In addition, at the temple’s facade, there are two small temples; one at the right worships “Hau Tho” god, on its rear-wall written two words “Phoi Thien” (meaning matching with the sky); this is the shrine of the deity ruling the land, it’s Thien Y A Na; one at the left worships Ngu Hanh, including Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, which are the main factors creating the heavens and the earth in the ancients’ sense.

At Ngoc Lang temple, some of Han-Nom documents, including a decree from Thieu Tri King, 6 ordains of the Kings of Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, Duy Tan, Khai Dinh are also preserved. Contents of the decree and ordains were related to the village-tutelary deity and the White Horse deity.

About the Tutelary of Ngoc Lang village, Thieu Tri King’s decree let known, Le Van Xuyen was ordained by Minh Mang King in 1832. The ordain was then stored in his offspring’s house, Le Van Phong, but burned in a fire, so Phu Yen government reported the incident to the imperial court; in the year of 1844 (4^th year of Thieu Tri King) King Thieu Tri issued a decree to confirm this.

Based on the “bai vi” content in the temple and Thieu Tri King’s decree, it can be speculated that Le Van Xuyen living in the early eighteenth century. Based on Tu Duc King’s ordain in 1852, it can be known that before that time, tutelary Le Van Xuyen was deified the title “Bao An Chinh Truc Chi” deity, through the next ordains, the Tutelary is kept or offered more titles, but the Nomination of Khai Dinh King in 1924, Ngoc Lang Tutelary of Minor god level was raised to the Middle deity.

About White Horse deity worshipping religious, ordains showed this important belief was longstanding in Ngoc Lang, White Horse deity was seen as a well-beingone. The ordains by Tu Duc King showed that by 1852, White Horse deity worshipped in Ngoc Lang temple was offered “Thuong  Dang” deity god with the title “Duong Oai Ngu Vo Bao Chuong Kien Thuan Hoa Nhu Thuong Dang” deity; through the nominations of the Kings of Tu Duc, Dong Khanh, Duy Tan, Khai Dinh, White Horse deity was honored more titles and assigned to be solemnly worshipped by people in Ngoc Lang village at Ngoc Lang temple so as to be blessed for the nation with peace, prosperity.

Therefore, every year, on February 27^th and September 9^th (lunar calendar), Ngoc Lang villagers offer divine, folk-called “Xuan ky, Thu te”, which also is a cultural and religious activity to engage community, expressing the moral of “drinking water, remembering source” and creating more love to the homeland and country.

With important content, Ngoc Lang temple is worth being an ancient land’s evidence located beside Nhan mountain, Da river.

Source: Phu Yen Newspaper

King of Vietnam’s temple – King Dinh Tien Hoang’s

It’s now time to pay a visit to the famous King of Vietnam’s temple – King Dinh Tien Hoang’s. The temple is located in Truong Yen village, Truong Yen commune, Hoa Lu town, in a garden of 5 hectares wide. 

It faces the East, and stands in front of Ma Yen Mount, where King Dinh Tien Hoang’s tomb was located.
The temple was built in the 17th century, with a special architecture, the interior of which had an “I letter” shape, surrounded by a square land. Now you are standing at the 3-class mid-noon gate. You can go on to the next one, seeing a dragon bed and getting the second gate. Passing through one more gate and walking along the holy way will lead to the main house. In the middle of the house is one more stone dragon-bed, which is 1.8m long and 1.4m wide. Looking at the bed surface you can easily find sculptured dragon, shrimps, fishes, rats images which are of deep delicateness and skill.
This main house has 3 parts. The first one is the worshipping place with 5 rooms. The second is an incense burning room where they worshiped 4 important mandarins under Dinh dynasty. The third main part, the most important one, is separated to the second by a high door. Here you can witness there worshipping King Dinh Tien Hoang and his three sons.

You may have to admit that the temple is an original architectural work of art full of folk sculptures! It attracts tourists for so many valuable relics hidden in thick bricks, tilts, Buddhist prayer-book pillars, and more importantly its meaningful history of the first ancient capital of Vietnam.
Nearby you can find the Tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang, which was situated on Ma Yen Mount, in front of his Temple. “Ma yen” means “back of a horse”, as seen from a far distance, it has the shape of a back of a horse. The tomb is in the sagging down post of the horse’s back. To reach up to the tomb, visitors must pass 150 rock steps. The tomb was built in 1840, under Ming Mang King reign.

But Thap Pagoda - Bac Ninh

Location: Situated on the dike of the Duong River, Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province.

Characteristics: The pagoda was built in 17^th century, according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" architectural style.  

The pagoda was built in the 17^th century, during the late Le Dynasty.  Its founder was Chinese Buddhist Priest Zhus Zhus, who died in 1644. Queen Mother Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc requested that Lord Trinh Trang enlarge the pagoda in 1646.

The pagoda was built according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" architectural style, and includes 10 buildings spread over 100m, from the three-entrance gate to the bell-tower and back house. Two towers, 10m high Ton Duc and 13m high Bao Nghiem, are made of white rock, making the pagoda seem higher, more majestic and peaceful. Some remains of the 17^th century are kept here such as statues, valuable donations, Nine-Story Lotus Tower, Tuyet Son Statue, Bao Nghiem Tower, and Statue of Kwan Yin with 1,000 arms and 1,000 eyes. The last renovations of the structure were carried out in 1992.  

Yen Lap Lake - Loi Am Pagoda - Quang Ninh

Location: The Yen Lap - Loi Am Pagoda belong to Dai Yen Commune, Hoanh Bo District, Quang Ninh Province.
Characteristics: Yen Lap Lake is the greatest hydraulic construction in the province. After completion, the water level raised, surrounding the base of the mountains.

Boating across the lake, you come to the remains of the Loi Am Pagoda, which was built in the 15th century on a mountain of the same name. Formerly, it attracted tourists and faithful from every corner of the country. Under the tumultuous periods of Vietnam's history, the pagoda was destroyed but the visitors can find garden of stupas and an incense tree from the 17th century in the immense space of the pagoda. 

Loi Am festivities take place on the 27th day of the first lunar month every year.

Discovering Mang Lang church - Phu Yen

Mang Lang Church is one of the oldest churches in Vietnam imbued with an architectural style of the 19th century.

Mang Lang Church is located near the Ky Lo River, in An Thach Commune, Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province. When coming to the famous area of Nhan Mountain and the Da River, visitors do not want to miss a chance to visit the serene ancient church of Mang Lang, a popular destination.

The church was built in 1892 by Joseph de La Cassagne, a French priest, who was called Co Xuan by the locals.

The unique name of this church comes from the name of a rare variety of tree, called Mang Lang, which has a large canopy, oval leaves, and purple flowers. More than one hundred years ago, An Thach was a deserted area with forests of Mang Lang trees. Nowadays, these forests no longer exist but in the church there is still a round table made from Mang Lang wood with a diameter of 1.5m.

The church with an airy precinct, covering 5,000m2, is shaded by lush trees and rows of Sa-ke (breadfruit) trees, scientifically known as Artocarpus altilis. Originally, the church was painted white but it now becomes dark-grey and looks like a painting near the Ky Lo River.

The facade of the church was designed in the Gothic architectural style with two steeples, one on each side of the ancient mossy cross. Inside the church, tourists can see two dangling ropes that are used to ring the church bells on special occasions.

The two sides of the church’s lobby were designed in an eye-catching pyramid style. The chancel, with colorful windows, yellow-brown walls and a wooden ceiling on which ancient lights are hung, leaves a strong impression on Vietnam tourism.

The pathway shaded by two rows of betel trees leads tourists to Mang Lang Church with its gate always open to welcome those who want to mingle in a peaceful and quiet space, separated from the bustling outside world.

Here, tourists also behold small statues, ancient grey walls and a praying table that create a mystery and holiness for the Mang Lang Church.

VietNamNet/VNP

Du Hang Pagoda - Hai Phong City

Location: Du Hang Pagoda is located at 121 Du Hang Street, Du Hang Kenh Ward, Le Chan District, Haiphong.

Characteristics: The pagoda is considered an ancient architectural relic of the city.  

The pagoda was built under the Ly Dynasty. It was later renovated in the 17^th century by Nguyen Dinh Sach, an officer of the imperial guard who resigned and became a Buddhist monk. In 1899, during the reign of King Thanh Thai, a monk by the name of Thong Hanh expanded the pagoda and built a bell tower. The existing pagoda resulted from the repair work carried out during that time.

Inside the pagoda are several statues that are intricately engraved in the style of the Nguyen Dynasty. Valuable relics, such as bronze tripods and gongs, are also kept in the pagoda.