Hoang Phuc Pagoda is an old temple located in Thuan Trach village, My Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province. It was previously known as Tram Pagoda or Kinh Thien Pagoda. The temple was constructed in 1314, during the Tran Dynasty, and is one of the oldest temples in Central Vietnam.
How to get to Hoang Phuc Pagoda?
If you want to get to Hoang Phuc Pagoda, you can start from Dong Hoi city center, which is approximately 55km away. First, you need to follow National Highway 1A towards the south and then turn onto DT16 road that leads to Kien Giang town. After that, you need to travel a little further to reach your destination, which is Hoang Phuc Pagoda. You can choose to travel by car or motorbike.
What is there at Hoang Phuc Pagoda?
Hoang Phuc Pagoda is situated on a raised ground that covers an area of nearly 10,000 square meters, on the right bank of the Kien Giang River. The pagoda was constructed following the traditional Vietnamese architectural style, consisting of main structures such as three gates, a front hall, a middle hall, an upper palace, and an ancestral house.
Hoang Phuc Pagoda has undergone several restorations, but it still includes precious artifacts from the Tran Dynasty. These include the Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva statue, the Stratum bodhisattva, and items such as an 80kg bronze bell with a height of 1.1m and a diameter of 0.5m, which was cast during the reign of King Minh Mang. Additionally, there are other treasures such as an incense burner, lotus flower, and flower vase.
Hoang Phuc Pagoda is a magnificent structure that has a rich history. It still features a famous horizontal panel given by Lord Nguyen, which bears the words "unparalleled blessed land" - a testament to its unique and sacred status. In 2016, the Myanmar Buddhist Sangha awarded the pagoda a bone relic of Buddha Shakyamuni, which was taken from the Shwedagon Pagoda - the largest and most sacred pagoda in Myanmar.
The pagoda has three entrances built in a three-level style, each with two roof floors. The front hall of the pagoda is a two-story, eight-roofed building adorned with intricate floral motifs. The middle hall of the pagoda is a two-story, four-roofed building, with an architecture similar to the front hall. The upper hall of the pagoda is where people worship Buddha and is adorned with many statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva. The pagoda's ancestral house is the place where the monks are worshipped.
Hoang Phuc Pagoda has been through many historical ups and downs, including being destroyed in wars. However, it has been restored and embellished many times and still retains its ancient and majestic beauty.
Hoang Phuc Pagoda is a significant historical and cultural site in Quang Binh province and a popular spiritual tourist destination. Each year, thousands of tourists come to visit and pay their respects.
The pagoda holds immense historical and cultural significance, as evidenced by the following aspects:
- Hoang Phuc Pagoda is a historical landmark that dates back to the Tran Dynasty. It was built in 1314 and is one of the oldest pagodas in Central Vietnam, having been around for more than 700 years.
- The pagoda is a significant center of Buddhism in Central Vietnam. It has trained numerous monks, nuns, and Buddhists throughout the generations, playing an essential role in spreading Buddhism and the traditional culture of the nation.
If you have the chance to visit Hoang Phuc Pagoda, there are some noteworthy tourist attractions located nearby that you may want to explore, such as the General Vo Nguyen Giap Memorial House, Bau Sen, Kien Giang River and Bang Onsen Quang Binh. Hoang Phuc Pagoda is a stunning spiritual destination that attracts visitors from all over the country. When you visit the pagoda, you can admire its ancient and majestic architecture, learn about its rich history and culture, and discover more about the surrounding area. This is an important spiritual destination in Quang Binh, particularly during the spring at the beginning of the year. Tourists from all over often come here to pray for peace and good luck for the new year. If you have the chance to explore Quang Binh tourism, make sure not to miss this wonderful place.
>>>Explore more about spiritual tourist destinations in Quang Binh.