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Visiting temples for blessings and peace in the new year has become one of the typical traditional cultural features of the Vietnamese people. Every Tet holiday, people from all regions come together to visit temples to find peace and tranquility in their souls. Let's explore the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Vietnam with Mytour!
1. Yen Tu - Quang Ninh
Yen Tu is not only known as a natural beauty spot with majestic mountains and forests but also one of the famous pilgrimage sites in Vietnam attracting numerous visitors from all over to offer prayers. Over time, Yen Tu has been renovated many times but still retains its inherent sacredness and tranquility of the Buddhist land.
Yen Tu, a land steeped in the history of the Tran dynasty, where many kings came to practice and attain enlightenment. Pilgrims journey to the sacred land of Yen Tu not only for worship, blessings, and good fortune but also to learn about the origins of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhism (ancient Buddhist sect) founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century, over 700 years ago. With its long religious history, Yen Tu is one of the largest Buddhist centers in Vietnam today and a popular destination for travelers in the Northern region.
Every year, as Tet approaches, people from the Northern region gather for a sacred pilgrimage to Yen Tu, the land of Buddha. The temples here are built along the mountainside, with the most visited being Dong Pagoda situated at the summit, at an altitude of 1068m. To accommodate the increasing number of visitors coming to pay homage, Yen Tu has built a cable car system and various accommodation areas for resting.
2. Huong Pagoda - Hanoi
When it comes to sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, one cannot overlook the renowned Huong Pagoda, attracting visitors from far and wide. Located in My Duc district, Hanoi city, Huong Pagoda is only about 65km from the city center. The reason why Huong Pagoda has become one of the famous pilgrimage sites at the beginning of the year is because it is believed that Quan The Am Bodhisattva once manifested divine protection for this land right here.
The scenic complex of Huong Son, commonly known as Perfume Pagoda, encompasses a vast architectural ensemble consisting of various temples and shrines, including Trinh Temple, Thanh Son Pagoda, Thien Tru Pagoda, Giai Oan Pagoda, and the central Huong Tich Cave. Visiting Huong Pagoda, you can take a boat ride along the charming Yen stream, admiring the picturesque landscape of mountains and water.
3. Tam Chuc Pagoda - Ha Nam
Tam Chuc Pagoda is one of the largest Buddhist pagodas in Vietnam, steeped in the mystical legend of 'Six Fairies, Seven Sages.' Situated amidst the convergence of earth and sky, it is surrounded by the Seven Fairies mountains, with the Tam Chuc Lake and its six peaks in front.
Tam Chuc Pagoda is built in the ancient architectural style of Northern Buddhism, featuring vast spaces encompassing multiple temples and halls such as the Jade Pagoda, Tam The Hall, Quan Am Hall, and the Pillar Garden. The meticulously carved architectural structures vividly depict the stories of the Buddha and his teachings.
If you want to embark on a pilgrimage to the land of Buddha in the new year, especially if you're from the northern region, then visit the sacred Tam Chuc Pagoda to pray for a prosperous new year. Tam Chuc Pagoda also offers many accommodations and dining areas to serve pilgrims on extended journeys.
4. Bai Dinh Pagoda - Ninh Binh
Bai Dinh Pagoda is undoubtedly renowned among Buddhists and travelers from all directions during the Lunar New Year. As a monumental architectural feat with distinctive Eastern architecture, Bai Dinh Pagoda holds numerous impressive records such as having the largest gilded bronze statue of Buddha in Asia and the longest corridor of Arhat statues in Asia. When embarking on a pilgrimage to the land of Buddha in Ninh Binh, you'll be awestruck by the magnificence of Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Located in Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, near famous landmarks such as Trang An, Tam Coc - Bich Dong, Mua Cave, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda is not only the pagoda holding the most records in Vietnam but also a scenic spot with picturesque landscapes that attract many domestic tourists. Additionally, it hosts numerous large-scale cultural and spiritual events, notably the Bai Dinh Pagoda Festival, which lasts from the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the 3rd lunar month.
5. Linh Ung Pagoda - Sơn Trà (Đà Nẵng)
Situated on the legendary Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda is built on a hill facing the vast ocean. From My Khe Beach, you can see the tallest statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva in Vietnam (67m) standing with its back against the mountain, facing the sea, holding a vase to bestow blessings upon the boats sailing offshore.
Just 10km from the city center of Da Nang, Linh Ung Pagoda is a renowned pilgrimage site of Buddha's land in the Central region during the New Year or festive occasions. According to local tales, the pagoda has experienced 13 remarkable illuminations at the statue of Bodhisattva Guan Yin, leaving onlookers astonished and awestruck. Thus, Linh Ung Pagoda is regarded as a place where the spiritual essence of heaven and earth converges, attracting numerous Buddhists and travelers from all over.
The coastal city of Da Nang boasts three Linh Ung Pagodas located at three different locations: Linh Ung Pagoda - Son Tra, Linh Ung Pagoda - Ba Na, Linh Ung Pagoda - Ngu Hanh Son. Due to the same name, first-time visitors often get confused. If you intend to visit Linh Ung Pagoda - Son Tra, then follow the coastal road Vo Nguyen Giap towards Son Tra Peninsula. Upon arrival, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the thriving coastal city of Da Nang over the years.
6. Thien Mu Pagoda - Hue Ancient Capital
Thien Mu Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Hue City, built in 1601. Despite the ups and downs of history, the pagoda remains intact and quietly reflects on the Perfume River. Thien Mu Pagoda has become synonymous with tourism in Hue Ancient Capital and is also a famous pilgrimage site of Buddha's land attracting many visitors to offer incense, worship, and pray.
Located about 5km from the city center, Thien Mu Pagoda sits on Ha Khe Hill facing the Perfume River. Every New Year, the pagoda is filled with the smoke of incense and bustling crowds of visitors. When visiting Thien Mu Pagoda, you will not only admire ancient architectural structures such as: Phuoc Duyen Tower, Dai Hung Palace, Quan Am Temple,... but also feel the gentle beauty of the Perfume River and the tranquility of the dreamy land of Hue.
7. Linh Phuoc Pagoda - Da Lat
Linh Phuoc Pagoda, also known as the Bottle Pagoda in Da Lat, is a popular choice for pilgrimages to Buddha's land due to its solemnity and sanctity. With its unique architecture, Linh Phuoc Pagoda impresses visitors with a dragon statue made from broken ceramics and a majestic Buddha riding a lion. It is because the pagoda is designed from broken ceramics and porcelain that people call it the Bottle Pagoda.
Every year, this place welcomes thousands of visitors from all over to pilgrimage to the pagoda at the beginning of the year and explore the unique ceramic and porcelain mosaic works here. Inside the pagoda, many relief sculptures depicting the history of Buddha Shakyamuni and Buddhist stories are displayed. In addition, visitors can experience the 18-level hell structure aimed at educating people to live a righteous life.
8. Black Lady Pagoda - Tay Ninh
As one of the famous temple pilgrimage sites in the South, Black Lady Pagoda, also known as Linh Son Tien Thach Tu, sits on the slope of Black Lady Mountain in Tay Ninh. Located about 100km from Ho Chi Minh City, Black Lady Pagoda is visited by many people from the South every New Year and on Lady's Day in the 5th lunar month. Despite being built in the 18th century and renovated several times, Black Lady Pagoda still maintains its sanctity and mystery.
Not only a renowned pilgrimage site to Buddha's land, Black Lady Mountain has also become a popular destination for hiking and mountain climbing in recent years. Nowadays, Black Lady Mountain has been invested in with a cable car system from the foot to the Black Lady Pagoda and to the mountain peak, making it easy for tourists to visit and explore.
9. Giác Lâm Pagoda - Ho Chi Minh City
Amidst the bustling and modern urban life of Ho Chi Minh City, there are still temples carrying the traditional religious color and sanctity. Giác Lâm Pagoda, nearly 300 years old, is the oldest pilgrimage site to Buddha's land in Saigon.
The pagoda, located on Lac Long Quan Street, Tan Binh District, was built in 1744 and features the distinctive architecture of Buddhism in the South. In front of the pagoda is a seven-story octagonal tower dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha, and inside the pagoda are 113 ancient Buddha statues, mostly meticulously crafted from wood.
On New Year's Eve, Giac Lam Pagoda resonates with the sound of bells harmonizing with the chanting of prayers for a peaceful and fortunate new year. People flock to Giac Lam Pagoda to experience the rare tranquility amidst the bustling land of Saigon.
10. Van Linh Pagoda - An Giang
Located on Cam Mountain in An Giang, Van Linh Pagoda is a famous destination on the 10 temples pilgrimage route in the Mekong Delta during the early days of the new year. The pagoda was built a long time ago in 1927 and is known for the healing abilities of Venerable Thich Thien Quang.
However, through many wars, the pagoda was bombed and destroyed, leaving it in ruins and forcing the Buddhists inside to relocate elsewhere. By 1995, the pagoda was rebuilt stronger but still retained its inherent solemnity and sanctity.
An Giang Buddhist pilgrimage is incomplete without a visit to Van Linh Pagoda. Positioned beautifully on the slopes of Bo Hong Mountain, facing the serene Thuy Liem Lake, it creates a spacious environment close to nature. Visiting Van Linh Pagoda during Tet 2021, you'll hear the temple bells ringing in the new year and experience the warm hospitality of the people of the Mekong Delta. The pagoda now has a cable car system to facilitate the worship and visitation needs of the locals.
Some tips for Tet pilgrimage:
Attire: Choose comfortable yet dignified attire suitable for the solemn atmosphere of the pagoda. Avoid wearing shorts and short skirts above the knees. If necessary, wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the sun or bring an umbrella for unexpected rain.
Footwear: For pilgrimage footwear, opt for comfortable shoes suitable for walking and climbing mountains for extended periods. Avoid wearing high heels and shoes with high soles to prevent falls.
Stay vigilant: During the Lunar New Year, temples are crowded with people. To prevent theft, be highly vigilant with your personal belongings and carry minimal valuables and accessories.
Beware of scams: Pilgrimage sites are often targeted by scammers to deceive and steal from tourists. Stay alert to avoid being lured into financial scams.
With all the tips shared by Mytour above, you must have more options for your Buddhist pilgrimage trip during the 2021 Lunar New Year. If you want to book a pilgrimage tour, contact the hotline Mytour for free consultation. Wishing you and your family a prosperous and happy New Year.
