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Tam Thai Ancient Pagoda, a revered spiritual retreat, known for its tranquility and attracting a diverse community of Buddhists and Da Nang tourists.
Discover Da Nang: Uncover the ancient Tam Thai Pagoda
Tam Thai Pagoda, the oldest temple in Da Nang, with a rich history spanning nearly 400 years, witnessing the nation's various historical events. Initially established in 1630, the temple faced complete destruction during the Tây Sơn period. In 1825 (6th year of Minh Mạng's reign), it was reconstructed and later designated as the National Pagoda during the Nguyễn dynasty. In the 20th century, the temple underwent multiple renovations in 1907 and 1995. Despite the challenges, the temple has retained its dignified and ancient charm, acknowledged by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Historical and Cultural Relic.
Tam Thai Pagoda, situated on Thủy Sơn, one of the legendary Marble Mountains. To reach the temple, visitors must ascend 156 beautifully crafted ceramic steps, following the steep terrain of the mountain. Along this journey, tourists can simultaneously climb the steps and enjoy the fresh, cool air beneath the lush greenery, providing health benefits. Additionally, visitors have the option to use an elevator to reach the temple, albeit at a modest cost.
When visiting the temple, travelers to Da Nang can marvel at the preserved architectural imprints of the Nguyễn dynasty, showcasing a majestic and artistic beauty. The temple, consisting of three splendid levels, includes the Upper Thai to the North, the Middle Thai to the South, and the Lower Thai to the East. The temple is designed in the shape of the letter 'Vương' in Chinese characters. The outer gate is crafted in a bell tower style with a pitched roof.
In front of the temple yard is a statue of Buddha made of sandstone. Inside the temple, worship Buddha A Di Da Nyorai, Quan The Am Bodhisattva, and Duc Dai The Chi. Nguyen dynasty architecture at Tam Thai Pagoda is evident in details such as the roof with two layers of yin-yang tiles, the peak adorned with relief sculptures of dragons and crescent moons, and the hall columns featuring phoenix figures with intertwined tails, presenting a venerable appearance.
Not only preserving distinctive architectural features, the 400-year-old temple also houses precious artifacts. Among them, the Tam Thai Tu plaque dating back to the 6th year of Minh Mang's reign and a copper plate engraved in the shape of a flaming heart, praising Buddhist teachings, created by King Minh Mang's calligraphy. Besides architectural and antique elements, Tam Thai Pagoda is shaded by layers of greenery, including ancient trees. Most notably, the pine tree in front of the temple is over 200 years old, along with two banyan trees, over 240 and 350 years old, respectively. All three are recognized as Vietnamese Heritage Trees, enhancing the serene atmosphere and allowing visitors to escape the complexities of daily life.
Travelers exploring Da Nang when visiting Tam Thai Pagoda also find it convenient to explore nearby attractions such as Vong Giang Tower, Hoa Nghiem Cave, Huyen Khong Cave, etc. Among these, Vong Giang Tower stands as the highest point in Thuy Son. From here, visitors can take in the vast expanse of land and sky, with the majestic scenery of Marble Mountains, the poetic flow of the Han River, and the winding Cam Le River. Due to its beautiful and ancient architecture, rich historical and cultural values, and spiritual significance within the Marble Mountains scenic area, Tam Thai Pagoda daily attracts a multitude of Buddhists and tourists seeking to pay homage and offer incense. It would be a significant omission for Da Nang visitors to miss this oldest spiritual destination in the city.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
TravelExperts.comMarch 31, 2020
