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Tam Chúc, the national tourist area of Vietnam, is currently regarded as the largest pagoda complex in the world.
Exploring Tam Chúc - Famous Pagoda in Ha Nam
The Tam Chúc Pagoda is constructed in a limestone mountainous area flooded with water, enveloped by the Thất Tinh mountain range in an arc shape, overlooking Tam Chúc Lake. At this location, since the era of King Dinh Tien Hoang, the ancient Tam Chúc Pagoda was erected to worship the distinguished national teachers who contributed to the development of Vietnamese Buddhism such as: Master Dạt Ma; Zen Master Khuông Việt; Zen Master Đỗ Phát Thuận; Zen Master Nguyễn Minh Không; Venerable Thích Thanh Tứ.
The new Tam Chúc Pagoda is a vast pagoda complex, encompassing large-scale architectural structures built in layers from the foot of the mountain to the summit, including the Tam Quan gate (comprising the Inner Tam Quan and the Outer Tam Quan), the column garden, the Quan Âm hall, the Dharma Master hall, the Tam Thế hall, and atop is the Ngọc Pagoda.
– The column garden is situated right after the Tam Quan gate, featuring columns meticulously erected resembling the National Treasure column in the Nhất Trụ Pagoda in the ancient capital of Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình. Amidst the courtyard from the Tam Quan gate to the Quan Âm hall stand 32 stone columns made of Thanh Hóa blue stone, 13.5m tall, approximately 2m wide, each weighing about 200 tons. The base of the column is a round stone block sculpted in the shape of lotus petals around it, with a hexagonal-shaped capital above the column body, and a support for a lotus bud above the capital. The teachings of the Buddha will be inscribed on these columns to remind the present and future generations to cultivate virtues.
The Quan Âm Hall, dedicated to the Buddha with a thousand hands and eyes, is a rich treasure trove of stories illustrating the compassionate and benevolent heart of the Buddha, demonstrated through countless reincarnations.
The Dharma Master Hall is located beneath the Tam Thế Hall. The highlight of the Dharma Master Hall is four large relief sculptures covering the entire walls. Each relief sculpture depicts a pivotal stage in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni, from His birth, enlightenment, preaching of the Dharma, to His entry into Nirvana.
The Tam Thế Hall stands as the largest structure. Passing through intricately carved wooden doors, visitors are greeted by three Tam Thế altars representing the past, present, and future. Adorning the walls of the Tam Thế Hall are reliefs depicting the realm of Nirvana.
The Ngọc Pagoda, standing at a height of 15 meters, is constructed with red Granite stones imported from India. The tower consists of three curved-roof tiers, covering an area of 36 square meters, housing a jade stone statue weighing 4.9 tons.
In the middle of Tam Chúc Lake lies a small island connected to the shore by a small bridge. On this island stands the Tam Chúc Shrine, built during the reign of King Dinh Tien Hoang and later restored. The Tam Chúc Shrine, with its unique architectural style of Northern temples, hosts boat tours departing from the gate for visitors to explore. Tour guides provide insights into the history, cultures, and wildlife conservation efforts on the small islands in the lake.
The Tam Chúc Pagoda complex is approximately 4.5km from the Perfume Pagoda (Hanoi) and 30km from the Bai Dinh Pagoda (Ninh Binh), serving as a crucial link in the development of the largest spiritual tourism route in Vietnam by the Ministry of Tourism. The spiritual tourism route Bai Dinh (Ninh Binh) - Tam Chúc (Ha Nam) - Perfume Pagoda (Hanoi) is expected to be operational in the near future.
Tam Chúc, renowned not just for its majestic mountainous landscapes by day, but what truly sets it apart is its nighttime scenery. The spectacle of lights emanating from the temples casting their glow onto Tam Chúc Lake leaves spectators speechless. As someone born and raised in the city, witnessing fireflies for the first time at Tam Chúc was a mesmerizing experience.
I highly recommend visiting Tam Chúc from the evening before and staying at the Guesthouse (make sure to book in advance and have dinner beforehand as the resort is nestled in the mountains, secluded from the outside world) to witness the breathtaking night views. Furthermore, the next morning, waking up early to hike up to Ngọc Pagoda atop Thất Tinh Peak starting from 5:30 am allows for the most panoramic view from above. The advantage of an early ascent is encountering very few, if any, tourists, as I was fortunate to experience. You'll relish the serene, cool, and fresh morning air here. After climbing 200 steps to Ngọc Pagoda, I descended back to the base of the mountain by 7:30 am and returned to the Guesthouse for a buffet breakfast. After dining, we continued our journey via the resort's electric car to visit the Ba Sao Ancient Temple, situated atop the restored ancient temple built during the Đinh Dynasty.
After touring Ba Sao Temple, we continued on the electric car to the boat dock. Near the dock area, you can explore the VESAK House, where the United Nations Vesak Day celebration was held in 2019.
You can purchase tickets to visit the islands on the lake by guided boat tours and enjoy tea and snacks while enthusiastically listening to narrations about the cultural and historical relics, the various species of animals being preserved here, especially the critically endangered Delacour's langur, with only about 300 individuals remaining worldwide, approximately 50 of which are being conserved here.
As our tour of Tam Chúc tourist area concluded, I still couldn't shake off the overwhelming emotions evoked by the sacred and majestic scenery of this place. Where mountains, rivers, and lakes blend into one, where the sacred land encapsulates cultural and historical elements passed down through generations.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
MytourJune 21, 2022
