On the spring day, pilgrims return to the realm of Buddha.

At the beginning of the year, devoutly visiting temples domestically or embarking on pilgrimages to Buddhist countries is a cultural tradition and beauty cherished by many Vietnamese.

On the spring day, pilgrims return to the realm of Buddha.

Apart from seeking blessings, many also seek solace, yearning for serene realms to make devout wishes under the compassionate gaze of the Buddha.

Below are the ideal destinations for devotees who cherish the desire to bring their hearts closer to the realm of Buddha in Vietnam and renowned Buddhist countries.

Vietnam

1. Sacred Yen Tu Mountain, Quang Ninh

Embarking on a journey to Yen Tu, travelers will pay homage to Trinh Pagoda, Suoi Tam Pagoda, Cam Thuc Pagoda, Lan Pagoda, Giai Oan Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, Bao Sai Pagoda, Van Tieu Pagoda, and finally Dong Pagoda - the largest bronze pagoda in Asia atop the mountain peak. Yen Tu is also home to the Statue of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong in a meditative posture on a lotus platform.

2. Sacred Bai Dinh Pagoda, Ninh Binh

The Bai Dinh Pagoda complex nestles along the mountainside amidst vast lakes and rocky hills. Bai Dinh Pagoda holds numerous records: it has the largest bronze-gilded Buddha statue in Asia, the longest Arhat corridor in Asia, and the largest bronze Di Lac statue in Southeast Asia...

3. Perfume Pagoda Festival, Hanoi

The Perfume Pagoda Festival takes place from the 6th day of the lunar New Year to the middle of the third lunar month. The unique feature of the pilgrimage to Perfume Pagoda is gliding along the peaceful river, immersing oneself in the fairy-tale mountains and rivers of the Buddha's realm.

4. Tranquil Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, Hue

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery boasts a 24-meter tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, weighing 1,500 tons, carved from stone. Here, the surroundings sparkle like pink lotus flowers amidst green foliage, with meditation halls nestled against the mountainside, casting shadows onto the lake... like a beautiful dream.

5. Mystical Cluster of Linh Ung Pagodas, Da Nang

The famous Linh Ung Pagoda cluster in Da Nang consists of 3 pagodas located in 3 different locations, forming a mystical triangle: Linh Ung Pagoda - Bai But on Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda - Marble Mountains, and Linh Ung Pagoda on Ba Na Mountain.

6. Architectural Marvel Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, Tien Giang

Vinh Trang Pagoda features a fusion of Asian and European architectural styles, incorporating the 'Quoc' Chinese character shape, Romanesque arches, French-style wrought iron, and Japanese tiled floors. Inside the pagoda exudes a distinctly Vietnamese sculptural architecture. The pagoda houses over 60 precious Buddha statues cast in bronze, wood, and clay... and more than 20 extremely valuable paintings of landscapes and water scenes.

Pilgrimage to Buddhist Countries

1. The Mystical Beauty of Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, Myanmar

Kyaikhtiyo, also known as the Golden Rock Pagoda, is located on the Kyaikhtiyo Mountain in Myanmar. The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, standing at only 5.5 meters tall, becomes sacred and mystical as it houses a portion of the Buddha's relics - a hair strand. Not just a famous pilgrimage site, Kyaikhtiyo is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Worshiping the Four Holy Sites - India

India boasts the Four Holy Sites - four sacred landmarks closely associated with the life of the Buddha. Deep within the hearts of every pilgrim worldwide, there lies a hope to visit these Four Holy Sites at least once for enlightenment, to strengthen faith in the Triple Gem, and to gather energy for compassion...

Lumbini: Nestled at the foot of the Himalayas, Lumbini is the birthplace of the Buddha. This place is notable for its sacred sites: the Puskarni Pond, the Mayadevi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar.

Bodhgaya: This is the place of the Buddha's supreme enlightenment. It's where the sacred Bodhi tree stands by the Niranjana River, the Mahabodhi Temple, the Great Enlightenment Stupa, the 7 spots where the Buddha stayed after enlightenment, Pragbodhi - where the Bodhisattva practiced asceticism for 6 years...

Sarnath: This is the largest center of Buddhism that has existed for over 1,500 years after the Buddha's Parinirvana and is considered a sacred Buddhist site.

Kushinagar: This is where the Buddha entered Nirvana. Kushinagar includes the Mathakuar Temple - where the Buddha delivered his final sermon; the Mahaparinirvana Temple and Stupa - where the Buddha passed into Nirvana; the Angrachaya Stupa - where the Buddha's golden remains were divided; the Ramabhar Stupa - where the Buddha's cremation took place.

3. Bhutan - The Kingdom of Happiness

Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan is a peaceful, pristine nation. Exploring Bhutan will be a journey of happiness for you as you visit the venerable Rinpung Dzong monastery, the precarious Taktsang monastery perched on a cliff over 3,000 meters high, or the Tashichho Dzong palace - the workplace of the King...

4. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (Chiang Mai, Thailand)

The temple has endured 600 years. Legend has it that when dusk falls, Chiang Mai is enveloped in a misty haze, the towering Chedi containing the Buddha's shoulder bone glimmers with golden light, radiating a sacred glow that illuminates everywhere.

The Thai believe that when the wind rings the bell, it carries the wishes of the Buddhists as well as the blessings and mercy of the Buddha.

5. The Sacred Legend of Shangri La

The legend of Shangri La holds significant importance in Tibetan and Shangri La religion and philosophy. Visit this mystical land to witness paradise firsthand, where the sacredness of Buddhism has left its mark for thousands of years.

Shangri La is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, deep blue lakes, boasting numerous landmarks, Buddhist temples, monasteries, as well as natural wonders (Blue Moon Valley, Tiger Leaping Gorge, perpetual snow-covered Meili Snow Mountain range).

According to Bong Mai/Youth

***

Reference: Travel guide from Mytour