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Amidst the towering mountainous landscape, Cổ Am Pagoda proudly stands for over a century. Embracing ancient temple architecture, the pagoda remains beautiful and grand. Cổ Am Pagoda is the top choice for Buddhist followers and travelers nationwide when exploring Nghệ An.
Panoramic view of Cổ Am Pagoda in the midst of the mountains | Photo: Youtube
Where is Cổ Am Pagoda located?
Cổ Am Pagoda is part of the historical complex of Lèn Trống and Lèn Hai Vai, located in Diễn Minh commune, Diễn Châu district, Nghệ An province, approximately 47km from Vinh city. You can take a taxi, bus, or drive your own vehicle to reach the pagoda. Visiting this sacred and ancient temple, you will marvel at the harmonious blend of modern and ancient architecture with exquisite details.
The entrance of Cổ Am Pagoda, after numerous renovations, is captured on film | Photo: Youtube
The spacious and airy space of the pagoda creates a sense of tranquility. The surroundings are adorned with greenery from lush trees and expansive rice fields. As you travel along the road, reaching significant architectural structures like the Statue of Bodhisattva Quan Thế Âm and the 5-story Tower, signals that you are on the right path and nearing the pagoda.
The pagoda is adorned with a refreshing green hue from the surrounding mountains and forests | Photo: sieuphuot
Explore the rich historical milestones of Co Am Pagoda
Originally constructed in the 15th century during the Later Le dynasty, over 600 years ago, Co Am Pagoda started as a small hermitage on the Hồ Linh mountain for villagers to worship. However, in the late 18th century, mystical phenomena occurred during the Dien Minh era, leading to its renaming as Huong Phuc Tu. In the reign of King Minh Mang, the pagoda was relocated to the foothills and renamed Huong Linh Tu, later known as Co Am Pagoda as we know it today.
The pagoda bears witness to all the historical imprints of the surrounding cultural relics. Notably, the life-and-death battle between the Le and Mac factions, involving Lai Quan Lord Phan Cong Tinh and Mac General Nguyen Quyen on the Hai Vai mountain, prompted the villagers to establish a temple dedicated to the Thunder God in the Haokiet village, honoring the heroic spirit of Le's military prowess. During the Vietnam War, the temple suffered extensive damage from bombings inflicted by the U.S. invasion, leaving it in ruins. In December 1994, Co Am Pagoda was officially recognized as a national historical site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Only in 2010, did Venerable Thich Chan Tinh lay the first bricks to initiate the restoration of Co Am Pagoda.
What captivates tourists when visiting Co Am Pagoda?
Marvel at the unique ancient architecture of Co Am Pagoda in Nghe An
The temple grounds feature two levels designed in traditional Vietnamese style. Ascending to the upper level, you'll find the main hall used for daily rituals, with a towering 5-meter gold-plated statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the center.
Main hall for daily rituals | Photo: suutam
The temple's courtyard is divided into three sections. Adjacent to the main hall, there is a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni surrounded by 18 Arhats, imbuing the sacred atmosphere with solemnity and tranquility. In 2013, the temple underwent extensive renovations, introducing unique architectural features such as the Precious Tower, Nhu U Cave, monk's residence, Arhat garden, and more.
18 Arhats at Co Am Pagoda | Photo: sieuphuot
Explore the wonders of Nhu U Cave
Dating back thousands of years, Nhu U Cave was once an ideal hiding place for revolutionaries and villagers. Venturing deeper into the cave, you'll be amazed by its enchanting and unparalleled beauty. The cave holds captivating spiritual stories that add to its mystique.
Unique with its stalactite Nhu U Cave | Source: vinpearl
Admire the grand statue of Bodhisattva Quan The Am
One of the most prominent architectural wonders of the temple is the largest Quan The Am Bodhisattva trinity statue in Nghệ An. The statue features three faces, each facing a different direction.
Highest Quan The Am Bodhisattva trinity statue in Nghệ An | Photo: baonguoilaodong
Charitable activities at the temple
On the 1st and 15th of every month, or during significant Buddhist celebrations like Buddha's Birthday, Vu Lan (Parent's Day), and the commemoration of the enlightenment of Buddha Shakyamuni, hundreds of thousands of Buddhist followers from across the country visit the pagoda to offer incense, worship, and pray for peace.
Buddhist devotees and tourists visiting the temple during Tet (Lunar New Year) | Photo: songlamplus
When is the best time to explore Co Am Pagoda?
From January to April is the optimal period to visit Co Am Pagoda as it is springtime, with fresh green leaves, cool air, and various interesting festivals. If busy during spring, consider visiting during the transitional period between summer and autumn, around May to August. While the scenery during this season is beautiful, the climate tends to be warmer. Avoid visiting in winter as the region often experiences snowstorms and landslides, making it unsafe.
Co Am Pagoda in the refreshing spring season | Photo: vinpearl
How to get to the pagoda?
By train
You can start your journey from either Saigon or Hanoi to reach Vinh station (Nghe An). It takes about 1 day from Saigon and a little over 6 hours from Hanoi to Nghe An. Train tickets are reasonably priced, ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND. Upon reaching Vinh station, you'll need to travel an additional 40km to reach the pagoda.
By coach
Currently, there are numerous coach services from Hanoi to Vinh catering to tourists, such as Duc Binh, Hung Thuc, Giang Anh, taking approximately 6 - 8 hours to reach Vinh with super affordable ticket prices at only 180,000 VND. For those departing from Saigon to Vinh, Cong Minh and Hoa Giang coach companies are suitable, with ticket prices ranging from 500,000 to 600,000 VND. The journey from Saigon to Vinh takes about 1 day.
By plane
Flying is a more convenient option for those starting their journey from the Southern region. Travelers from other regions like Hanoi or Da Nang can still reach Vinh by plane, but flight tickets are generally more expensive. Where to find good deals on flight tickets to Vinh? Let's explore the prices for various flight routes:
Hope the above information is helpful for your upcoming trip to Nghe An. Be sure to spend a few days exploring the pagoda for a fresh, valuable, and unforgettable experience. Don't hesitate any longer, follow Mytour now to receive flight booking deals, read the latest travel updates, and prepare your luggage for a journey around Co Am Pagoda!
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