Three Stunning Southern Temples Turn into Popular Tourist Destinations

Not only for religious ceremonies, many travelers visit these beautiful temples to admire the architecture and seek peaceful, serene spaces.

Three Stunning Southern Temples Turn into Popular Tourist Destinations

Ngoc Hoa Zen Monastery – Quy Nhon

Ngoc Hoa Zen Monastery is located approximately 20 kilometers from Quy Nhon City, in Ly Luong Hamlet, Nhon Ly Commune, Binh Dinh Province. This temple is conveniently situated not far from the famous tourist destination of Eo Gio, making it ideal for inclusion in your travel itinerary.

Established in 1960, Ngoc Hoa Zen Monastery is renowned as a mystical spiritual tourism destination and is home to a pair of giant Buddha statues facing the sea. These are also the largest paired Buddha statues in Vietnam. The statues were built in 2013, standing 30 meters tall, consisting of two statues with their backs turned towards each other, which is quite unique. One side features a golden Quan Am statue facing the mountain, symbolizing the golden forest, while the other side features a silver Quan Am statue facing the sea, symbolizing the silver sea. Initially, the silver statue was left as is, but after a period of time, it was eroded by seawater, so the monks decided to paint the Quan Am statue silver. Inside these paired statues are 2,000 different Buddha statues made from various materials.

Standing from above, you can admire the entire marvel of Eo Gio alongside the colossal Buddha statue, enjoying the gentle sea breeze, and serenity. The temple space is tranquil and peaceful, so if you're just here to admire the scenery, please maintain order and avoid disturbing the landscape.

Minh Thanh Pagoda – Pleiku

Perched atop a hill on Nguyen Viet Xuan Street, Pleiku City, Minh Thanh Pagoda is stirring up excitement among southern tourists with its mesmerizing architecture and numerous Instagrammable spots. Minh Thanh Pagoda is likened to a 'mini Tokyo' with its 9-storey Xa Loi Tower painted in the same red hue as the temples in Japan.

Originally built in 1964 by venerable Thich Giac Dao, but it wasn't until 1997 that the pagoda underwent restoration and renovation after the temple structures deteriorated post-war. Minh Thanh Pagoda was reconstructed with a main hall soaring 16 meters high, with its ceiling and doors crafted from mahogany and ebony wood intricately carved with the Four Heavenly Kings.

The most distinctive feature of the pagoda after renovation is the 40-meter-high, 9-story Xa Loi Tower with an intricately designed roof structure, meticulously mimicking Japanese temples. This is also the most checked-in spot within Minh Thanh Pagoda's premises.

Inside the main hall are 3,000 Buddha statues lining the walls along with Buddha altars, while the four corners of the main hall feature four thousand-handed, thousand-eyed Bodhisattva statues. Additionally, there are 18 wooden Arhat statues made from jackfruit wood, weighing 300 kg and standing 130 cm tall. Not only does Minh Thanh Pagoda boast beautiful and grand interiors, but it also impresses with its enchanting exteriors adorned with greenery, bridges, and ponds, creating a tranquil and peaceful space for visitors to admire the temple scenery.

Khanh An Monastery

A Japanese-style monastery attracting many young people is Khanh An Monastery located in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City. Khanh An Monastery follows the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, featuring distinct East Asian architecture. Originally a small temple built in 1905, it sits between An Loc Dong and Hanh Phu villages, once gathering many patriotic soldiers to fight against the French colonialists. The temple was repeatedly destroyed by the French, leaving only a modest bamboo hut. It underwent restoration from 2006 to 2016, transforming into Khanh An Monastery with magnificent, intricate architecture.

This Buddhist structure boasts a blend of traditional Japanese temple design amidst the heart of Saigon, earning it the nickname of a 'Tokyo corner' in the city. Besides the brown wood, white walls, and deep yellow roofs typical of Japanese style, the temple is adorned with wind chimes throughout, producing serene melodies. The temple grounds feature wooden lanterns, seamlessly integrating with the lush greenery, lotus pond, and miniature landscapes.

If you're a photography enthusiast and appreciate unique architecture, this is a paradise for 'instagrammable' moments, as every angle is exquisitely beautiful. However, as it's a sacred place, visitors should dress appropriately and maintain decorum. You can reach here via An Suong intersection, Go Vap roundabout, or Binh Trieu Bridge.

By SuZi Nguyen/Ngôi sao

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour