Top 7 Most Famous Temples in Tây Ninh

Thiền Lâm Temple – Gò Kén is over 100 years old, making it the oldest temple in Tây Ninh province. Founded by Venerable Thích Trí Lượng in 1904, initially it was just a small hermitage amidst a dense and pristine forest.

By 1924, under the guidance of his disciple, Venerable Từ Phong, and other Buddhist followers, the hermitage was transformed into a solid temple based on a blueprint sent from Paris and approved by the French colonial administration in Tây Ninh. Thus, it was officially named Thiền Lâm Temple.

Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors are greeted by a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni under flourishing bodhi trees. There are also statues of Avalokiteshvara and various stupas through the abbots' generations. The temple consists of 6 chambers and 2 annexes, distributed in the pattern of Eastern and Western style. The walls are made of bricks with lime mortar mixed with crushed oyster shell, tiled roof, vault-shaped main door, and side doors at the gable.

Currently, Thiền Lâm Temple carefully preserves ancient worship items such as drums and large bronze bells over half a century old, alongside numerous valuable wooden Buddha statues. Annually, the temple mobilizes and contributes hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong to charitable activities, demonstrating a virtuous Buddhist lifestyle following the motto of “Nationalism, Buddhism, and Socialism” of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha.

DETAILS:

Address: 5/11 Long Trung Hamlet, Long Thanh Trung Commune, Hoa Thanh District, Tây Ninh Province

Phước Lưu Temple was built in the mid-19th century. Initially just a small hermitage called Bà Đồng Hermitage, it was later expanded and transformed into a temple, hence named Bà Đồng Temple. In 1900, under the leadership of Master Trừng Lực from the 42nd generation of the Liễu quán sect, financial contributions from local Buddhists and the Chinese community in Trảng Bàng were gathered to repair and expand the temple, renaming it Phước Lưu Temple. The temple underwent several renovations in 1945, 1946, 1968, 1975, and 1990.

The main hall is elegantly decorated. The temple also preserves many ancient statues, such as the ceramic statues of Amitabha Buddha, adorned with gold leaves, the statues of Eighteen Arhats, the statues of Twelve Divine Generals, and the exquisite carvings on bamboo tubes. Phước Lưu Temple features harmonious architecture with nature, predominantly designed with wood, reflecting the architectural style of “Vietnam's ancient temples”. The temple attracts numerous Buddhists not only from the local area but also from other provinces who come here primarily to pray for their families and then to enjoy the cool scenery of the temple, dispelling worries and troubles in life.

On special occasions like Buddhist holidays or Vesak Day, it is advisable to arrive early as the temple tends to be crowded and congested due to visitors from various places coming to visit and light incense.

DETAILS:

Address: 259 National Highway 22, Trảng Bàng Town, Trảng Bàng District, Tây Ninh Province

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChuaPhuocLuuTrangBangTayNinh/

Giác Ngạn Pagoda was constructed by the Lục Hòa Buddhist sect over 100 years ago. The pagoda is built on an area of about 400m2 located on a 1ha wide land. The front of the pagoda is a 3-story building, 8m tall, with stairs on both sides leading up. In front of the courtyard is a stone mountain, inside of which is a statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. There is also a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the posture of entering Nirvana in white solemn color. To the right of the pagoda is a cemetery, the resting place of deceased Buddhists.

As a spacious, ancient, and particularly sacred pagoda, Giác Ngạn Pagoda is adorned with numerous Buddha statues and Saints for visitors to light incense and pray sincerely.

During the spring and major Buddhist holidays such as the full moon days of January, April, July, Giác Ngạn Pagoda is always bustling with activity. Devotees and Buddhists come here not only from the local area but also from many other places, including outside the province.

DETAILS:

Address: Binh Phong Hamlet, Thai Binh Commune, Hoa Chau, Chau Thanh District, Tay Ninh

Hoa Dong Pagoda, often likened by locals to the balcony of the mountain, is a distinct temple tucked away in a corner of Ba Na Den Mountain, hence also known as Linh Son Hoa Dong Pagoda. Constructed and renovated in the 20th century, it originated from the foundation of an old temple where the venerable Thich Tac Dien resided.

The architectural essence of the pagoda is crafted from wood, providing a sense of intimacy for visitors. Standing at an elevation of 350m, visitors can experience the entire picturesque landscape of mountains and sprawling plains of this land. The surrounding space adds an extra layer of tranquility and serenity to the temple.

Hoa Dong Pagoda follows the familiar style of Southern temples and shrines. This means there are two continuous layers of houses parallel to each other, with the back layer behind the front. The main layer of the temple at the front is structured in a quadrilateral style with 3 sections and 3 spans. The front porch also features a curved tiled roof. The main hall has two layers of stacked eaves forming two layers of bright red roofs, highlighting the flying dragon shapes from the 8 corners and two roof peaks. The lower auxiliary house behind also has a curved roof, but the dragon shapes here blend gently with the natural scenery. The path to the temple is quite easy, as visitors only need to follow the stairs on the side of Ba Na Den Temple to reach it.

DETAILS:

Address: Surrounding Ba Mountain tourist area, Thach Tan, Tay Ninh

Legend has it that in 1857, Master Phuoc Chi, the abbot of Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda, observed pilgrims visiting the mountain temple who often had to stay overnight in Tay Ninh town, waiting until the next morning to climb the mountain. This inconvenience led him to collaborate with the local Buddhist community to rebuild Phuoc Lam Pagoda on a larger scale, to serve as a resting place for venerable monks and pilgrims from all directions. Additionally, the pagoda served as a food reserve to facilitate the supply to Tien Thach Pagoda. Over time, the pagoda underwent several renovations to attain its current grandeur.

The pagoda consists of three interconnected roofed buildings: the main hall, the Linh Son Holy Mother Shrine, and the Ancestors' House. Only the Ancestors' House retains its wooden columns, bamboo rafters, and tiled roof; the other two buildings have been renovated with cement columns reinforced with iron rods and dual-tone tiled roofs. The spacious garden is clean and fragrant with flowers. Various ornamental plants, from lotus flowers to orchids, vie for attention in front of the pagoda.

In the pagoda courtyard, in front of the main hall, stands a statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva overlooking a pond full of lotus flowers. Inside the main hall, on the altar, in addition to Buddha statues, there are statues of the Jade Emperor, the Southern Emperor, and the Northern Emperor adorned with gold and precious stones; on both sides are altars dedicated to Dat Ma and Quan Thanh.

Phuoc Lam Pagoda is perhaps the only one in the city that still retains the 'old soul and ancient shadow' of Tay Ninh Buddhism during its early days. The front facade architecture in the front corridor with a floor in the 1960s; remnants of blackish-brown wooden columns, rafters, and the multi-layered tiled roofs with mossy green color remain.

DETAILS:

Address: Phan Chu Trinh, Ward 1, Tay Ninh City, Tay Ninh.

Linh Son Tien Thach Pagoda, also known as the Buddha Pagoda, Upper Pagoda, Lady Pagoda, along with Hang Pagoda (Linh Son Long Chau Pagoda) and Central Pagoda (Linh Son Phuoc Trung Pagoda), are the famous pagodas in the scenic area of Black Lady Mountain. It is the oldest ancient pagoda with the highest longevity in Tay Ninh, bearing the traces of the first settlers in Tay Ninh and a clear affirmation of the arrival of Buddhism in Tay Ninh.

The pagoda has been renovated many times. In the year of Mau Ngo (1857), Master Phuoc Chi abandoned the old leaf-roofed pagoda and organized the construction of a magnificent pagoda. He mobilized many Buddhists to contribute labor and materials to expand the road to the mountain, build the main hall, and lecture hall. Also during this time, about 300 meters from the pagoda, a monk from Chiem Thanh, commonly known as Mr. Cham, and monk Hue Mang - Kim Tien, used a stone cave for meditation.

In the pagoda's courtyard, there is a statue of Bodhisattva Quan Am. The front altar worships the statue of Tieu Dien. Upstairs, there are altars for worshipping Bodhisattva Di Lac, Bodhisattva Van Thu, and Bodhisattva Pho Hien. The pagoda has a tower preserving ancestors' relics. In the middle is the tower of To Tam Hoa, To Giac Phu, and To Giac Dien. On both sides are the towers of To Trung Tung and To Thanh Tho.

Contact Information:

Address: Black Lady Mountain, at Ninh Trung hamlet, Ninh Son commune, Tay Ninh town, Tay Ninh province

Black Lady Mountain Pagoda, located on Black Lady Mountain or Van Son Mountain, is considered the most sacred and famous pagoda in Tay Ninh. It is a must-visit spiritual tourism destination when coming to this region. This ancient pagoda has existed for over 300 years, situated right in the heart of Black Lady Mountain, hence called Black Lady Pagoda by the locals.

The pagoda is associated with the legend of Linh Son Holy Mother (commonly known as the Black Lady). It is said that she was born as Denh, the daughter of an official in Trang Bang land, became a Buddhist nun, and passed away on the mountain, later manifesting to protect the local people during times of famine or injustice. The pagoda was built in 1996 and completed in 1997 with architecture harmoniously combining elements from many ancient pagodas nationwide. To this day, two green stone columns from the time of Lâm Hòa Patriarch (around 1919) remain preserved, standing 4.5 meters high with a diameter of 0.45 meters.

Inside the Main Hall, there is a spacious area of 2000m2, adorned with statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Bodhisattva statues, Eighteen Arhats, and the Ngoc Linh Son Holy Mother statue, all embellished with gold leaf. These artifacts add solemnity and uniqueness to the pagoda.

Local residents as well as tourists from far and wide often come here on pilgrimage, especially in January and on the Lady's Day celebration on the 5th and 6th days of the lunar year. Moreover, the pagoda nestled amidst the majestic mountains provides a spacious and airy atmosphere, suitable for organizing spring festivals.

Contact Information:

Address: Located halfway up Black Lady Mountain, at Ninh Trung hamlet, Ninh Son commune, Tay Ninh town, Tay Ninh province