Buzz
Bến Tre isn't just known for its lush eco-tourism sites but also renowned for numerous sacred pagodas. A perfect destination for locals and international pilgrims alike. Here's a list of the most famous pagodas in Bến Tre for your reference.
Compilation of Famous Pagodas in Bến Tre
Vạn Phước Pagoda
Vivid View of Vạn Phúc Pagoda - Bến Tre (Photo by ST)
Address: DT883, Bình Đại Town, Bến Tre.
Vạn Phước Pagoda is considered one of the most famous pagodas in Bến Tre. Located approximately 2 km from Bình Đại Town on the way to the sea, visitors here can admire the magnificent golden altar in the eastern corner of Bình Đại coastal area. No one would have expected that from an 8-hectare piece of land covered in weeds and affected by saline intrusion, it would now become a gathering place for Buddhist followers from all over to pay homage and worship Buddha.
Scenic View of Vạn Phước Pagoda (Photo by ST)
Grand Inauguration Ceremony of Vạn Phước Pagoda (Photo by ST)
The architectural overview of the pagoda includes the Three-Gate entrance adorned with golden dragons on either side, with a 12.45m tall Laughing Buddha in the center. Inside the pagoda, there are the main hall, the area of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara statues, the area of the Buddha Shakyamuni sitting under the bodhi tree, working area, reception room, merit board, national altar with the portrait of President Hồ Chí Minh, and more.
Panoramic View of Vạn Phước Pagoda (Photo by ST)
Lotus Pond Area inside Vạn Phước Pagoda (Photo by ST)
All architectural elements within the pagoda are harmoniously arranged in the temple courtyard, creating an incredibly beautiful space.
Viên Minh Pagoda
Address: 156 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street, Ward 2, Bến Tre town, Bến Tre province.
Three-Gate Entrance of Viên Minh Pagoda Bến Tre (Photo by ST)
This is one of the oldest and most ancient pagodas in Bến Tre, originally a shrine dedicated to Quan Công. Initially, the pagoda was quite rudimentary and small in size. Inside the pagoda, Buddha and the statue of Quan Thánh Đế were worshipped to fit the beliefs of both Vietnamese and Chinese people.
Statue of Quan Yin Buddha placed in the temple courtyard (Photo by ST)
Main Hall of Viên Minh Pagoda (Photo by ST)
In 1951, the pagoda was rebuilt within 9 years and has maintained its original architecture to this day. In 2002, the pagoda was renovated even more elegantly. Viên Minh Pagoda is considered one of the new tourist attractions in Bến Tre that you can explore.
Buddha statue sitting on a lotus pedestal in Viên Minh Pagoda (Photo by ST)
In front of the temple courtyard, there are two statues: Quan Thế Âm standing on a 3-meter-high lotus pedestal and a 7-meter-high statue of Buddha Shakyamuni. The main hall is also solemnly decorated, especially the Buddha Amitābha and Shakyamuni Buddha statues made of bamboo. When visiting the pagoda, all worries and fatigue of daily life are pushed away. All that remains is the strangely fresh and pure atmosphere.
Viên Giác Pagoda
Address: Ward 5, Ben Tre City
Three-Gate Entrance of Viên Giác Pagoda Bến Tre (Photo by ST)
Built within a 3,500m2 compound, Viên Giác Pagoda is one of the most beautifully designed pagodas in Bến Tre. Constructed around 1870 and renovated in 1915, this pagoda is renowned not only in Bến Tre but also throughout the Southern region for its association with the Buddhist revival movement led by Venerable Lê Khánh Hòa.
Viên Giác Pagoda is a famous pagoda in Bến Tre (Photo by ST)
Especially, the pagoda currently preserves many valuable Buddhist scriptures related to the period of Buddhist revival in Southern Vietnam. During the wartime years, the pagoda served as a revolutionary hub and a gathering place for patriots.
Dining Area in Viên Giác Pagoda (Photo by ST)
In 1989, Viên Giác Pagoda marked a historic milestone for Buddhism in Bến Tre as it hosted the inauguration ceremony of the Temporary Provincial Buddhist Association Representative Board. It heralded a new era of vitality for monks and Buddhists in the land of coconut trees.
Bạch Vân Pagoda
Great Ordination Ceremony at Bạch Vân Ni Tự Pagoda - Bến Tre (Photo by ST)
Address: 138 Doan Hoang Minh, Ward 6, Ben Tre
Established in 1954, Bạch Văn Pagoda stands as a representative Buddhist temple in Ben Tre province. Particularly, it serves as the headquarters of the Provincial Buddhist Monastic Affairs Division. In 2010, the pagoda underwent extensive renovations, including changes to the Three-Gate Entrance, Main Hall, Ancestor House, Teaching House, Monks' Quarters, and more, giving it a fresh appearance till today.
Exploring Bạch Vân Pagoda (Photo by ST)
The Main Hall of the pagoda consists of two floors. The ground floor houses the altar of Buddha's Mother and the statue of Master Kieu Dam Di, while the upper floor is for worshipping Buddha. Near the entrance on the left side, there's a communal hall and an altar for Great Master Tieu Dien, while on the right side, there's an altar for Dharma Protector Vi Da and a communal altar.
Incense offering ceremony to the heroine Nguyễn Thị Định at Bạch Vân shrine (Photo by ST)
With over 60 years of formation and development, Bạch Vân Pagoda remains the center for Buddhist activities of monks in Ben Tre. This demonstrates the significant contributions of the local monastic community alongside the Provincial Buddhist Church of Ben Tre in propagating the Dharma.
