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Khanh Hoa tourism is not only famous for its pristine beaches, unspoiled islands, and unique Cham towers, but also for its impressive Buddhist structures. Among them is the Oyster Pagoda – a temple built entirely from marine materials such as shells, clams, oysters, and more. Join Mytour as we embark on a journey to explore this extraordinary temple.
Oyster Pagoda – The Temple of the Sea
The Oyster Pagoda, also known as Tu Van Pagoda or San Ho Pagoda, is located in the heart of Cam Ranh city, Khanh Hoa province. The temple was constructed by local craftsmen using familiar elements – shells, clams, oysters, and even coral. These materials come together to form a truly unique architectural style, one that is unmatched in Vietnam.
The entrance gate to Tu Van Pagoda, also known as the Oyster Pagoda - Photo: Internet
The temple was built in the 1970s and, nearly 50 years later, the Oyster Pagoda still maintains its original architectural style. Located in a convenient spot, just about 60 km from Nha Trang and near Cam Ranh International Airport, it continues to attract a large number of domestic and international visitors.
As soon as you step through the temple gate, you can feel the peaceful, serene atmosphere of this sacred place. One of the first things that will catch your eye is the three-tiered boat-shaped structure, crafted from oyster shells, measuring over 9 meters in length. Inside the boat is the Buddha's Three Jewels, positioned right at the entrance. Deeper inside the temple, on the right, you will find exquisite statues of the Buddha and other finely decorated figures.
The Bao Tich Tower, entirely constructed from shells - Photo courtesy
While the entire temple is constructed from marine treasures, the Bao Tich Tower, standing nearly 40 meters tall, is entirely made from shells. This tower is a unified structure composed of many smaller towers, each featuring a statue of the thousand-handed and thousand-eyed Buddha. In total, there are 49 smaller towers that make up this unique and remarkable structure.
The tower has two levels and eight doors, symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path (the path leading to liberation from suffering) in Buddhism. Inside the tower, the upper floor houses the Buddha's statue, while the lower floor is more spacious, allowing visitors to explore. Upon entering the tower, visitors will feel as though they've stepped into an expansive ocean world, surrounded by a dazzling array of shells, oysters, and coral.
The shells and oysters are meticulously and securely attached, giving the tower a stunning appearance while ensuring its resilience against harsh weather and the ravages of time.
Inside the Bao Tich Tower - Image sourced
The tower's roof is round, intricately carved with unique patterns and vibrant colors. Its design features a pointed pyramid shape with two levels, resembling a massive castle standing tall in the middle of the ocean.
Construction of the tower began in 1995 and was completed in 2000. This remarkable structure is the result of relentless creativity and the diligent, skilled hands of the temple's monks. Standing tall for nearly 20 years, this artistic masterpiece now bears the marks of time. Weathered by moss and rain, the surface of the tower shows cracks and fissures, yet the tower still retains its serene, peaceful aura, offering a calming effect to all who gaze upon it.
The intricate patterns made from shells are truly unique - Image: Internet
Additionally, Central Vietnam tourism offers an intriguing adventure beneath the ground at the 'Eighteen Levels of Hell.' It's a thrilling, slightly terrifying, yet fascinating experience that visitors are sure to remember during their exploration.
In addition to its unique architectural design, Tu Van Pagoda offers visitors a sense of peace and tranquility for the soul. More importantly, it encourages people to live virtuously, accumulate good deeds, and engage in more meaningful actions in life. If you ever have the opportunity for a budget-friendly trip to Cam Ranh, be sure to visit this remarkable Oyster Pagoda.
