Top 10 Most Beautiful and Famous Pagodas in Ha Nam Province

Dang Xa Pagoda is located in Dang Xa village, Van Xa commune, Kim Bang district, and is an ancient pagoda that has stood for centuries. Also known as Khanh Hung Pagoda, it honors Dai Thanh Phap Van Phat, one of the Four Gods of the Fourfold Dharma. The pagoda houses several valuable antique religious items, including a green stone incense altar dating back to November of the Year of the Rat (1708) during the reign of King Le Du Tong. This altar is placed in the rear hall of the pagoda.

Throughout its history, despite many challenges, Dang Xa Pagoda has been preserved and renovated by the local people of Dang Xa, Van Xa, and the surrounding region. Since 2007 and 2008, with the support of Ha Nam province, Kim Bang district, the local government, and the people of Dang Xa village, Khanh Hung Pagoda has undergone extensive restoration and expansion.

Notably, the pagoda has cast and installed a nearly 9-ton bronze Buddha statue, which now stands on a massive stone pedestal. This is the largest bronze Buddha statue found in all Vietnamese pagodas, representing four agricultural deities symbolic of Vietnam's rice-cultivating civilization.

Tien Pagoda is located on Mount Dùn, in Doi Ngang village, Thanh Luu commune, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province. This renowned scenic spot in Thanh Liem is steeped in legendary tales. It is said that Tien Pagoda is a sacred mountain where 99 phoenixes once flew to inhabit the 99-peaked pine hill and the divine chessboard.

On cool, moonlit nights, celestial beings were believed to descend from the heavens to play chess and admire the beautiful landscape. In honor of these divine beings, the locals built a pagoda to worship them. Dating back to 1670, Tien Pagoda in Ha Nam has stood for over 350 years, making it the oldest pagoda in the region, and it has undergone several renovations, with many mysterious stories surrounding its history.

Today, the area around Tien Pagoda still preserves many ancient tablets and royal documents of great historical significance to Thanh Liem. During the French colonial period, the pagoda was selected as a retreat and a site for eco-tourism development. Over the centuries, the pagoda has been renovated numerous times. The Tien Pagoda festival, revived in 1992, takes place from the 1st to the 3rd of the third lunar month, featuring a procession of the Mother Goddess to the pagoda, prayers for national prosperity and peace, as well as various cultural and artistic activities that attract numerous pilgrims and visitors.

Tam Gio Pagoda, also known as the Ong Pagoda, is located about 1 km from the Tien Ong Temple, nestled on the mountainside. The pagoda once consisted of hundreds of halls and majestic Buddha statues. Built at the foot of the mountain, a stream of water flows from the mountain's heart here.

On the path from Tien Ong Temple to Tam Gio Pagoda, there were once many beautiful caves, but due to natural changes and human exploitation, many of these caves have been destroyed. The area surrounding the pagoda is also home to numerous legendary tales, such as the miraculous assistance of the pagoda to help King Le defeat the Minh invaders, earning it a royal title and a wooden palanquin. It is also said to have helped General De Yem defeat the French invaders. During the French Resistance, this pagoda became a base for central and provincial leaders and served as a supply depot for weapons production in Region III.

In addition to its history, the area is also the origin of the famous Vietnamese folktale 'Betel and Areca Nut.' Here, you can find the Cau Stream in the limestone mountain range (now called Tan Lang Stream) and the Betel Market (now known as the Giầu Market). With its stunning natural landscape and ancient relics, the Bát Cảnh Sơn complex, if developed properly, could become a fascinating eco-cultural tourism destination in Kim Bang, Ha Nam.

Bau Pagoda, also known as the Thien Bao Pagoda, is located on Nguyen Van Troi Street, Hai Ba Trung Ward, Phu Ly City, Ha Nam Province. Spanning an area of 4000 m2, it is a renowned spiritual site surrounded by tranquil nature. In front of the pagoda lies a deep, wide pond, which connects to the Day River, adding to the serene beauty of the location. According to the principles of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, a pond must be located in front of a pagoda, symbolizing the Yin aspect, while the pagoda represents Yang. This balance creates harmony between heaven and earth, reminding visitors to cleanse their hands and feet before entering to show respect and sincerity.

This pagoda has been recently renovated and expanded within the original 4000 m2 area of the old Bau Pagoda. The renovation took three years and blends traditional architectural styles with modern design elements. Historical records indicate that the pagoda has been around for over 1000 years, situated within the Bau Village, Bau Ravine, and Bau Market. It has long been a center of spiritual and cultural activities for the people of Chau Cau (formerly) and Phu Ly City (today). Bau Pagoda features two floors: the first floor serves as a guesthouse and a gathering place for monks and worshippers, while the second floor is dedicated to religious worship.

Upon passing through the main gate, visitors encounter the front hall, where statues of the Great Elder and the Saintly Wise are enshrined, and the main sanctuary where Buddha statues are displayed. In the Buddha's hall, the uppermost level holds three statues of the Three Worlds, the second level features a large statue of Amitabha Buddha, and the third level displays a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha with Bodhisattvas Manjushri and Samantabhadra beside him. At the back of the hall lies the Ancestor's Hall, which also houses a shrine to the Mother Goddess. In the center of the pond, a small tower enhances the picturesque setting of the entire pagoda complex.

Currently, Bau Pagoda houses many valuable artifacts from the reign of King Vinh Thinh in 1663, such as 28 royal decrees on the Buddha Phap Van and the last decree from the ninth year of King Khai Dinh’s reign, as well as a bell measuring 0.95m in height and 0.57m in diameter, cast in the third year of the Minh Mang dynasty (1822), and a green stone tablet measuring 1.25m in height and 0.8m in width.

Alongside other temples and pagodas in Phu Ly, Bau Pagoda stands out for its unique blend of traditional and modern architectural elements. While the overall style of Ha Nam's architectural sites is similar to those in other regions, Bau Pagoda has a distinctive character, with its spacious layout, open surroundings, and proximity to Nguyen Khuyen Park, offering a peaceful sanctuary in the midst of the bustling city.

The pagoda, known as “Phat Tich Tu” in formal writing and “Trinh Tiet” in local dialect, is situated on the left bank of the Day River, nestled among the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking scenic view. Phat Tich Pagoda faces the river and was rebuilt during the reign of King Le Chung Hung. The pagoda follows the 'two-house' architectural style, with each house consisting of three sections, and has undergone several renovations, the most recent in 1930. The inscription on the roof of the front hall reads: “Bao Dai, Canh Ngo, 12th month, 6th day, restoration.”

To the right of the pagoda stands a temple dedicated to the “Thap Bat Long Than Chan Te” – a divine figure worshipped by locals as the Elder God. A couplet engraved on the temple’s door evokes the landscape: “Amid the trees of the wondrous garden, past and present light eternally. The mountain of Trinh Tiet, with its clear winds and bright moon, always welcomes new times.” This can be roughly translated as: “In the midst of the trees of the magical garden, the endless light spans time. The name of Trinh Tiet mountain, with its moonlit winds, brings forth renewal.”

Despite being distant from the nearest village, the pagoda is conveniently located near National Highway 1A, making it easily accessible for visitors. Throughout the year, Phat Tich Pagoda is always surrounded by incense smoke as devotees come to pay their respects. Not only do local people come to worship, but they also visit to honor the memory of a Trần Dynasty princess enshrined in the rear hall of the pagoda. The story goes that in March of the Mậu Dần year (1389), Hồ Quý Ly forced Emperor Trần Thuận Tông to abdicate and become a monk, placing the throne in the hands of his three-year-old son, Prince Trần An. Trần Thị Bạch Hoa, the princess’s elder sister, was 17 at the time and sought refuge with Hồ Nguyên Trừng, who arranged a boat to carry her away to safety. They stopped at Kẽm Trống, where she chose the spot for the pagoda, dedicating herself to Buddhism and the welfare of the people. She later passed away and was laid to rest here.

According to historians, Long Doi Son Pagoda is located on the Cuu Long land, shaped like a great dragon resting on the vast, fertile plains. The peak of Doi Mountain rises high, facing towards the ancient capital, Thang Long. From the summit, visitors can admire the majestic natural landscape with nine winding paths and rivers resembling nine earth dragons. The 'eyes' of these dragons are the wells scattered around the Doi Mountain range in both the surrounding villages and at the foot of the mountain.

To reach the sacred pagoda, visitors must climb 373 stone steps that wind their way up the mountain. Once at the pagoda, which covers over ten thousand square meters, you'll immediately feel a sense of peace and tranquility among the ancient trees, covered in moss. Behind the pagoda lies a garden and flower courtyard, offering a serene space for reflection. Along the corridors, statues of Arhats stand, and the rear hall gleams with light, displaying precious historical artifacts that exude ancient charm.

Over a thousand years old, Long Doi Pagoda has witnessed the many ups and downs of history. Yet, it continues to stand proudly on Doi Mountain, watching the world around it change. Today, the pagoda houses numerous famous artworks, such as the Sùng Thiện Diên Linh stele, the statue of Avalokiteshvara, and the statue of the Laughing Buddha. These elements give the pagoda a unique and exclusive character that can only be found here.

Khanh Long Tu Pagoda is an ancient pagoda originating from the Tran Dynasty. According to local folklore, it was a gathering place for wise monks and scholars during that era. Later, during the 7th year of the Canh Hung reign, the pagoda underwent a major expansion and renovation, marking the year when the iconic ancient bell of the pagoda was introduced.

In 2010, Thich Tam Tue, a monk from Hue, decided to stop by during his travels and dedicated himself to restoring the pagoda. He rebuilt it on the site of the ruins and gave it a new look. The design of the pagoda is heavily inspired by the dreamy and peaceful architecture of Hue. The first thing that strikes visitors upon arriving at Khanh Long Tu Pagoda is the lush, vibrant greenery that envelops the space, making it a perfect place for tranquility and reflection.

As you enter through the main gate, visitors will find two-story buildings built in traditional brick and tile style. The ground floor houses a tea room, while the second floor is reserved for the monks' quarters. The entire space has been beautifully renovated and is compact yet well-designed. Additionally, the narrow archways on both sides of the main hall lead to lush gardens, offering a refreshing contrast to the typical architecture of northern Vietnamese pagodas.

Tam Chuc Pagoda is recognized as the world's largest pagoda, covering an area of nearly 5,000 hectares, which includes a 1,000-hectare lake, 3,000 hectares of natural mountainous forests, and 1,000 hectares of valleys. The pagoda is famed for its majestic landscape, featuring the 'Six Mountains in Front' and the 'Seven Stars Behind.' The 'Six Mountains in Front' are six peaks rising from the center of the lake, believed to be six bells dropped from heaven. The 'Seven Stars Behind' are seven mountains that glow when illuminated at night.

The construction of the pagoda involved skilled craftsmen from various religions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. In 2000, while conducting a survey for the lake’s irrigation system, workers discovered numerous ancient artifacts linked to the original Tam Chuc Pagoda. Preliminary findings suggest that the pagoda has existed for over 1,000 years. Despite the passage of time, remnants of large wooden and stone pillars, some over 1 meter in diameter, still lie buried at the original site. These massive structures raise questions about how such grand buildings were constructed by our ancestors.

The current Tam Chuc Pagoda features 12,000 stone carvings depicting the life of Buddha, created by Indonesian Muslim artisans from volcanic stone. Additionally, the pagoda is in the process of building an enormous pillar garden, with 1,000 stone columns, each 12 meters tall and weighing 200 tons. As of now, 36 of these columns, carved by skilled Vietnamese craftsmen, have been erected. Once completed, this will become the largest pillar garden in the world.

The sacred pathway at Tam Chuc Pagoda includes: Ngoc Pagoda, Tam The Hall, Phap Chu Hall, Quan Am Hall, the Tam Quan Gate, and the International Conference Hall. The pagodas and statues at Tam Chuc are of monumental size. Ngoc Pagoda, located at the top of Seven Stars Mountain, is being built by Hindu artisans and is expected to be finished in 2018. The Tam The Hall stands 39 meters tall with a floor area of 5,400 square meters, allowing 5,000 worshippers to participate in ceremonies simultaneously. The International Conference Hall, floating on the lake, covers 10,000 square meters and can seat 3,500 people. The Tam Quan Gate is still under construction. The entire complex is expected to be completed by 2048, marking a 50-year project. Transportation between Hanoi and Ha Nam is very convenient, and Tam Chuc is only 30 km from Bai Dinh Pagoda and 4.5 km from Huong Pagoda, forming a 'Golden Triangle' of spiritual tourism, catering to both domestic and international visitors. The development of Tam Chuc is aimed at preserving its natural landscape and fostering sustainable economic growth for Ha Nam province.

You don't have to travel far to find a beautiful and tranquil destination. In Ha Nam, there's a peaceful and beautiful pagoda known to many people: Di Tang Phi Lai Pagoda. Located in Ninh Trung Village, Liem Son Commune, Thanh Liem, Ha Nam, this newly constructed pagoda attracts many visitors for its serene atmosphere and simplicity. The pagoda complex includes the Three Jewels, an ancestral hall, shrines dedicated to the Old Man and the Wise Saints, residential quarters, lecture halls, guest houses, and monks' residences. The entire pagoda is nestled among a pine forest, offering a harmonious blend of beauty and serenity that leaves a profound impression on all who visit.

When visiting Di Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, after offering incense in reverence, take time to breathe in the fresh air and let your spirit drift with the wind. Surrounded by pristine mountains and cool forests, the pagoda offers unique perspectives from different angles, each revealing a new facet of its beauty. Anyone who visits will feel a deep sense of peace under the sheltering roof of Di Tang Pagoda.

Inside the pagoda, everything has been carefully arranged by the monks. The flowers and plants are meticulously tended to, creating a serene environment that fosters a sense of comfort and tranquility. From Di Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, visitors can also hike up the mountains and explore the ancient forests. You don't need to go far or visit overcrowded tourist spots – Di Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is an excellent choice for those seeking peace and quiet.

Ba Danh Pagoda spans over 10 hectares in Danh Village, Ngoc Son Commune, Kim Bang District, Ha Nam Province. Located approximately 7 km southwest of Phu Ly along National Route 21B, the pagoda faces south, overlooking the serene Day River. The entrance gate, near the riverbank, opens to a path leading into the pagoda complex. Ba Danh Pagoda is one of the largest in Ha Nam, covering more than 10 hectares with over 40 structures. Its foundation is raised, with five steps leading up, and the two ends are built with solid walls. The entrance gate features three bays, with two levels. The upper floor is covered with two layers of southern-style tiles, and its wooden floor is enclosed by decorative railings. This upper section is used as a bell tower, while the lower three bays have lim wood doors.

Ba Danh Pagoda is considered one of the most beautiful and ancient temples in Ha Nam and northern Vietnam, thanks to its picturesque setting. The pagoda grounds encompass various architectural works, including nearly 40 buildings of various sizes. In addition to housing Buddhist statues, it also features statues of the Four Lords (Nam Tao, Bac Dau, Tai Thuong Lao Quan) and other deities related to the Four Palaces, a Vietnamese folk belief.

Legend has it that in the 7th century, the site was home to a small temple dedicated to the Four Phases (Phap Van, Phap Vu, Phap Loi, Phap Dien). Under the reign of King Le Huy Tong (1675-1750), the temple was expanded and beautified. In 1994, the Ministry of Culture and Information (now the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism) officially recognized it as a National Historical Site. In 2007, Ha Nam's provincial government, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, invested nearly 20 billion VND to restore and upgrade the pagoda.

The name 'Ba Danh' originates from local legend, where the pagoda is dedicated to a sacred female deity who controls the weather, ensuring good harvests and protecting the people from floods. Originally known as the Pagoda of the Holy Lady of Danh Village, it is now simply referred to as Ba Danh Pagoda.