Three temples in Northern Vietnam for a spring sightseeing trip.

The temples in Ha Nam, Bac Giang, and Thai Binh provinces have a serene atmosphere and unique architecture, reflecting the charm of the Northern Vietnamese countryside, making them ideal for strolling and sightseeing at the beginning of the year.

The locations below were selected based on the experiences of VnExpress reporters, according to the criteria of small temples, beautiful natural scenery, easy to travel from Hanoi within a radius of about 100 km, not too crowded, and suitable for short trips at the beginning of the year.

Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda, Ha Nam

Three temples in Northern Vietnam for a spring sightseeing trip.

Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is located in Ninh Trung village, Liem Son commune, Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam province, 70 km from Hanoi, nestled against a mountain and surrounded by greenery. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and walk barefoot around the pagoda.

The temple's altars are harmoniously arranged within a space of greenery, water features, and pebble gardens. The roofs, carved columns, statues, and plants all reflect Buddhist aesthetics and blend seamlessly. A highlight of the temple is the courtyard paved with white pebbles, symbolizing meditation and setting Địa Tạng Phi Lai apart from other temples, creating a sense of peace.

Bo Da Pagoda, Bac Giang

Bo Da Pagoda is located on Phoenix Mountain (Bo Da Son), north of the Cau River, in Tien Son commune, Viet Yen district, Bac Giang province. According to the Viet Yen district information page, the pagoda grounds include a stupa garden considered the most beautiful and largest in Vietnam, serving as the resting place for over 2,000 monks and nuns.

The pagoda is one of the places that still retains the original features of ancient Vietnamese traditional architecture, but its architecture differs from traditional pagodas in the North. Nearly 100 interconnected chambers are built using folk materials: fired bricks, tiles, earthenware, and earthen walls. The walls, gates, and some structures are built of rammed earth in the traditional style, creating a solemn and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of the rural areas of the Northern Delta. The base gate resembles a bell tower, is paved with salt stones, and is built in the Nguyen Dynasty style.

Keo Pagoda, Thai Binh

Keo Pagoda is located in Duy Nhat commune, Vu Thu district, Thai Binh province. It is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam, recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Monument and a Special National Monument. Keo Pagoda is also one of the most sacred pagodas in Northern Vietnam. Built in the 17th century, it is a unique architectural and cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Keo Pagoda comprises many important structures such as the triple gate, the main hall, the Buddha temple, the bell tower, corridors, the monks' quarters, and over 100 other features. All structures are intricately carved with decorative motifs. One of the pagoda's distinctive features is the bell tower, built on a square brick foundation and comprising three tiered roofs. This bell tower is considered a symbol of Keo Pagoda and a major attraction for visitors.

According to vnexpress.net

Source: https://baohanam.com.vn/du-lich/ba-ngoi-chua-bac-bo-cho-chuyen-vang-canh-xuan-145542.html