Phuc Son Pagoda: The rustic charm of a bamboo pagoda in a cave in Thanh Hoa.

Located in Tong Son commune, Phuc Son Pagoda impresses with its architecture entirely made of bamboo, from the triple-arched gate to the abbot's residence, creating a serene atmosphere.

Unique architecture made from rustic materials.

Nestled in Huong Dam village, Tong Son commune, Thanh Hoa province, Phuc Son Pagoda, also known locally as Khoang Pagoda, is a spiritual destination with a rustic and peaceful beauty. The pagoda has a long history, but no one knows exactly when it was built. A special highlight of the pagoda is its architecture, which has been restored primarily using readily available materials such as thatch, bamboo, and reeds.

Phuc Son Pagoda was built with bamboo and thatch to worship Buddha.

Right from the entrance, visitors will encounter a gate made entirely of bamboo and thatched with straw, creating a familiar and intimate feeling reminiscent of a Vietnamese village. In 2023, after being appointed abbot, Venerable Thich Phap Khong, along with Buddhist followers, built a Buddhist shrine using bamboo and thatch and constructed steps from the foot of the mountain to the cave for convenient worship.

The gate leading to Phuc Son Pagoda is made of bamboo and thatched with a straw roof.

Spiritual space within the mountain

The main part of Phuc Son Pagoda is nestled within a natural cave halfway up the mountain. This is where the Three Jewels worship area is located, renovated by local people since 2007. The interior of the cave, though simple, exudes a solemn and tranquil atmosphere, completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

The temple is located inside a cave.

The Buddhist altar is simply and unpretentiously decorated, bringing a sense of peace to those who visit. For the local people, the temple has long been a familiar place of worship on full moon days, holidays, and festivals.

The Buddhist altar was bare and dilapidated.

The abbot's place of practice

Another unique feature of Phuc Son Pagoda is the residence and meditation space of Venerable Thich Phap Khong. It's a small hut made of bamboo and thatch, only about 5 square meters in size, perched precariously on the mountainside. To reach it, the Venerable must cling to the rock faces. Inside, the minimalist living space reflects the spirit of asceticism and closeness to nature.

The thatched house sits atop the mountain, where the abbot of the temple lives and practices his faith.

Venerable Thich Phap Khong shared his wish to build a more spacious temple in the future, making it a solid center of religious activity for the local people.

Guide to visiting Phuc Son Pagoda

Location

Phuc Son Pagoda is located in Huong Dam village, Tong Son commune, Thanh Hoa province. It is a suitable destination for those seeking tranquility and wanting to explore a unique spiritual beauty.

Notes for visitors

• This is a sacred place of worship, so visitors should dress respectfully and modestly.
• The path to the temple consists of steps winding along the mountainside, requiring good physical fitness to climb.
• Maintain peace and cleanliness to show respect for the monastic space.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/chua-phuc-son-net-moc-mac-cua-chua-tre-trong-hang-da-thanh-hoa-398267.html