Situated on a high mound amidst the low-lying plains of Quan Tu village, Son Dong commune, Am Pagoda stands like a tranquil lotus flower in the vast sea of rice paddies. It's no coincidence that the locals liken the pagoda to a lotus pedestal – an image that not only evokes purity but also embodies profound reverence for this sacred place that has stood for over three centuries.
Built during the reign of King Le Hy Tong and completed during the Vinh Thinh dynasty, Am Pagoda is one of the few temples that still retains the original architectural features of the Late Le Dynasty. The front hall has five bays and two side wings, with a tiled roof and curved eaves resembling birds soaring to the sky. The rafters, beams, and archways in the pagoda are elaborately and meticulously carved, depicting dragons winding through clouds, phoenixes dancing under the moon, chrysanthemums, lotuses—symbols both familiar to folklore and deeply imbued with Buddhist thought.
Am Pagoda, an ancient temple in Quan Tu village (Son Dong commune), has been preserved through many generations and has become a famous spiritual tourist destination.
But the soul of Am Pagoda lies not only in its architecture but also in the ancient artifacts that are preserved. The Buddha statues, carved from jackfruit wood and dating back several hundred years, still retain their compassionate and serene expressions. Stone steles, bronze bells, and monolithic incense burners all bear witness to a golden age, reflecting the flourishing development of Buddhism and spiritual life in the villages of Northern Vietnam.
The temple is dedicated to the Three Buddhas, the Holy Mother, the Venerable Master, the Jade Emperor, and the 18 Arhats. This combination reflects a harmonious belief system blending Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous beliefs, demonstrating the flexibility and tolerance in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. These layers of worship are not merely rituals but also symbols of the aspiration for goodness and the belief in the balance between heaven, earth, and humanity.
Am Pagoda is a blend of religious beliefs, harmonizing Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous faiths.
Am Pagoda, with its ancient, moss-covered architecture, is a peaceful place to reconnect with one's roots.
For the people of Shandong, Am Pagoda is a place to return to during the changing seasons, a place to entrust their prayers during life's storms. Every March festival, the entire village carries palanquins to the pagoda, offers incense to Buddha, and brings along sticky rice cakes, steamed rice cakes, and honey cakes – simple yet deeply meaningful gifts from their homeland. The festival atmosphere is not only sacred and solemn but also vibrant with the sounds of drums, songs, and poetry – lively cultural traditions preserved through generations.
While Am Pagoda stands quietly amidst the countryside, Thanh Lanh Pagoda in Binh Tuyen commune emerges as a hidden sanctuary atop a hill, nestled among lush green forests and a crystal-clear lake. From the pagoda, visitors can take in a vast expanse of nature – where mountains, clouds, and the lake seem to blend seamlessly. This harmonious blend makes Thanh Lanh Pagoda a spiritual focal point, a place where people can experience absolute peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the world.
Thanh Lanh Pagoda has become a focal point of spiritual energy, a place where people can experience absolute peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the world.
Built in the early 17th century, the pagoda bears the distinctive architectural style of the Le Dynasty. Its soaring curved roofs, with their neatly arranged yin-yang tiles, and the intricately carved rafters and brackets depicting the four mythical creatures and four auspicious symbols, demonstrate sophisticated craftsmanship and meticulous aesthetic thinking. What is particularly noteworthy is that, in addition to ancient artifacts such as Buddha statues, horizontal plaques, and couplets, the pagoda also receives many statues donated by local people and Buddhist followers from all over. This is not only a testament to their devotion but also a manifestation of the strong bond between the pagoda and the community.
During the war years, the temple was severely damaged, but driven by their love for this sacred place, the local people joined together to rebuild it, stone by stone, tile by tile. Looking at the magnificent main hall today, few can imagine the hardships and struggles of countless generations who silently protected and restored the temple. Not only did Thanh Lanh Temple renovate, but it also expanded its lecture hall and monks' quarters, creating better conditions for religious study, preaching, and welcoming visitors from all over.
The pagoda is not only a place to practice Buddhist teachings but also a space for moral education , compassion, and sharing. Many charitable programs and community activities are regularly organized here, such as: providing free meals, supporting the poor, and disaster relief... All of these contribute to spreading the spirit of kindness and the tradition of "helping those in need" in Vietnamese culture.
Thanh Lanh Pagoda is being preserved and restored to meet the cultural and religious needs of local people and visitors from afar.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh, a tourist from Hanoi, was captivated by the beauty of the temple after offering prayers. She shared, "I've visited many temples and pagodas, but coming here feels like stepping into another world —so peaceful, ancient, intimate yet profound." Perhaps this feeling isn't unique to Ms. Minh. For many visitors from all over, Thanh Lanh Temple is a place to stop and entrust their wishes at the end of the year or at the beginning of a new season.
From temples like Am Pagoda or Thanh Lanh Pagoda, one can clearly feel how closely culture, beliefs, and daily life are intertwined. Temples not only preserve people's faith but also safeguard ways of thinking, living, and customs passed down from generation to generation.
Today, amidst the development of tourism, preserving ancient temples is not only about protecting historical relics but also about preserving the identity of a region. When the roof tiles, statues, and traditional festivals are cherished and promoted, it is then that the past, present, and future meet in harmony. In such places, tourism is no longer a journey of searching for destinations but becomes a trip to the very heart of a rural culture – where the temple bells still resonate in the afternoon, gently reminding people of their roots, of enduring values that time cannot erase.
Le Minh
Source: https://baophutho.vn/gin-giu-nhung-ngoi-chua-co-gan-voi-phat-trien-du-lich-237083.htm
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