Discover the temple known as the "Phoenix Ancient Town" of Vietnam

Located in Binh Dinh (now Gia Lai province), Thien Hung Pagoda is one of the most prominent pagodas in the Central region because of its unique architecture and beautiful landscape.

Many tourists compare this place to the Vietnamese version of "Phoenix Ancient Town" thanks to the combination of antiquity, serenity, and romance of a traditional pagoda and the dreamy river scenery.

Not only a famous tourist attraction, Thien Hung Pagoda is also known as the place where Buddha's relics are kept, making it a sacred pilgrimage site.

1. Move to Thien Hung Pagoda

The pagoda is about 23 km from the center of Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh. Visitors can travel by taxi or motorbike for about 30-40 minutes.

To get to the temple, visitors go from Quy Nhon along National Highway 1A towards An Nhon, then turn to Nhon Hung to reach the temple gate.

You can travel by motorbike (suitable for young people who like to experience, easy to stop to admire the scenery); taxi/grab/car (convenient for families, groups of friends); intra-provincial bus (some routes to An Nhon have stops near the pagoda).

2. What is the best season to go?

- Spring (lunar January-March): Festive atmosphere, many Buddhist activities, fresh flower and leaf scenery, suitable for pilgrimage.

- Summer (April-August): Sunny weather, convenient for sightseeing and taking photos. However, you should go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sunlight.

- Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, golden sunshine, peaceful scenery, ideal for sightseeing and taking pictures.

- Winter (December-January): The weather is chilly, the temple is sparkling when lit up at night, creating an ancient feeling like the real Phoenix Ancient Town.

In particular, the afternoon from 4-6pm is the best time to visit the pagoda, both to enjoy the sunset and to admire the sparkling temple when the lights come on.

2. Explore unique architecture

The architecture of Thien Hung Pagoda in Binh Dinh is considered one of the most unique in the “land of martial arts” because of the harmonious combination of traditional Asian architectural styles and modern architecture today. Although not too majestic or splendid, the pagoda still exudes a solemn and strangely ancient beauty.

From afar, you can see that the structure inside Thien Hung Pagoda has many unique structures that create a grand scale for this young pagoda. And these unique structures can make you feel like you are lost in the ancient royal palace.

First is the three-entrance gate, this is where you will see another world when you come to the temple, bringing peace and openness when you step through the gate into the temple. The design of the three-entrance gate is skillfully carved by artisans with curved knife ends and dragon heads, creating an extremely solemn look.

Next is the main hall - the place for religious activities of Buddhists and the masses who believe in Buddhism. The main hall of Thien Hung Pagoda in Binh Dinh consists of many floors, each floor of the main hall will worship different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Therefore, when you step into the main hall, you will feel the splendor and extraordinary sacredness.

One of the structures that creates the highlight of Thien Hung Pagoda is Thien Ung Tower. With a 12-storey structure, about 40m high, standing on the tower, you can observe it from almost all surrounding locations.

Although the pagoda was built in a modern time, it still has an ancient and majestic style. Thanks to the ingenuity of the artisans, the curved tile roofs and dragon heads at the top of the pagoda have created a beauty like a royal palace. However, the pagoda still has a simple beauty and is close to everyone.

Known as the most beautiful pagoda in Binh Dinh, Thien Hung Pagoda not only has massive and unique architectural works, but also a campus that brings an airy and extremely peaceful space. When entering the temple campus, you will forget all your worries and your mind will suddenly become more peaceful.

A large lake embraces the temple grounds, the calm water surface like a giant mirror, reflecting the image of the gracefully curved temple roof, highlighting the enchantingly poetic scene.

Across the lake is a simple yet charming wooden bridge, decorated on both sides with colorful lanterns. This harmonious combination evokes an ancient space, making visitors feel like they are lost in the ancient town of Phoenix, China - a place that preserves the mark of time in every small alley and dim light.

Especially when the afternoon gradually falls or the night gradually covers, the bridge and the lake become the highlight creating an unforgettable scene. The light from the lanterns gently reflects on the water surface, weaving a mysterious shimmering picture, both quiet and brilliant, making people feel like they are lost in a dreamland.

In addition, inside the campus, the existence of the Arhats is also recreated, a miniature landscape arranged by the temple to bring closeness and spirituality to visitors. Coming to the temple, just walking around the flower garden, the royal garden, looking at the statues of Buddha is enough for you to feel all your karma disappear.

3. Opportunity to admire the relics

Although it is a new pagoda and not as famous as other ancient pagodas, Thien Hung Pagoda in Binh Dinh is famous for its sacredness because of the existence of Jade relics. Every day, hundreds of tourists come to the pagoda to worship and visit the Jade Buddha in the hope of warding off evil.

The relics of Buddha Shakyamuni are revered as the Jade Buddha of world peace and are sacred objects in the subconscious of every person. At Thien Hung Pagoda, the relics were brought from the Golden Temple in Yangon, Myanmar, so they are considered to be a powerful sacred object at the pagoda.

In addition, religious activities are also held solemnly and regularly. People who come here can pray and hope for peace, luck, smooth work and sincerely remove all bad karma to find peace in their hearts.

Notes when visiting the temple

- Dress: Dress politely and modestly, avoid shorts and off-shoulder shirts when entering the main hall.

- Behavior: Keep order, walk lightly, speak softly, do not laugh loudly in the premises.

- Photography: Landscape photography is allowed, but flash use should be limited in the worship area.

- Incense burning: Only burn a moderate amount to avoid waste and creating a lot of smoke.

- Protect the landscape: Do not pick flowers, break branches, or litter in the temple grounds.

- Shoes: Wear shoes that are easy to remove for convenience when entering the shrine.

With its sacred and romantic beauty, Thien Hung Pagoda is a worthy destination that combines spirituality, culture and tourism. Choose the right season, prepare suitable luggage and maintain a respectful attitude when visiting, you will have a complete experience - finding peace of mind and taking beautiful photos like in the ancient town of Phoenix right in Vietnam./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/kham-pha-ngoi-chua-duoc-menh-danh-la-phuong-hoang-co-tran-cua-viet-nam-post1062197.vnp