Discovering the Heavenly Beauty of Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ha Nam

Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam stands as a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

True to its reputation as a heavenly paradise in Ha Nam province, the Tam Chuc Pagoda complex never fails to leave visitors in awe. With its picturesque setting amidst mountains and water, and the serene atmosphere of Buddhist spiritualism, this temple has attracted a large number of tourists over the years. Let's explore some fascinating aspects of Vietnam's largest pagoda to plan for a wonderful trip!

Image source: Collected

Located in Ba Sao town, Kim Bang district, Ha Nam province, the Tam Chuc Pagoda tourist complex is a renowned spiritual destination in Vietnam and one of the world's largest pagodas. Tam Chuc Pagoda features a picturesque landscape with a vast lake in the foreground, majestic limestone mountains in the background, and surrounded by natural forests. The serene atmosphere of the pagoda offers visitors a peaceful escape from worries and troubles.

In 2019, Tam Chuc Pagoda had the privilege of hosting the United Nations Vesak Day celebration. Each year, Buddhists from around the globe gather here to offer incense and prayers, while millions of tourists visit Tam Chuc Pagoda for its scenic beauty.

Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam is approximately 70km from central Hanoi, making it accessible by various means of transportation. If you opt for a bus, you can catch one from Hanoi to Phu Ly at stations like Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam, or Yen Nghia. For those driving cars or motorcycles, take Giap Phong Street, pass through Nuoc Ngam bus station towards Thuong Tin - Phu Xuyen. Once you reach the intersection with QL1A, travel up the national highway and head towards Phu Ly. Follow QL21 for about 10km to reach the pagoda.

Image source: Collected

The ideal times to visit Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam are during spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather in Ha Nam is pleasant, cool, and not too hot, especially around September to November and January to March. Additionally, you can plan your visit during significant Buddhist holidays celebrated at the pagoda, such as Buddha's Birthday on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month, Vu Lan Festival on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month, Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, and Enlightenment Day on the 8th day of the 12th lunar month.

When visiting Tam Chuc Pagoda, you'll have the opportunity to experience various enjoyable activities such as sightseeing, paying respects for peace, and taking boat rides to admire the scenery. As a renowned tourist destination, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam offers several fascinating attractions that you shouldn't miss, including:

Tam Quan Gate: This grand and magnificent gate serves as the main entrance to the pagoda. It is divided into Tam Quan Ngoai (Outer Tam Quan) and Tam Quan Noi (Inner Tam Quan). Tam Quan Ngoai is solidly built and serves as the first point of welcome for Buddhists and tourists. Tam Quan Noi is the next destination after visitors cross Lake Luc Ngan to reach the Spiritual Area.

After passing through the Outer Tam Quan Gate, you'll arrive at Thuy Dinh Guesthouse. Here, you can check-in, purchase boat tickets to explore the inner areas of the pagoda, and also visit the interior, view paintings of the pagoda, and admire the panoramic view of the Tam Chuc Spiritual Area.

Image source: Collected

The Pillar Garden: Here, you'll find 32 gigantic stone pillars, each weighing about 200 tons and standing 14 meters tall. These pillars are made of green stone, arranged closely together in a solemn manner. Each pillar's base is in the shape of a lotus pedestal, with a hexagonal body and a lotus bud on top, adorned with unique and impressive decorative motifs.

In conclusion, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam stands as a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility, drawing visitors from near and far to experience its serene atmosphere and cultural richness. Whether you come for the breathtaking landscapes, the profound spiritual significance, or the cultural festivities, a visit to Tam Chuc promises a memorable journey into Vietnam's largest and most spiritually significant pagoda complex.

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)