Temples and pagodas around Hanoi - Part 2

More and more pagodas with AMAZING festivals in Hanoi attract tourists in Spring. These pagodas are becoming a necessary part of local people life.

Keo Pagoda - Thai Binh province

Location: Dung Nhue Hamlet, Duy Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province

Name: Than Quang pagoda

Main festival: 13th to 15th of the ninth lunar month

It is said that Duong Khong Lo Monk built Keo Pagoda between 1133 and 1154. He is both a famous Monk and famous doctor in Ly Dynasty. After successful treatment for King Ly Thanh Tong from a serious disease, he was honorably given the title of Quoc Su (Royal Teacher) and plenty of money and land. He used that to build the pagoda.

Ancient Keo Pagoda

Architecturally, Keo Pagoda is impressive to both domestic and foreign tourists in Vietnam travel who have chances to visit the pagoda at least once time. The pagoda stretches the area of 7,200 square meters, bordering the Red River. There are two passages which separate the pagoda and temple. They are decorated with curved roofs that join together at the 11.5 meter-iron wood bell tower. This iron wood bell tower has three stories, each of which possesses its own tiled roof and bronze bell. Up to now, Keo Pagoda has proudly preserved one of the few surviving sets of rod puppets in Vietnam.

Carving in pagoda

It is said that Keo Pagoda is a home to a wealth of ancient relics which ranges from intricately engraved wooden dragons to a collection of over 100 statues. Here is also preserved many valuable antiques, such as a pair of candlesticks from the Mac Dynasty, some pottery ware and altars from the Le Dynasty, imperial boats, etc. It is surprising that all of them are kept intact as they were during the time of the Le Trung Hung Dynasty in 16th century. 

Keo pagoda in rainy day

Keo Pagoda Festival is held from the 13th to 15th of the ninth lunar month annually, 100 days after the death of the Monk Duong Khong Lo. As with all other Vietnam festivals & events, Keo Pagoda Festival in Thai Binh also begins with a procession to remind people of the anniversary of the Buddhist monk. This is followed by a boat race and a literary recital competition during the day. The night is welcomed by the trumpet and drum competition.

Keo pagoda festival

The second day’s ceremony of the Keo Pagoda Festival, Thai Binh Vietnam also begins with a procession with a carriage pulled by a red and white horse. This is accompanied by 8 flag bearers and 42 men in their tradition verve. A ceremony is held in the Gia Roi temple in the later half of the day. 

Keo festival

The final day’s ceremony includes more of entertainment and games like duck catching, rice cooking competition and firecracker hurling competition. Keo Pagoda Festival, Thai Binh Vietnam is a three days festival celebrating the traditional customs and religious ceremonies of Vietnam.

Dau pagoda  - Bac Ninh province

Location: Dau Village, Thanh Khuong Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province.

Characteristics: Built in the 3rd century, Dau Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Vietnam.

Main festival: 8th of the fourth lunar month.

As Dau Pagoda was the biggest and oldest pagoda in the Buddhist center region, many monks from either India or China came there to do research and spread Buddhism to the local residents.

Dau pagoda in Bac Ninh

This ancient pagoda has undergone many restorations and expansion, with the largest construction undertaken under the Ly - Tran dynasty. Going through the fluctuation of history, although many structures in the region were destroyed, the pagoda still exists and preserves the traditional oriental architecture style especially the wood block aged about 1752 years old and two bronzes' Xa Loi bodies of Vu Khac Minh and Vu Khac Truong monk.

Hoa Phong tower

The yard in front of the pagoda hosts a three stories tower name Hoa Phong. The tower originally had six stories but it was partly destroyed. Inside the tower, there are a number of valuable artifacts such as a large bell dating back in Canh Thinh Dynasty (1793), a big bronze gong casted in Ming Mang Dynasty (1817) and several statues of Gods in Buddhist legends.

AMAZING statue in dau pagoda

The Dau Pagoda Festival was held on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, commemorates the goddess Man Nuong and is dedicated with the Cloud, Lightning, Rain and Thunder Spirits. This is also the birth date of Buddha, further adding significance to this festival.

Inside Dau pagoda

People come from all over the province to enjoy the country fair, where there are lion dances, wrestling and a human chess game. A stick dance is held where thirty-two sticks are brought from one pagoda to the other. People from two nearby villages Phung Quan and Thang Dao were competing for the title of the swiftest at fetching a pail of water. This day has great meaning for the Buddhists who make their annual pilgrimage to the Dau Pagoda, among the oldest pagodas in the country. Many Buddhists believe they must visit this site every fourth lunar month to pay respect to the goddess Man Nuong.

Tay Phuong pagoda - Hanoi

Location: Yen Village, Thach That District, Hanoi

Characteristics: It is also an exposition gallery for many national engraving and sculpture masterpieces.

Tay Phuong Pagoda locates in In Yen Village, Thach That District, Hanoi and about 30km from center Hanoi City. It is also an exposition gallery for many national engraving and sculpture masterpieces. From the long time ago, it is considered as one of Amazing destinations of North Vietnam.

Tay Phuong pagoda

In 1794 under the Tay Son regime, Tay Phuong pagoda was completely renewed, and the design has been kept till now. It comprises three successive constructions: the Hall of Prostration, the Main Shrine, and the Sanctuary, all with double tiered roofs. It seems that this architectural arrangement is inspired by Buddhist and Confucianism thought: the three constructions symbolize the three forces governing the world.

Right side of Tay Phuong pagoda

The central construction has a directing role and is consequently raised higher than the others. It symbolizes Heaven. The construction at the rear plays the role of a foundation: it symbolizes the earth. The construction closest to the world of man stands in front. The whole structure is the symbol of Thai Cuc (the Prime Principle, from which the whole world derives). The double tier of the roof symbolizes the double principle, LuongNghi, yin and yang. The slopes, the roof on the four sides symbolize the four elements of heaven, TuTuong; the sun, moon, stars and deities, while the slopes on the eight sides stand for the Eight Signs of the Sacred Octagon.

Ahart Statues

All the wooden parts of Tay Phuong pagoda are beautifully carved due to folk motifs: mulberry leat Ficusleat lotus flower, chrysanthemum; dragon, phoenix, etc. But the Tay Phuong Pagoda is mostly famous for the statues it contains, magnificent wooden sculptures representing Buddha as well as Vajrapanis and Arhats who are middle-ranking Buddhist deities. 

Tuyet Son Buddha

One in particular portrays Sakyamuni in meditation at the foot of Tuyet Son (Snow Mountain). He was then leading a life of extremely severe ascetics, and his emaciated body, as represented by the statue, shows good knowledge by the artist of human anatomy. The figures of the Arhats each bear distinctive features which depict meditation in original aspects. All are impressive works of art.

Ancient Statue

A festival is held in the grounds of the Tay Phuong Pagoda in early spring each year. It features many games and entertainment: marionette performances, tug-of-war, cock fighting, chess with human chess pieces... The central piece of the festival is the Sam Hoi (Expiation) ceremony, held on the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month, which calls on all men to practice compassion and charity, to avoid wrong doing, and aim for serenity and quietude. It is the end of the tour around one of AMAZING VIETNAM Destinations like this place.

Amazing Tay Phuong pagoda

Tây Phương Pagoda is not only an historical site with valuable architecture, but also a scenic spot in old Ha Tay Province. This place attracts a high number of tourists for this province each year, especially the Luna New Years’ time. Come to one of Vietnam Popular Destinations like this place at that time, you will probably like it too much. Hope you have a happy trip in my beautiful country.

Thay pagoda

Location: Thay Commune, Quoc Oai district, Hanoi.

Name: Thien Phuc Pagoda

Main festival: 5th -7th of 3rd lunar month

Thay Pagoda, or Thien Phuc Pagoda, is located at the foot of Sai Son Mountain, Quoc Oai District, Hanoi, just 30km southwest of Hanoi center.

Thay pagoda

Thay pagoda was built in the 11th century under the reign of Ly Nhan Tong King. Firstly, it was a small pagoda managed by Monk Tu Dao Hanh. The pagoda was initially built according to Sino-Vietnamese character Tam - this character is formed by 3 hyphens parallel to each other. 

Way to rach the pagoda

The pagoda therefore includes of 3 parts: Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda. The outside part, Ha Pagoda, is a place for offering and ceremonies; the middle part, Trung Pagoda, is a place for worshiping Buddha; and final part is a place for worship of monk Tu Dao Hanh. An automated sandalwood statue of Tu Dao Hanh that stands and sits is located in a red lacquered shrine trimmed with gold and covered with a curtain.

Traditional singing in Long Tri Pond

In front of the pagoda is Long Tri pond, in the middle of which is a stage called Thuy Dinh, where water puppet performances are held. Nhat Tien and Nguyen Tien bridges, built by doctor Phung Khac Khoan in 1602, are located on each side of the stage.
Interesting sites can be visited in the surroundings of the pagoda. For example, Phat Tich and Cac Co caves are located not too far behind the pagoda. A hole in the dome of Cac Co cave lets one see outside the cave

Peppet show on Long Tri Pond

The main festival of Thay pagoda takes place from 5th to 7th of the 3rd lunar month. In the festival, many monks and Buddhist followers come there to join that occasion. The ceremony of worshipping the Buddha and the ceremony of offering the God is the symbol for Thay pagoda festival. It is AMAZING. Besides, there are water puppets shows on Thay festival. Many couples come there as it is time for them to show their love to the other.

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Temples and pagodas around Hanoi - Part 1

Thousands year Hanoi built up many AMAZING pagodas and temples. It is the reason why these places are the center of AMAZING NORTH VIETNAM.

Do Temple – Bac Ninh province

Name: Co Phap Temple, Ly Bat De Temple

Location: Dinh Bang Village, Tien Son District, Bac Ninh province

Worshipping: 8 Kings of Ly dynasty

Main festival: 15 – 17 of 3rd lunar month

Do temple was built in 11th century in ancient Co Phap village (Dinh Bang nowadays). According to Monk Ly Van Hanh, the place used to build that temple was a holy place that has 8 dragons come to visit. It is also said that in the past, near the temple, there used to have a forest and Tieu Tuong river flow around; due to the Feng Shui, Vietnamese people believe to build a temple there will bring the prosperity to the country. For many dynasty of Vietnamese feudal, Kings always took highly consideration in repairing and widening that temple. The temple also has the unique folk architecture of Vietnam.

Do Temple

In 1952, the French took and destroyed the whole temple and it was not until 1989 that the temple was recovered but the total square was limited. The total square of Do temple is 31.250 m2 included 21 items. In the center of the temple, there is altar to worship King Ly and around this, it is the house of patriarch, front sanctuary, Phuong Dinh house, palanquin house…

Three door gate of Do temple

Do temple is an example for the architecture of temple and pagoda in the North of Vietnam. The first thing tourists can see when visiting that temple is the main gate with the image of 5 dragons carving on the top of the gate because dragon is the symbol for the power of King.

Front yard

Besides, Do temple is also a center of culture and history in the North of Vietnam. Each year, many people come here to worship and ask for good health, luckiness, prosperity… It then becomes a center of culture in the North of Vietnam.

The main festival of Do temple occurs from the full-moon day to the 17th of the 3rd lunar month. It is the celebration of the day when Ly Cong Uan crowned to be the first King of Ly dynasty (1010). On the festival, people will have a ceremony to bring the palanquin of the King from the village to the main temple to describe the day when he became the King. In front the palanquin are some martial mandarin with more than 100 soldiers and follow the palanquin are 100 people in red clothe and black hats.

Do temple ceremony 

Dragon dancing

Palanquin ceremony

Besides the main ceremony, there are also a lot of activities like cock fighting, birds releasing, wrestling, Quan Ho singing…

Phat Tich pagoda:

Name: Van Phuc pagoda

Location: Phat Tich village, Tien Du district, Bac Ninh province

Characteristics: Buddhist monks were trained in the past in Phat Tich Pagoda.

Main festival: The 4th day of the first lunar month. Place: Phat Tich Commune, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province.

Objects of worship: Quan Yin Buddha and Ly Thanh Tong. 

Phat Tich Pagoda is in Phat Tich Village, Tien Du District, Bac Ninh Province, just 30km from Hanoi. The pagoda is located in the south of the Phat Tich Mountain with many buildings along the path from the foot of the mountain leading to the top. The whole complex of Phat Tich Pagoda faces southward overlooking the Red River.

Beautiful Gate of Phat Tich Pagoda

Phat Tich in English means the Legend of the Buddha. It is said that in the 11th century, the giant Buddhist Tower at the pagoda fell down which revealed the gold-gilded Buddha statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. Since then, the village and the pagoda got the name Phat Tich.

Giant Sakyamuni statue

Phat Tich Pagoda was expanded into a big complex in the 11th century under the Ly Dynasty, but archaeological artifacts found at the pagoda suggest that there had been a pagoda on the site from around the VII - X centuries. In fact, the region is believed to have been the area where Buddhism from India first arrived into Vietnam. And the tomb of King Duong Vuong is just across the Red River from Phat Tich pagoda. 

Phat tich pagooda

Phat Tich Pagoda's architecture came to its climax in the 17th century (1686) when it was expanded with funding from the first wife of Lord Trinh when he came to the pagoda and lived a monk-hood life.

Phat Tich tower

The pagoda was totally destroyed by the French 1947 when they came back to Northern Vietnam. There have been massive efforts by local individuals, by Vietnamese Buddhist followers and by Buddhist monks to restore the Phat Tich Pagoda to its original grandeur from after the war, and the most recent re-construction work was just finished in 2011. 

Rocky statue inside pagoda

Tower Garden

Nowadays, visiting the Phat Tich Pagoda you can easily find back peace and tranquility amid the leafy yards and gardens that is shrouded in full zen atmosphere. Paradissa offers day trips and bicycle tours from Hanoi to the Phat Tich Pagoda along with other attractions of Bac Ninh Province.

But Thap pagoda

Name: Ninh Phuc Pagoda

Location: Situated on the dike of the Duong River, Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province.
Characteristics: The pagoda was built in 17th century, according to "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" architectural style.

Main festival: 23rd -24th of 3rd lunar month

But Thap Pagoda has the Chinese name of Ninh Phuc Tu. It is located in But Thap hamlet, Dinh To commune, Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province. This is a quite ancient pagoda and it has a big architecture scale of AMAZING North Vietnam. This place now is considered as one of Vietnam Popular Destinations in spirit life of people.

Main gate of But Thap

Tower in pagoda

According to local people, the pagoda was built under Tran Thanh Tong dynasty. At that time, Huyen Quang monk was a nun in this pagoda. He had the stone tower of 9 floors built with the lotus shape but this tower is not available today. Until 17th century, the pagoda is famous for the nun of superior Buddhist monk named Chuyet Chuyet a citizen of Fujian province in China. In 1644, the nun passed away and titled to be a great by the king..

Ancient statue inside

Differently with other Vietnam pagodas and temples, the architecture of this pagoda is mainly the combination between “Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc” shape and “Tam” shape. “Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc” shape looks like letter “I” inside a squre and “Tam” shape like three horizontal parallel lines. All the buildings face the South, traditional architecture of the Vietnamese. The pagoda is balanced in the center area but very natural in the surrounding area. The center area includes eight houses which are set in an axis which are three gates entrance, bell tower, fore sanctuary, upper sanctuary, Tich Thien Am palace, middle house, Mother of goddess palace, and back house.

9 stories lotus tower

1 stele in But Thap pagoda

Stone bridge

There are two lines of stele house in the two sides and it runs along the length of the pagoda. At the left side and at the back of the lobby, there is a five-room house which is known as the house of patriarch and used for the worshipping place of the Buddhist priest Chuyet Chuyet, Minh Hanh. There are towers besides which are the tombs of the nun. The architecture of But Thap is also deeply marked by Chinese which are typically the stone bridge and Bao Nghiem tower.

In the corridor around the upper palace, there are many carving pictures of wood and stone. There are totally 51 carving pictures with many different topics with the generalization in the material, style and it is generalized in terms of time. The carving patterns are lively with the artistry characteristic with the topics of trees, flowers, birds, animals.

Carving on wood

But Thap is one of the few numbers of Vietnam Pagoda which keeps the ancient unique architecture. Visitors come here come to ancient pagoda with brown statues of Buddha to the architectures of tower, yard, corridor…

Bodhisattva statue

On the main festival of But Thap pagoda, there are two main parts: the ceremony is the same as many other pagodas with some offering to the Buddha to show respect and ask for good year with the bless of Buddha. After the ceremony, there are many activities like Chinese people chess, table tennis, birds releasing and Vietnam traditional folk songs…

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