English
French
Spanish
ItalianDia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda once ancient named Dung Pagoda was built in the 11th century. Many kings during Vietnam's feudal period came here to pray for children. However, the pagoda was later forgotten. In 2015, Venerable Thich Minh Quang rebuilt and renamed Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda.
A corner of the Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda
The name Dia Tang Phi Lai means Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva does not tread. In Buddhism where he never came back is considered Buddha land. By taking this name, the Venerable abbot intended to signify the pagoda's sacred status as a realm of Buddhahood.
Currently, the pagoda frequently attracts numerous tourists. They admire the scenery and find the peacudul in their souls amidst the peaceful natural surroundings under the clear sky. Go nowhere, let Asia King Travel introduce you to more about the pagoda in the later part.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is in Liem Son Ward, Thanh Liem District, Ha Nam Province. The temple is only 15 kilometers away from Phu Ly City of Ha Nam Province and 70 kilometers from the capital Hanoi. It's a top choice for day trips among tourists coming from Hanoi.
Suggested for you: Hoa Lu & Trang An Full Day Excursion
The pagoda is conveniently near National Highway 1A, making travel quite easy. To get there, start by heading south on National Highway 1A. After traveling for a little over an hour, you'll pass through Phu Ly City. When you see the parking area for Phi Lai Pagoda in Liem Son Ward, turn in, and you'll arrive at your destination.
On the way to the pagoda. Source: Le Dac Hien
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is beautiful no matter the time of year. Visit in the Lunar New Year, the pagoda is decorated with colorful flowers and a festive atmosphere welcomes the traditional Vietnamese holiday.
Buddhist devotees are preparing for a ceremony at the pagoda. Source: Dia Tang Phi Lai Facebook Fanpage
The biggest annual festival at the pagoda occurs in the 7th lunar month (around August and September). Many visitors come to participate in the Vu Lan Festival and the celebration of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha. Additionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival one month later is an ideal time to visit, with cool weather and a perfect view of the full moon.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda lies against a mountain and a charming lotus pond on the campus. It is atop a small hill, surrounded by an expansive pine forest. First-time visitors will be somewhat surprised to see the path leading to the pagoda is paved with white pebbles instead of the usual red bricks.
The scene outside the temple, with two guardian deities standing sentinel on either side
Beyond a place of worship, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda also serves as a sanctuary to reconnect with nature. Monks grow a tended orchard and herb garden in the pagoda ground. At mountain foot, the pagoda has constructed a mushroom cultivation house. Visitors can even savor a delectable vegetarian meal prepared with fresh ingredients harvested on-site.
The pagoda houses a reading room lined from floor to ceiling with nourishing soul books. Additionally, visitors can wander through the quiet grounds of the pagoda to enjoy a cup of tea or see the orchid pots behind the Patriarchal Hall.
Wind Chime Corridor
The mountain behind the pagoda has a staircase takes you to the summit. Upon reaching the top, your reward is a stunning panoramic pagoda view. This path has no signs, symbolizing that everyone has their way to go; you can choose your path.
Right in front of the Ancestral Hall, 12 circles are drawn on the gravel ground referring to the 12 human conditions. On top of that are layers of glossy black bricks forming a path. According to the pagoda, white gravel signifies a sea of suffering. You have to go on the black bricks, don’t step on the gravel.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda tiles are carved in many motifs, including lotus blossoms, dragons, and phoenixes. The upward-pointing tips of the lotus petals are a hallmark of Ly-Tran dynasty ornamentation from the 11th to 14th centuries. Garuda deity roof tiles symbolize the cosmos.
Circles and white gravel on temple ground
Moreover, the architectural harmony with nature is also the most distinctive feature of this place. The largest building in the pagoda is the Tam Bao Hall and a a statue of Ksitigarbha at the center. To the right of the main pagoda is the area dedicated to the worship of 42 founding abbots.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is for anyone wishing to escape the noisy life outside. Visit this famous pagoda once to find moments of inner calm under the mountain and forest scenery. Contact Asia King Travel to book a ticket to the haven of peace.
Suggested for you: Vietnam Tour 11 days: Northeast Trail & Halong
