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If you visit temples and pagodas not just for a spiritual experience but also to admire unique architecture, don't miss Phuc Lam Pagoda. The pagoda will amaze you at first sight. It looks like it's "gilded" similar to temples in Thailand or the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar. Moreover, Phuc Lam Pagoda is impressively expansive in scale.
The outside of the temple is completely gold-plated. Photo: Vuong Loc / Sai Gon tiep thi
Over a century old, the pagoda had fallen into disrepair due to time and historical events. However, Phuc Lam Pagoda has undergone a remarkable transformation after five years of renovation. Join Asia King Travel as we explore this magnificent spiritual site.
Phuc Lam Pagoda is in La Mat Commune, An Thi District, Hung Yen Province. It is just 40 kilometers from Hanoi city center to the southeast, so the pagoda is ideal for an excursion outside of Hanoi. You only have to take around 1 hour to get there.
Cross Vinh Tuy Bridge or Thanh Tri Bridge from Hanoi city center to get to Dien Bien District. Turn right on National Highway 5B. Keep following the highway until you reach Pho Noi intersection. Here, make a U-turn at the Tan Phuc - Bai Say intersection to enter National Highway 38. Follow National Highway 38 north for about 7 kilometers and you will reach the pagoda.
Besides driving, you can also take a bus from Hanoi to Phuc Lam Pagoda. From Gia Lam or Nuoc Ngam bus station, take a bus to An Thi District. Once you get off, you can take a motorbike taxi for the remaining few kilometers to Phuc Lam Pagoda. Bus tickets from Hanoi to An Thi usually cost around VND 100,000 per trip.
Spring is always the most beautiful time to visit the pagodas and temples in Northern Vietnam. The weather is pleasant, with a slight chill, perfect for sightseeing. People come to offer incense and pray for a good year in the fresh air of the new year. You can immerse yourself in spring festivals too.
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Phuc Lam Pagoda spans approximately 4 hectares. Its grounds are adorned with numerous lush landscapes and surrounded by a winding pond. Behind the pagoda lies endless rice fields. The landscape is a beautiful picture of the Red River Delta.
The pagoda surrounded by a lake and overlooking boundless rice fields. Photo: Collective
The pagoda consists of two main halls, constructed in a Chinese architectural style. Each hall stands at 15 meters tall and 20 meters wide. These structures are entirely gilded and set on a granite base. Surrounding these halls are large Buddha statues.
A hall in gold. Photo: Dan Viet
Not only that, Phuc Lam Pagoda also has four towers intricately carved with dragon and phoenix motifs. Large lotus petals adorn the railings on the second floor, adding an elegant and refined beauty.
The entire roof of the pagoda is intricately carved with incredibly lifelike dragons, showcasing the essence of Vietnamese artistry. The gracefully curved and fluid dragons create a harmonious and well-balanced aesthetic for the entire temple space. Overall, the pagoda is not only a sacred spiritual site but also an architectural masterpiece with significant artistic value.
After exploring the pagoda, many visitors linger to enjoy the dreamy twilight scenery. As the sun sets, the last rays of daylight bathe the temple in a shimmering glow. This is the most breathtaking moment of the day. From here, you can gaze into the distance, admire the peaceful countryside of Hung Yen, and feel a deep sense of tranquility in your soul.
The stone statue and the golden dragon are carved with great precision. Photo: Dan Viet
To have a meaningful and fulfilling visit, here are some important tips to keep in mind. As a sacred place of worship, you should have appropriate attire. Avoid wearing revealing or inappropriate clothing. Instead, choose modest and respectful outfits to show your reverence for this holy site.
Maintain a serious and respectful demeanor while visiting the pagoda. When not in the festive season, keep your voice low and avoid laughing or chatting loudly. It could disturb people around and you could be asked to leave the pagoda.
Refrain from touching or moving statues or objects inside the pagoda without permission. Many statues and artifacts have deep religious meaning, so it’s better to keep a distance. If you wish to light incense, ask the temple caretakers for proper practice.
Do not litter within the temple grounds. Carry a small bag for your trash and dispose of it in designated bins. A clean environment not only enhances your visit but also preserves the site for the next visitors.
Please keep everything clean so that the scenery will always be beautiful. Photo: Dan Viet
Phuc Lam Pagoda is a spiritual destination you should visit at least once. This "Golden Temple" has a sense of tranquility and picturesque views perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. Contact Asia King Travel to seize the opportunity to experience this remarkable place!
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