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The beautiful coastal city of Cam Ranh is probably already well-known to travelers far and wide. But did you know that this city is home to a one-of-a-kind pagoda? That’s Tu Van Pagoda, a temple made entirely of seashells! If you’ve heard of it, you must be an adventurous traveler.
Seashells can be found everywhere. Photo: Ha Photography
The pagoda is also called the Shell Pagoda or Coral Pagoda for easier recognition. It is a place of practice for monks and Buddhists, but more and more visitors come to admire its uncommon architecture. With Asia King Travel, let’s find out more about Tu Van Pagoda in the article below!
The pagoda is at No. 388, 3rd of April Street, Cam Ranh City, Khanh Hoa Province. It is about 8 kilometers south of the city center. The distance from Nha Trang City isn’t too far either, just over 50 kilometers. Anyone visiting Khanh Hoa, particularly Cam Ranh, would tell you that you have to stop by the pagoda just once because it’s in such a good location.
Inside Tu Van Pagoda from the entrance gate. Photo: Cham Khanh Hoa
In Cam Ranh City, simply head south on Hung Vuong Street, the main road along the coast. You will then see a turn onto The 3rd of April Street. Drive straight down this road for 500 meters, and you’ll arrive at the pagoda. If you’re starting from Nha Trang, follow National Highway 1A to Cam Ranh. Hung Vuong Street is part of that highway.
It has a lying Buddha statue. Photo: Dan Viet
Moreover, a major international airport in Cam Ranh City has direct flights from many countries worldwide to serve international tourists. It only takes about 25 minutes to travel to the pagoda from the airport.
As a spiritual destination, you can visit the pagoda year-round. However, a trip to Central Vietnam wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the beach. The best time to travel is from May to August or November to March. At that time, the weather has no rain and sunny skies all day. It’s the perfect weather for both swimming and sightseeing.
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Seashells and coral are all over the pagoda, from the towers to the stone walls and the walkways. The shells are all painted into tall towers stretching dozens of meters high or spacious rooms. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a magnificent underwater palace while walking around.
A room fully decorated by seashells. Photo: Ha Photography
Nevertheless, it is the outcome of the monks’ work in carefully attaching each shell to ensure the space is unique and refreshing while keeping the original sanctity of a pagoda. To build such a massive structure, it took 5 years to prepare and collect seashells that washed ashore.
The most impressive structure is Bao Tich Stupa which stands 39 meters tall. This tower features 49 pointed mini-towers on its face. Remarkably, even the highest spires also has seashells.
Bao Tich Stupa is the must-see highlight of the pagoda. Photo: 52Hz
Inside each small tower, there is a statue of the thousand-eyed, thousand-eared Buddha. On top of each small tower, there are smaller stupas. And so, hundreds of Buddha statues of various sizes are arranged in a unique order in the Bao Tich Stupa.
Layers and layers of stone to the top. Photo: Vietnam Times
The tower is built with 2 floors and 8 doors facing all directions. The first floor serves as the welcoming room for monks, nuns, and visitors, while the second floor is the main sanctuary for Buddha worship. Not only the outside but the inside is decorated with seashells. With its unique architecture, Bao Tich Stupa resembles a majestic seashell castle when viewed from afar.
If Bao Tich Stupa makes you admire, the path down to the "18 levels of hell" gives visitors a feeling of being lost in a dark world. And of course, the material that adorns this place is still coral, seashells, and the entrance is decorated with an attractive dragon head. Although the name may sound frightening at first, when you approach with sincerity and a genuine desire to explore, the profound life lessons of Buddhism will gradually unfold.
The dragon head leads you to the tunnel. Photo: Traveloka
The descent into "hell" is designed to be quite dark to create a realistic feel, and the path is narrow and winding. Along the way are 12 tablets detailing human sins and their respective punishments in hell, while the levels of hell are depicted in a rather gruesome manner. But this is the best way for monks to teach other people how to live and how to treat one another.
The journey through Tu Van Pagoda concludes at Bat Nha Hoa Vien, which is also the exit of the "18 levels of hell." The sensation of emerging from darkness into a vibrant garden filled with light and greenery is akin to ascending to paradise after enduring trials and tribulations. A serene oasis adorned with ancient trees, vibrant flowers, and intricate seashell sculptures, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
The scene backs to a serene atmosphere. Photo: Pham Quoc Hung
At Tu Van Pagoda, not only will you admire the unique architecture, but you will also experience meaningful life lessons, with your mind being cleansed and purified like never before. A trip to Khanh Hoa is an unbeatable offer, where you can fully enjoy the beauty of the blue sea, architecture, and culture. Contact Asia King Travel to find your dreamy trip!
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