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Van Phuoc Pagoda has a special architecture with unique spiritual works. Specifically, the pagoda's location on the water gives it a cool, airy atmosphere, bringing a peaceful and tranquil space to visitors. The history of Van Phuoc Pagoda is also rich through many stages of development and renovation.
The temple was built in the middle of swamps and muddy areas. Source: ATM Lucky Vietnam
Besides, within the pagoda grounds, many other architectural works such as the three-entrance gate, Buddha pedestal, pagoda bell and a large hall. All create a beautiful and impressive picture for visitors. Let’s discover with Asia King Travel this spiritual tourist destination in Ben Tre!
Built in 2000, Van Phuoc Pagoda is relatively new when compared to other ancient pagodas. When this pagoda was originally built, Van Phuoc Pagoda had an area of about 8 hectares and was surrounded by swamps and wild weeds. No one could have imagined that at present, there would be a precious gem shining in the middle of this pristine swamp.
View of Van Phuoc Pagoda from above. Source: Nucuoimekong
Until 2005, when Master Thich Phuoc Chi was just a monk and wanted to build a small monastery to practice and help people. With the help of Buddhists near and far, as well as local people, they contributed to repairing and building the magnificent Van Phuoc Pagoda as it is now. Therefore, it can be said that to have a "fairyland" place like now is thanks to everyone’s help and contribution.
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Visitors can visit Van Phuoc Pagoda at any time of the year. Moreover, during festivals, the pagoda becomes more vibrant and bustling. Visitors can participate in the pagoda's spiritual activities such as releasing flower lanterns, praying for a requiem, etc. The biggest festival of the year held at the pagoda is the worshiping ceremony of Amitabha Buddha on November 17th lunar year every year.
Visitors can visit Van Phuoc Pagoda at any time of the year. Source: Nucuoimekong
Van Phuoc Pagoda is in Binh Chien Hamlet, Binh Dai District, Ben Tre Province. With 12 hectares of land, Van Phuoc Pagoda is considered the largest pagoda in Ben Tre.
From Ho Chi Minh City, you run straight towards Ho Chi Minh City - Trung Luong Highway. After that, go straight for about 50 kilometers then turn onto National Highway 1A, go about 5 kilometers and you will reach My Tho City (Tien Giang Province).
Van Phuoc Pagoda is considered the largest pagoda in Ben Tre. Source: Nucuoimekong
From My Tho City, follow National Highway 60, cross Rach Mieu Bridge, drive another 13 kilometers and reach Ben Tre City. From the center of Ben Tre City, you go about 50 kilometers along National Highway 57B to reach Van Phuoc Pagoda.
Although built recently, Van Phuoc Pagoda still retains the classic architecture of ancient Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. This place is designed with some similarities to ancient royal architecture. Some outstanding works at Van Phuoc Pagoda include Three-entrance Gate, Main Hall, Buddha's Worship House, etc.
Similar to other Three-entrance architectures, the gate at Van Phuoc Pagoda also includes 3 walkways built from 4 pillars. However, the gate is extremely prominent with bright yellow light in the middle of a wild, weedy area. Not only that, this gate is not roofed with red tiles but instead has 2 tall towers like a small version of a stupa.
The bright Three-entrance Gate attracts the eyes of passersby when visiting Binh Dai District. Source: Nucuoimekong
The bright Three-entrance Gate attracts the eyes of passersby when visiting Binh Dai District. Every time the sunset gradually falls, golden rays of sunlight shine through the shiny golden paint of this gate, making the pagoda seem to be glowing. It is no exaggeration to call it the "fairyland" of Ben Tre coconut land.
Stepping through the Three-entrance Gate, you will encounter a spacious, airy campus shaded by ancient trees. Standing at the campus of Van Phuoc Pagoda, you will enjoy a peaceful, pure sky. Inside the Main Hall, three identical Buddhas will be worshiped. Not only that, inside the main hall there are also statues of Buddha Shakyamuni and Amitabha Buddha.
Standing at the campus of Van Phuoc Pagoda, you will enjoy a peaceful, pure sky. Source: Nucuoimekong
To the right of the main hall is another hall. In this place, there are statues of Bodhisattvas with a Thousand Hands and Thousand Eyes worshiped and in the distance is Patriarch Dat Ma, a monk who propagated Buddhism to Vietnam. Just like the Main Hall, to add to splendor, carved walls surround the life of Buddha. The space in the main hall is extremely majestic and pure.
In addition to the Main Hall, Van Phuoc Pagoda also has an area to worship two Buddhas under the Bodhi tree. The most prominent feature at Van Phuoc Pagoda among all the statues is the tall Maitreya Buddha Statue. The Maitreya Buddha statue was built by Abbot Thich Phuoc Chi on the full moon day of July lunar month in 2009 and completed in early 2010.
The Buddha Statue is more than 12 meters high and weighs about 99 tons. Since the opening of the Maitreya Buddha statue, thousands of visitors have come to admire the architectural beauty of this pagoda and Buddha statue.
The most prominent feature at Van Phuoc Pagoda among all the statues is the tall Maitreya Buddha Statue. Source: Fanpage Van Phuoc Pagoda
In addition to the statue complex and worship areas, the pagoda also has an office, reception room, living rooms for monks, nuns, disabled people; a charity pharmacy and an area to worship President Ho Chi Minh. In addition, behind the pagoda, there is also Lotus Flower seven treasures known as a fairyland on earth, which visitors should not miss.
Van Phuoc Pagoda early in the morning. Source: Nucuoimekong
Van Phuoc Pagoda is a famous spiritual destination in Vietnam, with unique architecture and peaceful space. Van Phuoc Pagoda brings purity and spirituality to those looking for a sense of peace and serenity. Please contact Asia King Travel to plan a visit and explore the cultural and spiritual value of this pagoda.
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