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Hidden among pine forests, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is renowned as one of the most beautiful pagodas in Ha Nam Province (tỉnh Hà Nam). Without needing grand and magnificent scale, this Buddhist temple conquers visitors with its elegant beauty, unique architecture harmonizing with nature, and tranquil, peaceful atmosphere.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is located on a hill in Ninh Trung hamlet (thôn Ninh Trung), Liem Son commune (xã Liêm Sơn), Thanh Liem district (huyện Thanh Liêm), Ha Nam Province (tỉnh Hà Nam). This spiritual tourism destination is approximately 70km from Hanoi capital (Thủ đô Hà Nội) and takes about 1.5-2 hours to travel.
Rather than being a grand and imposing structure, Dia Tang Phi Lai Temple impresses with its harmony and refinement in arrangement and connection with nature. The Buddhist sanctuary backs against the mountain, surrounded by cool green pine forests, creating an isolated, quiet, and fresh space.
This sacred place was originally the foundation of the ancient Dung Pagoda (chùa Đùng), built during the Ly-Tran period (around the 11th century). Legend has it that Tran dynasty kings and King Tu Duc of the Nguyen dynasty once visited this Buddhist temple.
After thousands of years of ups and downs, in December 2015, Venerable Thich Minh Quang came to serve as abbot, working hard to restore and rename the pagoda to Dia Tang Phi Lai Temple. The name carries deep meaning, "Phi Lai" implies that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is present and universally saves all beings everywhere without needing invitation.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is located in Thanh Liem district, Ha Nam Province - Source: Internet
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda attracts visitors with its rustic beauty and harmony with nature, deeply imbued with the Buddhist spirit of the Ly-Tran period.
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda attracts visitors with its unique architecture harmonizing with nature - Source: Internet
What creates the appeal of this Buddhist temple is the tranquil space, separated from the hustle and bustle of the city. The location near Hanoi is also a big advantage, convenient for travel and visits.
Especially, the pagoda is not commercialized - there is no trading of offerings inside the temple, no street vendors, no fortune-telling services, creating a truly "pure" atmosphere. In addition, the pagoda has many beautiful photo spots that are gentle and refined.
Exquisite patterns carved on pagoda pillars - Source: Internet
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is not as large as Tam Chuc or Bai Dinh, but it leaves an impression with every small, quiet, and peaceful corner.
Tam Bao Hall:
Tam Bao Hall is the main hall area, worshipping Buddha Shakyamuni and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The space is arranged solemnly with ancient horizontal boards and couplets. This is where Buddhists and visitors often stop first to offer incense and pray for peace.
Tam Bao Hall - Source: Internet
Ancestral Hall:
This area worships the founding masters and abbots of the pagoda through various periods. The small structure is built in traditional wooden house style among green trees, creating an ancient yet intimate feeling.
Wind chime corridor:
Along the corridors connecting the worship halls, many ceramic wind chimes are hung. The sound of chimes ringing in the mountain wind creates a characteristic, relaxing, and peaceful sound for the Buddhist sanctuary.
Wind chime corridor - Source: Internet
Pho Dong Tower:
Pho Dong Tower was built during the Ly-Tran period, located in the courtyard behind the pagoda, serving as the resting place for the relics of 40 generations of abbots.
Pure grounds and poetic scenery:
Surrounded by cool green forests, along with small beautiful lotus ponds, the pagoda carries peaceful and dreamy beauty. The grounds also intersperse fruit gardens, mushroom houses, medicinal herbs, forest vegetables, flower gardens, etc., along with Buddha statues scattered throughout every corner.
The pagoda grounds are pure and full of poetic charm - Source: Internet
White pebble courtyard and 12 Circles of Dependent Origination:
This serves both as an architectural landscape highlight and carries deep meditative meaning, while also being a unique photo spot beloved by many visitors.
Pure white pebble courtyard with 12 circles of dependent origination - Source: Internet
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda brings Buddhists and visitors many profound experiences full of meditative flavor.
Pilgrimage and Buddha worship:
Offering incense, worshipping, praying for peace and health is the main activity when you visit the Buddhist temple, not only expressing devotion but also a way to connect with spirituality and release worries from daily life.
Temple sightseeing:
At different times, the pagoda carries a unique beauty that captivates countless visitors. Strolling to admire the temple scenery will be an interesting, peaceful, and carefree experience.
Each unique architectural piece interspersed among fresh green gardens brings distinctive beauty to the pagoda - Source: Internet
Photography:
With harmonious beauty between natural landscape and distinctive architecture, the scenery at the Buddhist sanctuary is loved by young people for many artistic photo angles such as: white pebble courtyard, 12 circles of dependent origination, wind chime corridor, meditation garden, curved tile roofs, Vajra statues, pine forest, lotus pond, etc., bringing beautiful, elegant, and refined photos.
Mountain climbing behind the pagoda:
Behind the pagoda grounds are cool pine hills, meditation gardens, and small hermitages. You can walk along this path, following streams, crawling through cave passages, etc. The climbing path is not too steep, very suitable for walking meditation or simply experiencing the fresh atmosphere.
Meditation and tea appreciation
Within the pagoda grounds, there are many tea appreciation spaces with peaceful stone table sets in pure thatched pavilions. Additionally, during festivals and Tet holidays, the temple has meditation tea programs, mindful tea appreciation, helping participants feel peace, comfort, and connect deeply with spirituality.
Participating in retreat courses:
Every year, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda organizes summer retreat courses that many Buddhists register for, bringing beautiful memories and meaningful experiences.
You can register to stay at the pagoda for merit work or participate in summer retreat courses - Source: Internet
To make your trip smooth and meaningful, please refer to the following experiences.
Transportation guide from Hanoi:
Transportation guide from distant provinces:
The most optimal option is to book a flight ticket to Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi. Then, take shared transportation or book a taxi to continue the journey to Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda.
Currently Vietnam Airlines operates many direct flights from cities to Hanoi. To search for convenient flights, please visit Flight Tickets to Hanoi from only 878,000 VND.
You can visit Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda at any time of the year according to your wishes:
Weekdays (Monday-Friday) and after the first 3 months of the year: At this time the pagoda is quieter and less crowded, you can feel the pure atmosphere and comfortably worship and sightsee.
On weekends or during events and festivals, the pagoda attracts many Buddhists and visitors, so the space will be more bustling, including occasions such as:
For a more comfortable experience, you should visit the pagoda on weekdays and after the first 3 months of the year - Source: Internet
Opening hours:
Entrance fees:
Parking:
Other costs:
The pagoda does not charge admission fees, you can freely explore every corner - Source: Internet
The pagoda has no sales activities, fortune writing, or money changing. Therefore, if you intend to make offerings, you should prepare in advance. Offerings usually include fruits, cakes, etc., according to your heart, and you can add hand-copied sutras if desired.
You can refer to the worship order as follows:
The pagoda has no buying and selling activities, so you need to prepare in advance if you intend to make offerings and worship - Source: Internet
When visiting, you need to walk gently and speak softly to maintain the peaceful Buddhist atmosphere - Source: Internet
Since the pagoda is located in a quite quiet area, convenient accommodation options are mostly concentrated in Phu Ly City or Ninh Binh Province (suitable for tourists combining multiple places), about 15-20km from the pagoda.
Luxury hotels:
Mid-range and budget hotels:
Note: Should book rooms early if going on weekends or holidays.
Around the pagoda area are mainly simple eateries serving local people in Liem Son commune or Kien Khe town.
If you want more choices, you can move to Phu Ly City center to enjoy famous Ha Nam specialties such as:
To discover more distinctive dishes, please see more in the article What specialties does Ha Nam have? 10++ suggestions you cannot miss
Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda is a spiritual destination combined with valuable experiences. This place not only has beautiful scenery and unique architecture but also brings feelings of peace and relaxation to the soul. Whether you come to worship Buddha and pray for peace or simply seek a quiet space, this Buddhist sanctuary will leave a deep impression.
Passengers are required to have adequate travel documents for all flights on all concerned airlines and to abide by national laws and regulations. Vietnam Airlines does not take responsible if passengers are denied entry into any country.
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