Hoang Phuc Pagoda The Beauty of the Oldest Pagoda in Quang Binh

Hoang Phuc Pagoda The Beauty of the Oldest Pagoda in Quang Binh

Hoang Phuc Pagoda is one of the oldest pagodas in Central Vietnam and the oldest pagoda in Quang Binh with over 700 years of history. The pagoda is the most vivid embodiment of the Buddhist culture of the feudal era. The following article from NVK Travel will provide you with the most useful information about Hoang Phuc Pagoda.

Location of Hoang Phuc Pagoda

Hoang Phuc Pagoda (also known as Kinh Thien Pagoda or Quan Pagoda) is located in Thuan Trach village, My Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province, on a relatively high and dry area of about 10,000 square meters. The pagoda is also quite close to the old house and grave of General Vo Nguyen Giap.

To get to the pagoda from the center of Dong Hoi, visitors can go straight on National Highway 1A heading south, then turn onto DT16 road, and after that, tourists will reach Kien Giang town. From the town, visitors only need to drive a short distance more to reach Hoang Phuc Pagoda. The road is relatively easy, mostly large roads, so deciding to rent a motorbike, car, or take a taxi to move is all suitable. Visitors should pay attention to the opening hours of the pagoda; Hoang Phuc Pagoda opens from 7 AM to 5:30 PM every day.

Hoang Phuc Pagoda from the most comprehensive perspective

Hoang Phuc Pagoda from the most comprehensive perspective

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The history of formation and development of Hoang Phuc Pagoda

With over 700 years of existence, Hoang Phuc Pagoda has witnessed many different phases of the country, and the pagoda itself carries a very long historical story.

The period from 1301-1821

This is the early stage that formed the reputation of the pagoda.

  • In 1301, Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong visited the pagoda and prayed for blessings for the people and the country. At that time, Hoang Phuc Pagoda was named Tri Kien and its scale was still quite small.
  • In 1716, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu changed the name from the Tri Kien hermitage to Kinh Thien Tu.
  • By 1821, while touring to the North, King Minh Mang visited and gave the pagoda a new name, Hoang Phuc Tu, and the local people often called it Tram Pagoda or Quan Pagoda.
The formation stage of Hoang Phuc Pagoda

The formation phase of Hoang Phuc Pagoda

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The period after 1821-2010

During this period, the pagoda had the structure and scale as it is today, and then existed until it gradually deteriorated over time.

  • After going through many historical phases, Hoang Phuc Pagoda suffered many damages and could not withstand the storm number 12 in 1985. After the storm, many architectural structures of the pagoda were completely collapsed.
  • In 2010, the pagoda was classified by the Quang Binh Provincial People's Committee as a provincial historical relic.
The pagoda is classified as a provincial historical site

The pagoda was classified as a provincial historical relic

The period from 2010 to now

After a period when the pagoda seemed to be forgotten, it has been restored and has become a tourist and meditation destination for many people.

  • On November 30, 2014, with the artifacts still preserved from the pagoda such as: a wooden fish, a 80kg bronze bell, 1.1 meters high, 0.5 meters in diameter with a hanging handle carved with two dragons holding pearls with intricate patterns, Buddha statues, incense burners, lamp bases, flower vases, and lotus seats. The Le Thuy District People's Committee was the investor for the restoration project of Hoang Phuc Pagoda with a capital of 40.4 billion VND. The capital was contributed by individuals, businesses, philanthropists, and Buddhists both domestically and internationally.
  • On January 16, 2016, the restoration process of the pagoda was completed, and a ceremony was held for its inauguration. On this occasion, the Buddhist Association of Myanmar donated a relic of Buddha Shakyamuni from the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar to Hoang Phuc Pagoda. Along with this joy, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism awarded the certificate of National Historical Site to the pagoda.
The beauty of Hoang Phuc Pagoda is still preserved to this day

The beauty of Hoang Phuc Pagoda is still preserved to this day

Interesting experiences at Hoang Phuc Pagoda

When visiting Hoang Phuc Pagoda, besides feeling the ancient architectural features, the pagoda also offers many unique sensations and experiences for visitors.

Revisiting the heroic historical years of the nation

Quang Binh is a land known for its rich history, once being the most tense battlefield of the two wars against the French and the Americans. Hoang Phuc Pagoda during that period was not only a place where the people placed their trust for a brighter future but also a sanctuary that nurtured and protected Communist soldiers from enemy pursuits. For these reasons, Hoang Phuc Pagoda had to endure merciless destruction from invaders, with bombs falling like rain during that time of resistance.

After many years of being forgotten, Hoang Phuc Pagoda has received the attention it deserves. The pagoda has been restored, renovated, and recognized as a National Historical Site of Vietnam. Moreover, the pagoda is now also a tourist destination for many visitors coming to Quang Binh.

In memory of the glorious years of the nation along with the pagoda

Commemorating the glorious years of the nation with the pagoda

Cultivating the mind with Buddhism

In addition to its tourism values, the pagoda still retains its core values, which are the preservation of traditional culture and Buddhist beliefs. Every year, the pagoda welcomes many Buddhists who come to visit. Many people come to the pagoda to have the opportunity to learn, immerse themselves in the ancient space of Hoang Phuc Pagoda, cultivate their minds towards goodness, and seek the beautiful values that the pagoda has preserved for over 700 years.

Visitors here can offer incense, respectfully clasp their hands in prayer, and can also request to stay in the pagoda, joining the monks and nuns in practice, eliminating worries and troubles, and finding peace and tranquility in their souls. Perhaps for these reasons, Hoang Phuc Pagoda today is not only a place to meet the spiritual needs of local people but also serves the exploration, sightseeing, and worship needs of many foreign tourists. Therefore, this pagoda also contributes a significant number of visitors to tourism in Quang Binh in particular and tourism in Vietnam in general.

Relax your soul and sincerely turn to Buddha when visiting the pagoda

Calm your soul and sincerely turn to Buddha when visiting the pagoda

Exploring ancient architecture and festivals at Hoang Phuc Pagoda

Although Hoang Phuc Pagoda has undergone many renovations and a major restoration in 2014, the architecture of the pagoda still retains the ancient features of a pagoda from the feudal era. The pagoda also preserves famous horizontal lacquered boards from the Nguyen dynasty. Notably, the motifs of the four sacred creatures (dragon, unicorn, turtle, phoenix) and decorative patterns clearly reflect the identity and traditional culture of the Vietnamese people.

Every December, Hoang Phuc Pagoda organizes a large-scale festival, attracting a large number of local audiences and visitors to participate. The festival consists of two parts: the ceremonial part and the festival part. The ceremonial part includes traditional activities such as the opening ceremony, water procession, flower lantern release, and other Buddhist rituals. After the ceremonial part, the festival part follows with a more exciting and lively atmosphere. The festival part includes folk sports activities such as tug-of-war, wrestling, chess, traditional swing, and bai choi. Participating in the festival, visitors will gain a better understanding of the cultural traditions of the Vietnamese people.

Hoang Phuc Pagoda has a unique and distinctive architecture

Hoang Phuc Pagoda has a unique and distinctive architecture

Notes when visiting the pagoda

Before visiting Hoang Phuc Pagoda, visitors need to pay attention to the following:

Visiting time and attire

December is the ideal time to visit the pagoda. The weather is very pleasant, and this is also when the pagoda organizes its festival and many other festivals take place in Quang Binh. Since this is a spiritual and religious site, tourists should wear polite clothing and absolutely avoid wearing revealing outfits such as shorts, short skirts, tank tops,...

Visit the pagoda in December to optimize your experience

Visit the pagoda in December to optimize the experience

Ensure the order of the pagoda

Visitors are advised to maintain general order, keep the area clean, not litter, and especially not to break branches or paint to protect the landscape of Hoang Phuc Pagoda. If regulations are violated, visitors may be asked to leave the pagoda immediately.

Important notes to keep in mind when visiting the pagoda to avoid diminishing the experience

Important notes to keep in mind when visiting the pagoda to avoid diminishing the experience

Conclusion

Although Hoang Phuc Pagoda has been restored and is no longer the original pagoda, its spiritual and cultural values will always be preserved and passed down to many future generations. The pagoda also holds significant diplomatic meaning with the Buddhist community of Southeast Asian countries. If you wish to travel to Quang Binh, please register for the services of NVK Travel at nvktravel.com.