In addition, Van Phuoc Pagoda is also one of the largest pagodas in Ben Tre province. With a large campus and unique architecture that attracts tourists. When coming to Van Phuoc Pagoda, you will enjoy the poetic natural scenery and colorful wildflower fields. Let’s visit this beautiful pagoda with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Van Phuoc Pagoda?
Van Phuoc Pagoda is located in Binh Chien Hamlet, Binh Dai Town, Binh Dai District, Ben Tre Province, Vietnam. It is about 48 km east of Ben Tre city center and about 125 km south of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. How is Van Phuoc Pagoda unique?
Van Phuoc Pagoda is known as a “precious gem” appearing in the middle of a swampy land filled with trees and grass of Ben Tre province. Surrounded by shrimp ponds and cool green mangrove forests.
With impressive traditional architecture, Van Phuoc Pagoda stands out with unique sculptures and architecture. It creates a peaceful and solemn space. In particular, Van Phuoc Pagoda is also considered a sacred place. Where tourists come to find peace of mind.
In addition to visiting unique architectural works. When traveling to Van Phuoc Pagoda, you can also participate in spiritual activities. Such as: praying for the dead, worshiping the head, and learning about Buddhist history and culture. Van Phuoc Pagoda is not only a beautiful tourist destination but also a deeply spiritual destination. It brings a sense of peace and faith to every visitor.
Besides, the unique architectural works and valuable relics in the pagoda. Which are proof of the local community’s determination and faith in maintaining and developing this place. Van Phuoc Pagoda is also an indispensable cultural and spiritual symbol of Ben Tre. And it is a great destination for those who want to explore the history and Buddhist culture in the region.
This place has an area of about 8 hectares, surrounded by many ancient trees. Therefore, when entering the pagoda space, you will feel especially cool and fresh. This place is not only a famous tourist destination, a pilgrimage site to worship Buddha. But it is also a home for the disabled and mentally ill.
In 2008, Van Phuoc Pagoda was recognized by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. And it has become a pilgrimage destination for tourists from all over the country.
3. History of the formation and development of Van Phuoc Pagoda
The pagoda was built in 2000 and until now, the pagoda continues to be renovated and other structures are built. Such as: Buddha statues, functional buildings with increasingly spacious and spacious scales. It creates favorable conditions to welcome more visitors, monks, and Buddhists on pilgrimage every year.
Van Phuoc Pagoda was built on extremely difficult terrain. The previous site before the pagoda was built was still a wasteland, overgrown with weeds, piled up soil and flooded with salt.
In 2005, Venerable Thich Phuoc Chi, who was then a monk, came here to establish a small monastery for his practice. Gradually, Buddhists everywhere donated and built the pagoda on an area of 12 hectares.
Almost no one could believe that in such harsh geographical conditions, a beautiful pagoda like a pearl appeared in the middle of the swamp. Moreover, the entire pagoda is covered in gold, adding to the solemnity of the pagoda amidst the mud and wild grass. It covers an area of about 12 hectares, surrounded by many ancient trees.
Although, through many ups and downs of history, Van Phuoc Pagoda has become an important spiritual center of the Mekong Delta region. It attracts a large number of Buddhists and tourists on Ben Tre tours to visit and feel the peace in their souls.
Especially, it was recognized as a pagoda by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in 2008. And it has become a pilgrimage destination for tourists from all over the country.
4. How to get to Van Phuoc Pagoda?
From Ben Tre city center to Van Phuoc Pagoda is about 48 km. If you travel by private car or motorbike, it will take about 1-1.5 hours. You can find the pagoda from your location from google map here.
For those who are going for the first time and rarely go to Ben Tre and are not familiar with the road. You should not try this way, it is easy to get lost and waste a lot of time.
It is best to use a tour service or rent a tourist car for safety and less time. Please contact Origin Vietnam for more detailed information
Directions to Van Phuoc Pagoda:
Start from Ben Tre city center to the West to Tran Quoc Tuan Street (East-West Avenue). When you reach 30/4 Street, turn onto Dong Khoi Avenue, continue along Nguyen Hue Street. Continue along Nguyen Thi Dinh Street – Huynh Tan Phat – Cau Ba Lai. Continue on the road for about 30 kilometers on Provincial Road 883. Then, ask the locals for directions to Van Phuoc Pagoda and you will arrive right away.
Note: You can also use Google map to follow the directions. Before departing, you should carefully check your vehicle, bring all your personal documents. And strictly follow the road traffic laws to ensure a safe trip.
5. Exploring the unique architecture of Van Phuoc Pagoda
The architecture of Van Phuoc Pagoda in Ben Tre is built in the ancient royal architectural style, similar to other pagodas in Vietnam.
5.1. Tam Quan Gate
The Tam Quan Gate area is a highlight of the overall architecture of this place. The Tam Quan Gate was built elaborately and meticulously. It shows the respect and sacredness of the pagoda.
The Tam Quan Gate area consists of three large gates, each with sophisticated sculptures. It shows the sophistication and artistry of the sculptor. Above the gate are rich, beautiful and unique motifs.
The Tam Quan Gate also has a pair of golden dragons on the left and right sides. It leads to the spacious main hall and the large lotus pond located inside the campus, … When entering the Tam Quan Gate area, you will not only admire the beauty of the architecture. But also feel the solemnity of this spiritual space.
5.2. Temple campus
The most special thing is the 12.45m high Maitreya Buddha statue weighing up to 99 tons. It is made of reinforced concrete and located in the campus of Van Phuoc Pagoda. This is one of the most prominent spiritual works in Ben Tre. The beauty of the statue makes anyone who visits the temple for the first time overwhelmed.
When walking around to explore this place, you will feel your soul soothed after many days of worry and hardship. What could be better than coming here to admire the scenery and make wishes with the majestic Buddha statue?
5.3. Main Hall Area
The main hall of Van Phuoc Pagoda is the heart of this sacred place. This is where spiritual and ritual activities are concentrated. The architecture of the main hall is meticulously designed, reflecting the solemnity and majesty of Buddhism.
In the area outside the main hall, there is a solid structure, with curved roofs and elegant lines. It creates a solemn image and at the same time honors the beauty of traditional architecture.
In the area inside, the Buddha statues and motifs are meticulously cared for and decorated. It creates a sacred and peaceful space, truly suitable for prayer and meditation.
5.4. The worship house at Van Phuoc Pagoda
The worship house at Van Phuoc Pagoda is an important part of the spiritual space and architecture of the pagoda. This area is built with traditional architecture, imbued with the beauty of classical architecture.
The structure of the temple is an open space, built with wooden columns and characteristic curved roofs. The interior is often simple but elegant, with Buddha statues and delicate decorative motifs. The temple is an ideal place for tourists on Ben Tre tours to find tranquility and enjoy the sacred space of the temple.
In addition to the statue complex and worship areas, the temple also has an office, reception room, and rooms for monks and nuns. Or rooms for the disabled, a charity pharmacy and a worship area for President Ho Chi Minh.
5.5. Surrounding corridors
The corridors surrounding the temple are built with open architecture. Which helps the temple space to always be airy and cool. The walls are decorated with paintings about the life of Buddha, helping you learn more about Buddhism while walking around the temple.
6. Enjoying Ben Tre cuisine when traveling to Van Phuoc Pagoda
When traveling to Van Phuoc Pagoda, you have the opportunity to enjoy delicious vegetarian dishes here. They selected the ingredients carefully from local products. Therefore, you can be completely assured of the dishes. Although rustic, but with the characteristics of the cuisine of the river region here.
In addition, you will enjoy the wonderful flavors of many delicious rustic dishes. Such as: Coconut rice, braised fish in clay pot, coconut worms, fish sauce with pork belly, My Long rice paper. Or braised Goby fish in coconut water, braised duck, grilled eel with scallion oil, grilled snakehead fish.
7. Accommodation when traveling to Van Phuoc Pagoda
Because Van Phuoc Pagoda is not too far from the center of Ben Tre city. Moreover, it is a tourist destination for the day. Therefore, after visiting and worshiping here, you can return to Ben Tre city to relax and stay overnight.
- Quoc Phuong Riverside Homestay. Address: Phu Tuc, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.
- Cocoland Hometay. Address: Group 3, Phuoc Hoa Hamlet, Thanh Trieu, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.
- Charming Countryside Homestay. Address: 208D Hamlet 4, Nhon Thanh, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
- Ben Tre Garden Farmstay. Address: Group 10, Phuoc Xuan Hamlet, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre.
- Mango Home Riverside. Address: My Thanh, Giong Trom, Ben Tre.
- Dong Khoi Hotel. Address: 16 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 2, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
- Dai Phuc Hotel. Address: 1K Nguyen Thi Dinh, Phu Khuong, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
- Phuong Hoang Hotel. Address: 28 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Tre City, Ben Tre.
8. Some necessary notes when traveling to Van Phuoc Pagoda
To make your trip to Van Phuoc Pagoda a complete joy. You need to refer to the necessary notes below:
- Wear modest and polite clothes, avoid wearing clothes that are too sexy. Or too short in the spiritual worship area.
- Keep quiet, avoid making noise or acting disrespectfully when entering sacred areas. Such as the Main Hall, the Buddha’s Temple.
- Follow the instructions of the temple staff and show respect when meeting priests or monks.
- Maintain personal hygiene and do not leave litter. Make sure the temple space is always clean and solemn.
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or performing acts that are disrespectful to religious culture.
- Ask permission before taking photos or videos in sacred areas and follow the temple’s regulations.
- If you want, you can bring gifts such as flowers, candles, votive paper, or other items. To offer in ceremonies and respect local religious traditions.
Van Phuoc Pagoda is a famous spiritual destination in Vietnam, with unique architecture and peaceful space. Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on the tour in the South of Vietnam to combine a visit to Van Phuoc Pagoda in Ben Tre. It will bring serenity and peace to your soul. Take the time to visit and explore the cultural values in this spiritual place.
