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Wed, 5th Feb 2025 13:37 (GMT +7)

Ngoa Van mountain in spring

Tuesday, 04/02/2025 | 17:01:08 [GMT +7] A  A

Located in Dong Trieu district, Ngoa Van pagoda means "Pagoda in the Clouds". At an altitude of 600 metres above sea level, the pagoda has beautiful landscape, leaning against the cloud-covered Ngoa Van peak. This is one of the most sacred destinations in Dong Trieu city, attracting an abundance of visitors in the early days of spring 2025.

Ngoa Van is where Buddha-Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308) founded the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, a line of Buddhist meditation imbued with Vietnamese culture, and attained Nirvana. It has been considered the holy land of the Tran Dynasty and Truc Lam Zen Monastery ever since. 

Ngoa Van Pagoda and Shrine is the sacred site where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong practiced asceticism and attained enlightenment. It is a unique architectural complex and the holy land of the Truc Lam Zen sect. This historical relic complex is situated at an altitude of over 1,000 meters on Bao Dai Son located on the western side of the Yen Tu mountain range within the Dong Trieu arc (it belongs to Tay Son village, Binh Khe ward, Dong Trieu city today).
In order to reach the historical relic complex, pilgrims can choose between two travel options: trekking on foot or taking the cable car system, which spans over 2,000 meters and takes approximately 10 minutes to reach the site.
While on the cable car, pilgrims can take in the majestic natural scenery of the Ngoa Van mountains and forests, capturing memorable photos along their spiritual journey to the sacred land of Buddhism.
The first destination is Ngoa Van pagoda, built in the “Nhi" architectural style, modeled after the original Ngoa Van pagoda constructed during the Le Trung Hung period in 1707. The pagoda consists of two main buildings: The Tien Duong (Front Hall), which houses a red jade statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong. The Hau Duong (Rear Hall), designed with a three-compartment, two-wing architecture.
Thuong pagoda includes three main areas: Ban Co Tien (Fairy Chessboard), Am Thap (Shrine and Stupa Area), and the Auxiliary Ritual Zone. This sacred site is home to Ngoa Van Shrine and a system of Buddhist stupas.
Ngoa Van shrine houses a statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong, depicted in a reclining posture symbolizing the Buddha’s entrance into Nirvana.
Pilgrims can learn about the spiritual journey of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and explore the system of Buddhist stupas.
Visitors offer incense and pray for good fortune in the early spring at Phat Hoang Stupa and Doan Nghiem Stupa, both constructed from stone.
Right at the entrance, visitors are welcomed by beautiful images showcasing Vietnamese Buddhism.
The Ngoa Van Spring Festival is scheduled to take place on the 9th day of the first lunar month (February 6, 2025).
By Do Phuong

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