Amidst the majestic mountains and vast sea and sky, Ho Quoc Pagoda (Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery) appears majestic and magnificent like a spiritual painting in the heart of nature. As the largest pagoda in Phu Quoc and part of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, this place is not only a sacred pilgrimage destination but also a famous check-in coordinate loved by tourists. Coming to Ho Quoc Pagoda, you will admire the ancient architecture, beautiful sea view and feel the pure, peaceful space – a place to help wash away all worries and find peace of mind.
Introducing Ho Quoc Pagoda
- Address: Suoi Lon Hamlet, Phu Quoc
- Ho Quoc Pagoda Phu Quoc Opening Hours: 6:00 – 18:00 daily
- Ho Quoc Pagoda Entrance Fee: Free
Where is Ho Quoc Pagoda?
Ho Quoc Pagoda (also known as Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery) is a famous pagoda in Phu Quoc, located in the southeast of the island, about 20km from Duong Dong center and only about 10km from the airport. This is a prominent destination in the southern area of Phu Quoc Island, famous for its sacred space, impressive sea view and charming scenery. As part of the Phu Quoc tourism journey combining spirituality – relaxation – nature exploration, Ho Quoc Pagoda not only attracts tourists by its majestic architecture but also by the feeling of peace and relaxation between the mountains and the vast ocean.
Who is worshiped at Ho Quoc Pagoda?
Who is worshiped at Ho Quoc Pagoda in Phu Quoc? When you read the explanations of Ho Quoc Pagoda in Phu Quoc – one of the famous pagodas in Phu Quoc, you will know that this is the place to worship the Three Holy Ancestors, also known as Truc Lam Tam To. The three founders of the Truc Lam Zen sect are:
- Tran Nhan Tong (1258 – 1308): a wise king of the Tran Dynasty, founder of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect
- Phap Loa (1284 – 1330): an outstanding disciple who inherited and developed the teachings of Truc Lam Yen Tu
- Huyen Quang (1254 – 1334): a learned and talented monk, the third Patriarch of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect
In the temple grounds, the Ancestor House is a solemn place to worship the Three Holy Ancestors. In addition, the temple also has areas to worship Buddha Shakyamuni, Bodhisattva and Dharma Protectors, in accordance with the typical architecture of Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
Directions to the Pagoda
To visit Ho Quoc Pagoda, you can easily travel from many different areas on the island. Here are detailed instructions:
- From Phu Quoc Airport
From the airport, follow Phu Quoc Highway, turn right onto Nguyen Van Cu Street => Continue about 9 km, at the bend, turn around and continue about 3 km to reach Ho Quoc Pagoda
- From Duong Dong center
From Duong Dong center, depart along Cach Mang Thang 8 street, go about 200m, turn onto Duong Dong street or DT45 street => Go another 2km to reach TL47 street => Go straight for about 8km to reach the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and continue for about 11km => After arriving at Montana resort, continue for about 1.5km to reach Ho Quoc pagoda
- From North Phu Quoc Island
From the North of the island, follow the direction of Cua Can Ganh Dau about 20km then turn onto TL47 road => Continue for 8km, at the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto DT46 road => continue for about 12.5km to reach the pagoda
History of Ho Quoc Pagoda Phu Quoc
The history of the formation of Ho Quoc Pagoda is associated with each specific time period as follows:
- October 14, 2011: The pagoda was started to be built in a spiritual complex with an area of 110 hectares. The area of Ho Quoc Pagoda accounts for 12%.
- December 14, 2012: Ho Quoc Pagoda was inaugurated after 14 months of construction.
- 2013 – 2014: The pagoda continued to invest in building other items to increase the beauty of the pagoda, attracting a large number of tourists every year.
The pagoda is located in a spiritual tourism complex with an area of 110 hectares, of which the pagoda occupies about 12% of the area. After completion, the pagoda continued to invest in building other items to increase the beauty and serve the needs of tourists visiting and worshiping. The meaning of the name Ho Quoc Pagoda is something that many tourists wonder about when they come to visit this pagoda. The name Ho Quoc means “protecting the country”, reflecting the worldly spirit of the Truc Lam Zen sect, taking the ideal of protecting the country and protecting the people as the core. According to the introduction to Ho Quoc Pagoda, this name was given with the meaning of supporting the country in terms of borders, guarding the border.
Discovering the architecture of Ho Quoc Pagoda
Unique features in the architecture of Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery
Not only is it a famous pilgrimage site, Ho Quoc Pagoda also surprises visitors with its impressive architecture and grand scale amidst the mountains and seascape. Every detail carries within it the breath of history, Buddhist culture and national identity. Below are the most distinctive features that create a unique mark for this spiritual work:
- Rare “mountain-sea” location
Ho Quoc Pagoda has a unique location with its back against the primeval forest and its face facing the vast ocean. The “mountain-sea” position not only brings a beautiful landscape but is also considered a good feng shui position, helping to increase spiritual energy, bringing peace and luck to pilgrims.
- Bold architectural imprints of the Ly – Tran dynasties
The entire structure is designed in the traditional architectural style of the Ly – Tran Dynasty, a brilliant period of Vietnamese Buddhism. The elaborate carvings, curved roofs with many layers, the dragon-shaped corridor of the Tran Dynasty and the massive wooden pillars clearly demonstrate the combination of aesthetic beauty and sustainability in ancient architecture.
- Using ironwood columns with durability up to 1,000 years
A highlight in the structure of the pagoda is the use of large ironwood columns – a precious wood famous for its durability and beautiful wood grain. Rows of ironwood columns create a solemn, solid and timeless space, showing respect for Buddha and national history.
- Large-scale, elaborate Buddha statues and reliefs
Entering the temple grounds, visitors will be overwhelmed by the majestic Buddha statues such as the Buddha Tathagata, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and the Three Holy Ancestors placed solemnly in the main hall and the ancestral house. In addition, the reliefs and decorative motifs are also elaborately crafted, imbued with the spirit of Buddhism and traditional Vietnamese fine arts.
Unique Ho Quoc Pagoda Complex and Truc Lam Zen Monastery
- Tam Quan Gate: To enter Ho Quoc Pagoda, visitors need to go through the Tam Quan Gate. The gate is designed to include 3 parts: the main gate Dia Giac Gate, the left gate Bat Nhi Gate, the right gate
- Giai Thoat Gate. Thien Tinh yard: Going through the gate is a spacious Thien Tinh yard with many cool green trees. In the middle of the yard is a jade Buddha statue nearly 3 meters high. The jade Buddha statue of Ho Quoc Pagoda is made of extremely beautiful marble. Every detail of the statue is also carved delicately and meticulously.
- Main Hall: From the Buddha statue to the Main Hall, you need to go through 70 steps. The path is impressive with 4 stone dragons in the style of the Tran Dynasty. Around the main area is a stone statue of 18 Arhats. Here, you also have the opportunity to admire many beautiful historical reliefs.
- Ancestral Temple: Located behind the Main Hall, the Ancestral Temple is the place to worship the Three Holy Ancestors (Nhan Tong, Phap Loa, Huyen Quang).
TOP experiences not to be missed at Ho Quoc Pagoda
Worship and sightseeing at Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Ho Quoc Pagoda
According to reviews of Ho Quoc Pagoda, one of the experiences not to be missed when coming here is the journey of worship and sightseeing at this spiritual architectural complex. From the pagoda area, you can admire the immense ocean in front of you, behind are the beautiful green mountains and forests.
Visitors can stroll through the large temple courtyard, admiring the exquisitely carved Buddha statues. Every step in this temple in Phu Quoc is a journey to purify the mind, immersing in the pure atmosphere amidst majestic nature.
In addition, when coming here, worshiping is an experience not to be missed. You can prepare offerings to pray for good things, and at the same time express respect and gratitude to those who have contributed to the country.
Hunt for a beautiful sunrise and check-in at the pagoda
With its location facing the East Sea, Ho Quoc Pagoda is one of the most beautiful sunrise viewing spots in the South of Phu Quoc Island. As the sun gradually rises from the horizon, the early morning light dyes the curved roofs and Buddha statues golden, creating a magical and sacred scene that is hard to find anywhere else.
This is also the ideal time for visitors to check-in and “live virtually” with photos that are full of Asian style: stone-paved corridors, massive ironwood columns, steps leading to the main hall and the vast ocean and sky in the distance. Whether you love classic or modern style, Ho Quoc Pagoda in Phu Quoc offers a poetic background for lifetime photos.
Participate in spiritual activities
Not only a tourist attraction, this Vietnamese temple is also a place to organize many meaningful spiritual activities, attracting a large number of Buddhists and tourists from all over the world to participate:
- Retreats: The temple regularly organizes short-term retreats, helping Buddhists calm their minds, meditate and learn Buddhist teachings in a peaceful space, close to nature.
- Buddha’s Birthday: This is the occasion for the temple to organize solemn ceremonies to celebrate the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni, with activities such as preaching, lighting flower lanterns, bathing the Buddha…
- Vu Lan Festival: One of the major festivals of the year, where people come together to pray for the deceased, remember their grandparents and parents and cultivate filial piety
- In addition, on New Year’s Eve, full moon, new moon or Buddha’s birthday, the pagoda welcomes many locals and tourists to pray for peace, good fortune at the beginning of the year, find peace, luck and serenity of mind…
When should you visit Ho Quoc Pagoda in Phu Quoc?
Visitors can visit Ho Quoc Pagoda at any time of the year because the climate here is very cool and fresh. In particular, many visitors often choose to visit the pagoda on the first day, the fifteenth day or on holidays to worship and pray for peace.
The ideal time to visit the temple – a sacred tourist destination in Phu Quoc:
- Dry season (November – April): Cool weather, little rain, convenient for traveling and sightseeing
- Rainy season (May – October): The temple has a green landscape, but there may be sudden showers, so you should prepare an umbrella
What should you pay attention to when visiting Ho Quoc Pagoda in Phu Quoc?
Ho Quoc Pagoda welcomes hundreds of tourists every day. Therefore, to have a complete visit to this pagoda, you should pay attention to some of the information below:
- The temple is open to visitors to worship and visit. Therefore, you should maintain order and avoid affecting the activities of the temple and other visitors.
- You should choose polite clothes when visiting the temple
- In the temple grounds, you should not joke around, especially in the main hall
- If you come to visit, you should come early in the morning or late afternoon, you should bring a camera and binoculars to comfortably enjoy the scenery
- You can prepare an umbrella, hat, and sunscreen if you come to Ho Quoc Pagoda at noon
- The temple has a car park, so you can freely travel by the most convenient means
- Do not litter, affecting the general landscape of the temple.
Ho Quoc Pagoda offers unique travel experiences to anyone who visits. This is not only a place where you can immerse yourself in nature to feel the peace and relaxation, but also a spiritual place to worship and pray for good things. The “fairyland” on the pearl island will certainly not disappoint you, do not miss it if you are planning to travel to Phu Quoc in the near future!
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