Phu Quoc, the beautiful pearl island, is not only famous for its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, but also attracts tourists with its unique spiritual tourism destinations. Coming to Phu Quoc, tourists can seek peace of mind, pray for peace for themselves and their families through journeys to visit ancient pagodas, sacred shrines or majestic temples. Each destination has its own cultural and spiritual value, contributing to creating a diverse and rich spiritual tourism picture in Phu Quoc. If you are plan to travel to Phu Quoc this holiday, let note this blog below and get Ha Tien Vegas tips for you next trip!
In this part 1, Ha Tien Vegas will take you to visit 6 sacred places of Phu Quoc.
Su Muon Pagoda Phu Quoc
Nestled on the slope of Dien Tien Mountain (Suoi Da Hamlet, Duong To Commune), Su Muon Pagoda (also known as Hung Long Tu) is one of the most ancient and sacred pagodas in Phu Quoc. With a quiet space, unique architecture and interesting historical stories, Su Muon Pagoda is a destination not to be missed for those who want to seek serenity and explore the spiritual culture of the pearl island.
Su Muon Pagoda was founded in 1932 by Zen Master Nguyen Kim Muon, a person who contributed a lot to the development of Buddhism in Phu Quoc. The pagoda was built in the traditional Vietnamese architectural style, with sophisticated carvings on wood and stone.
The special feature of Su Muon Pagoda is the harmony between architecture and nature. The pagoda is located on a high hill, with its back leaning against the mountain and facing the sea, creating a charming landscape. Surrounding the pagoda are ancient trees hundreds of years old, creating a cool and peaceful green space.
Main attractions:
Tam Quan Gate: Tam Quan Gate is the main entrance to the pagoda, built of stone with ancient architecture.
Main hall: The main hall is the place to worship Buddha Sakyamuni and Bodhisattvas. Inside the main hall are many Buddha statues made of stone and precious wood.
Ancestor House: The Ancestor House is the place to worship Zen Master Nguyen Kim Muon, the founder of the pagoda.
Stone cave: Behind the pagoda is a natural stone cave, where Zen Master Nguyen Kim Muon used to practice.
Kơ Nia tree: Next to the pagoda is a hundred-year-old Kơ Nia tree, considered a symbol of longevity and strong vitality.
Ho Quoc Pagoda Phu Quoc
Ho Quoc Pagoda, also known by its official name Truc Lam Ho Quoc Zen Monastery, is one of the most famous and important spiritual destinations on Phu Quoc Island. Located on a hill facing the sea, Ho Quoc Pagoda is not only a place for monks and Buddhists to practice but also a destination that attracts many tourists because of its unique architectural beauty and peaceful, serene space.
The pagoda was built in the traditional architectural style of the Ly – Tran Dynasty, bearing the mark of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. With a total area of up to 110 hectares, Ho Quoc Pagoda is considered the largest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region.
The highlight of the pagoda’s architecture is the constructions built with rare ironwood, intricately carved with dragon and phoenix motifs imbued with traditional Vietnamese culture.
Main structures in the pagoda:
- Tam Quan Gate: The main gate of the pagoda is built of stone, with three paths symbolizing the Three Jewels of Buddha – Dharma – Sangha.
- Main Hall: This is the main place of worship of the pagoda, with a 1.2m high bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni placed on a stone pedestal.
- Ancestor House: A place to worship the founders of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.
- Bell Tower: A 3-storey bell tower, with a 1.5-ton bell cast from red copper.
- Tower Garden: A place with 18 small towers, each tower worships an Arhat.
- Guest House: A place to welcome visitors and Buddhists to visit and rest.
Dinh Cau Phu Quoc
Located on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the sea, right at the mouth of Duong Dong River, Dinh Cau Phu Quoc is one of the most famous and sacred spiritual destinations on the pearl island. With its unique beauty, ancient architecture and mysterious stories, Dinh Cau is not only a sacred place of worship but also a tourist attraction that attracts many visitors. Dinh Cau was built in 1937, initially just a small, simple temple. According to local people, in the 17th century, Phu Quoc fishermen often encountered strong winds and waves when going out to sea, many of whom were unable to return. One day, a large rock drifted ashore, with the shape of a boy on it. People believed that this was the incarnation of the sea god, so they built a temple to worship and pray for protection. Since then, fishermen always returned safely when going out to sea, and Dinh Cau became a spiritual symbol of the islanders.
Dinh Cau was built on a high rocky cliff, with a unique architectural style combining traditional and modern elements. The three-door gate is made of stone, intricately carved with the image of two dragons facing the moon. Inside is the main worship hall, where the main deity of Chua Ngoc Nuong Nuong and the statues of two boys: Cau Tai and Cau Quy are placed.
The space of Dinh Cau brings a solemn and peaceful feeling. From here, visitors can look out to the vast ocean, watch the fishing boats bobbing on the waves and enjoy the majestic beauty of nature.
Every year, on the 15th and 16th of the 10th lunar month, Phu Quoc people hold the Dinh Cau festival to commemorate and pray for peace and luck. The festival attracts a large number of locals and tourists to attend, with many unique cultural and artistic activities.
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple was built in 1869, right after he died in the war against the French. Initially, the communal house was a simple wooden house built by local fishermen to worship and commemorate the hero. After many restorations and embellishments, today the Temple has become a spacious and majestic architectural complex.
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple was built in the shape of the letter “tam” (Three), consisting of three main parts: the main hall, the East wing and the West wing. The main hall is the main place of worship, with an altar containing Nguyen Trung Truc’s portrait and tablet. The East wing and the West wing are where artifacts, images and documents related to his life and career are displayed.
The architecture of the temple is imbued with traditional Vietnamese features, with curved tiled roofs, sturdy ironwood pillars and sophisticated decorative motifs. The temple is surrounded by green ancient trees, creating a peaceful and serene space.
Nguyen Trung Truc Temple is a place to commemorate and honor the great contributions of the national hero Nguyen Trung Truc. He is a symbol of patriotism, resilience and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people in the resistance war against the French.
The Temple is also a place to educate generations of Vietnamese people, especially the young generation, about the tradition of patriotism. Through visiting the Temple and learning about the life and career of Nguyen Trung Truc, every Vietnamese person will be more proud of the history of the nation and have more motivation to build the country more and more prosperous.
Every year, on the 28th day of the 8th lunar month, Nguyen Trung Truc Temple holds a solemn death anniversary to commemorate him. This is an opportunity for Phu Quoc people and visitors from all over to come to burn incense, remember and show gratitude for the merits of the national hero.
Dinh Ba Thuy Long Thanh Mau
Dinh Ba was built in the early 19th century, a place to worship the goddess Thuy Long – the guardian deity of fishermen and people on Phu Quoc island. According to legend, the goddess Thuy Long appeared to help the islanders escape storms and epidemics. Therefore, the islanders built a temple to worship and express their gratitude to the goddess.
Dinh Ba relic complex bears the mark of traditional Vietnamese architecture with curved tiled roofs, majestic Buddha statues and a spacious, airy campus. The entire relic is divided into three main areas:
- Main area: Place of the statue of the goddess Thuy Long and other gods such as: Buddha Tathagata, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Mother Quan Am Nam Hai, Lord Xu,…
- The two side areas: Place of the secondary altars to worship other gods such as: Thanh Hoang Bon Canh, Ba Chua Xu, Ong Dia, Ong Than Tai,…
- The yard area: Place of incense burners, bronze censer and other worship items. Traditional festivals:
Lac Hanh Pagoda
Lac Hanh Pagoda is located in Cua Duong, near Duong Dong Lake, a convenient location for visitors to combine visiting other places on the island. The pagoda space is spacious and airy, surrounded by trees and lakes, creating a fresh, cool atmosphere all year round.
Lac Hanh Pagoda is built in the traditional Vietnamese architectural style, with simple but sophisticated lines. The main hall of the pagoda is the main place of worship, with solemnly decorated Buddha statues. In addition, the pagoda also has other structures such as the Ancestor’s house, guest house, flower garden…
Part 2 will continue to introduce you to 6 other spiritual places in Phu Quoc, don’t miss it!
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Just visiting Phu Quoc, you can catch a speedboat ashore at Ha Tien speedboat port – Ha Tien city to visit more interesting places and spend the night at Ha Tien Vegas right next to Ha Tien border gate. – Kampong Trach. It is also a great opportunity for you to rest before continuing your journey to explore Kampot, Phnom Penh the next day.
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