Hoang Phuc Pagoda – A 700-Year-Old Ancient Temple in the Land of Foehn Winds in Quang Binh

Hoang Phuc Pagoda is located in Thuan Trach village, My Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province. The pagoda is situated along the quiet banks of the Kien Giang River, about 40-50 km south of Dong Hoi city center. This location is close to the hometown of General Vo Nguyen Giap, creating an attractive historical and cultural complex. To get here, you can travel by motorbike, self-drive car, or taxi along National Highway 1A, then turn onto Road DT16 past Kien Giang market. The pagoda grounds span about 10,000 m², surrounded by lush greenery and a lotus pond, bringing a serene atmosphere amidst the harsh land of foehn winds.

The history of Hoang Phuc Pagoda dates back to before 1301, when it was initially just a small shrine named Tri Kien. In 1301, King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong visited, preached Buddhist teachings, and renamed it Kinh Thien Shrine to pray for blessings for the nation. In 1716, Lord Nguyen Phuc Chu ordered a major restoration, granting horizontal lacquered boards inscribed with "Kinh Thien Tu" and "Vo Song Phuc Dia", along with 5 royal couplets. In 1821, King Minh Mang visited during his northern tour and renamed it Hoang Phuc Tu, commonly referred to as Tram Pagoda or Quan Pagoda.

Through the anti-French and anti-American wars, the pagoda was severely damaged and devastated by bombs and artillery. In 1985, a major storm caused the pagoda to almost completely collapse. However, precious artifacts such as an 80kg bronze bell (1.1m high, 0.5m in diameter, engraved with dragons and decorative patterns), wooden fish drum, Buddha statues, and incense burners were protected by local residents. In 2010, the pagoda was recognized as a provincial-level historical relic. The restoration project began in 2014 with a budget of over 40 billion VND and was completed in 2016. In the same year, the pagoda received a sacred bone relic of Shakyamuni Buddha from the Myanmar Buddhist Sangha and was recognized as a National Relic. Today, the pagoda is over 715 years old, making it the oldest ancient temple in Central Vietnam.

Hoang Phuc Pagoda is a sacred spiritual space where visitors and Buddhists seek peace, praying for health and happiness. Its religious significance lies in propagating Buddhist teachings, encouraging wholesome living, and releasing greed, anger, and delusion. The Buddha relic from Myanmar is a sacred treasure attracting thousands of pilgrims. The pagoda's grounds with lotus ponds, ancient trees, and the sound of bronze bells bring serenity, aiding meditation and reflection on life. This is not only a place of worship for Buddha but also a cultural symbol closely connected to the local community through festivals, contributing to the preservation of Vietnamese Buddhist traditions.

When visiting Hoang Phuc Pagoda, you can stroll through the lush green grounds, admire the ancient architecture, offer incense in the main hall, and meditate by the lotus pond. Pilgrimage activities often include praying before the Buddha relic and listening to sermons from the monks. The annual festival held in the twelfth lunar month features activities such as the water procession, releasing flower lanterns, Buddhist rituals, and traditional folk games (tug-of-war, wrestling, human chess, bai choi singing), bringing a vibrant cultural experience. This is an opportunity to relive history and find peace of mind.

Locals visiting the pagoda on the 1st day of the Lunar New Year often draw fortune sticks, receive lucky red envelopes filled with wishes of good fortune, or quietly hang a red ribbon on the wishing tree, sending their sincere wishes to the heavens. Gentle breezes blow through, swaying the red silk ribbons like dreams soaring high, carrying faith in a fulfilling new year.  

Not only at the beginning of the year, but for the people of Quang Binh, the 15th day of the first lunar month (Full Moon of the First Month) is also a day they must return to the pagoda. This is not only an occasion to pray for blessings, but also a moment for everyone to give thanks, reflect on past days, and look forward to good things ahead. At that time, Hoang Phuc Pagoda is more crowded than usual, yet it remains unhurried and peaceful, retaining a serene tranquility like the breath of the mountains, forests, and nature.  

To make your visit and pilgrimage to Hoang Phuc Pagoda complete and respectful, visitors should keep the following tips in mind:

• Attire: Choose modest and polite clothing; avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops when entering worship areas.
• Behavior: Maintain order, speak softly, refrain from running or littering, and avoid actions that affect the landscape such as picking flowers or breaking branches.
• Offerings: Prepare simple vegetarian offerings or traditional offerings such as fruits, incense, and candles; sincerity is the most important aspect.
• Transportation: You can rent a motorbike from Dong Hoi to be flexible with your schedule, or combine your visit with a trip to the hometown of General Vo Nguyen Giap.
• Dining: The area near the pagoda has many local eateries featuring rustic dishes such as bánh lọc (tapioca dumplings) and cháo canh (noodle soup); you can also try refreshing Kien Giang river water dishes.
• Other useful tips: Bring sunscreen and a hat due to Quang Binh's sunny and windy weather; check the festival schedule in advance to avoid peak crowd times.

If you have the chance to visit Quang Binh, make sure to visit Hoang Phuc Pagoda at least once, listen to the resonating pagoda bells, feel peace in your soul, and immerse yourself in the sacred space of one of the oldest ancient temples in Vietnam. Here, history and spirituality blend together, creating an unmissable destination on your journey to discover Central Vietnam! Follow Sovaba Travel to update more useful information about Quang Binh tourism!