Phap Lam Pagoda – A Famous Pagoda in the Heart of Da Nang City

Phap Lam Pagoda is located at 574 Ong Ich Khiem Street, Nam Duong Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City. This is an extremely convenient location:

• Only about 3km from the city center (square, Han River Bridge).
• Close to famous landmarks such as Da Nang Museum, Con Market, and Nguyen Van Troi Bridge.

You can easily get here by:

• Motorbike, private car (spacious roads, easy parking).
• Taxi, Grab (affordable, only 10-15 minutes from the center).
• Bus routes passing through Ong Ich Khiem Street.

Note: The pagoda is located in a residential area, so the entrance road is slightly narrow near the end, but it is very easy to find thanks to the prominent Three-Door Gate (Tam Quan) and large signage.

Phap Lam Pagoda construction began in 1934 by the An Nam Buddhist Association of Da Nang, with joint contributions from local people and Buddhists. Initially, the complex was named the Da Nang Buddhist Provincial Association Pagoda, associated with its role as a center for religious activities for the community at that time. In 1970, the pagoda was officially renamed Phap Lam, in which "Phap" represents the Dharma (Buddha's teachings) and "Lam" means forest, implying the "forest of Dharma" – a place where Buddhist teachings converge and spread. The building was designed in the traditional East Asian architectural style by architect Dang Cao De (Dang Cao).

Having undergone several renovation phases, most notably the major restoration in 2005 and the grand inauguration ceremony held on March 11, 2009. Currently, the pagoda is not only an important religious site but also the office headquarters of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Da Nang City, as well as a venue for many prominent Buddhist activities in the city.

Imbued with East Asian Buddhist architecture, Phap Lam Pagoda impresses visitors with its curved red and yellow tiled roofs, intricate dragon and phoenix carvings, and sturdy ironwood pillars. The entire campus covers an area of about 3,000m², with the main building designed 14m wide and 25m deep, creating a balanced and solemn structure overall.

Within the pagoda grounds, the Three-Door Gate is built in a traditional style, exuding majesty and dignity right from the entrance. The spacious courtyard is arranged with lush greenery, bonsai landscapes, and lotus flowers, contributing to a serene and gentle atmosphere. Inside the building, the ground floor is a lecture hall with a capacity of up to 1,000 people, often used for sermons and Buddhist activities. The upper floor is the main sanctuary – the most sacred space of the pagoda, featuring a giant bronze bell (Dai Hong Chung), horizontal lacquered boards engraved with Pali mantras, and intricately carved dragon and phoenix motifs.

In particular, the pagoda preserves many statues of high artistic and spiritual value, such as the 1.1m tall gold-painted Shakyamuni Buddha statue with a benevolent face, alongside two solid bronze statues of Avalokiteshvara (Quan Am) and Mahasthamaprapta (Dai The Chi), showing solemnity and sacredness. The overall architecture and space here not only possess unique artistic value but also create a peaceful spiritual sanctuary, attracting numerous Buddhists and tourists to worship and seek peace of mind.

To ensure a smooth journey to Phap Lam Pagoda and a complete visit, tourists should take note of the following detailed directions and important tips:

Directions & Getting There

Located in the city center, getting to Phap Lam Pagoda is very simple:

• From the train station: Go straight on Hoang Hoa Tham Street - Turn left onto Hung Vuong Street - At Vinh Trung Plaza, turn right onto Ong Ich Khiem Street - Go straight to the pagoda address.
• From the airport: Go straight along Nguyen Van Linh route - At the 5-way intersection of Hoang Dieu Street, turn left onto Ong Ich Khiem Street - Go straight for about 300m more to reach the pagoda.

Tips for Visitors

To make your visit to Phap Lam Pagoda complete and show respect for this sacred site, visitors should note:

• Attire: Wear modest, polite clothing, strictly avoiding revealing or offensive attire.
• Behavior: Maintain order, avoid making noise or laughing loudly.
• Photography: Photos can be taken in the courtyard, Three-Door Gate, or behind the pagoda. However, photography should be limited inside the main sanctuary to preserve solemnity. Absolutely do not pose offensively, sit on landscape displays, or touch Buddha statues without permission.

By following the instructions and notes above, visitors will have a convenient and fulfilling visit to Phap Lam Pagoda while showing reverence for this spiritual place.

Phap Lam Pagoda, with over 90 years of steadfast history in the heart of the city, is not only a preserver of traditional East Asian architecture and Buddhist values, but also a rare spiritual refuge. Located right in the center yet maintaining absolute serenity, this pagoda extends a heartfelt invitation for every visitor and Buddhist to return to a peaceful and majestic space. Whether you come to admire the beauty of the 1.1m Shakyamuni Buddha statue, participate in vibrant full-moon or first-day lunar festivals, or simply seek a quiet moment amidst the hustle and bustle, Phap Lam Pagoda offers a peaceful source of energy. Observing etiquette regarding attire and behavior will help you fully feel the sacredness and dignity of this place, making your visit to Phap Lam Pagoda a profound and memorable experience during your journey in Da Nang.