Destination

3. Phat Tich Pagoda (Van Phuc Pagoda)

Address: Phat Tich Commune, Tien Du District,
Bac Ninh Province
Opening hours: all day
Ticket fare: free

Phat Tich Pagoda is a symbol of timeless beauty and spiritual tranquility. With a
rich history spanning centuries, this sacred pagoda exudes a sense of peace and
reverence that captivates all who visit. From its intricate architecture to its serene
landscape, Phat Tich Pagoda offers a place for prayer, meditation, and deep
connection with the spiritual realm. Stepping into this sacred space, you will feel the
whispers of the past, the serenity of the present, and the promise of spiritual
enlightenment. Visit Phat Tich Pagoda and experience the unspoken words of the
past, the tranquility of the present, and the potential for spiritual awakening.
The stone statue of Amitabha Buddha was recognized as a National Treasure in
2012, and the stone carvings of mythical animals were recognized as National
Treasures in 2017.
(web)

❖ History

- The temple was built from the 7th to the 10th century and underwent many changes.
First restoration during the Ly Dynasty.
- In 1057, King Ly Thanh Tong had a tower built and a golden statue made.
- In the 17th century, the temple was expanded.
- The temple was damaged by war in 1947
- In 1958, the temple was rebuilt in a simpler style.
- The temple was reconstructed in ancient architectural style in 1991.

❖ Architecture
 - Phat Tich Pagoda is designed in the style of “Noi cong ngoai quoc”, with the
temple courtyard adorned with a vibrant peony garden.
+ To the right of the temple is the shrine dedicated to Lady Tran Thi Ngoc Am.
+ To the left of this temple is the ancestral house of the first patriarch, where the
revered monk Ly Thien To resided.
- Up to now, Phat Tich Pagoda has 7 front halls for receiving guests, 5 halls for
worshiping Buddha, Amitabha, and the Three Buddha, 8 ancestral houses, and 7 houses
for worshiping the Holy Mother. Phat Tich Pagoda in Bac Ninh features architecture
from the Ly dynasty, characterized by three terraces built into the mountainside. The
terraces are approximately 60 meters long and 33 meters wide, with rectangular blocks
of stone arranged on the outer surface.

❖ Places to visit at Phat Tich Pagoda

The main tower - Pho Quang Tower

- At Phat Tich Pagoda Bac Ninh, there is another
tower called the Pho Quang Tower. The tower is 5.10
meters high with colors and materials that are very
characteristic of the ancient historical period of the Ly
dynasty. This is also one of the most beautiful spots
within the temple grounds.
- The pagoda tower at Phat Tich was built a few
years ago, as a structure reminiscent of an ancient
tower that once stood at the peak of Phat Tich during
its golden age. According to historical records, in
1066, King Ly Thanh Tong ordered the construction of a 40-meter high tower.
- During the Tran dynasty, the ancient tower collapsed, revealing a stone statue of
Buddha Amitabha which is still preserved to this day. The
foundation of the old tower has been excavated, located at
the exact position of the Three Jewels altar today.
The Green Stone Buddha Statue
- The 27-meter tall Buddha Amitabha statue is located on
the peak of Phat Tich mountain. This is a replica modeled
after the original Buddha Amitabha statue in the temple.
 The pedestal is intricately carved with lotus flowers, phoenix and dragon motifs, and
leaves - typical features from the Ly dynasty. Notably, the statue was constructed to
commemorate the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi.
The Set of 10 Stone Mythical Animals
- The set of 10 stone mythical animals has
created the ancient and unique charm of Phat
Tich Pagoda. With significant historical,
cultural, and artistic values, the set of statues
has been recognized as a National Treasure of
Vietnam.
- The 10 stone mythical animal statues are arranged in pairs facing each other in front
of the Three Jewels of the pagoda, including lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes,
and horses. These are original artifacts sculpted from solid jade stone, each unique and
irreplaceable, with no similar works found elsewhere.

❖ Festival

- The Mau Don peony flower festival is held from the 4th to the 5th day of the first
lunar month; with the main celebration on the 4th day.
- The Phat Tich festival consists of a ritual ceremony and a festive part: the ritual
ceremony includes offering incense at the altars, religious activities, organizing a grand
prayer ceremony for national peace and prosperity, and praying for peace for the people
and Buddhists (the evening of the 5th day). The festive part includes cultural and artistic
performances, traditional games at the festival center.

4. Do Temple (Co Phap Dien or Ly Bat De Temple)

Address: Dinh Bang village, Dinh Bang
commune, Tu Son town, Bac Ninh province
Opening hours: 7h – 17h
Ticket fare: free

DoTemple is a magnificent architectural symbol that reflects the rich cultural wealth and
historical significance of this land. Stepping into the sacred space of Do Temple, you will be
captivated by the sense of reverence and admiration, surrounded by the echoes of ancient
rituals and royal traditions. The intricate architecture and tranquil atmosphere of Do Temple
invite you to immerse yourself in the past and delve into the heritage of the Ly Dynasty.
Every stone, every pillar, narrates the story of a bygone era, where kings ruled and legends
were born. Visit DoTemple and let its timeless beauty and historical grandeur transport you
to a world of wonder and enchantment.
The Do Temple was recognized as a historical and cultural relic in 1991.
In 2014, the Do was classified as Special National Monuments.
(web)

❖ History

- In 1030, the temple construction commenced. The temple underwent numerous

renovations throughout the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties.
- In 1602, the largest renovation and expansion took place with 21 construction projects.
- The temple was completely destroyed by war in 1952
- In 1989, the temple reconstruction began following the original architectural design

❖ Architecture

- The Temple was built on an elevated area of land. It is surrounded by high walls and
more than 20 architectural works and is divided to two parts: inner city and outer city.
- Access to the inner city is through the Ngu Long gate, which is skillfully carved, and then
to Tien Te House, the shrine to worship the first king.
+ Hanging on the left side of the shrine is the royal proclamation of the moving of the
capital city from Hoa Lu to Thang Long of King Ly Cong Uan. The proclamation has 214
words corresponding to 214 years of rule by the eight Ly kings. Co Phap Dien shrine is the
 site of many relics including ancestral altars, the thrones and the statues of the eight kings
and a shrine to worship the kings’ wives, among others.
- In the outer city is a half–moon shaped lake with a floating pavilion and Van Chi and Vo
Chi houses.
+ Van chi and Vo chi houses are places to worship the civil mandarins (Van Chi) and
military mandarins (Vo Chi) who are greatly respected by the country.
+ In front of the Temple lies a semi-circular lake, with clear and full water all the year
round. The lake is connected with two ponds at both ends of the village, with the Tieu
Tuong River in front of the village. In the center of the lake stands a square house reserved
for water puppetry performances with two beautiful tiered roofs. To the south of the lake,
there is a huge pavilion to preserve stone slabs inscribed with the merits of the eight kings
of Ly Dynasty, and to the north of the lake, a 5-compartment floating house for visitors to
take a rest.
- The Temple’s gate includes five doors made of hard wooden plates assembled together
and carved on top images of dragons waiting upon the moon. Along the three-step
staircase, are carved two stone dragons with clouds around, on a green stone floor,
symbolizing the Thang Long Capital.

❖ Festival

- The festival takes place over 3 days (from the 14th to the 16th of the lunar
month), with the main day being the 15th of March.
- The festival is divided into 2 parts: the Ceremony and the Festival.
+ In the Ceremony part, the opening ceremony is crucial with the ritual "Tuc
Yet".
+ On the 14th of March:

● In the afternoon, the procession of the Ly Bat De statue to Co Phap Pagoda takes

place.

● In the evening, Buddhist scriptures are recited and ritual preparations are made.

+ On the 15th, the spiritual tablets are escorted to Den Do. The procession is led
by a group of martial generals, bare-chested, wearing loincloths, holding bronze batons,
and followed by hundreds of soldiers. Next are 100 people carrying palanquins dressed in
red shirts and black hats. Leading the way is the palanquin of the Holy Mother
accompanied by 18 female generals, followed by the Ly Bat De palanquin, each with a
horse and 16 male generals in red shirts. Finally, the procession includes dignitaries in
festival attire, elderly villagers, and festival-goers, with colorful flags covering the
procession, and the sound of drums fills the air.
- The Festival part includes various entertainment activities such as cockfighting,
releasing doves, wrestling matches, Quan Ho singing, and many other fun games