1. General introduction to Pho Chieu Pagoda Hai Phong
1.1. Location and outstanding features
The solemn and serene gate of Pho Chieu Pagoda. (Source: Collected)
Hai Phong, the city of vibrant red phoenix flowers, always impresses visitors not only with the vast beauty of its sea and sky but also with its rich cultural depth and spiritual life. Amidst the bustling city, ancient pagodas with a tranquil appearance still exist, among which Pho Chieu Pagoda is a prominent destination sought by many for worship and prayers for peace.
Pho Chieu Pagoda is located at Mieu 2 Hamlet, Le Chan Ward, Hai Phong City. Although located amidst a densely populated residential area, the pagoda retains its ancient, serene, and peaceful atmosphere, making visitors feel detached from the hurried pace of urban life.
1.2. History of Formation and Cultural Value
Pho Chieu Pagoda was built around the 1950s by Venerable Ngo Chan Tu, from Thai Binh. Initially, the pagoda was named Tam Giao Duong, a place worshipping Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism, demonstrating the spirit of harmony among the nation's three major ideologies. Over decades, the pagoda has been renovated and preserved, becoming a sacred site associated with the people of Hai Phong.
Inside the pagoda, many ancient Buddha statues are preserved, along with horizontal lacquered boards and couplets of high artistic value. This is not only a place for people to pray for peace and happiness but also a unique cultural space, contributing to preserving and spreading the moral and spiritual values of the beloved port land.
2. Architecture and Space of Pho Chieu Hai Phong Pagoda
2.1. Scale and Layout of Pho Chieu Pagoda
Pho Chieu Hai Phong Pagoda is built on a spacious plot of land, facing East, with an overall layout in the “noi cong ngoai quoc” style, characteristic of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. The entire structure is harmoniously arranged among components such as the Buddha hall, ancestor hall, tam quan, pagoda yard, and ancient trees.
The main pagoda is designed in the shape of the letter “cong”, including 5 front halls, 3 toa ong muong, 3 rear sanctuaries, and 2 left and right wings. The pagoda roof is covered with curved tiles, intricately carved with dragon and phoenix motifs, embodying traditional beauty and sacred spirit.
The pagoda roof is uniquely designed and carved with many dragon and phoenix details. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Main Hall Space of Pho Chieu Pagoda
The front hall of Pho Chieu pagoda is elaborately and exquisitely built. On the roof, there is a large wine jar creating a unique highlight. The two gables are decorated with square brackets, and above them are five small wine gourds symbolizing the harmony of the three major religions: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. The overall architecture carries a strong ancient character, demonstrating the artistic level and profound beliefs of the ancients.
2.3. Notable Structures and Grounds of Pho Chieu Pagoda
Inside Pho Chieu Hai Phong pagoda, there are many Buddha statues made of wood, lacquered and gilded, especially the exquisitely carved Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara statue. Standing out in the grounds is the Nine-Tiered Lotus Tower, located to the left of the main hall. The tower has nine tiers, and on top is placed a wine gourd symbolizing the Amrita vase of Goddess Quan Am.
The quiet and peaceful space of Pho Chieu Pagoda. (Source: Collected)
In addition, the pagoda grounds also have a stupa garden, One Pillar Pagoda, a memorial stele house, and auxiliary structures. The space is always kept clean, beautiful, and airy, creating a sense of peace and tranquility for visitors. The pagoda gate is highlighted by the large inscribed board “Pho Chieu Tu” along with many ancient couplets and horizontal lacquered boards of high artistic value.
2.4. Memorial Stele House of Pho Chieu Pagoda Historical Site
Not only a sacred place for Buddhist worship and religious activities for local people, Pho Chieu Pagoda Hai Phong also preserves many important historical imprints of Hai Phong city during the resistance against the French and the destructive war of the American imperialists.
Currently, within the pagoda grounds, there is a memorial stele house for the city's revolutionary historical sites, recording the merits of the ancestors who bravely sacrificed for national independence. Each year, this place welcomes thousands of pilgrims and visitors to worship, commemorate, and learn about the history and culture of Hai Phong.
3. Spiritual Activities and Festivals at Pho Chieu Hai Phong Pagoda
3.1. Important Buddhist Holidays
Pho Chieu Pagoda is an important cultural and spiritual space for the people of Hai Phong. (Source: Collected)
Pho Chieu Hai Phong Pagoda is where many major festivals and spiritual activities take place throughout the year. Important occasions such as Buddha's Birthday, the Grand Ullambana Festival of Filial Piety, the New Year's prayer ceremony, and the year-end thanksgiving ceremony always attract a large number of Buddhists and visitors from all directions.
During these occasions, the pagoda organizes many solemn rituals such as chanting sutras, offering incense, releasing animals, praying for peace, and wishing for national prosperity and public well-being. These activities not only carry profound spiritual meaning but also demonstrate the compassionate and benevolent spirit of Vietnamese Buddhism.
3.2. Community Cultural Activities and Philanthropy
Besides religious activities, Pho Chieu Pagoda is also a center for spiritual and cultural life for the people of Le Chan ward in particular and Hai Phong city in general. It regularly organizes short-term meditation retreats and Buddhist dharma talks for local youth and Buddhists.
Furthermore, the pagoda actively participates in charitable activities such as giving gifts to the poor, supporting disadvantaged students, and sharing love with the community. Therefore, Pho Chieu Pagoda is not only a sacred spiritual destination but also a beautiful symbol of compassion and solidarity of the people of Hai Phong.
4. Interesting Experiences at Pho Chieu Hai Phong Pagoda
4.1. Admiring the Spiritual Space and Unique Architecture
Visiting Pho Chieu Pagoda, visitors will admire a sacred space in the heart of the bustling city. The ancient architecture, imbued with Buddhist traditions, harmoniously blends with the lush green natural landscape. The gracefully curved pagoda roof, majestic Buddha statues, and the towering Nine-Story Lotus Tower all create a beauty that is both solemn and serene.
4.2. Offering Incense and Praying for Peace
One of the most meaningful experiences when visiting the pagoda is to offer a sincere incense stick to pray for peace and good fortune for oneself and one's family. Amidst the tranquil atmosphere, the spreading scent of agarwood makes the soul feel lighter and more peaceful than ever.
In the early days of the year, Pho Chieu Pagoda is filled with incense smoke as people come to pray for peace. (Source: Collected)
4.3. Learn about historical relics
Besides its spiritual value, Pho Chieu Pagoda also preserves many historical imprints of Hai Phong during the resistance periods. Visitors can explore the memorial stele house area, learning about the stories of those who sacrificed for the homeland. This is an opportunity to both explore and honor the past, further appreciating the cultural depth of the heroic port city.
5. Experience visiting Pho Chieu Pagoda Hai Phong
5.1. Suitable time to visit the pagoda
The ideal time to visit Pho Chieu Pagoda Hai Phong is early morning or late afternoon. At these times, the fresh and tranquil atmosphere helps visitors fully appreciate the peaceful beauty at the Buddha's gate.
If you want to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, you can visit during the beginning of the year, Buddha's Birthday, or the Ullambana Festival. These are times when many meaningful activities take place, attracting numerous Buddhists and visitors to worship and pray for peace.
5.2. Notes when visiting the pagoda
When visiting Pho Chieu Pagoda, visitors should dress politely, speak softly, and maintain a respectful attitude. Be mindful not to litter, make noise, or engage in any disruptive behavior within the pagoda grounds.
Maintaining cleanliness and respecting the sacred space not only demonstrates civility but also contributes to preserving the pure and solemn beauty of the ancient pagoda in the heart of Hai Phong city.
5. Suggested visits to famous tourist destinations in Hai Phong
5.1. Cat Ba Archipelago and Lan Ha Bay
Compared to the 'green pearl' of the Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba boasts hundreds of islands, large and small, nestled amidst turquoise waters. Lan Ha Bay appears breathtakingly beautiful with limestone mountains covered in moss, and small sandy beaches curving between the calm waters.
Tourists admire the majestic scenery of Cat Ba island from the cable car cabin. (Source: Collected)
To save travel time and have unique experiences, visitors can choose Sun World Cat Ba cable car – a modern 3-wire cable car crossing the sea. Sitting in the cable car cabin, you will experience admiring the vast sea and sky, with towering limestone islands below.
Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Cat Ba island. You will experience admiring the vast sea, cool breezes, with mountain scenery and peaceful fishing villages on both sides. Upon arrival, you can kayak, swim at Cat Co beach, or enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants.
5.2. Do Son Beach
Do Son Beach has long been a familiar destination for Northern tourists every summer. Do Son possesses a gentle and peaceful beauty with its long stretch of fine sand, and light blue seawater reflecting the sparkling sunlight. In the distance are tall casuarina forests, coconut trees leaning in the wind, creating a scenery that is both poetic and full of life.
Do Son Beach is a vibrant summer destination. (Source: Collection)
In the morning, visitors should wake up early to stroll along the beach, listen to the gentle sound of the waves, and watch the sunrise paint the horizon pink. Besides swimming and walking on the sand, visitors should try exciting water sports activities such as jet skiing and parasailing to admire the panoramic view of Do Son beach.
5.3. Hon Dau Island
Hon Dau Island is likened to a "green jewel" located in the middle of Do Son sea, possessing a rare wild and peaceful beauty. The air here is fresh and cool all year round, making it ideal for visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the cool atmosphere.
On the island stands the Hon Dau lighthouse, over 100 years old – an ancient structure that still illuminates ships day and night. Surrounding the island is a deep green primeval forest, where ancient trees reach high, casting cool shade, and the rustling sound of the sea breeze blends with the chirping of forest birds.
5.4. Bao Dai King's Palace
Located on Vung Hill overlooking Do Son beach, Bao Dai King's Palace is one of the structures bearing the strong imprint of history and ancient French architecture. This was once a resort for the last king of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Visitors should take time to explore the interior of the palace, admire the classic space with exquisitely arranged furniture. From the second-floor balcony, you can gaze out at the turquoise Do Son sea, feel the sea breeze, and hear the gentle sound of the waves.
5.5. Bach Dang Giang Historical Site
Statues of 3 heroes Ngo Quyen, Le Dai Hanh, and Tran Hung Dao who made great contributions to defending the country. (Source: Collection)
If you love history and want to learn about the glorious victories of the nation, Bach Dang Giang Historical Site is a destination that tourists should visit when coming to Hai Phong. Located beside the legendary Bach Dang River, this place is associated with 3 glorious battles against northern invaders, creating a heroic chapter in Vietnam's history.
Right from the entrance, visitors will feel the solemnity and tranquility. The stone-paved path leading to the central area opens up a majestic complex of statues of national heroes such as Ngo Quyen, Le Dai Hanh, and Tran Hung Dao.
In the heart of the dynamic port city, Pho Chieu Pagoda Hai Phong still retains its quiet and sacred atmosphere, becoming a spiritual anchor for locals and visitors from all directions. Each moss-covered tiled roof, each ancient statue all contain stories of faith and compassion. Pho Chieu Pagoda is not only a cultural relic, but also a symbol of the solemnity and good-heartedness of the people of Hai Phong.
