Phuoc Hau Pagoda is a famous pagoda of Vinh Long Province. This pagoda stands out with its peaceful traditional architecture, located in a cool green space, bringing a feeling of relaxation as soon as you enter the gate. This is an ideal destination for visitors to learn about Buddhist culture, worship and enjoy quiet, Vietnamese-style photo corners.
Introduction Phuoc Hau Pagoda
Phuoc Hau Pagoda is located in Ngai Tu commune, Tam Binh district, Vinh Long province – where visitors can both worship and fully experience the typical peaceful beauty of the West. The pagoda has a history from the late 19th century, starting out as a simple thatched hut and gradually being built into a spacious pagoda with a harmonious architecture between traditional and modern features in 1894. However, it was destroyed many times and restored later.The pagoda space is spacious, shaded by green trees, bringing an ideal tranquility for those who want to find a peaceful place.
The most prominent highlight that visitors cannot miss is the unique stone scripture garden, where Buddhist scriptures are delicately carved on large stone slabs placed in the middle of a cool green campus. This is not only a solemn contemplative space but also a place that creates a very different scene, rarely seen in other pagodas in Vietnam. In addition, the pagoda also preserves important historical value when it was once a place to house revolutionary cadres during the resistance war, and is now recognized as a national historical relic.
With the combination of beautiful architecture, peaceful space and profound cultural and historical values, Phuoc Hau Pagoda is an ideal stop for tourists who want to explore Vinh Long in a gentle and spiritual way. Visiting this pagoda, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the peaceful scenery, find peace of mind and capture beautiful moments in your journey to explore the West of Vietnam.
Location and directions to Phuoc Hau Pagoda
Phuoc Hau Pagoda is located in Ngai Tu Commune, Tam Binh District, right next to Highway 54, so it is easy to find and convenient for tourists to travel. From the center of Vinh Long city, it only takes about 10-15 minutes by motorbike, car or taxi in the direction of Tam Binh and then turn into the path leading to the pagoda following the signs. If you depart from other famous tourist destinations such as Cu Lao An Binh or Tien Chau Pagoda, you can travel by ferry across Co Chien River, then continue by road to Highway 54 to reach the pagoda, the total time is about 25-35 minutes depending on the route.
A more interesting option for tourists who like to experience the river is to take a boat from the tourist wharves on the island, along the garden canals to get near Tam Binh area and then continue to move to the pagoda, bringing a feeling of both relaxation and the essence of the West. With a convenient location and many flexible travel options, Phuoc Hau Pagoda becomes an ideal stopover in cultural and spiritual exploration journeys combined with garden tourism in Vinh Long.
Architectural style and sacred design
The architecture of Phuoc Hau Pagoda impresses right from the three-entrance gate with its curved tiled roof in the shape of a sword, decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs and Buddhist patterns in the traditional Southern style. Passing through the gate, visitors will see a large courtyard shaded by ancient starfruit and oil trees, creating a cool and quiet space. On the ancient walls and wooden pillars, there are still traces of time, with yellowed paint and patches of green moss, giving the feeling of opening the door to a centuries-old pagoda.
But when you step inside, you will see details that have been renovated in a combined East-West style. The space is more open, natural light is cleverly arranged through high windows, helping to highlight the large wooden and bronze Buddha statues. The horizontal lacquered boards and parallel sentences are carved sharply, painted red and gilded, creating a solemn yet luxurious beauty.
The most special feature, creating the “mysterious” feature of the pagoda. Phuoc Hau Pagoda is the stone scripture garden. This is a large area in the middle of Phuoc Hau temple grounds, where more than 300 large and small stone slabs, each 1-2 meters high, are engraved with Buddhist scriptures in Chinese characters, Vietnamese characters and calligraphy.
The stone slabs are arranged in straight rows like an “outdoor library”, creating a landscape that is both meditative and mysterious. When the early morning sunlight shines through the trees, the scriptures engraved on the stone become sparkling, creating a sacred feeling as if entering a separate realm, completely separate from the outside world.
Throughout Phuoc Hau temple grounds, there are many delicate artistic details: stone Arhat statues interspersed between the paths, a small lotus pond in front of the main hall, a simple wooden bridge across the entrance to the scripture garden… All elements, from architecture, light, color to spatial layout, contribute to creating the ancient, meditative and mysterious beauty of Phuoc Hau Pagoda – one of the most impressive spiritual destinations in Vinh Long.
Cultural and spiritual experiences at Phuoc Hau Pagoda
Cultural and spiritual experiences at Phuoc Hau Pagoda are diverse and meaningful, giving visitors a feeling of both peace and depth when stopping at the ancient pagoda of Vinh Long. Below are the most outstanding experiences:
Walking in the unique stone scripture garden in the West
This is an experience that almost everyone who comes to Phuoc Hau Pagoda looks forward to. In the middle of the green campus are hundreds of large stone slabs engraved with Buddhist scriptures in Chinese characters, Vietnamese characters and calligraphy. Walking between the neat rows of stone scriptures, listening to the gentle wind blowing through the treetops, visitors feel like they are entering an outdoor “zen library” – where the mind is naturally relaxed and calm.
Admire the ancient beauty of the main hall
The main hall of the pagoda is where visitors can most clearly feel the harmony between tradition and modernity. The ancient Buddha statues are placed solemnly, the natural light shines in, creating a warm and sacred space. This is an ideal place to pray for peace, worship and find balance in the soul.
Listen to the story of the Phuoc Hau Temple more than 100-year history
The monks and local people are very friendly; when chatting, you can hear stories about the formation of Phuoc Hau temple, the times of restoration, as well as the role of the temple during the resistance period. This is a great opportunity to understand more deeply about Buddhist culture and the history of the West.
Meditate and enjoy the quiet space
Thanks to the open space, lots of shade and natural bird sounds, Phuoc Hau Pagoda is very suitable for meditation, deep breathing or simply enjoying the peace. Many foreign tourists often spend 15-30 minutes just sitting quietly in front of the stone scripture garden or by the lotus pond – an experience that brings a feeling of absolute relaxation.
Participate in Buddhist ceremonies and religious activities
On full moon and new moon days or major festivals such as Vu Lan and Buddha’s birthday, the pagoda organizes chanting, candle lighting and traditional rituals. Visitors can immerse themselves in that solemn space to feel the unique spiritual culture of the Southwest region.
Take artistic photos in a meditative space
Ancient architecture, stone scripture gardens, lotus ponds and moss-covered walls create many photo angles full of meditation. You don’t need to edit much – just raise your camera and you will have very artistic and peaceful photos.
Surrounding landscape and nearby attractions
Lily’s Travel suggests some attractive tourist spots around Phuoc Hau Pagoda, which are suitable to add to your journey to explore the pagoda and the Western region
An Binh Islet
Address: An Binh Commune, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province
Just a short walk or motorbike ride from Phuoc Hau Pagoda, An Binh Islet is an ideal ecological destination in the middle of the Mekong Delta. Visitors can explore fruit gardens laden with fruits such as longan, rambutan or mango, pick and enjoy them right in the garden. The island is also notable for its ancient houses, winding canals and simple wooden bridges, bringing a sense of peace and closeness to nature.
You can also experience folk games such as catching fish in ditches, rowing boats or listening to traditional music right at a local’s house to experience the life of the river region imbued with local culture.
Vinh Sang Tourist Area
Address: Located on An Binh island (about 2.2 hectares of ecological area).
Located in the middle of An Binh Islet, Vinh Sang Tourist Area is a harmonious combination of nature, games and garden experiences. Visitors can stroll around large fruit gardens, participate in adventure games such as ostrich riding, grass sliding, rowing boats or fishing with local people. The eco-zone also has a bird garden and river viewing areas, helping visitors to explore nature and relax in a cool green space. This is an ideal stopover to combine with a trip to Phuoc Hau Pagoda.
CocoHome Coconut House
Address: Hoa Qui Hamlet, Hoa Ninh Commune, Long Ho District, Vinh Long Province
CocoHome Coconut House is another unique experience around Phuoc Hau Pagoda, located in the middle of a lush green coconut forest. The house is built entirely from old coconuts, creating a very special architecture, both intimate and creative. Visitors can visit, take photos, and experience making coconut products such as coconut cakes and traditional coconut candies.
In addition, there are also rustic activities such as cycling around the island, rowing a boat or catching fish in the ditch, helping you immerse yourself in the authentic Western lifestyle. In the afternoon, many tourists like to sit and listen to traditional music on the boat, enjoy specialties of the river region, creating a relaxing journey full of cultural experiences.
Read more: Sa Dec Flower Village – The Timeless Blossom of the Mekong Delta
Etiquette and practical information for visitors
Here are etiquette and practical information to travel and visit Phuoc Hau Pagoda for the best experience
The best time to visit
Visitors should come to the pagoda early in the morning, around 7:00–10:00, when the air is fresh, the sunlight is gentle and the landscape is green, very convenient for taking photos and feeling the serenity. In the afternoon, from 15:00–17:00, the sunset glows on the ancient tiled roof, creating a magical and peaceful scene. It is better to visit at noon when it is sunny.
Experience sightseeing and pilgrimage
Phuoc Hau Pagoda is open to visitors for free. When entering the pagoda, you should dress politely, keep order and respect the ongoing rituals. Visitors can walk around the pagoda clockwise, lavender in front of the Buddha statue, meditate in the main hall and the stone scripture garden. In addition, you can participate in Buddhist ceremonies on the full moon, the first day of the lunar month or major holidays, listen to the temple bells ringing and immerse yourself in the pure spiritual space.
Combine tourism around the pagoda
To make the trip more complete, visitors can combine visiting An Binh Islet, Tha Fruit Garden, experiencing folk games, rowing kites or Tha Nha Dua CocoHome to learn about life in the garden. Phuoc Hau Pagoda has a convenient location to combine with many spiritual and ecological tourist attractions, creating a rich process, both blessed, relaxing, and exploring the culture of the South.
In Lily’s Travel’s Vinh Long discovery tour, you will experience a tour that combines spirituality and gardening. With this combination, you will visit the ancient Phuoc Hau pagoda, which stands out with its traditional architecture and unique stone garden.
Lily’s Travel tour continues to An Binh islet. This is where you can stroll around the orchard, experience rowing a boat, catch fish in the ditch and immerse yourself in the peaceful river life. Next, visit Vinh Sang tourist area to explore the bird garden, play folk games or relax in the cool green nature.
If there is time, the tour will also take you to Tien Chau pagoda, admire the ancient tiled roof and light incense to pray for peace. This is an ideal journey combining spirituality, nature and Western culture, giving visitors a complete and unforgettable experience. Therefore, this is the most popular tour itinerary for tourists when coming to Western Vietnam.
