Van Hanh pagoda

Van Hanh Pagoda is one of the two most famous monasteries in Da Lat. Here, besides worshipping Buddha, visitors also experience a peaceful feeling and watch the countryside of Da Lat.

It is the largest monastery of Da Lat city. This pagoda has witnessed so many historical ups and downs and the day-to-day change of Da Lat city. Until now, this pagoda is one of the places that attract domestic and foreign tourists because of its beauty and purity.

If you are interested in learning about ancient architecture, or you're a Buddhism or a religious believer, this place is a spot you cannot ignore when coming to Da Lat.

Where is Van Hanh Pagoda?

Van Hanh Pagoda is located at 39 Phu Dong Thien Vuong street, ward 8, Da Lat city.

Van Hanh Monastery

How to get there

There are quite a lot of means to go to the site. You can rent a taxi or a motorbike to go by yourself. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to get from the city center. Before going, you should scrutinize the route. If you have any trouble on the way, you can stop and ask people along the road. Da Lat people are enthusiastic and hospitable, so they will definitely guide you.

From Da Lat market, you go to Ba Huyen Thanh Quan street, Dinh Tien Hoang street, and Phu Dong Thien Vuong street. Taking a short drive, you will see a slope. Reaching the slope, looking at the right, you will see a golden Buddha statue standing out in the yard. It is the Van Hanh Da Lat Monastery. You can use a map or Google Map for convenience.

Construction process

In 1952, Van Hanh Pagoda was built. However, Van Hanh is not the first name chosen.

At first, the pagoda was named Dong Thanh Pagoda. Until 1957, it was renamed to Van Hanh Assembly. Next, in 1964, the monastery was renamed Van Hanh Pagoda, and at the same time, the main hall was built.

In 1994, the entire pagoda was constructed entirely and expanded more. In 1980, Venerable Abbot of Thich Vien Thanh returned to build Van Hanh Pagoda on an area of ​​2ha. The Venerable is now the Deputy Head of the Buddhist Administration Department of Lam Dong Province, the Chief Representative of Da Lat Buddhism.

The solemn space inside Van Hanh Pagoda

The pagoda started as the Van Hanh Assembly set up by local Buddhists for worship and Buddhism activities. Now, besides the place of worship, Van Hanh Monastery is also known as one of the beautiful tourist spots in Da Lat. Every year, especially on the occasion of the Buddha's holidays, many visitors come here to visit and offer incense.

The exterior of the pagoda

In 1994, Venerable Thich Vien Thanh organized a significant renovation of the main hall, creating a beautiful landscape for the monastery, such as the Maitreya Bodhisattva, Lam Ni Ni garden, Avalokitesvara Buddha statue on the dragon's head, etc. The skillful hands of artisans have made Van Hanh pagoda become a majestic and peaceful as it is now.

Notably, on April 14, 2002, the monastery started construction of the most significant monument of Sakyamuni in the province.

Attractions of Van Hanh pagoda

Today, Van Hanh Da Lat Pagoda is still being repaired and added many massive Buddhist works to create more landscapes as a highlight in the grounds and attract a large number of tourists to visit the scene.

The main hall is solemnly decorated. The most unique and charismatic feature of Van Hanh Pagoda is the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. It has a height of 28m from the ground, of which the statue is 21m, the lotus pedestal is 3m, and the base is 4m. The right hand of the statue holds a lotus flower, and inside the statue is a cave.

The golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha

This is a great artwork, the most beautiful Buddha monument in our country today, is a unique character in the Buddha's decorations in Vietnamese pagodas.

In the Buddha Shrine, there is also a statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva, Bodhisattva Manjushri, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, and Bodhidharma, etc.

In addition to the prominent statue, the pagoda also has a gallery of many rare and precious quartz stones. The stones here are collected from many parts of the world. Coming here, listening to the abbot's lectures about the origin, features of the stones, as well as admiring the paintings created from stones, visitors are surely much more surprised.

Outside the Van Hanh Da Lat Pagoda, at the foot of the Buddha statue is the scene of a corner of Da Lat's outskirts. Standing here, you can see a part of the flower or vegetable gardens, farmers, and a corner of Da Lat University. It can be said that to find a peaceful and quiet place in Da Lat, nowhere else could be more beautiful than this place.