Located peacefully in the heart of Cam Mountain - the highest peak of the majestic That Son range in An Giang, Van Linh Pagoda has long become an attractive destination for those who love the tranquility and sacredness of spiritual space. With solemn, sophisticated and harmonious architecture and poetic natural landscape, the pagoda is a place for pilgrims to find peace and contemplate life. Not only is it a place to stop for meditation, Van Linh Pagoda is also a unique cultural symbol, boldly expressing the Buddhist beliefs and traditions of the An Giang people. Let's explore the unique beauty and profound values of Van Linh Pagoda - one of the outstanding destinations not to be missed when visiting the Western region.
Where is Van Linh Pagoda?
Van Linh Pagoda - An Giang
Van Linh Pagoda is a prominent destination located on the slopes of Cam Mountain, in An Hao Commune, Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province. Built at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level, Van Linh Pagoda not only possesses the serene beauty of Buddhist architecture but also blends with the majestic natural mountain scenery, creating a space that is both majestic, close and peaceful.
Van Linh Pagoda is part of the Lam Vien Nui Cam Tourist Area complex, famous throughout the South for its attraction to pilgrims and domestic and foreign tourists. With a special location with its back leaning on Bo Hong Peak, the highest peak of Cam Mountain, the pagoda faces Thuy Liem Lake in front, creating an ideal feng shui layout in harmony with nature. The space here is covered with green trees and flowers all year round, making the pagoda both ancient and warm and peaceful.
When coming to Van Linh Pagoda, visitors not only experience the tranquility and sacredness, but also have the opportunity to admire the unique architecture of Northern Buddhist temples. The works here include nine-storey towers worshiping Buddhas, a massive bell tower, and a majestic main hall area. Overall, Van Linh Pagoda is an ideal stop on a spiritual journey and to explore the natural beauty of An Giang.
History of formation of Van Linh Pagoda
History of formation of Van Linh Pagoda
Van Linh Pagoda - one of the prominent pagodas in An Giang, has a history of formation and development associated with spiritual imprints and resilience over time. The pagoda was founded in 1927 by Venerable Thich Thien Quang, initially called "Leaf Pagoda" because of its simple architecture with thatched roof. In the early years, the temple was a place where the Venerable monk retreated and healed people around the area, attracting disciples and Buddhists to come to learn and practice together.
In 1941, the pagoda began to build a more solid and spacious main hall, marking a new stage of development of the pagoda. However, the history of Van Linh Pagoda cannot avoid ups and downs. During the war years, the pagoda was abandoned and had to be rebuilt many times due to the impact of bombs. Post-war reconstruction not only helped restore the temple's architecture but also contributed to maintaining the spiritual fire of the local Buddhist community.
The big turning point came in 1995, when Van Linh Pagoda was started to be rebuilt on a large scale under the guidance of Venerable Thich Hoang Tri and the contributions of many Buddhists. The pagoda's architecture gradually became solid with the main hall, stupa, bell tower, and larger campus, bearing the classic style of Northern Buddhism but still in harmony with the mountain and forest scenery around Cam Mountain. .
An important event in the pagoda's culture is the death anniversary of Venerable Khai Son, the founder of the pagoda, which takes place in the 11th lunar month every year. This death anniversary is not only an opportunity to commemorate the merits of Venerable Thich Thien Quang but also an opportunity for Buddhists everywhere to gather together, pray and share noble spiritual values.
Today, Van Linh Pagoda is not only a place of worship but also a spiritual heritage, a familiar destination for pilgrims and those who wish to find peace amid the majestic nature of Cam Mountain.
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Instructions for moving to Van Linh Pagoda
Instructions for moving to Van Linh Pagoda
To get to Van Linh Pagoda - one of the prominent spiritual destinations of An Giang province, visitors departing from Saigon can choose personal cars or passenger cars to get to Chau Doc city. From here, continue your journey by motorbike or taxi to reach the Cam Mountain area.
Specifically, from Chau Doc, you move to Nui Sam Cable Car Tourist Area, then follow Highway 91 towards Tinh Bien district. When you reach the Nha Bang Market area, turn left onto DT948 road and move about 20km more. This route will take you to Lam Vien Cam Mountain Tourist Area, where Van Linh Pagoda is located.
Here, visitors have two options to continue their journey to the temple:
- Cam Mountain Cable Car: This means of transportation is not only fast but also allows you to admire the mountain scenery from above, making the trip more interesting. However, after getting off the cable car station, you will need to walk about 1km to reach the temple gate.
- Motorbike taxi: This is a convenient and direct option for tourists who want to get close to the temple without walking. Local motorbike taxi drivers will take you straight to the area near the temple, saving effort and suitable for those who want to save travel time.
Information about transportation service prices at the temple
When visiting Van Linh Pagoda on Cam Mountain, visitors have two popular transportation options to get close to the pagoda area: cable car and motorbike taxi. Each method has different prices, suitable for the different experience needs of tourists.
Cable car service
For the cable car, round-trip ticket price is 220,000 VND per person. This vehicle is suitable for those who want to enjoy the majestic view of Cam Mountain from above, admiring the panoramic view of green nature throughout the journey. However, after getting off the cable car, visitors will need to walk about 1km more to reach Van Linh Pagoda. This can be an interesting part of the trip, giving visitors the opportunity to walk, feel the fresh air and admire the surrounding natural scenery.
Another option is a motorbike taxi for 150,000 VND for the trip up and down the mountain. This is a convenient and fast means of transportation for those who want to go directly to the temple without having to walk far. Motorbike taxis will take visitors from the foot of the mountain to near the temple gate, helping to save time and effort, especially suitable for the elderly or those who need convenience.
Both mediums offer distinct and exciting experiences. The choice of cable car or motorbike taxi depends on the preferences and needs of each traveler, with the cable car providing a panoramic view of the mountains and forests, while the motorbike taxi offers convenience and comfort when traveling directly. go to the temple.
Explore the architecture and landscape of Van Linh Pagoda
Van Linh Pagoda attracts visitors with its traditional architecture and harmony with the majestic nature of the mountains and forests. Located in a prime location with its back against the mountain and its face facing Thuy Liem Lake, the pagoda is a sacred and peaceful place, bringing a feeling of relaxation and peace to each pilgrim.
About the architecture of the temple
The main hall is solemn
The main hall of the temple
Entering the main hall of Van Linh Pagoda, visitors will immediately feel the vast and solemn space. Carefully decorated, this place worships the statue of Shakyamuni Buddha - the Buddha symbolizing enlightenment and compassion. Besides, statues of Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva are placed solemnly, with the meaning of praying for peace and alleviating suffering for sentient beings. The main hall's architecture with delicate lines and carefully detailed details contributes to creating a space that is both solemn and intimate, suitable for worship and meditation.
Quan Am Tower
One of the unique highlights of Van Linh Pagoda is the 9-story Guan Yin Tower, standing majestically in the middle of the mountains. The tower is not only a place to worship Buddhas but also holds sacred relics, symbolizing the eternal presence and essence of Buddha's teachings. Each floor of the tower is designed with sophisticated details, bringing both ancient and majestic beauty, attracting those who want to learn and practice Buddhism. Standing from the Quan Am Tower, looking out into the distance, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Thuy Liem Lake and majestic nature, creating a feeling of relaxation and calm.
Bell Tower and Patriarch Tower
No less special are the Bell Tower and the Totem Tower - two architectures imbued with spirituality and traditional art. Each floor of the towers is elaborately designed, each floor is a sacred worship space, a place to preserve and promote Buddhist cultural and spiritual values. The sound of bells ringing from the bell tower seems to spread throughout the peaceful space of the mountains and forests, bringing peace to people's hearts and a feeling of closeness to nature.
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Natural landscape around the temple
The space around the temple
One of the factors that make Van Linh Pagoda different is its airy and green natural landscape all year round. The pagoda's back leans against the mountain, and in front is the clear blue Thuy Liem Lake, creating a charming and peaceful scene that is hard to find anywhere else. Blending traditional architecture and natural scenery, the pagoda brings a sense of peace and relaxation to pilgrims, as if leading the human soul back to its source of peace and tranquility.
Fresh green flowers and leaves, blooming trees of all four seasons, and surrounding mountains and forests create a quiet, fresh and cool space. This is also an ideal place for those who want to calm down, admire the scenery, and immerse themselves in nature to find peace amid the hustle and bustle of life.
Notes when visiting Van Linh Pagoda
To have a meaningful and complete visit to Van Linh Pagoda, visitors should note the following points:
Wear formal clothes
When visiting Van Linh Pagoda, visitors should choose discreet and polite clothing. This is an expression of reverence and respect for the sacred space and religious culture of Vietnam. Polite outfits not only help visitors feel comfortable, but also show respect for Buddhism and the spiritual values that the temple aims for. In particular, wearing polite clothes also helps visitors create sympathy with those around them and contributes to maintaining the pure space of the temple.
Participate in special festivals of the temple
In addition to major Buddhist holidays such as Buddha's Birthday and Vu Lan, Van Linh Pagoda also celebrates the death anniversary of Venerable Khai Son (Thich Thien Quang) on the 23rd and 24th of the 11th lunar month each year. This is a very solemn holiday, with many rich spiritual and cultural activities, bringing a special and festive atmosphere. Visitors can combine visiting and enjoying Cam Mountain and experiencing the bustling and joyful atmosphere at this death anniversary ceremony to better understand Buddhist culture and the religious life of local people.
Visit Big Buddha Pagoda
Not far from Van Linh Pagoda is Phat Lon Pagoda, another prominent destination of the Bay Nui region. Located on another peak of Cam Mountain, Phat Lon Pagoda has a giant Maitreya Buddha statue, 33.6m high, recognized by the Guinness World Records Organization as the "Tallest Buddha statue on a mountain top in Asia." Visiting Van Linh Pagoda combined with a visit to Phat Lon Pagoda will bring visitors a meaningful journey, both meditating and worshiping, and admiring a massive Buddhist structure with a panoramic view of the majestic mountains.
Enjoy local specialties
Around Van Linh Pagoda and Phat Lon Pagoda, there are motels and small hotels, allowing visitors to stay overnight to enjoy the fresh air of the mountains and forests. In addition, visitors can enjoy the mountain specialty of wild vegetable pancakes - a rustic dish, but with a typical flavor of the Bay Nui region. Banh Xeo is served with fresh green wild vegetables, creating a unique and harmonious flavor, helping visitors gain more experience of local culinary culture.
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