Quynh Lam Pagoda

In Dong Trieu Town, one of the Pagodas frequently visited by tourists is Quynh Lam (Trang An Ward) - a renowned landmark of the ancient Dong land...

and Di Lac Buddha Hall are two of the three main halls at Quynh Lam Pagoda.

Quynh Lam Pagoda is said to have a history that began during the Ly dynasty and underwent major renovations during the Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. The plaque "Renovation of Tien Du Mountain's foremost Quynh Lam Pagoda" in front of the current gate today reveals the Pagoda's history spanning thousands of years.

This plaque is 2.46 meters high, 1.53 meters wide, and 0.25 meters thick, originally built during the Ly dynasty. During the Le Trung Hung period, when the Pagoda was renovated, part of the floral patterns and all of the text on this plaque were removed and re-engraved. This is one of the largest plaques from the Ly period still in Quang Ninh.

Throughout the years, through rain, sun, and war, the Pagoda fell into ruins by the mid-20th century. Today, the Pagoda has been restored and is now one of the largest wooden Pagodas in the northern region, built from over 1,500 m3 of ironwood.

The grandeur and magnificence of Quynh Lam Pagoda are reflected in its complex of three main halls with a total area of over 1,000 m2, reconstructed on the foundation of the ancient Pagoda using traditional materials, ensuring continuity and careful selection.

The outermost large hall is the Thich Ca Buddha Hall, featuring several large wooden columns, including two precious jade columns with a diameter of over 100cm, emitting a distinctive natural fragrance that is very pleasant. The Di Lac Buddha Hall is located in the middle, dedicated to the Triple Gem Buddha. The Lotus Pagoda is situated at the rear. A notable feature here is the Jade Buddha statue of Thich Ca Mau Ni, weighing approximately 3.5 tons and standing 2.2 meters tall, donated by Vingroup with an estimated value of around 20 billion Vietnamese dong.

Historically, besides the Di Lac statue, Quynh Lam Pagoda was renowned for its four great treasures of Annam and its famous Pagoda bell. The current structure has been rebuilt on the original foundation, using a framework constructed from ironwood. Particularly noteworthy is a large bronze bell hanging here, dating back 200 years, cast during renovations under the Nguyen dynasty to enhance and restore the Pagoda.

With a long-standing history, Quynh Lam Pagoda has maintained its fame and virtue, commemorating many monks through scattered stupas in the Pagoda garden.

Among them, the ancient tower constructed by Zen Master Phap Loa—the second patriarch of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect—stands out. This tower serves as the resting place for King Tran Nhan Tong and Tue Dang Tower, the tomb of Zen Master Chan Nguyen, who played a significant role in the Pagoda's revival during the reign of Le Trung Hung. This is also the largest surviving tower in the stupa garden.

In the past, there was a saying "Muong Pagoda yard, Quynh Pagoda fields" referring to the wealth and vast lands of the Pagoda. Today, although the area is not as extensive, Quynh Lam Pagoda still boasts a spacious courtyard shaded by various types of trees.

Around the Pagoda garden, visitors can admire the remaining ancient artifacts, which evoke deep emotions. Most notable are the stone foundations and thresholds dating back to the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties. Among them are two stone millstones that were part of the Nine-Storey Lotus Tower at Quynh Lam, and a large stone pedestal of a lotus flower from the Le Trung Hung era.

Quynh Lam Pagoda, from ancient times to the present, remains a famous landmark of Dong land, offering a unique experience for visitors whenever they return.