Here are some of the most beautiful and sacred pagodas across Vietnam that are perfect for an early-year visit in 2025.

Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda – Ha Nam

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A pagoda with a serene and ancient beauty. Photo: July Photography

Located in Ninh Trung Hamlet, Liem Son Commune, Thanh Liem District, Ha Nam Province, about 70 km from Hanoi, Dia Tang Phi Lai Pagoda - also known as Chua Dung - has become a popular spiritual destination in recent years.

Originally built in the early 11th century, the pagoda underwent extensive restoration in 2015.

With its picturesque surroundings of mountains and greenery, the temple provides a serene and tranquil retreat.

Its landscape, carefully designed with stone gardens, ponds, and lush trees, embodies Buddhist teachings of harmony and peace.

Visitors come here not only to pray for health and happiness but also to immerse themselves in the calm atmosphere.

When visiting Ha Nam, travelers can also explore Tam Chuc Pagoda, Ba Danh Pagoda, and Tran Thuong Temple.

Hang Pagoda – Hai Phong

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Hang Pagoda faces the sea in Do Son. Photo: Linh Trang

Known as Coc Tu in Vietnamese, Hang Pagoda is situated in Van Son Ward, Do Son District, Hai Phong.

True to its name, the pagoda is built inside a natural cave, measuring 35 meters in height and 7 meters in width, with a length of about 25 meters.

At the deepest part of the cave, the ceiling height is only 1.2 meters, and the width is 1.3 meters.

The pagoda’s entrance faces Do Son Beach, offering a breathtaking view of the sea.

According to historians, Hang Pagoda is believed to be the first place where Buddhism was introduced to Vietnam, even before reaching Luy Lau (now Bac Ninh Province).

A large inscription at the entrance narrates this historical significance.

The temple grounds feature a statue of Avalokiteshvara (Quan Am), a hall dedicated to past Buddhist masters, and an ancient tower.

A dragon and phoenix sculpture adorn the mountain above, while statues of a sacred turtle and a carp sit at the base.

The harmony between the temple's architecture and its natural surroundings makes Hang Pagoda a unique spiritual site.

Following tradition, visitors who come for New Year blessings often receive li xi (red envelopes) as a token of good fortune.

After visiting Hang Pagoda, tourists can explore other cultural sites in Do Son, such as Tuong Long Tower, Long Son Temple, Van Ngang Temple, and the Bao Dai Villa.

Linh Ung Pagoda – Da Nang

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Linh Ung Pagoda attracts visitors at the beginning of the year. Photo: Ho Giap

At the beginning of each year, thousands of locals and tourists visit Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra District, Da Nang, to offer incense and prayers for peace and prosperity.

Upon entering the main courtyard, visitors are greeted by statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, and the Tripitaka Buddhas.

Guarding the temple are four celestial dragon deities and 18 Arhats lining the pathway.

One of the pagoda’s most remarkable features is the 67-meter-tall Avalokiteshvara statue, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam.

The statue, standing atop a 35-meter lotus pedestal, faces the sea with its back against the mountains.

Da Nang is home to three pagodas named Linh Ung, located in Son Tra Peninsula, Ba Na Hills, and Marble Mountains.

Together, they form a unique spiritual triangle, making for a compelling pilgrimage experience.

Linh An Pagoda – Lam Dong

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At the pagoda, visitors can experience the serenity of Buddhism and breathe in the fresh air.  
Photo: Tien Da Lat

Linh An Pagoda (also known as Linh An Tu) is a favored destination for early-year visitors seeking blessings and tranquility.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the pagoda is famous for its golden flamboyant trees, which bloom beautifully in the early months of the year.

Located in the misty highlands, the temple offers fresh mountain air, peaceful surroundings, and a breathtaking view of lush forests.

Dubbed the "second Truc Lam Zen Monastery of Da Lat," Linh An Pagoda was built in 1993 and spans approximately four hectares.

To reach the pagoda, visitors must navigate winding roads through rolling pine-covered hills, passing Nung ethnic villages and vast tea and coffee plantations.

Nestled amid nature, the temple stands in harmony with its surroundings.

It overlooks the roaring Elephant Waterfall, which cascades year-round, while dense pine forests stretch endlessly behind it.

The site is also home to the tallest Avalokiteshvara statue in Lam Dong Province, towering at over 70 meters.

Hang Pagoda – An Giang

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As one of four national historical sites in the Sam Mountain area, Hang Pagoda stands out with its solemn, serene, yet poetic beauty. Photo: Henry Duong

Situated on Sam Mountain in Chau Doc City, An Giang Province, Hang Pagoda boasts an ancient, serene atmosphere steeped in folklore and mystery.

Also known as Phuoc Dien Tu, the temple’s name carries deep meaning: Phuoc symbolizes blessings, while Dien refers to fertile landv- a metaphor for cultivating goodness and virtue.

The pagoda follows the mountain’s natural contours, with hundreds of stone steps leading up to its entrance.

Recognized as a national historical site within the Sam Mountain complex, Hang Pagoda combines solemnity with poetic beauty.

Visitors can explore its 44 unique attractions, including the main hall, the Dragon Cave passage, the Lotus Pond, the Immortal Courtyard, and the Sutra Tower.

A detailed site map is available to guide travelers through the expansive temple grounds.

These sacred and picturesque pagodas offer more than just a place of worship - they provide a tranquil retreat to welcome the new year with blessings, inner peace, and positive energy.

Whether exploring Vietnam’s northern, central, or southern regions, these temples promise a fulfilling and meaningful journey.

Linh Trang