The unique architecture of Phu Lam Pagoda

Nearly 800 years old, Phu Lam Pagoda – an ancient Buddhist temple – is not only a place preserving the spiritual belief of people in the land of Tuyen Quang, but also a vivid testament to the flow of Vietnam’s spiritual and cultural traditions through the centuries.

Located in My Lam Ward, Tuyen Quang Province, Phu Lam Pagoda enjoys a favorable setting amid fresh and scenic natural surroundings. Enclosed by rolling tea hills and blessed with a mild climate, the pagoda grounds offer a tranquil space ideal for worship and meditation.

The pagoda was built in the traditional Vietnamese temple architectural style, featuring a two-tiered Tam Quan (Three-Entrance) gate. Independent architectural structures are arranged in a well-organized layout, forming a harmonious, solemn and imposing pagoda complex.

This is a large pagoda built in the traditional “Dinh”- shaped layout. Its architectural decorations are refined, and bricks and roof tiles featuring patterns and motifs, such as terracotta dragon designs, have been discovered along with a diverse system of artifacts at the site. These relics provide valuable historical sources contributing to the site’s historical, cultural and artistic significance.

Phu Lam Pagoda is also one of seven ancient pagodas dating back to the Tran Dynasty discovered in Tuyen Quang Province, a locality associated with several important historical events of that era.

In the early days of the Lunar New Year Binh Ngo 2026, visitors and Buddhist followers flock to the pagoda for worship. The solemn atmosphere, accompanied by the distant echoes of temple bells, wooden drums and the rhythmic chanting of sutras, brings a sense of calm and serenity to all who visit.

Phu Lam Pagoda has become an ideal spiritual destination, enriching cultural exploration journeys in the land of Tuyen Quang.

The pagoda also features architectural highlights that blend traditional and modern elements, while its tranquil and harmonious setting reflects the flourishing of Buddhist life.

The spacious courtyard in front of the Tam Bao main hall includes a structure inspired by the One Pillar Pagoda (also known as Lien Hoa Dai), featuring the distinctive architectural style of a shrine built on a single pillar rising above a small pond.

This site attracts many visitors from across the country when they come to Tuyen Quang, making the pagoda a notable tourism destination and a new travel highlight in the province.

The statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara – the Garden of Compassion at Phu Lam Pagoda.

The pagoda’s stupa garden.

Today, the pagoda not only continues the flow of spiritual history but also nurtures enduring values of ethics and culture, contributing to tourism development and promoting local socio-economic growth.

Nestled amid the peaceful mountains and forests, Phu Lam Pagoda also plays an important role in preserving the distinctive cultural values of Vietnam’s northern mountainous region. For local people, the pagoda is a sacred symbol that helps them overcome hardships and find balance in life.

Luu Khiem