Phuc Thanh Pagoda: A Spiritual Culture Landmark in Tam Nong

Nestled on Ngoc Phac Mountain along the right bank of the Red River, Phuc Thanh Pagoda (Village 2, Tam Nong Commune) has long been a familiar spiritual and cultural destination for locals and visitors alike. Through the shifts of history, the ancient pagoda continues to preserve unique architectural, artistic, and religious values, enriching the cultural identity of the Ancestral Land.

Panoramic view of Phuc Thanh Pagoda.

According to historical records, Phuc Thanh Pagoda was built in 1145 during the reign of King Ly Anh Tong. The construction was overseen by Lady Phung Thanh (Le Thi Xuan Lan), a descendant of King Le Dai Hanh and the fourth wife of King Ly Than Tong. The pagoda is also associated with Princess Xuan Nuong—a talented female general under the Two Trung Sisters—making it a repository of historical values and the patriotic traditions of Tam Nong.

Revered creatures on the pagoda roof are intricately carved, reflecting traditional architectural art.

The highlight of the pagoda is its two main halls—Thien Huong and Thuong Dien—which display distinct architectural styles yet form a harmonious overall ensemble. While the Upper Hall commands attention with its robust, majestic structure, the Thien Huong Hall offers an airy elegance characterized by a boat-hull-shaped, four-pillar framework.

The pagoda houses numerous precious artifacts, including statues of Duc Ong and Lady Phung Thanh (Le Thi Xuan Lan), along with a stone stele dated to the Chinh Long Bao Ung era (1171), stone incense burners, and carved stone pedestals. These objects possess immense historical and artistic value representing Ly Dynasty stone carving sculpture.

Recognizing its exceptional significance, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism classified Phuc Thanh Pagoda as a National Historical Monument under Decision No. 1371/QD-BVHTTDL on August 3, 1991.

Phuc Thanh Pagoda spans a total area of approximately 21,000 square meters (including ponds, festival grounds, and premises), with over 15,000 square meters dedicated to the main complex. It serves as an essential cultural and religious space for the local community.

The screen wall in front of the Tam Bao area enhances the solemnity of Phuc Thanh Pagoda.

Statues of Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Buddhas) solemnly arranged within the pagoda grounds.

A stone stele recording the founding history and cultural values of Phuc Thanh Pagoda.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Thang, who has personally taken care of the site for the past 14 years, shared that locals visit daily to offer incense, sweep the grounds, and pray. On the 1st and 15th days of the lunar month or during festive occasions, the visitor count swells. Beyond local villagers, pilgrims and tourists from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Lang Son, and various other provinces travel here for sightseeing and worship.

The main altar of Tam Bao—the center of religious activities at the pagoda.

The great bronze bell, wooden fish mallet, and ritual items used in Buddhist ceremonies at Phuc Thanh Pagoda.

Beyond being a center for religious activities, Phuc Thanh Pagoda serves as a spiritual anchor for generations of residents.

Every morning, Mrs. Bui Thi Hien (80 years old) from Village 2 visits the pagoda to sweep the courtyard and care for the grounds. Mrs. Hien confided: “I have been attached to this pagoda since my youth. Now in my old age, as long as I remain healthy, I come to sweep leaves and clean the premises. I do it from the heart, hoping the pagoda stays solemn so that locals and visitors can feel a sense of tranquility when they arrive.”

This spirit of heritage preservation radiates across the community. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Quang from Village 3 regularly helps repair and restore smaller items around the complex. In his view, each person contributing a small effort helps safeguard the historical site for future generations.

The Martyrs' Monument within the site serves to educate on patriotic traditions and express gratitude to Heroic Martyrs.

Comrade Cao Thi Thu Phuong, Vice Chairwoman of Tam Nong Commune People’s Committee, stated: “Phuc Thanh Pagoda is a landmark of exemplary value to our locality—not only historically, but also in terms of culture and faith. In recent times, the local administration has prioritized coordinating with specialized agencies to perform preservation work and promote the site’s values. At the same time, we actively promote awareness so residents enhance their sense of heritage conservation. We also encourage socialized resources to mobilize legal funding for restoration linked with local cultural tourism development.”

Annually, on the 10th day of the second lunar month, a festival is held at Phuc Thanh Pagoda to commemorate female general Xuan Nuong with traditional rituals and cultural and sporting events—such as Xoan singing, volleyball, tug-of-war, Chinese chess, and dragon boat racing. The festival meets spiritual needs while educating on patriotic traditions and instilling pride in local history among all walks of life.

Su Well tied to the founding history of Phuc Thanh Pagoda, remains preserved by locals across generations.

Amidst the pace of modern life, Phuc Thanh Pagoda retains the quiet, antique charm of a nearly 900-year-old sanctuary. Its historical, architectural, and cultural values preserved across generations create a unique attraction. More than a sanctuary for spiritual faith, Phuc Thanh Pagoda stands as a symbol of tradition, gratitude to ancestors, and a distinctive cultural highlight of Tam Nong.

Duong Chung