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Nestled beside the azure sea, Thanh Luong Pagoda, located in An Chan commune, Tuy An district, Phu Yen province, has become a special destination for tourists who love exploring unique culture and architecture. It is not only a sacred place where locals seek spiritual solace, but also a magnificent work of art, harmoniously blending nature and human creativity.
This place has long been a special destination for tourists who love to explore unique cultures and architecture.
The ancient temple is associated with fascinating legends.
Legend has it that, in the late 18th century, a group of Chinese merchants stumbled upon a peaceful area in Phu Yen. They decided to build Thanh Luong Pagoda as a place to express their longing for their homeland and to pray for peace. However, over the years, the Chinese community disappeared, and the pagoda gradually fell into disrepair.
It wasn't until the fishing village of My Quang became increasingly populated that the locals discovered this ancient temple. They collectively restored and renovated it, transforming it into an important spiritual pilgrimage site.
Another fascinating story associated with Thanh Luong Pagoda is about the statue of Quan The Am (Guan Yin). Legend says that the statue was washed ashore near Hon Dua beach by the waves. Despite the passage of time, the statue retains its majestic and sacred appearance. The locals believed this was an auspicious sign and organized a grand procession to bring the statue back to the pagoda. Since then, the pagoda has received even more attention.
A serene atmosphere leads into the temple.
Thanh Luong Pagoda was originally a small, simple temple serving as a place of worship for the local fishing village. Over time, the pagoda has undergone several renovations and expansions. What is special about it is the combination of Buddhist beliefs and the ancestor worship of the people of the Nẫu region, creating a sacred, intimate, and deeply humane space.
In the early years of the 21st century, Thanh Luong Pagoda underwent a major renovation using unique natural materials. This was also the time when the pagoda became famous for its architecture made from coconut shells and coral, attracting not only locals but also tourists from all over to visit.
Unique architecture: Coconut shells and coral blend seamlessly with nature.
Thanh Luong Pagoda is divided into four main parts: the Three-Gate Entrance, Long Thuy Lake, Quan Am Hall, and the Meditation Hall. From afar, the pagoda stands out with its architecture bearing the strong imprint of coastal culture, thanks to the delicate combination of coral and coconut shells. Coral – a symbol of marine life – and coconut shells – symbolizing the purity and nobility of Buddhist teachings – create a unique characteristic for the pagoda.
The architecture bears the strong imprint of coastal culture, thanks to the subtle combination of coral and coconut shell materials.
According to local accounts, the construction of Thanh Luong Pagoda was extremely elaborate. Coral blocks, brought from the sea and meticulously carved and polished, were used to decorate unique details such as dragon heads, geometric shapes, and the ceiling.
The temple roof is meticulously designed to create a natural, gentle curve. Instead of wood, the temple walls are clad with coral and coconut shells. The brown, black, and white colors of the coconut shells blend together, creating a unique and distinctive beauty rarely found in other temples in Vietnam. This is why any visitor to Phu Yen wants to visit Thanh Luong Temple to admire firsthand the beauty of the walls and roof made from coral and coconut shells. Today, Thanh Luong Temple is considered the first temple to use coral and coconut shells to clad the roof of the Ancestral Hall.
The temple roof is meticulously designed to create a natural, gentle curve.
Upon entering Thanh Luong Pagoda, one immediately feels a sense of peace and tranquility. The pagoda's landscape is simply arranged yet solemn. Although not as opulent as other pagodas, Thanh Luong Pagoda still attracts visitors with its unique architecture and the gentle nature of its people.
The Quan Am Temple - where the temple's fascinating legends are preserved.
Right at the temple gate, visitors are greeted by a serene statue of the Maitreya Buddha. To the left of the temple is a lotus pond; during the blooming season, the vibrant colors of the lotuses reflect on the clear blue water, creating a tranquil and poetic scene. Another highlight is the crystal-clear pond with a statue of the benevolent, smiling Bodhisattva, her hand rising from the water, creating a sacred and meditative space. This statue is approximately 7 meters tall and was inaugurated in September 2019.
The space opposite the main hall of the temple.
Next to the Quan Am Temple is a truly impressive rock garden.
This Buddha statue is about 7 meters tall and rises above the water's surface.
Minh Ngoc (29 years old, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City) shared: "The temple is spacious, beautiful, and ancient, well worth visiting when coming to Phu Yen. I especially like the lake area with the statue of the Goddess of Mercy; it gives me an indescribable feeling of peace."
In addition, Thanh Luong Pagoda is located near many other famous landmarks in Phu Yen such as Ganh Da Dia, Bai Xep beach, and O Loan lagoon. After visiting the pagoda, tourists can combine their trip with exploring these destinations for a more complete travel experience.
While strolling around, visitors can easily spot decorations made from seashells and coral throughout the temple.
And of course, we can't forget the image of the familiar tree species of the Nẫu region.
