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In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), the road leading to Dia Tang Phi Lai Temple (Thanh Liem, formerly Ha Nam province, now Ninh Binh province) is not too crowded, and it's easy to spot groups of young people, both male and female, appearing in traditional ao dai (Vietnamese long dress).
Địa Tạng Phi Lai Temple is nestled against a mountain, overlooking a vast open field.
Traditional ao dai dresses can be seen from the entrance to inside the grounds of Dia Tang Phi Lai Temple.
When "Khổ Hải" becomes a space for taking photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai for Tet.
Địa Tạng Phi Lai Temple is not a large or imposing temple. Its grounds are moderately sized, nestled against a mountain, surrounded by pine forests and native trees, with the melodious sound of wind chimes echoing day and night. A particularly noticeable feature is the courtyard in front of the main hall, covered in white pebbles instead of the usual red bricks or paving stones. This area is called "Khổ Hải" (Sea of Suffering) – a symbolic space that evokes the suffering of human life in Buddhist philosophy. Each step produces a soft crunch of pebbles, enough to naturally encourage people to slow their pace. This very tranquility is why many young people choose this place as a year-end destination and as a backdrop for their traditional Vietnamese ao dai photoshoots before the New Year.
Photography in this area is subject to specific regulations set by the temple, posted right before the entrance to the main hall. Visitors are only allowed to use personal mobile phones; professional cameras, drones, and staged scenes or hired photography services are prohibited. Posing is also restricted to avoid disrupting the sacred space and the flow of worshippers. These regulations are clearly stated at the temple and are largely followed by visitors.
Nguyen Thu Ha (24 years old, Hanoi) said that she and her group of friends had researched the temple's requirements beforehand. "We only brought our phones, took a few quick photos, and then left. This isn't a place to stand around posing for long periods or making noise. Knowing the limits makes taking photos much easier," Ha said.
"At first, I was a little disappointed because I brought my camera but couldn't use it," Thao Anh (Hanoi) shared. "But when I took pictures with my phone, everything felt much easier. The photos don't need to be 'amazing,' just a few natural, authentic moments," the young woman added.
The young people posed for photos in a restrained manner, without using cameras or equipment such as reflectors, as requested by the temple.
Observations show that most groups taking photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses chose to stand on flat stones arranged in rows on the white gravel courtyard, beside the temple, or in the open spaces behind the main hall, avoiding the ceremonial areas. Although this did not maintain the inherent tranquility of the temple, overall, the photo-taking scene at Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu maintained the necessary restraint. There were no instances of crowding, pushing, or noise that would affect the peaceful image of the temple.
Adhering to the rules not only helps preserve the space for meditation, but also creates a slow, orderly pace – a contrast to the crowded, photo-taking atmosphere often seen at many other spring festival destinations.
Despite the large number of people visiting the temple on the weekend before Tet (Lunar New Year), the temple grounds remained orderly.
Nguyen Tran Hieu, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared his experience of a curious trip to Ha Nam at the end of the year. “I had seen pictures of the temple online, and it was very beautiful, but when I arrived, I realized how strict the photography regulations were. Initially, it was a bit inconvenient, but later I found it reasonable. Temples are places for tranquility, not a setting where anyone can do whatever they want.”
According to Mr. Hieu, the fact that the temple does not allow professional photography or outsourced services helps to avoid the commercialization of the spiritual space. "If people were allowed to freely set up cameras and hire photographers, the temple would be very crowded and lose its original charm."
In the context of more and more temples becoming popular "check-in" spots during Tet (Lunar New Year), the way Dia Tang Phi Lai Temple sets and maintains clear boundaries shows an effort to balance the experiential needs of young people with the core values of a spiritual space.
The temple still has quiet corners, preserving its tranquility.
From ancient temple relics to spaces for spiritual practice amidst modern life.
Few people know that, before being named Địa Tạng Phi Lai Tự, this temple was called Chùa Đùng, with a history dating back to the Lý-Trần dynasties. Through many upheavals, wars, and the passage of time, the temple had fallen into serious disrepair and was almost forgotten.
In 2015, the temple was restored and rebuilt with the aim of preserving as much of the natural space and the spirit of monastic life as possible. The name "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva's Abode" symbolizes that Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is not limited to a fixed location, but is present everywhere to save sentient beings.
A statue in a meditative seated posture, symbolizing the enlightenment of the Buddha, is placed within the temple grounds.
Architecturally, the temple doesn't prioritize grandeur. The structures are harmoniously arranged with the terrain, nestled discreetly beneath the trees. The main hall, ancestral hall, and lecture hall all maintain a moderate scale and subdued colors, avoiding ostentation. Details such as the white gravel courtyard, gardens, wind chimes hanging from the tiled roof, and winding paths around the mountain create a sense of closeness to nature.
The greatest value of Địa Tạng Phi Lai Temple lies in how it maintains its tranquility amidst the increasingly bustling spiritual tourism scene. The prohibition of photography services, commercial activities within the grounds, and the discouragement of large gatherings have helped it preserve its essence as a space for spiritual practice.
Wind chimes are hung all over the temple's eaves.
Perhaps that's why the sight of the traditional ao dai dresses appearing at Dia Tang Phi Lai Temple during Tet doesn't disrupt the landscape, but rather becomes a breath of fresh air, bringing youthful and dynamic energy. There, young people find a way to connect themselves with the spiritual space and Tet – a time to rediscover traditional values.
Amidst the familiar rush of spring excursions at the end of the year, Địa Tạng Phi Lai Temple maintains a sense of calm. Young people still visit, still take photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses, but with self-awareness and restraint. There's no need for perfect shots or elaborate arrangements; the experience at this temple is captured by a feeling of tranquility and respect for shared space.
