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From the resort, it only took me about five minutes by boat to reach the temple. The temple stood majestically on a hill overlooking the sea, surrounded by crashing waves and strong winds. The moment I arrived, I was overwhelmed by the scene that unfolded before me: from the main hall, a bustling lobster farming village appeared, and in the distance, the turquoise blue of the sea and the winding mountain range seemed to embrace the entire landscape.
Visitors arrive at the temple by waterway.
Amidst the sea and sky, a sacred place.
The temple has a long history, dating back to 1802-1808 under the guidance of its founder, Thien Phuoc. Despite numerous major renovations in 1826, 1938, 1962, and most recently in 2000, the temple has retained its solemn appearance. The name "Thien An" (Heavenly Grace) was also given by Master Thien Phuoc, meaning: "Thien" represents the will of heaven, and "An" represents gratitude. These two words encapsulate a profound philosophy of life.
On the way from where the boat docked to the temple, I passed a small shrine, said to have been where King Gia Long and some of his concubines stopped while fleeing. About five minutes further, I came to an open area where a tall rock stood, topped with a statue of Buddha seated on a white, jade-like lotus pedestal, standing out against the backdrop of the deep blue sky and sea.
According to folklore, the temple of King Gia Long is said to be a place of worship for the people.
The statue of Buddha seated on a lotus pedestal rests on a large rock.
From there, I slowly walked into the temple grounds, where the bright red triple-arched gate stood – a color symbolizing happiness and good fortune. The temple's architecture is a blend of Vietnamese tradition and Japanese spirit. The curved tiled roofs, white walls, and meditating statues of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara within the temple grounds evoke the image of ancient Vietnamese temples, yet subtly reveal the simplicity of a Japanese Zen garden. These include the red wooden pillars and the torii gate – a traditional Japanese gate often found at the entrance to or inside Shinto shrines, symbolizing the boundary between the secular and the sacred world, marking the entrance to a sacred place. This fusion gave me the feeling of stepping between two cultures, where the sky and the sea meet.
The traditional Tori gate in Japanese culture.
In the main hall, the Three Buddhas sit majestically, facing the sea. The Three Buddhas consist of three Buddha statues symbolizing three important points in time in the universe, with each Buddha presiding over a different era: past, present, and future. These three Buddhas bring truth, compassion, and filial piety, helping sentient beings break through delusion and attain enlightenment, transform suffering, and find a peaceful life.
I stood quietly, listening to the temple bells ringing, each resonant chime blending with the sound of the waves offshore, creating a melody that was both sacred and melodious. That feeling made all my worries melt away, leaving me with an indescribable peace.
The main hall houses the Three Buddha Statues, representing the past, present, and future.
Front view of the temple.
Take a stroll through the grounds, immerse yourself in nature.
Venturing deeper into the grounds, I saw a path leading in, lined with white sand, a striking red bridge, and cherry blossoms in full bloom. A lush green lawn led down to a gazebo, where every angle offered a stunning photograph. I sat down on the stone steps, gazing out at the sea. The sky was clear, the ocean a deep blue, waves rolling in white foam, and behind me stood the majestic temple. Every scene was picturesque, but for me, what was even more precious was the feeling of truly being one with nature, each breath filled with the salty scent of the ocean.
The cherry blossom garden overlooking the sea gives visitors the feeling of having stepped into the Land of the Rising Sun.
A special highlight in the temple courtyard is the century-old kơ nia tree – a natural treasure recognized by the Vietnam Record Organization as a "Centennial Ancient Tree" in 2021. Its gnarled trunk and lush foliage provide shade over a wide area. Standing under its shade, listening to the leaves rustling in the sea breeze, I felt as if I were touching a part of the ancient memories of this land. Perhaps countless generations have sat under that tree, listening to the temple bells echoing, and I felt an unusual sense of peace.
Some visitors have recounted that on several occasions while visiting the temple, they were invited by the abbot to share a vegetarian meal right there. I wasn't fortunate enough to experience that, but just imagining it evokes a simple and warm feeling. Here, people come not only to pray or perform rituals, but also to slow down, to listen to themselves in this vast and expansive setting.
A meeting point where spirituality and tourism intersect.
Thien An Pagoda is not only a place for worship, prayers for peace, and prayers for the deceased, but also a highlight in the Van Phong tourism landscape. On major holidays like Buddha's Birthday or Vu Lan Festival, thousands of Buddhists and tourists flock there. But even on ordinary days, the pagoda still has its own unique charm, becoming a favorite destination for those who are passionate about photography or simply want to enjoy peace and tranquility. With its special location on a hilltop overlooking the vast sea, every little corner here offers a sense of serenity.
From the temple grounds, visitors can take in the soothing blue hues of Van Phong Bay.
I chose to visit in the morning, just as dawn broke, the sunlight slanting through the tiled roofs and reflecting on the sparkling sea. That was the moment I found the temple most beautiful, both majestic and approachable. People say that spring, or the Lunar New Year, is also an ideal time to visit, when flowers are in full bloom and a festive atmosphere permeates everywhere.
From the observation deck, where the waves of Van Phong merge with the distant sky, I understand why Thien An is called the most beautiful temple in the bay. It's not just about the scenery, but also about the sense of tranquility that permeates every breath. And I know that when I leave, the ringing of the bells, the salty breeze, and this moment of silence will linger in my heart for a long time.
