Phat Tich Pagoda is one of Bac Ninh’s most important Buddhist sites, known for its ancient architecture, peaceful surroundings, and panoramic views. This pagoda attracts visitors for its spiritual significance as well as its cultural value.

1. A glance at Phat Tich Pagoda

Phat Tich Pagoda, also known as Van Phuc Tu, sits on the southern slope of Phat Tich Mountain in Bac Ninh. This mountain is located in Phat Tich Commune, which belonged to Tien Du District.

During the Ly and Tran dynasties, Phat Tich Pagoda was one of the largest Buddhist sites in Vietnam. It was not only a place for spiritual practice but also a hub for cultural exchange. Beliefs, traditions, and religious ideas from different regions and countries blended here with local customs, adding depth to the spiritual life of the people.

Stories linked to Phat Tich Pagoda include the tale of To Co, the battles between King An Duong Vuong and Zhao Tuo, the woodcutter Vuong Chat, Tu Thuc meeting a fairy, Cao Bien building a tower to seal magic, the Lady of Tea, and the scholar Nguyen Dang Cao. The pagoda is especially famous for its peony festival, held on the 4th day of the 1st lunar month.

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2. Things to know about the history of Phat Tich Pagoda

According to ancient records, Phat Tich Pagoda was built in 1057 during the Ly dynasty under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong. In 1066, the king ordered the construction of a tall tower at the site. After the tower collapsed, a solid stone statue of Amitabha Buddha, covered in gold, was discovered inside the pagoda.

In 1686, King Le Hy Tong rebuilt the pagoda on a larger scale and renamed it Van Phuc Tu. Unfortunately, during the French invasion in 1947, the pagoda was completely destroyed. From 1954 until today, Phat Tich Pagoda has gradually been restored.

In 1962, Phat Tich Pagoda was recognized by the government as a National Historical Site. In 2014, it earned the title of Special National Relic, marking its importance in Vietnam’s heritage.

The history-rich Phat Tich Pagoda in Bac Ninh

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3. The overall structure of Phat Tich Pagoda

Phat Tich Pagoda still preserves the original structure from the Ly dynasty, which consists of four levels along with many ancient artifacts from that era. It has seven halls for welcoming visitors, five halls for Buddhist worship, eight halls for ancestral worship, and seven halls dedicated to the Mother Goddess.

First level: Located at the entrance, it sits at the foot of the mountain. On both sides are two ponds and a “dragon well” in between.
Second level: This area has a triple-arch gate and a two-story-eight-roof bell tower. In the past, it was said to be a peony garden, the site of the Peony Festival, and the setting for the legend of Tu Thuc meeting a fairy.
Third level: This is the main area for Buddhist worship. It houses a Tam Bao Hall, a rear hall, corridors, an ancestral worship hall, and a Mother Goddess worship hall.
Fourth level: This is the pagoda’s stupa courtyard, which has 34 stupas (9 made of stone and 25 made of brick). In the center is a rectangular pond with a large semicircular stone slab carved with a massive dragon figure.

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4. Highlights to explore in Phat Tich Pagoda

4.1. The giant Buddha statue

Standing 27 meters tall and weighing about 3,000 tons, this statue was modeled after the seated Buddha on a lotus pedestal, a masterpiece of the Ly dynasty that was recognized as a national treasure in 2013.

Building such a huge statue on a mountain came with many challenges. Massive stone blocks, each weighing several tons, had to be transported up the slope by rail. Hundreds of artisans from Ninh Van Stone Carving Village in Ninh Binh worked tirelessly for more than three years to create it. Every detail, from the face to decorative patterns, was carefully crafted to be lifelike.

The giant Buddha statue at Phat Tich Pagoda, Bac Ninh

4.2. The Amitabha Buddha statue

In the main hall of Phat Tich Pagoda sits a Amitabha Buddha statue, recognized as a national treasure in 2013. Carved from stone, it is 2.77 meters tall. Depicting Buddha in full meditation on a lotus pedestal, with a composed presence, this statue is considered a masterpiece of sculpture. The face of the statue reflects kindness, with features slightly idealized in the style of ancient Indian art.

4.3. The carving of Dharma Protector

Phat Tich Pagoda is home to a rare stone carving of the Dharma Protector (Lokapala) from the Ly dynasty. It is the only known piece of its kind in Vietnam from that period. In Buddhist tradition, Dharma Protectors guard the teachings of the Buddha and are often placed near gates or front halls.

This Dharma Protector leans slightly forward, with the torso twisted, hips shifted, and legs braced apart. The figure wears a round-hemmed helmet decorated with a circular motif at the back, with hair tucked underneath. A wide cloak drapes over the body, its large folds flowing backward as if caught in motion. The pants are fitted, the shoes have upturned tips, and a belt is tied firmly around the waist.

4.4. The statues of 10 sacred animals

Another one-of-a-kind national treasure at Phat Tich Pagoda is the set of ten stone statues of sacred animals. They are placed on the second level of the pagoda and include lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, and horses, with two of each animal. Each statue rests on a lotus pedestal carved from a single large stone block and is over a thousand years old. The ten animals are arranged in two rows, symmetrically positioned in front of Tam Bao Hall.

The statues of 10 sacred animals at Phat Tich Pagoda

4.5. Pho Quang Tower

Standing over 5 meters tall, Pho Quang Tower houses the relics of several monks who once lived at Phat Tich Pagoda. Each tier of the tower has eight sides, with a small arched window in the center of each side. Inside each window is a Buddha statue, designed to resemble the ancient statues found in the original tower. The windows on the first tier serve as doorways leading into the tower’s interior. The lower two tiers are decorated with statues of the mythical bird Garuda. From the base of the tower, a spiral staircase leads to the top, where a massive bronze bell hangs.

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5. Guide for visitors to Phat Tich Pagoda in Bac Ninh

5.1. When to visit?

You can visit Phat Tich Pagoda at any time of the year, but the best time to go is during Bac Ninh festivals. In particular, the Phat Tich Pagoda Festival is held from the 3rd to the 5th day of the Lunar New Year, with two parts:

The ceremonial part: This part includes incense offering at places of worship, the Great Compassion Dharma Assembly to pray for peace and prosperity, and a special prayer for the well-being of the people, held on the evening of the 5th day.
The festive part: Visitors can enjoy cultural performances and folk games at the festival. Highlights include Quan Ho folk singing on boats, To Tom card game competition, and shuttlecock volleyball.

Phat Tich Pagoda during its annual festival

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5.2. How to get there?

Phat Tich Pagoda is about 30 kilometers away from Hanoi and can be reached in under an hour by road. The most common route is either via Nguyen Van Cu Street (for motorbikes) or Highway CT01 (for cars), then Road DT287. If you prefer public transport, you can take Bus 54 from Hanoi to Bac Ninh. After getting off the bus, you can hail a motorbike taxi or taxi to reach the pagoda.

5.3. What to note?

While you are at Phat Tich Pagoda, follow these guidelines to show respect for the site:

Dress modestly. Avoid skirts, sleeveless tops, shorts, and other revealing clothes.
Wear shoes or sandals that are easy to remove, as footwear must be taken off before entering worship halls.
Walk gently and speak softly. Avoid making loud noises.
Pray silently.
Keep offerings simple and sincere.
Stay mindful of your belongings, especially during crowded festivals.
Ask for prices in advance when purchasing items or services from vendors along the way.

5.4. Where to go nearby?

If you have time to explore the area, these nearby attractions are worth a visit:

Kinh Duong Vuong Temple (~5.3km away): Dedicated to Kinh Duong Vuong, this temple features traditional architecture with sacred statues.
But Thap Pagoda (~7.1km away): Known for its elegant architecture and intricate carvings, this pagoda houses many national treasures, including a thousand-hand-thousand-eye Guanyin statue.
Dau Pagoda (~9km away): Recognized as the oldest pagoda in Vietnam, Dau Pagoda is an important Buddhist site with ancient towers, statues, and relics dating back over a thousand years.
Dinh Bang Communal House (~9.7km away): With ornate carvings and traditional architecture, this historic communal house showcases the heritage of the area.

There are many attractions near Phat Tich Pagoda

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Phat Tich Pagoda is a symbol of Vietnam’s rich history, artistic heritage, and spiritual life. Whether you come to admire its ancient architecture, explore its legends, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the pagoda offers an unforgettable experience in Bac Ninh.

To make your trip even more memorable, consider staying at Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh, an opulent accommodation featuring three fine dining restaurants and a luxurious spa, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.