Hai Tang Pagoda – A Must-See Destination When Coming to Cu Lao Cham

Cu Lao Cham is not only famous for its pristine beauty but also contains profound cultural and spiritual values. Among them, Hai Tang Pagoda is a destination not to be missed, attracting tourists by its ancient beauty and sacredness. So what is unique about this pagoda? Let’s find out in the article below.

Introduction to Hai Tang Pagoda

Hai Tang Pagoda, one of the most ancient and sacred pagodas on Cu Lao Cham Island, is over 300 years old. This pagoda is located in the Cam hamlet, Lang beach. The pagoda was built in 1758 under the reign of King Canh Hung by Zen master Huong Hai. 

Initially, the pagoda was just a small hermitage where the Zen master practiced. However, due to the impact of natural disasters, especially big storms, the pagoda had to be moved to its current location in 1848. Although it has undergone many renovations and repairs, Hai Tang Pagoda still retains its unique architectural features and valuable cultural and historical values.

Read more: Discover Cu Lao Cham islands – The green pearl in the heart of the East Sea

Sacred legend about Hai Tang pagoda

The origin of Hai Tang Pagoda is associated with the story of a group of boats carrying precious wood passing by Cu Lao Cham Island. It was dark, the sea was rough, forcing the group to find shelter. They decided to stop at this beautiful island. However, in the following days, the sky and earth seemed to rage, the storm kept howling, the waves were so fierce that the boat could not leave the dock.

In desperation, one of the group went to the ancient temple on the island to pray. And then, a strange thing happened, in a dream, this person was told by a god that the trees on the boat were destined by heaven to be left behind to build a pagoda on the island.

Thanks to the spirit’s inspiration, a pagoda was built on the land where the sacred trees were given. That pagoda was named Hai Tang, with a profound meaning: “Hai” is the vast ocean, “Tang” is the treasure of scriptures. This name seems to express the gathering of Buddhist scriptures from all over the world, blending together to create a priceless treasure of knowledge. Since then, Hai Tang Temple has become a sacred place, a spiritual support for the people on the island.

Architectural features of Hai Tang Pagoda

With hundreds of years of history, Hai Tang Temple has preserved and developed unique architectural features, specifically:

Three-entrance gate

The three-door gate of Hai Tang Pagoda is one of the special architectural highlights of the pagoda. Built in an ancient style, the three-door gate consists of three compartments: one main compartment in the middle and two auxiliary compartments on either side. With a height of 5m and a width of 1.5m, the three-door gate is like a door leading visitors into a mysterious spiritual space. The unique dome design along with the use of yin-yang tiles has created an ancient beauty, imbued with the past. The three-door gate is not only the entrance to the pagoda but also a symbol of solemnity and sacredness.

Statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara and lotus pond

The statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara at Hai Tang Pagoda is one of the unique works of art. The statue is placed on a lotus pedestal in the middle of the lake, with an impressive height of 3m. The image of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara is located in the middle of the lotus pond, facing the East Sea, as a symbol of his tolerance and protection for fishermen. This image has become a familiar symbol of Hai Tang Temple, bringing a sense of peace and serenity to those who come here.

Main hall

The main hall of Hai Tang Pagoda is divided into 3 rooms, each room worships a different god. In the middle room, the most solemn place, is the place to worship the Three Buddhas. On both sides are the places to worship the Three Saints Quan Cong, Chau Xuong, Luu Binh and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. In addition, on both sides of the main hall are the Dharma Protectors and Dragon Gods. Behind the main hall is the place to worship Patriarch Bodhidharma. With a rich and diverse system of worship statues, the main hall of Hai Tang Pagoda has created a sacred worship space, meeting the religious needs of local people and tourists.

Special things only found at Hai Tang Pagoda

Hai Tang Pagoda is not only an ancient pagoda but also a unique spiritual and cultural destination, with unique features such as:

The unique bell-shaped persimmon in Vietnam

One of the special things that makes Hai Tang Temple different is the big bell. This is one of the largest and oldest bells in Vietnam. On the body of the bell is engraved the words “song long trieu duong” and the image of a four-toed dragon, bearing the style of the early Le Dynasty. The sound of the bell resonates in the space of the pagoda, bringing a sense of purity and depth, awakening the human soul. The big bell is not only a valuable historical artifact but also a symbol of the longevity and development of the pagoda.

The “4 no” principle

One of the things that makes Hai Tang Pagoda different is the “4 no’s”: no abbot, no votive paper, no electricity and no permanent monks. This is a unique feature in the religious culture of the local people. The lack of an abbot shows the community’s autonomy in protecting and preserving the pagoda. Limiting the use of votive paper and electricity shows respect for nature and the environment, while encouraging Buddhists to pursue deeper spiritual values.

Traditional festivals

Hai Tang Pagoda is also famous for its traditional festivals imbued with local cultural identity. Each festival has profound spiritual significance and is solemnly celebrated by local people. Some famous festivals here are:

• Prayer for Peace on January 15: This is one of the biggest festivals of the pagoda, attracting many people to participate. During the festival, people will pray together for a peaceful and happy new year.
• Buddha’s Birthday (April 15): Buddha’s Birthday is the day to commemorate the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni. On this day, Hai Tang Pagoda organizes many cultural and artistic activities to commemorate Buddha.
• Vu Lan Festival (July 15): Vu Lan Festival is an occasion for children to express their gratitude to their parents. On this day, Buddhists will go to the pagoda to pray for the deceased and pray for peace for their families.
• Avalokitesvara Festival: Avalokitesvara Festival is held to commemorate Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion. During the festival, people will chant sutras, recite Buddha’s name and pray together.

Where to stay at Hai Tang Pagoda?

When planning a trip to explore the wild beauty of Cu Lao Cham and the sacredness of Hai Tang Pagoda, choosing a comfortable and convenient resort is extremely important. And Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is a great suggestion for you.

Only 31km from Hai Tang Pagoda, located on Binh Minh Beach, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is a peaceful oasis, separated from the hustle and bustle of the city. The resort offers visitors a luxurious and classy resort space with sophisticated Indochinese architecture, harmoniously combining classic and modern features. The rooms and villas here are all designed with a sea view, helping visitors fully enjoy the beauty of nature.

In addition, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness also provides a variety of convenient services such as: infinity pool, spa, restaurant, bar, gym… Guests can relax by the pool, enjoy relaxing spa treatments, or simply stroll on the beach, breathing the fresh air.

In particular, from Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness, visitors can easily travel to Cu Lao Cham and Hai Tang Pagoda. The resort will assist you in booking boat tickets, canoes and other travel services to make your trip as convenient and complete as possible.

With a prime location, professional service and classy resort space, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness will definitely be an ideal stopover for your journey to explore Cu Lao Cham and Hai Tang Pagoda.

Read more: Cham islands day trip: Discover paradise in one day

Notes when visiting Hai Tang Pagoda

To have a complete trip to Hai Tang Pagoda, you need to pay attention to the following:

• When visiting Hai Tang Pagoda, you should choose polite and discreet clothing. Tank tops, shorts, and short skirts are not suitable for the sacred space of the pagoda. You should prioritize comfortable clothes made of cool materials so that you can feel comfortable when visiting.
• In the temple grounds, you should maintain a respectful attitude, speak softly, and avoid laughing too loudly. Do not run or play, especially in the worship areas. Show respect for the sacred space of the temple.
• To create a solemn atmosphere and focus on visiting, you should turn off or set your phone to vibrate mode. Avoid using your phone to take pictures continuously or make calls in the worship area.
• You can absolutely take souvenir photos at Hai Tang Pagoda. However, you should choose the right angle, avoid taking pictures that do not respect the sacred space. Do not use flash when taking pictures, especially in the worship areas.
• Before entering the temple, you should take off your shoes and leave them in the designated area. If there is no shoe storage area, you can bring clean socks to enter the temple.
• When visiting, you should maintain public hygiene and not litter. Let’s join hands to protect the environment so that the temple is always clean and peaceful.
• Before going to the temple, you should learn some basic information about the history, architecture and significance of Hai Tang Pagoda. This will help you have a more meaningful visit.

Some frequently asked questions when traveling to Hai Tang Pagoda

How to get to Hai Tang Pagoda?

To explore the beauty of Hai Tang Pagoda, you need to travel to Cu Lao Cham Island. From the mainland, you can start your journey from cities like Da Nang or Hoi An. Here, you will find piers like Cua Dai, where there are regular boats and canoes that take visitors to the island. Travel time by boat is usually about 1.5 – 2 hours, while by canoe is faster, only taking about 30 minutes.

When should I go to Hai Tang Pagoda during the year?

The best time to visit Hai Tang Pagoda is during the dry season, from March to September. During this time, the weather is sunny and the sea is calm, very favorable for sightseeing, swimming and exploring the beauty of the island. However, if you want to experience the vibrant festival atmosphere, you can visit the pagoda during the traditional festivals held every year.

Do I need to prepare offerings when going to the temple?

Traditionally, when visiting a temple, people often prepare offerings such as fruits, incense, and candles to offer to Buddha. However, at Hai Tang Pagoda, the use of votive paper is discouraged. You can bring fresh flowers or other meaningful gifts to show your sincerity.

Can I combine a visit to Hai Tang Pagoda with other places when coming to Cu Lao Cham?

Coming to Cu Lao Cham, in addition to visiting Hai Tang Pagoda, you can also explore many other attractive places such as the Marine Museum to learn about the rich and diverse marine ecosystem of the island, or explore the ancient Cham well – a unique architectural work with a long history. If you want to enjoy the fresh sea air, you can go to beaches such as Chong beach and Huong beach to swim and dive to see coral. 

What are some special dishes to try when coming to Cu Lao Cham?

When coming to Cu Lao Cham, you must definitely try fresh seafood dishes such as rock crab, abalone, dried squid, sea snails, sea cucumber, lobster… Especially, don’t forget the gai leaf cake – a local specialty with a delicious, fatty flavor.

Hai Tang Pagoda is not only an ancient pagoda but also a spiritual destination, giving visitors a sense of peace and relaxation. Come and explore the wild beauty of the island and the unique cultural values ​​​​of this ancient pagoda. In addition, if you want to book a room at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness, please contact hotline 0912.060.558 for detailed advice and support.