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.

Hai Tang Pagoda at a glance

Introduction to Hai Tang Pagoda

Hai Tang Pagoda, one of the most ancient and sacred pagodas on Cu Lao Cham Island, is about 270 years old. This pagoda is located in the Cam hamlet, Bai Lang village, Tan Hiep commune, Da Nang City. 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. In 2006, the pagoda was recognized as a National Heritage Site together with the wider relic complex of Cu Lao Cham (Source: Da Nang Fantasticity).

The walk from Bai Lang wharf to the pagoda takes about 10 minutes through the village. The path then opens onto the island’s only rice field, with the pagoda resting against the mountain behind it. After the speedboat and the busy harbour, the quiet is easy to notice. The sound of the sea fades, and roofs of yin-yang tiles, darkened by moss and age, come into view.

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, a length of 6m 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. Passing under the arch feels like crossing a threshold: old walls on both sides, the temple courtyard ahead, and the lotus pond just beyond.

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. Standing at the edge of the pond, you look past the statue straight out to the water. It is easy to see why fishermen and merchants have long come here to pray for calm seas before a voyage.

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. All the statues are carved from wood. With no electric lighting, the hall is dim and lit mostly by daylight from the doors. There is no monk to greet you. An elderly couple looks after the pagoda day to day.

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 ancient bronze bell

One of the special things that makes Hai Tang Temple different is the big bell. On the body of the bell is engraved the words “song long trieu duong” and the image of a dragon, bearing the style of the early Le Dynasty. That style (1428–1527) suggests the bell is older than the pagoda itself.

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

The pagoda is known for its “four no’s”: no abbot, no paper offerings, no electric lighting and no resident monks. This is why the main hall is dim and lit mostly by daylight from the doors. It also means you should leave before dusk, because the grounds have no night lighting (Source: Da Nang Fantasticity).

Hai Tang Pagoda has no resident monks because the island community looks after it. The pagoda was once overseen by Venerable Thich Hai Tang. After he passed away, a local management board took over its care (Source: VietNamNet). Day to day, an elderly couple keeps the grounds, so there is usually no monk to greet you.

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.

How to get to Hai Tang Pagoda and what it costs

Fees are often collected at the pier or included in a tour package. Prices change, so confirm them when you book.

Where to stay when you visit 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.

The following two-day itinerary balances island exploration with the resort’s dining, wellness and leisure facilities.

Suggested itinerary combining Hai Tang Pagoda and Bliss Hoi An

Plan your stay: Book your accommodation at Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness and contact the resort’s transportation service to arrange a transfer to Cua Dai Pier. Confirm boat tickets and departure times in advance for a smoother visit to 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:

• Clothing: 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.

• Behaviour: 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.

• Mobile phones: 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.

• Photography: 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.

• Shoes: 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.

• Cleanliness: 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.

• Learn about the pagoda: 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.

• Visit timing: Heading straight to the beach. Between about 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, speedboats arrive together and beaches such as Bai Ong get crowded. See the pagoda first, right after landing.

Author

Tina Nguyen

Tina Nguyen is a travel and hospitality writer based in Hoi An, sharing first-hand local guides for Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness. From hidden beaches and authentic street food to wellness escapes and the best times to visit, she helps travelers experience the real charm of Central Vietnam — written from someone who calls it home.

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