When one visits Thailand, especially up north around Chiang Mai, one is inundated with temples. Every visitor will leave that country with a camera roll full of temple photos. Vietnam shares a massive boarder with Thailand, yet you rarely hear about the temples here. Today I will share 5 Buddhist temples not to be missed in Da Nang.
Religion in Vietnam
Did you know that roughly 75% of the country practices folk religion? These people pray to their ancestors and deities instead of following any organized religion. Of the remaining 25%, the largest two religions are Buddhist and Catholic.
Officially the country is an atheist state.
Lang Ngo Ong Man Thai
This quaint and charming temple is located in the old fishing village that was once known as Man Thai. There is a large whale statue directly in front of the newer temple. Like many temples here in Vietnam, I have noticed that instead of repairing the old temple, a new one is built right beside the old, and the aged one is then closed and left to deteriorate.
Here visitors can see both the new one and the old tucked in just behind. Both are a beautiful example of a Vietnamese Buddhist temple adorned with the mosaics made of broken pieces of patterned china.
My Khe Pagoda & Lady Buddha
Located close to the beach but further down is My Khe Pagoda and across the street the Lady Buddha temple. Both are worth a visit and are uniquely different. At My Khe Pagoda, see a very traditional temple, with grounds full of statues, flowers, greenery, smaller pagodas, brass bell and meditative places. There is a lot of see here, so have a wander around and enjoy.
The Lady Buddha is a little busier as far as worshippers go. She is a protector for those about to go to sea, so the fishermen and their families frequent her. I see people here regularly, genuflecting to her. As you enter the temple, there is usually a woman off to the right selling little birds! These you purchase, make a prayer and release into the sky from your hand.
Chua Ba Da
Still on the beach side of the river is Chua Ba Da Temple. This one is newer and has a very tall and prominent lady Buddha statue on site. The temple itself is grey in colour, quite different than the standard yellow.
Here find a very pretty garden area around the back and a gorgeous koi pond in front. I visited on a rainy day and the sight was so peaceful. The pond is surrounded by flowers and statuary. This temple is quite close to the river, is resplendent at night with all of the lights aglow and an oasis of calm in the busy city.
Chua An Phuroc
What a little gem. Head over to the dragon bridge on the head/beach side. If you are here at night for the market, this is a perfect time for this temple visit. She is full of lanterns and all are aglow. You might even be lucky to see a service happening and be mesmerized at the sight.
There is something so charming about An Phuroc, it is not grand in any way, more of a neighbourhood temple. There are little vistas around the outdoor prayer area that are captivating.
Temple An Long
I have saved my favourite temple for last. This is Chua An Long and it is located across the river in the downtown side of the city. You are in for a treat here. If I thought other temples had a lot of statues, An Long has a plethora. There are so many decorations adorning these gardens, and the temple that one must stand still to absorb everything they see.
If there is any temple in Da Nang where you should venture into the dim interior it is this one. Start with the fore hall, with the golden Buddha and multi-faced wall behind. On either side, see all sorts of enchanting and opulent figures.
Now, duck in behind this large room, and enter a circle shaped door into the den at the back. Here find all sorts of religious figures, a beautiful wood carved seating area and so many bits and bobs. Be astounded by everything that surrounds you here and wonder at their mystical meanings.
Things to be aware of, out of respect, please cover shoulders and knees and always remove footwear before entering the inner sanctum of any Vietnamese temple. They are very unique. It amazes me, how Thailand, their neighbour, can have such vastly different styles of temples, yet both follow Buddhism. No matter how many Vietnamese temples I visit, I am always surrounded by peace and beauty.
