Although it is not as well-known as some of the other pagodas in Vietnam, the Huong Tich Pagoda, Ha Tinh is one of the most respected symbols of peace and cultural heritage among the Vietnamese people. Visitors can enrich their Vietnam travel experience by visiting this sacred location. 

Overview of Huong Tich Pagoda

Location:  Thien Loc Commune, Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province. 

Ticket of cost:

• Adults: 20.000 VND/person
• Children: 10.000 VND/person

Opening hours: 07:30 am - 5:00 pm ( weekends) and 04:00 am - 8:00 pm ( Tet Holidays, Festival… from January and March lunar calendar)

The Huong Tich Pagoda is a mesmerizing landmark found within the Hong Linh mountain range in Thien Loc Commune, Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province. 

It is perched atop Huong Tich Peak, which is located at an elevation of 650 meters above sea level. Among the 21 scenic treasures of ancient Vietnam, this historic site is regarded as the "Foremost Beautiful Landscape of Hoan Chau" in the region. It is also one of the country's most famous archaeological sites.

The picturesque route leading to the pagoda is 4,000 meters long and is covered with verdant vegetation throughout the year. Dating back to the Tran Dynasty (13th century), Huong Tich Pagoda is one of Vietnam's oldest temples. 

Huong Tich Pagoda is attached to the mythology of Princess Dieu Thien, whose assiduous effort resulted in enlightenment and metamorphosis into a Buddha to save sentient beings, is intricately connected to the significance of the pagoda. 

This narrative encapsulates the profound humanistic values of Buddhism, emphasizing the growth of compassion and goodwill in human interactions.

Structure of Huong Tich Pagoda, Ha Tinh

Three sections make up Huong Tich Pagoda: the Upper Temple, Thanh Mau Sanctuary (the Sanctuary of the Holy Mother), and Thien Vuong Temple (the Temple of the Heavenly King). The peaceful ambiance is further enhanced by the scattered, oddly shaped boulders and the hundred-year-old trees behind the pagoda. 

Tam Bao Palace is one of the most remarkable aspects of the Huong Tich pagoda relic's construction. It houses numerous Buddha sculptures that are hundreds or thousands of years old, particularly fifty of them. 

With clouds and wind blowing about, the Buddha statue is positioned at chest height in a calm, motionless sitting position. "On the top of the mountain there is a stone wall, on the side of the wall there are 99 platforms, all of which are made of smooth and smooth grinding stones as a foundation," wrote Luu Cong Dao in "Thien Loc, Phong Thuy Co Chi District" in 1811. 

A figure of Guan Yin and several other stone statues can be found inside the home. A Buddhist temple is located on the right side, while the famous king Nui Hong's temple is located on the left. A gold-lettered king's stele can be found within the temple. A verdant stream ascends up stone steps, with every step revealing a distinct panorama.

A number of the pagoda's architectural ensemble's attractions are located outside of its main locations, such as Phat Ba Rest Stop, Tien Nu Cave, Tien Tam Stream, Quy Khoc Cave, Giai Oan Waterfall, and so on. A highlight of the pagoda grounds is the Tam Bao Palace, which has historic Buddha statues—some of which date back centuries. 

Two priceless bronze Buddha statues and an antique bronze bell are also preserved at Huong Tich Pagoda. The magnificent natural surroundings of this amazing location also enthrall visitors. Travelers will have a one-of-a-kind experience at Huong Tich Pagoda with its panoramic view of towering mountain peaks, lush green forests, and a calm setting that wonderfully blends with a spiritual-historical mood. 

How to get to Huong Tich Pagoda?

From Ha Tinh city, you transfer to Nghen Town following the 1A route. To continue, driving a car is about 7 km to Hong Linh down of Mountain. 

Three ways are available to travelers to get to Huong Tich Pagoda from Hong Linh down of mountain.

Option 1: Walk along the mountainside

The Forest Gate Temple is the beginning point for visitors' on-foot adventure. The trail winds through pine forests for about a kilometer, with stops at important locations including the Cau Temple where you can light incense. The walk leads from the Phat Ba Rest Area to Huong Tich Pagoda.

Option 2: Cable car

To save energy for the upcoming exploration, you should go to by carble.  However, the cost of the cable car ticket is an additional expense that ranges from 120,000 VND (one way) to 162,000 VND (two ways).

Option 3: Boating

If you want to take in the picturesque surroundings of Huong Tich Pagoda, you can travel by boat. Downstream on the Nha Duong River and you can take in the vivid green waters offers a unique experience. From this point, guests have the option of walking or riding the cable car to the pagoda.

Best time to visit Huong Tich Pagoda

Every year, after Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) celebrations, the magnificent Huong Tich Pagoda Festival takes place throughout the third lunar month. On the eighteenth day of the second lunar month, the main celebration usually takes place. The opening ceremony takes place on the sixth day of the first lunar month, making it the perfect time for visitors looking to visit the pagoda.

During the festival, the pagoda comes to life with a variety of culturally rich activities that offer a genuine glimpse into this holy area. Immersion in the spiritual atmosphere is possible, as is participation in a variety of fascinating traditional cultural activities including tug-of-war and traditional wrestling.

Discovering Huong Tich Pagoda Ha Tinh is an enthralling adventure that includes admiring culture, spiritual enlightenment, and the splendor of nature. Every visitor is left with a lasting impression of the serene surroundings, historic statues, and the breathtaking cable car journey that enhances the attraction of this national cultural and scenic asset.

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