Located 30km east of Hanoi, Nom Pagoda in Hung Yen province has the largest collection of old terracotta statues in Vietnam. According to legend, Nom Pagoda was built among old pine forests. It is unclear when the pagoda was built, but a stele at the pagoda says that it was erected in 1680 and restored many times.
To enter the pagoda, visitors have to cross the 200 years old stone bridge of nine spans of dragons shadowing on the river Nguyet Duc. With beautiful natural scenery and ancient atmosphere, Nom Pagoda is a destination for those who love the old history and rustic beauty. Visiting Nom Pagoda, you can also explore, admire the ancient culture of the village of Nôm, one of the ancient Vietnamese villages are still preserved to this day.
Nom pagoda now is famous for 122 large and small terracotta Buddha statues which portray Buddha’s path to enlightenment. Statues are featured with gestures and vivid facial expressions. Some statues measure 3 metres tall while others are just the size of a fist. No one knows for sure when the statues were made, but researchers believe that that with wrinkles on clothes and other characteristics of artefacts, the statues were likely crafted in the 18th century.
Explanation for the durable vitality of the terracotta Buddha statues, some elderly people in the village believe that it is due to the skillful artisans of the ancient art, from choosing the terracotta, the process of building, to the meticulous, dedicated in the coating of thick paint.
Visiting Nom Pagoda, visitors will also enjoy the greenery, peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the countryside of Vietnam. You can wander the temple, admire the ancient beauty of the bell tower, the sandstone wall surrounds the pagoda or the village market nearby…
Quan Am palace is situated in the middle of a lake
Crossing the road on the side of the pagoda, you will see the garden of hundreds years old tombstone towers.
