By aussiematesvietnam 
Discovering a Hidden Gem: Phap Lam Pagoda in Da Nang
G’day, fellow travellers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from my adopted home of Vietnam. After nearly two decades of living in this beautiful country, I’m still discovering incredible places that leave me gobsmacked. Today, I want to share one of Da Nang’s most peaceful retreats that many tourists walk right past – the stunning Phap Lam Pagoda.
Last month, Tracy and I were meandering through Da Nang’s bustling city centre when we stumbled upon this serene Buddhist sanctuary. Located smack-dab in the heart of the city, Phap Lam Pagoda offers a remarkable contrast to the honking horns and buzzing motorbikes that define urban Vietnam. It’s like finding an oasis in the concrete jungle, and strewth, what a beautiful oasis it is!
[IMAGE:pagoda-entrance]
Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, history buff, or just need a break from the Southeast Asian heat, this pagoda deserves a spot on your Da Nang itinerary. So grab a cold one (or a nice cuppa), and let me walk you through what makes Phap Lam Pagoda a ripper spot for Australian travellers looking to experience authentic Vietnamese culture.
The History and Significance of Phap Lam Pagoda
While Phap Lam might not be as ancient as some of Vietnam’s historical sites (it was built in the 1930s), it holds tremendous importance for local Buddhists. The pagoda follows the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, which is predominant throughout Vietnam.
Unlike the older, more weathered temples you might find elsewhere, Phap Lam Pagoda has been meticulously maintained and expanded over the decades. Its relatively young age means you’ll find a curious blend of traditional Buddhist architecture with some modern elements – a bit like finding a pub that’s got both the old-school charm and modern amenities.
I chatted with a local monk during our visit (my Vietnamese is still a work in progress after 20 years, but we managed!), who explained that the name “Phap Lam” refers to the dharma, or Buddhist teachings. The pagoda serves as both a place of worship and a community centre for local Buddhists, particularly during important festivals like Vesak and Lunar New Year.
[IMAGE:buddha-statue]
What to See: The Main Attractions
As you approach the pagoda, you’ll be greeted by a magnificent entrance gate that seems to say, “Leave your worries at the door, mate!” Tracy reckons it’s like crossing an invisible boundary where everything becomes calmer and more colourful all at once.
The White Buddha
The absolute highlight of Phap Lam is the enormous white Buddha statue that towers over the main courtyard. Standing at 7.4 metres tall, this impressive figure is hard to miss. Unlike the gold Buddhas you’ll often see in Vietnam, this white marble creation has a serene, almost ethereal quality that’s dead-set stunning, especially when the sunlight hits it just right.
When we visited, I was reminded of our first Buddha encounter in Thailand decades ago. There’s something about standing before these monumental statues that puts life into perspective – your mortgage problems back in Sydney suddenly seem a bit trivial!
The Main Hall
The heart of any Buddhist temple is its main worship hall, and Phap Lam’s is a beauty. Inside, you’ll find an elaborate altar adorned with offerings of fruit, flowers, and incense. The central Buddha figure is flanked by various bodhisattvas (enlightened beings), each representing different aspects of compassion and wisdom.
The ceiling is decorated with intricate paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures. Tracy spent ages looking up at these artworks, completely mesmerized by the detail. Fair dinkum, you could spend hours here just taking in all the artistic elements.
[IMAGE:main-hall-interior]
The Gardens and Grounds
What really sets Phap Lam apart from other pagodas in central Vietnam is its lush garden setting. The grounds are immaculately maintained, with manicured lawns, flowering trees, and stone pathways that invite contemplative strolls.
We were lucky enough to visit when the frangipani trees were in full bloom. The sweet scent mixed with incense created a sensory experience that’s quintessentially Southeast Asian. There’s a small pond with lotus flowers and a few stone benches where you can sit and enjoy the tranquility – perfect for escaping the midday heat.
Experiencing Buddhist Culture: Etiquette and Practices
If you’re new to Buddhist temples, there are a few simple etiquette guidelines that’ll help you avoid putting your foot in it. After nearly two decades in Vietnam, I’ve learned these lessons (sometimes the hard way), so I’ll share the basics with you.
First up, dress respectfully. This isn’t the place for singlets, short shorts, or anything revealing. Tracy and I always pack a light scarf or sarong when visiting religious sites – they’re handy for covering shoulders or knees if needed.
Remove your shoes before entering any of the worship halls. You’ll notice rows of footwear outside each building, and it’s customary to add yours to the collection. Don’t worry – in all my years in Vietnam, I’ve never had my thongs pinched from a temple!
- Speak quietly and turn mobile phones to silent mode
- Ask permission before photographing monks or worshippers
- Don’t point your feet toward Buddha statues (considered disrespectful)
- Walk clockwise around sacred objects if you’re circumambulating
If you’re keen to participate more actively, you can light incense or make a small donation. The monks are generally welcoming to visitors who show genuine interest in their practices. One bloke from Brisbane who we met at the pagoda had been invited to join a meditation session, which he described as “bloody transformative.”
[IMAGE:buddhist-rituals]
Best Times to Visit Phap Lam Pagoda
After multiple visits at different times, I reckon early morning (around 7-8 am) is prime time for experiencing Phap Lam. The light is soft, the temperature is manageable, and you’ll see locals stopping by for morning prayers before work.
If you’re after the complete cultural experience, try to time your visit with a Buddhist festival. Lunar New Year (Tet) is spectacular, though accommodations in Da Nang get booked out faster than tickets to the AFL Grand Final during this period. Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak, usually in May) is another important celebration when the pagoda is decorated with colourful lanterns and special ceremonies are held.
We’ve found that weekdays are generally quieter than weekends when local families often visit. If you’re after peaceful contemplation, Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are your best bet.
Practical Tips for Aussie Travellers
Getting to Phap Lam Pagoda is a piece of cake – it’s located at 574 Ông Ích Khiêm Street in Hai Chau District, right in central Da Nang. Any taxi driver will know it, or you can easily walk from most central hotels. If you’re staying around the beach area, it’s about a 10-15 minute taxi ride.
There’s no entrance fee, which is typical for working Buddhist temples in Vietnam. However, there’s a donation box if you’d like to contribute to the temple’s upkeep.
Tracy’s top tip: bring a water bottle and perhaps a small hand towel. Da Nang gets seriously hot, especially between March and August. There’s shade in the gardens, but moving between buildings under the Vietnamese sun is no joke – especially for us fair-skinned Aussies!
If you’re feeling peckish after your visit, we discovered a fantastic little vegetarian restaurant just a block away that serves traditional Buddhist cuisine. I can’t remember the name, but look for the yellow sign with green lettering about 100 metres north of the pagoda entrance. Their fresh spring rolls would give any fancy Sydney restaurant a run for their money!
[IMAGE:vegetarian-food]
Combining Your Visit with Other Da Nang Attractions
One of the beauties of Phap Lam’s central location is how easily it fits into a broader Da Nang itinerary. Tracy and I like to start at the pagoda in the morning, then head to the nearby Han Market for some shopping and lunch.
In the afternoon, you could visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which is only about a 15-minute walk from Phap Lam. This museum houses the world’s largest collection of Cham artifacts, dating back to the 5th century.
If you’re up for a bit more temple-hopping, the Cao Dai Temple is another interesting religious site nearby that offers a completely different experience. Cao Dai is a uniquely Vietnamese religion that combines elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, and Confucianism. The syncretism is fascinating, and the temple architecture is eye-poppingly colourful.
Final Thoughts: Why Phap Lam Stays With You
After exploring dozens of religious sites across Vietnam over my 20 years here, Phap Lam stands out for its accessibility, beauty, and the genuine sense of peace it offers. It’s not the oldest or most famous pagoda in Vietnam, but there’s something special about finding this pocket of tranquility right in the middle of a developing city.
Tracy mentioned something profound during our last visit that I think captures the essence of Phap Lam: “It’s not just a tourist stop – it’s still a living, breathing place of worship.” And that’s what makes it special – the authenticity of experiencing a place that means something real to local people.
So if you’re planning a trip to Da Nang, do yourself a favour and carve out an hour or two for Phap Lam Pagoda. In a world where we’re constantly connected and bombarded with information, places like this remind us to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the moment. And isn’t that what great travel is all about?
Until next time, mates – may your journeys be safe and your discoveries meaningful!
– Aussie Mates