There are many famous pagodas in Nha Trang city, the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa, including Long Son, Tu Ton and Nam Hai Quan Am. However, the Suoi Do pagoda in Dien Khanh district, which is about 30 minutes by motorbike from the city centre, is famous for its pristine nature.
Suoi Do Pagoda is famous for its pristine nature.
Nha Trang citizens often call this pagoda Hon Chua because there is a stream originating from the high mountains, crossing the undulating rocks of many colours and shapes and then falling to form many small waterfalls at the foot of the mountain, next to the pagoda.
The pagoda is brilliant with red tiles and yellow walls, amidst the blue sky and the vast space of mountains and forests. The main hall worships Quan The Am (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva). Meanwhile, on the left is the shrine to God Mother Thien Y A Na and on the right is the temple worshipping five “mothers” of Kim (metal), Thuy (water), Moc (wood), Hoa (fire) and Tho (earth). On the eighth, eighteenth and 28th days of the 12th lunar month, the indigenous people and tourists flock to the Suoi Do pagoda to pray for peace and luckiness.
Coming to Suoi Do pagoda, visitors can enjoy the pure atmosphere, the peace and the quietness of this sacred place. On the left is a vast forest and on the right is a gurgling stream weaving through the rock crevices. The gurgle of the stream mixed with the singing of wild birds creates a pleasant harmony.
Especially, looking far away, you can also see the trains running across the fields like a picture of a beautiful village. From here, those who are fond of exploring nature can continue travelling up to Tien well, which is located on the top of the mountain, the source of the water stream for Suoi Do pagoda. Not only locals, but many foreign guests also come to admire and take photos with the beautiful scenery of the ancient pagoda.
Although it is not easy to transport rice and vegetables from the foot of the mountain to the pagoda, visitors to the pagoda are served with free vegetarian rice. Some people want to eat a bowl of vegetarian rice to appreciate the food, while many others think that eating vegetarian rice at the pagoda is a way to welcome “luck” for a new year. Visiting Suoi Do pagoda, leisurely walking around the small paths, talking with the hospitable locals and listening to the legend of “Ba chua tram huong” (The Queen of Aloeswood), you can feel a different aspect of Nha Trang.
Le Thanh - Translated by NDO