Sung Khanh Pagoda
Hà Giang(Chùa Sùng Khánh)
Overview & history
Sung Khanh Pagoda is located in Lang Nung hamlet, Dao Duc commune, Vi Xuyen district, Ha Giang province, near National Route 2 and 9 km from Ha Giang city. It was founded in the first lunar month of 1356 (Thieu Phong era, Tran dynasty) and completed by the full moon of the fourth month that year.
National treasures
The Tran-era structure and its Le-dynasty restoration have long crumbled; the pagoda now preserves two stone steles and an ancient bell. Most notable is the 1367 stele erected under King Tran Du Tong, carved from a single block of blue stone on a stone turtle. Its tympanum depicts Amitabha Buddha on a lotus throne flanked by paired dragons — a decorative scheme found on no other known Tran stele — and its inscription contains early Nom script. It was recognized as a National Treasure in 2013. The bronze bell cast in 1704 under King Le Hy Tong, 0.90 m tall with a 0.67 m mouth and guarded by embossed human figures at the eight directions, is also a recognized National Treasure.
Significance
The Sung Khanh stele is a precious source on Tran-dynasty toponymy, history and writing, attesting to the reach of Buddhism and the central government's firm administration of the frontier. The pagoda was ranked a national relic in 1993.
Photos
📷 Contribute photosVisiting tips
- Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
- Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
- Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
- Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
- Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.
Read more & references
Useful links to learn more before your visit: