The Quynh Lam pagoda stand on a hill in the village of Trang An,
Dong Trieu district, at the west end of the province. Surrounded
by mountains, it faces a great lake. The pagoda was built at the end of 5th century and has been
restored many times. During the 11th and 12th centuries Quynh Lam
pagoda developed into the main centre of Buddhism for the entire
country.
In the 14th century it became an even more important Buddhist
centre due to the activities of the monk Phap Loa Dong Kim Cuong,
a second generation member of the Truc Lam Buddhist sect.
The
pagoda was the centre for sacred books and for preaching Buddhism,
as well as a training -site for future pagoda wardens. Many
associations famous in Vietnamese literature and history were
organized here.
The ritual celebrations of the Quynh Lam pagoda are held from 1st
to the 4th day of the 2nd lunar month, but
the festive atmosphere lasts throughout spring. Faithful Buddhists
flock here from all parts of the country.