Da Trang Pagoda: National Historic Relic

Da Trang Pagoda: National Historic Relic

Da Trang Pagoda is one of the most popular pagodas in Phu Yen Province. Also known as Tu Quang Pagoda, it was recognized as a national historic relic in 1997 by the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Da Trang Pagoda is situated 20 kilometers North of Tuy Hoa City, An Dan Commune, Tuy An District. It faces the Cai River and is specifically on the slopes of DaTrang Mountain. It was constructed during the reign of King Qoang Toan of the Tay Son Dynasty in 1797. It was founded by Buddhist monk Huy Phap Chuyen of the Lam Te faction. It was honored by the emperor in 1889 but burned completely in 1929. It was rebuilt and restored in 1988 through the fund-raising efforts made by Buddhists from provinces in Central Vietnam.
Da Trang Pagoda rests on what used to be the capital of Phu Yen Province in the 17th century. The said area has an estimated height of 100 meters and a dangerous road laid with stepping stones leading to the pagoda. At the back of the pagoda is a tower yard and a worshipping house for ancestors. The said tower is beautifully engraved with traditional ornamental images such as the four sacred animals (dragon, unicorn, turtle, and phoenix). An old yet lush garden filled with mango trees surround the structure. These mango trees are not ordinary but Da Trang mango, a unique variety only found and grown in Phu Yen, and known for its one-of-akind smell and taste.
At present, the tenth generation of the Lam Te Buddhist monks manage Da Trang Pagoda and is frequently visited by both local and foreign tourists alike because of its commanding beauty and rich history.