Hoanh Bo Ward in Ha Long City holds immense potential and advantages with its abundance of scenic attractions. Prominent among them is the Man Mountain scenic complex, home to the sacred Quyt Pagoda (Thien Quyt Pagoda) relic, nestled against the hills and overlooking the Da Trang River, creating a poetic landscape.
Thien Quyt Pagoda in Ha Long – A Meditative Sanctuary Amid Mountains and Forests
Thien Quyt Pagoda in Da Trang Village is an ancient temple built during the Tran Dynasty. According to local folklore, in ancient times, the summit of Man Mountain was home to a wild mandarin orange grove that yielded sweet, delicious fruit year-round, which could only be enjoyed on-site. Anyone who attempted to carry the fruit away would become disoriented and lose their way home. However, the mountain peak was so steep and treacherous that only strong, robust young men could make the climb.
Thien Quyt Pagoda. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Moved by compassion, the mountain deity later summoned phoenixes to fly to Man Mountain, carry the mandarins, and scatter them across the lower hills. The seeds quickly sprouted, growing into a lush mandarin forest. In gratitude to Heaven and the Buddha, the local villagers established a temple to commemorate this blessing and named it Quyt Pagoda. Over time, the ancient mandarin grove was overtaken by forest trees, leaving only a single mandarin tree that still stands in front of the pagoda's entrance today.
Pagoda reconstruction in 2017. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
According to local elders, this was originally an ancient temple without any stone stelae, incense pillars, or written records of its origins. Legend has it that in ancient times, a renowned general sacrificed his life in battle and was brought back by local residents for burial and worship. Initially, the site was merely a small shrine, but as statues of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas were later added, it became a pagoda.
Spacious pagoda courtyard. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Originally, Thien Quyt Pagoda was very modest, low, and small, built from sandstone, lime, and other simple materials, requiring visitors to stoop low to enter. Over time, the pagoda was renovated and rebuilt multiple times. The most recent restorations took place in 2005 and 2017 through community funding and meritorious contributions from Buddhist devotees; the access road to the pagoda was also constructed to facilitate travel for pilgrims.
Guan Yin Statue at Thien Quyt Pagoda. Photo: Thien Quyt Pagoda.
Today, the pagoda boasts a spacious, well-appointed, and airy appearance, following the traditional architectural style of “Buddha in the front, deities in the rear,” complete with a guest house and offering preparation hall for pilgrims. The pagoda enjoys a prime location, backed by mountains and facing the Man River (Da Trang River). Notably, it still preserves its ancient scenic beauty—a verdant sanctuary amidst vast, tranquil pine forests that brings a sense of peace and relaxation to all who visit.
The pagoda by the Da Trang River. Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Beyond its historical significance, Thien Quyt Pagoda holds deep spiritual value as a serene Buddhist sanctuary and a destination for devotees and pilgrims from all over. After days of hard work, on the full moon and first day of the lunar month, people visit the pagoda to listen to Dharma discourses, which soothes the mind and fosters mutual love and support.
