Ancient temple in the middle of the ocean

Historical records show that Linh Quang Pagoda started out as a simple thatched pagoda built in 1747 to worship and house the abbots. However, at the end of the 18th century, this pagoda was unfortunately burned down by fire, many precious ancient heritages in the pagoda were damaged, only bronze and terracotta Buddha statues remained.

Also at that time, at Hon Tranh Strait (Phu Quy), not far from the pagoda, people discovered a large "spirit stone" floating on the water surface and thought that this was a good omen, so Buddhist followers invited the "spirit stone" to the pagoda. Later, the "spirit stone" was carved into a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni weighing 300 kg and 121 cm high for people to come and worship every day. The place where this "spirit stone" appeared was called "Vung Phat" in Hon Tranh area by local people. After many renovations, by 1992 the pagoda had become a unique architectural complex in Phu Quy...

Currently, Linh Quang Pagoda is a spacious and majestic pagoda with many impressive ancient features. The pagoda grounds include main areas such as: Main Hall, Tam Quan Gate, Assembly Hall and Monk's House. In front of the pagoda is a very high ancient tower. On the roof of these ancient towers are carved two dragons fighting for a pearl and dragons and phoenixes very delicately. Visitors can admire the ancient artifacts and architecture in the pagoda. In addition to the bronze statue bearing traces of the fire, the pagoda also has Dai Hong Chung. This bell was cast in 1795, clearly demonstrating the sophistication in the early days of bronze casting art. Inside the pagoda, there are also many woods, precious stones and scriptures... Among the treasures preserved at Linh Quang Pagoda, we must mention the box containing 5 royal decrees granted to the pagoda by the Nguyen Dynasty kings. All 5 divine decrees are stamped with the "Sac mang chi bao" of the Nguyen Dynasty. Up to now, the divine decrees are still intact, and every year when there are new rituals, they are introduced. Therefore, since 1996, Linh Quang Pagoda has been ranked as a national scenic spot by the Ministry of Culture and Information. In the temple grounds, there is also a majestic 9-storey tower that was recently built. The tower is 27 m high, with a sophisticated and delicate architecture, a large octagonal shape, so it can be clearly seen from any position at sea or on the island. When the sky is clear and the wind is light, if visitors stand on the highest floor of the "tower" and look in all directions, they can clearly see the beautiful and poetic scenery of Hon Tranh, Hon Nho, Hon Chien, Hon Kham, Hon Vung, Hon Bo, Hon Trao or see the majestic Cao Cat and Cam mountains.

It can be said that Linh Quang Pagoda, located on a high hill in My Khe village, Tam Thanh commune, is the first pagoda on Phu Quy island, closely associated with the cultural, religious and spiritual life of generations of people on the island. Every day when the ships are about to dock, many travelers eagerly turn their eyes to the beloved small island. Hundreds of boats and ships bob up and down and the port is bustling with people and vehicles coming and going. Stepping onto the island along Vo Van Kiet avenue, travelers will see the "tower" like an ancient castle, at the foot of the tower is Linh Quang Pagoda - one of the oldest pagodas with many strange and mysterious artifacts. Linh Quang Pagoda is also a spiritual tourist destination with an artistic architecture that attracts many tourists and pilgrims. Many visitors to Linh Quang Pagoda want to see with their own eyes the mysterious "spiritual stone" invited from the "Vung Phat" strait. Right before burning incense to worship Buddha, praying for good luck in life or visiting and admiring the temple, visitors cannot miss the verses carved on stone praising the beautiful scenery of Phu Quy island.