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VietnamDescription and is it worth a visit
House of Pure Nirvana (Nirvana Vihara, Niet Ban Tinh Xa, Temple of Nirvana) is one of the largest and most beautiful temples in Vung Tau, which is definitely worth a visit. It is also known as the temple of the "Reclining Buddha".
The temple was built from 1969 to 1974 on donations from local residents. It occupies a vast area of about 10,000 sq.m. and is located on a hill overlooking the sea and beaches. Architecturally, it is a multi-tiered structure consisting of several rooms and open pavilions.
In front of the main gate of the temple there is a 21-meter flagpole resembling a staircase with 42 steps. It symbolizes the first 42 pages of Buddhist scripture. On the approaches to the temple, the walls of the houses are decorated with colorful bas-reliefs on religious themes.
The main attraction of the temple is a 12-meter statue of the reclining Buddha, located on the ground floor. The statue is made of mahogany and is mounted on a pedestal 2.5 meters high. The Buddha's feet are decorated with elaborate carvings and hieroglyphs. On the second floor there is a 12-meter dragon-shaped boat filled with water with floating fish, symbolizing the salvation of people from suffering. Even higher, on the bell tower, there is a huge bell weighing 3 tons, 2.8 meters high and 3.8 meters in diameter. Visitors can attach a note with a wish or leave a donation, and then ring the bell to make the wish come true.
On the territory of the temple you can also see many other interesting objects: statues of Buddha, Avalokiteshvara and other mythological characters, as well as mosaic paintings. In one of the halls there are posters with images of Buddha, scenes of hell and punishments for various sins and crimes. The captions under the pictures are made in Vietnamese, but if desired, they can be translated using an online translator. Of particular value in the Nirvana Vihara temple is an incense burner with statues of the 4 main beings of Buddhism – a turtle, a dragon, a unicorn and a phoenix, it can be seen on the second floor opposite the main entrance.
As in any other temple, when visiting, you should follow the rules for appearance: skirts and shorts - below the knees, no T-shirts and tops, only closed shoulders and a decollete area. At the entrance to the premises it is necessary to take off your shoes and take off your hats.
🕐 Working hours
Daily from 8:00 to 17:00.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price
Free of charge.
🚶 How to get there
The temple is located on the western slope of Mount Nuino about 4 km from the city center at 66/7 Ha Long Street (temple on the map). You can get to it from the center on foot, but faster and better by rented transport or taxi. A taxi when ordering through the Grab app will cost from 30,000 to 80,000 thousand here (1.14-3.04 USD), mototaxi is twice as cheap. Also, VIE LIMO tourist golf carts and city buses run here. There is a small free one for motorbikes.
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