Thien An Pagoda

Thien An Pagoda sits atop Thien An Mountain, overlooking the Tra Khuc River and just a few kilometers from the center of Quang Ngai. With a history spanning over 300 years, it is one of the region’s most renowned ancient pagodas and holds special significance for the cultural and spiritual lives of the local people.

Overview of Thien An Pagoda

Thien An Pagoda (Vietnamese: chùa Thiên Ấn) sits at an elevation of approximately 100 meters atop the mountain of the same name, surrounded by vast forests and covering an area of ​​about one hectare.

Construction began in 1694 and was completed in late 1695, making it one of Quang Ngai’s oldest pagodas. It features simple architecture, with the Abbot’s quarters built in the traditional Vietnamese wooden house style. The pagoda sits on a site considered sacred by the people of Quang Ngai: the summit of Thien An Mountain. From the pagoda courtyard, visitors can take in sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, particularly the gentle, poetic Tra Khuc River.

Within the pagoda grounds lies an ancient well, known for its clear, sweet water, that reaches a depth of over 21 meters and over 2 meters in diameter. Legend has it that after the pagoda was built, the founding monk, finding water scarce, dug the well himself over 20 years. He passed away shortly after completing the work, so the well was named the “giếng Phật” (Buddha’s Well). It is built from laterite stone that retains its ancient character. Beside the well, a plaque briefly recounts the legendary story of its excavation.

The pagoda also houses a large bell (commonly known as the “Divine Bell”), which was brought from the Chi Tuong bronze-casting village (now Long Phung Commune, Quang Ngai Province) in 1845. It currently hangs to the left of the main hall.

Near the pagoda lies the tomb of Huynh Thuc Khang (1876–1947), a patriotic activist and statesman who played a significant role in early 20th-century Vietnamese history. Thien An Pagoda is a sacred site visited by the people of Quang Ngai on the full moon, the first day of the lunar month, and during the Lunar New Year (Tet).

In 1990, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism designated the pagoda a National Historical Relic.

Thien An Pagoda

• Location: Situated atop Thien An Mountain, in Truong Quang Trong Ward, Quang Ngai Province.
• Nearby tourist spots: Chau Sa Ancient Citadel, Son My Memorial Site, My Khe Beach…