Đồ Sơn, a poetic coastal town in Hải Phòng City, has long been one of the most popular beach resorts in northern Vietnam. Every year, it welcomes tens of thousands of visitors who come to relax and explore the area. While most people know Đồ Sơn for its beaches and resorts, few are aware that nestled high on Long Sơn Mountain lies a spiritual and historical gem—Tường Long Pagoda Tower, an important religious and cultural landmark of Hải Phòng.
A thousand-year legacy from the Lý Dynasty
Tường Long Tower—also known as Chùa Tháp or Đồ Sơn Tower—was originally built during the reign of King Lý Thánh Tông in the 11th century, a time when Buddhism flourished and was considered the national religion in Vietnam. According to historical records such as the Đại Nam Nhất Thống Chí, the original tower had nine stories and stood 45 meters tall. Constructed atop a mountain more than 100 meters above sea level, it was one of the tallest towers in the country at the time.
The tower was built on a 1,000-square-meter plot, facing west—a direction symbolizing enlightenment and purity in Buddhist architecture. Alongside other famous Buddhist sites like the One Pillar Pagoda, Báo Thiên Tower (in Hanoi), and Chương Sơn Tower (in Nam Định), Tường Long was regarded as one of the great Buddhist landmarks of the Lý Dynasty.
In the centuries that followed, the tower was repaired and maintained under the Trần and Lê Dynasties. However, in 1804, during the reign of Emperor Gia Long of the Nguyễn Dynasty, the tower was dismantled and its bricks were repurposed for building the Hải Dương Citadel—a loss deeply felt by scholars and Buddhists alike.
Remarkable archaeological discoveries
Tường Long's historical value was brought to light through two archaeological excavations conducted in 1978 and 1998. These digs revealed the tower’s foundation, which featured a distinctive three-tiered square layout with a hollow center—a typical architectural style of Lý Dynasty Buddhist structures. The base tiers measured 7.96m, 7.36m, and 6.92m respectively.
Interestingly, a second foundation was discovered behind the main structure, also with a multi-tiered design. This suggests that the site may have once been a large complex of towers rather than a single solitary monument.
Numerous valuable artifacts were also unearthed, including engraved bricks, a pedestal of the Amitābha Buddha carved from blue stone, lotus-shaped stone bases, and terra-cotta figures of sacred animals like dragons, phoenixes, and Garuda birds—symbols of spiritual power in Vietnamese Buddhist culture.
A grand reconstruction—Reviving a lost treasure
In 2007, a large-scale project was launched to reconstruct the Tường Long Tower on its original foundation, covering an area of around 2,000 square meters. After more than nine years of meticulous work, the new tower was completed, standing tall once again as a symbol of spiritual heritage in northern Vietnam.
The reconstructed tower features nine stories, with a square base and four stairways. Inside sits a statue of Amitābha Buddha atop a stone lotus pedestal. The surrounding pagoda complex includes inner and outer triple-gate entrances (Tam Quan), delicately carved stone pillars, and wooden structures made from ironwood (lim) in harmony with traditional Buddhist architecture.
A special highlight is the one-ton temple bell, modeled after the ancient bell of Vân Bản Pagoda in Đồ Sơn. It was cast directly atop Ngọc Mountain with the collective effort of thousands of monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers. The main hall houses 20 bronze statues weighing over 20 tons, representing various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in vivid, lifelike forms.
Another standout feature is the Thiên Trúc Golden Temple, with its interior adorned in gold leaf. The temple symbolizes the Buddhist paradise and serves both as a place of worship and a spiritual protector for the land and its people, invoking peace, harmony, and prosperity.
Where History, Spirituality, and Nature Intertwine
Beyond its spiritual and cultural significance, Tường Long Tower is also a fascinating destination for history buffs and archaeology enthusiasts. Next to the tower is a two-story structure that shelters original artifacts and an excavation site. These relics include tiles, bricks, stones, and wooden pieces dating back to the Lý Dynasty, offering deep insight into the craftsmanship and religious practices of ancient Vietnam.
During the Lunar New Year and springtime, the site transforms into a vibrant, colorful landscape as flowers like magnolias, peach blossoms, and pomelos bloom across the temple grounds. Traditional spring festivals and folk games add to the joyful, festive atmosphere, making it a wonderful place for both spiritual reflection and cultural celebration.
A shining beacon of Vietnamese Buddhism
Tường Long Tower is more than just an architectural wonder—it is a radiant beacon of Vietnamese Buddhism. Its multi-story design is often likened to a spiritual light pillar, symbolizing the deep-rooted presence and evolution of Buddhism in the country. The tower also once served as a royal retreat during the Lý Dynasty, highlighting its significance in both spiritual and political realms.
Today, the reconstructed Tường Long Tower stands as one of Hải Phòng’s most iconic spiritual destinations. Visitors come not only to pray and seek peace but also to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese history and culture. Whether you're a pilgrim, a tourist, or a curious traveler, the Tường Long Pagoda Tower offers a profound and serene experience—especially during the spring festival season, when nature, spirituality, and tradition come together in perfect harmony.