Phuoc Kien Pagoda is not only known for the story of cranes or turtles taking refuge, but also famous for “giant lotus flowers”. If you have the opportunity to come to Sa Dec, take a moment to visit La Sen Pagoda to admire this one-of-a-kind giant lotus. You will definitely not be disappointed when you come here.

Phuoc Kien Pagoda – A famous place to visit Dong Thap

Brief introduction about  the temple

Phuoc Kien Pagoda – Dong Thap tourist area (Photo ST)

Located in Hoa Tan commune, Chau Thanh district, Dong Thap province. Khuoc Kien Pagoda, also known as La Sen Pagoda, was built during the reign of King Thieu Tri. During the war, the temple was used as a base for revolutionary activities in the two resistance wars against France and America. People in the area often call it with the familiar name “King Lotus Temple”.

The way to the temple

Map of the way to La Sen Pagoda (Photo ST)

Starting from My Thuan bridge, you go along Highway 80 about 15 km to come to Nha Man market. From the market, you turn left and go about 9 km to Phuoc Kien Pagoda. For those of you who do not know the way to the temple, just ask the people here the way to La Sen pagoda. They will clearly show you every turn to get to Phuoc Kien Pagoda.

What is there at Phuoc Kien Pagoda in Dong Thap Province?

Gate of Phuoc Kien Tu Pagoda (Photo ST)

Coming to Phuoc Kien Pagoda, visitors will enjoy the fresh, cool and pure atmosphere. The temple has a spacious and airy space, combined with Buddha statues, making the temple more lively and attractive.

View of Phuoc Kien Pagoda (Photo ST)

However, what attracts as well as makes Phuoc Kien Tu’s name is that in the temple grounds there is a strange and rare species of lotus. According to the stories, the king lotus leaf can withstand a maximum weight of 140 kg without sinking. It is for this reason that it has aroused the curiosity of many people who want to come here to see it with their own eyes.

Image of king lotus (Photo ST)

It is known that this species of lotus appeared in the pond of Phuoc Kien pagoda from 1992 until now. No one knows the exact name of this flower, so there are many different names. Some of them are called king lotus, some are called nia lily, bamboo shoots, etc.

See lotus flowers at Phuoc Khien Pagoda (Photo ST)

So what makes this lotus species capable of such great weight? That’s because the lotus stem is about the same size as an adult’s wrist. Mature lotus leaves are up to 3 m in diameter. The edge of the leaf is about 2 – 5cm high above the water surface, it looks like a hat or hat outside the North, looks very fancy and interesting.

Check-in at Phuoc Khien Pagoda (Photo ST)

Standing on a lotus leaf on a tin tray (Photo ST)

The upper surface of the leaves is smooth with a light green color as the main color, which is quite eye-catching. On the underside of the lotus leaf, there are more large veins and spines, they are divided into squares that are light red when young and darken when the leaves are old. In particular, in the flood season, the giant lotus that grows in Phuoc Kien Pagoda will have a leaf up to 2.5 m wide, easily “carrying” people weighing up to 140kg without harm.

The lotus leaf in Phuoc Khien pagoda looks like a conical hat (Photo ST)

Therefore, you can take pictures of yourself with unique virtual live photos. However, if you want to take pictures on lotus leaves, you will have to pay a fee of 20,000 VND / person. You will have to step from the bridge across the pond with a plank to reach the lotus leaf. The board will be held by someone to make sure you can get on it safely.

Go to Phuoc Khien Pagoda to admire the giant lotus leaf (Photo ST)

Take pictures at Phuoc Khien Pagoda (Photo ST)

Because the lotus leaf is very brittle and easily torn, if you want to stand up safely, you must put a thin tin tray on it and then step slowly into the heart. The best time to take pictures standing on lotus leaves is around 9am, because the scenery is more beautiful at this time when it is sunny in the afternoon.

Hotel room (Photo ST)