Last year, Tam Chúc Pagoda hosted the UN Day of Vesak, which commemorates the birth and enlightenment of Buddha. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — Thousands of pilgrims visit Tam Chúc Pagoda Complex in northern Hà Nam Province, the country's largest to pray for peace and luck.

The Tam Chúc complex covers 5,100 hectares, of which the pagoda takes up 144ha.

Visitors reach the pagoda via electric car or boat, with round trip tickets costing VNĐ200,000 (US$8.7) per person.

Vietnamese, especially Buddhists, have a long tradition of visiting pagodas and temples in the first lunar month to pray for peace and luck in the new year.

It is estimated that over 70 per cent of Việt Nam’s population are either Buddhists or follow Buddhist practices.

The 13 metre-high Ngọc (Pearl) Pagoda is considered a local masterpiece of stone architecture. The entire structure is made of red granite weighing over 2,000 tonnes, with no cement used in its joints.

From Ngọc Pagoda, visitors can enjoy an aerial view of the entire complex. — VNS