With its back against the mountain and its face turned toward the sea, Hưng Thắng Tự enjoys a naturally poetic setting that feels both refreshing and deeply peaceful. Spanning an expansive 129,800 m², the pagoda blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape—green, open, and calm—making it a beloved stop for visitors seeking a spiritual pause while exploring Vũng Tàu.
What makes Hưng Thắng Tự even more special is its long-standing commitment to community service. Beyond being a place of worship, the pagoda is known for its charitable herbal garden and a free clinic that offers no-cost consultations and support for people from Vũng Tàu and many other provinces.
A Vision Built on Compassion
Construction of Hưng Thắng Tự began in 1967. The entire land area for the pagoda was donated by Mr. Huỳnh Văn Nhơn and his family. According to Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tư, Head of the Pagoda’s Executive Board, the story started earlier—in 1964, when Mr. Nhơn’s family purchased the land and offered it to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha with a heartfelt wish: to establish a charitable herbal medicine garden to help the poor and to create a peaceful retreat space for dedicated followers in their later years.
A year after the pagoda’s construction began, Mr. Huỳnh Văn Nhơn passed away, leaving part of his dream unfinished. Out of gratitude for his contributions, the pagoda established a memorial space in his honor. Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tư shared that he has continued working to fulfill Mr. Nhơn’s original aspiration—especially the development of the charitable herbal garden.
A Spacious Main Hall Amid Greenery
The pagoda’s most prominent structure is its main hall, set within a broad, tree-filled campus that feels airy and quiet even on busy days. In 2020, Hưng Thắng Tự underwent a major renovation, rebuilding key areas on a larger and more dignified scale—enhancing both its appearance and its ability to welcome visitors and devotees.
The Charitable Herbal Garden on Núi Lớn
Alongside its spiritual role, Hưng Thắng Tự is widely recognized for its charitable herbal medicine garden, home to many traditional remedies that have been used to support community well-being over the years.
The garden was established in 1997 and improved in 2000, covering more than 6 hectares on the slopes of Núi Lớn (Big Mountain). It is said to cultivate around 200 species of medicinal plants, including well-known herbs in Vietnam such as xạ đen, xáo tam phân, and bách hoa xà thiệt thảo.
Herbal practitioner Lê Thanh Tốt, who looks after the garden, shared that during harvest seasons, practitioners and Buddhist volunteers gather, dry, and prepare the herbs—then provide them free of charge, with a priority focus on people in difficult circumstances.
A Place Where Kindness Is Felt, Not Just Spoken
For more than two decades, the charitable herbal garden and the pagoda’s clinic team have supported countless visitors through free consultations and herbal distribution. Many people come not only for spiritual comfort, but also because they trust the sincere, compassionate atmosphere here.
Mr. Phạm Hoàng Hải (Nguyễn An Ninh Ward, Vũng Tàu) shared his personal experience: he once struggled with dizziness and fatigue, and—after being introduced by relatives—visited the pagoda to receive herbal support alongside lifestyle adjustments such as rest and exercise. Over time, he felt his condition improved and he remained grateful for the opportunity to access help without financial burden. He also recalled seeing many disadvantaged visitors receiving free support, which made him appreciate the pagoda’s quiet generosity even more.
A Gentle Stop for Heart and Mind
In a lively seaside city where travel often moves fast, Hưng Thắng Tự offers something rare: a spacious, soothing sanctuary where nature, faith, and compassion come together. Whether you visit to admire the landscape, to pay respects, or simply to slow down and breathe—this pagoda leaves many travelers with a lingering sense of warmth and calm.
