Ground breaking for Truc Lam pagoda on Tran islet in Quang Ninh province (photo: VOV)

Tran islet, 4.5 square km in area, is 16 km from the Vietnam-China border in the Tonkin Gulf. Historian Duong Trung Quoc attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

He said: Tran islet is a sacred part of Vietnam. Building a pagoda here is of great importance to the local people and the coastguards. Here, Buddhist followers and islanders can admire the beauty of the homeland, feel proud and aspire to safeguard Vietnam’s seas and islands."

Truc Lam pagoda will cover 3 ha and embrace the architectural style of the Tran dynasty.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Lich, Head of the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Quang Ninh province said: "This is a very special site on Vietnam’s northeastern coast. The construction is expected to be completed within 3 years. It will take a lot of efforts to build the pagoda due to the rough weather that batters this area. But I believe we will complete the construction on time with the blessing of the Buddha."