Chau Thoi Pagoda is an ancient pagoda in Binh Duong province. The temple has many ancient and unique architectural features. Therefore, this place attracts many tourists to visit and sightsee. Join Origin Vietnam to learn and explore ancient Chau Thoi pagoda now!
Where is Chau Thoi Pagoda?
Chau Thoi Pagoda is located on Chau Thoi Mountain, Binh An ward, Di An City, Vietnam. The pagoda is 12 km from Ho Chi Minh City, 5 km from Bien Hoa City, and 20 km from Thu Dau Mot City.
Explore The Unique Architecture Of Chau Thoi Pagoda
History of Thoi Chau Pagoda
The pagoda is more than 400 years old, built in 1612. This is the oldest pagoda in Binh Duong province. The pagoda was recognized as a national scenic relic in 1989.
The pagoda is famous for its sacredness, associated with the story of the magic stone or “Mr. Ta”. In 1971, when the abbot opened the road and built steps from the foot of the mountain to the pagoda, he had to break a lot of rocks. At the 170th step, there is a large rock blocking the path. The workers could not move or break the stone.
The abbot asked to keep the stone intact because he believed that this was a protective object, a “god” who guarded the temple. The stone has remained in the middle of the road like that until now. The abbot used the mountain to write: “Ta Lao Trung Son”, meaning “Mr. Ta in the middle of the mountain”. People in the area call this “Mr. Ta” or “god stone” and worship it very solemnly.
The Beauty Architecture Of Chau Thoi Pagoda
Entering the pagoda, you will see that the pagoda is golden yellow. Especially the design on the temple roof. On the top of the roof there are 9 dragons facing different directions. The facade is also decorated with ceramics and porcelain in the shape of four sacred animals, fists, and Buddha’s birth.
Inside the temple grounds are solemn statues, skillfully sculpted. Especially the two white statues of Avalokiteśvara in the left and right corners of the pagoda. The railing is made up of two large gold-painted dragons surrounding it, clearly visible from afar.
When you come here to visit, you will feel that the pagoda has the appearance of an ancient Vietnamese pagoda with dragon and phoenix architecture inlaid with porcelain and ceramics commonly found in temples, communal houses, and shrines in Vietnam.
The pagoda includes the following areas: the main hall of 500m2, the shrine of Ngu Hanh Nuong Nuong, Thien Thu Thien Nhan, Dieu Tri Kim Mau, Linh Son Thanh Mau and the shrine of the Jade Emperor. Besides, Chau Thoi Pagoda also has a 4-storey stupa, 22m high. In particular, the pagoda has 3 ancient stone Buddha statues, the Guanyin statue is made of jackfruit wood and is more than 100 years old. And, the bell was cast according to the model of Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, weighing 1.5 tons in 1988 and weighing about 5 tons in 2003.
Chau Thoi Pagoda is situated atop a mountain surrounded by lush greenery, home to many monkeys, which is why it’s also known as the Monkey Pagoda.
The temple gate faces Dong Nai River. Besides, at the foot of the mountain is a lake creating a peaceful, poetic and charming scene.
You can combine visiting Ho Lang revolutionary base, Di An train station factory, Tam Bao pagoda, Lo O stream, and Buu Long mountain (Bien Hoa).
It’s worth a visit Chau Thoi Pagoda
Visit Chau Thoi Pagoda to admire its architectural beauty, soak in the quiet atmosphere, and immerse yourself in nature. Join us to explore the charm of this ancient temple and other destinations in Vietnam. The Origin Vietnam team is always ready to accompany you and craft a wonderful journey filled with memorable experiences as you discover Vietnam.
