But Thap Pagoda

About

The But Thap Pagoda was founded in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty, but rebuilt in the 17th century under the guidance of a Chinese monk and Queen Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc. The result was the pagoda’s distinctive mix of Vietnamese and Chinese architectural styles. The 10 buildings spread out behind the ornamented entrance gates are built according to the "Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc" tradition, meaning there are over 100 compartments in total. Though the pagoda underwent renovations in 1992, there are plenty of 17th vestiges including statues, the Xa Ly Tomb, the nine ­story Lotus Tower, and Bao Nghiem Tower. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the main temple, which is filled with over 50 statues, including the nationally treasured thousand­-handed and thousand­-eyed Guariyin, the Goddess of Mercy.