But Thap Pagoda

But Thap Pagoda (Ninh Phuc Tu) is located on the dike of Duong River, But Thap Hamlet, Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province. The local people also call it Nhan Thap pagoda. In the pagoda, there is the wooden largest statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in Vietnam. 

But Thap Pagoda was restored in 1739, 1903, 1915, 1921 and recently in 1992-1996. It is the temple with the complete scale of architecture left in Vietnam until now. Now, you can join the Bat Trang – Dong Ho – But Thap Pagoda – Dau Pagoda full-day private tours to visit the pagoda.

The architecture of But Thap Pagoda

But Thap Pagoda

But Thap Pagoda is an architectural complex that retains many relics of the 17th century. The Buddha's palace almost remains the pristine of the ancient Vietnamese temple, consisting of 10 houses located on a grave of more than 100 m long. Through Tam Quan door, there is a two-story bell tower with eight roofs.

The Hanoi excursions will lead you to one of the most outstanding spots in the pagoda, which is Bao Nghiem tower to worship the Chieu Chuyet Monk. The tower looks like a giant pen stretching straight to the sky. It's 13.05 m high tower in five floors with a top section built of greenstone.

Five corners of 5 floors have five small bells. The tower has a round chamber of 2.29 m in diameter. In addition to stone construction techniques, the pedestal section is surrounded by two walls made of columns and railings. 

Particularly on the ground floor of this tower, there are thirteen pieces that touch the theme of animal making. The tower embodies stone art and a great sculpture of Vietnamese workers.

But Thap Pagoda

But Thap Pagoda Festival

The pagoda festival is held annually on the 23rd - 24th of the third lunar month, with traditional cultural activities. The ceremony part includes religious activities such as Buddha worshiping ceremony, Incense offering ceremony, Praying earthly sacrifice ceremony, Ritual worshiping ceremony took place mainly in the inner area. Part of the festival includes cultural and sports activities such as Chinese chess, table tennis, pigeon drop competition and "cheo" performance, which attract a great number of people in the region and visitors.