Located amidst expansive tea fields in Pleiku City, Gia Lai, Buu Minh Pagoda is a renowned spiritual destination attracting visitors with its classical architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, the impressive architecture of the pagoda, intertwined with beliefs and religions, has become a distinctive cultural symbol of Gia Lai.
Explore the serene space of Buu Minh Pagoda nestled amidst vast tea hills, where souls can find tranquility. Mytour believes that visiting Buu Minh Pagoda allows travelers not only to discover spiritual culture but also to experience the wonderful blend of past and present.

Buu Minh Pagoda - An ancient temple in Gia Lai.
1. Introduction to Buu Minh Pagoda in Gia Lai
Buu Minh Pagoda in Gia Lai, located in Nghia Hung commune, Chu Pah district, Gia Lai province, is one of the unique spiritual tourist destinations you should explore when visiting this region. Situated about 14km from the center of Pleiku city, Buu Minh Pagoda attracts visitors not only with its classical architecture but also with its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
Buu Minh Pagoda is constructed with a tower height reaching 47 meters, making it one of the tallest pagodas in Vietnam. Traveling from Pleiku city to Buu Minh Pagoda is a fantastic experience, offering you the chance to admire the surrounding scenery of vast tea fields.
Buu Minh Pagoda

Buu Minh Pagoda nestled amidst lush green tea hills. @dulich.laodong
Buu Minh Pagoda
2. Architecture of Buu Minh Pagoda
Buu Minh Pagoda
The front of the pagoda faces West, creating an ideal geographical and feng shui position, helping the temple's energy flow smoothly and circulate alternately. The unique feature lies in the three-roof tower, highlighted by the pagoda roof and the soft boat-like tower roof. This architecture is built with modern reinforced concrete, creating a large scale with the main hall area up to 520m2 and a height of 47.25m.

Special architecture of Buu Minh Pagoda. @mia
Buu Minh Pagoda
Venerable Thich Giac Tam, who has overseen the major renovations of the main hall and other structures of the pagoda since 1989, has put artistic dedication into the architectural construction. Buu Minh Pagoda not only embodies the essence of Vietnamese pagoda architecture but also showcases elegance and sophistication. Nestled in a cool green space amidst tea hills and centuries-old pine trees, Buu Minh Pagoda has become a spiritual cultural tourism attraction that attracts visitors from all directions.
3. The Beauty of Buu Minh Pagoda
The ancient beauty of Buu Minh Pagoda is not only present in its architecture but also reflected in the Buddha statues and deities within the temple grounds. Its strategic location between Pleiku Lake and various landmarks in Gia Lai makes it a convenient destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. Especially at the end of December or early January, the scenery of Buu Minh Pagoda becomes mystical when surrounded by lush green tea hills.
On the way to Buu Minh Pagoda, we pass through two rows of centuries-old pine trees, towering over 30 meters along the path to the pagoda.
Entering the temple gate, we encounter the triple gate with the model of 'Hieu Lam Cac' in Hue Imperial City, featuring 5 roofs and 3 entrances symbolizing the Three Jewels. Inside the temple grounds, notable features include: the statue of Mother Quan Am Bodhisattva, statues of Buddha Amitabha and Maitreya Buddha crafted meticulously with exquisite details, a Koi fish pond along with a beautiful and eye-catching wishing well system.

The inner courtyard of Buu Minh Pagoda. @mia
Stepping inside the main hall allows one to fully appreciate the ancient beauty of the pagoda with dozens of finely cast statues.

Buu Minh Pagoda in the early morning mist. @mia
4. Where to visit Buu Minh Pagoda?
When planning to visit Buu Minh Pagoda or other attractions in Gia Lai, you can also find hotels in Pleiku to rest and recharge for your upcoming journey. Here are some suggested hotels:
Ngon Avatar Luxury Boutique Hotel

Ngon Avatar Luxury Boutique Hotel from the outside. @Mytour
Hoang Anh Gia Lai Pleiku Hotel

Single room at Hoang Anh Gia Lai Pleiku Hotel. @Mytour
5. What to eat when visiting Buu Minh Pagoda?
Gia Lai Dry Pho
When it comes to Gia Lai's signature dish, Gia Lai Dry Pho, also known as 'two-bowl pho,' stands out as a popular and unique choice. To create its distinctive flavor, this dish uses pho noodles made from rice flour, similar in length to hu tieu noodles, combined with delicious bone broth, enhancing the meaty taste.

Gia Lai Dry Pho (Two-Bowl Pho). @momo
A full-topped pho bowl typically includes pho noodles, shredded chicken, minced beef, pork fat, lettuce, basil, and bean sprouts. Adding a bit of hoisin sauce and chili sauce before enjoying creates a wonderful and unique flavor.

Pho Hong: 22 Nguyen Van Troi, Hoi Thuong, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
Pho Ngoc Son: 15 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi Thuong, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
Price: From 40,000 VND/portion.
Crab Vermicelli Soup (Rotten Crab Vermicelli)
With its pure appearance and unique name, crab vermicelli soup (also known as rotten vermicelli) is famous for its dark black broth and distinctive aroma. Although it may seem intimidating to travelers, once tasted, you may be captivated by the exquisite flavor of this Gia Lai specialty.

Crab Vermicelli Soup (Rotten Crab Vermicelli). @momo
The preparation process includes grinding cleaned field crabs and removing their shells, then filtering the liquid. This liquid is then fermented for about 1 day and night before being cooked with bamboo shoots and boiled duck eggs.
A bowl of crab vermicelli soup is usually served with vermicelli, a small amount of pork fat, fried shallots, peanuts, and poured with hot broth containing bamboo shoots and boiled duck eggs. The dish is added with fluffy vermicelli, which pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables, a secret for Gia Lai residents to enjoy during hot summer evenings.
Crab Vermicelli 339: 339 Le Duan, Thang Loi, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
Price: From 15,000 VND/portion.
Grilled Chicken in Bamboo Tube
Grilled chicken in bamboo tube is a specialty that mesmerizes many diners with the flavors of the red Bazan land. Sticky rice is the main ingredient for cooking bamboo tube rice, charred over red coal until the bamboo turns a faded yellow, emitting a delicate fragrance.
The chef selects a chicken weighing about 1kg, cleans and marinates it with spices such as salt, betel leaves, green chili, creating a distinctive flavor. The chicken is skewered on two bamboo sticks, placed near a low-burning fire for 2 - 3 hours, producing a unique smoky aroma and keeping the meat moist and sweet.

Grilled Chicken in Bamboo Tube. @mia
Even when fully cooked, the meat retains moisture and excellent flavor. Dip it in betel leaf salt and enjoy with a piece of bamboo tube rice, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Address:
Plei Teng Restaurant: Tan Son, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
Price: From 150,000 VND/portion.
6. Getting to Buu Minh Pagoda
To reach Buu Minh Pagoda, you can fly from domestic airports to Pleiku Airport and then travel by car or motorbike to Buu Minh Pagoda.
From the center of Pleiku city, you can reach Buu Minh Pagoda with the following route: Starting from the East on Nguyen Tat Thanh - Hoa Lu Intersection - Pham Van Dong - Le Loi - Vo Van Kiet - Le Van Sy - Nghia Hung Dam - Hundred-Year-Old Pine Trees - Tea Lake - Buu Minh Pagoda.
Buu Minh Pagoda
Buu Minh Pagoda
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