Buu Minh Pagoda is situated amidst vast tea fields in Pleiku City, Gia Lai. It is a famous spiritual tourism spot attracting tourists with its classical architecture and peaceful ambiance. Moreover, the impressive architecture of the pagoda, intertwined with beliefs and religions, has become a distinctive cultural symbol of Gia Lai.
Explore Buu Minh Pagoda, where visitors experience serene spaces amidst expansive tea hills, offering tranquility to the soul. Mytour believes that stepping foot into Buu Minh Pagoda is not just about exploring spiritual culture but also experiencing the wonderful blend of the past and present.

Buu Minh Pagoda - Ancient temple in Gia Lai. @mia
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 is nestled amidst lush green tea hills. @dulich.laodong
Buu Minh Pagoda
2. Architecture of Buu Minh Pagoda
Buu Minh Pagoda
The front face of the pagoda faces west, creating an ideal geographical and feng shui position, ensuring a smooth flow and circulation of energy throughout the pagoda. The unique feature lies in the three-roof tower, prominent with its pagoda roof and softly curved boat-like tower roof. This architecture is constructed with modern reinforced concrete, boasting a large scale with the main hall area reaching 520m2 and a height of 47.25m.

The distinctive architecture of Buu Minh Pagoda.
Buu Minh Pagoda
Senior Venerable Thich Giac Tam, who has been leading the major restoration of the main hall and other structures of the pagoda since 1989, has infused artistic dedication into the architectural design. Buu Minh Pagoda not only embodies the essence of Vietnamese pagoda architecture but also exudes elegance and refinement. Nestled amidst cool greenery amidst tea hills and centuries-old pine trees, Buu Minh Pagoda has become a spiritual and cultural tourism destination attracting visitors from afar.
The charm of Buu Minh Pagoda
The ancient charm of Buu Minh Pagoda is not only evident in its architecture but also reflected through the Buddha and deity statues within the temple grounds. Its strategic location between Pleiku Lake and various landmarks in Gia Lai makes the pagoda a convenient destination for those seeking peace and tranquility. Especially at the end of December or beginning of January, the scenery of Buu Minh Pagoda becomes more mystical when enveloped by lush green tea hills.
On the way to Buu Minh Pagoda, we pass through two rows of centuries-old pine trees over 30m tall along the road to the pagoda.
Entering the temple gate, we encounter the triple gate with the model of “Hieu Lam Cac” in Hue Imperial Citadel, featuring 5 roofs and 3 entrances symbolizing the Three Jewels. Inside the temple grounds, standout features include: Statue of Mother Quan Am Bodhisattva, Buddha Amitabha statue, Laughing Buddha with very large and meticulously crafted dimensions, Koi fish pond along with a beautiful and eye-catching rotating peace wheel system.

The inner courtyard of Buu Minh Pagoda.
Stepping into the main hall, one can fully appreciate the ancient charm of the pagoda with dozens of exquisitely crafted statues.

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

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

Single room at Hoang Anh Gia Lai Pleiku Hotel.
5. What to eat when visiting Buu Minh Pagoda?
Gia Lai Dry Noodles (Phở Khô Gia Lai)
When asked about the signature dish of Gia Lai, one can mention dry noodles, also known as two-bowl pho, as one of the popular and unique choices. To create its distinctive flavor, this dish uses noodles made from rice flour, similar in length to flat rice noodles, combined with delicious bone broth, enhancing the meaty flavor.

Gia Lai Dry Noodles (Two-Bowl Pho).@momo
A bowl of pho with full toppings typically includes pho noodles, shredded chicken, minced beef, fat chunks, lettuce, basil, and bean sprouts. Adding a little bit of hoisin sauce and chili sauce before enjoying it 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: Starting from 40,000 VND/portion.
Bun Rieu Cua (Fermented Crab Noodle Soup)
With its pure appearance and unique name, Bun Rieu Cua (also known as fermented crab noodle soup) is famous for its dark broth and distinctive aroma. While it may initially seem daunting to tourists, once tasted, you may be captivated by the exquisite flavor of this Gia Lai specialty dish.

Bun Rieu Cua (Fermented Crab Noodle Soup). @momo
The preparation process involves grinding cleaned field crabs and removing their shells, then filtering to obtain the broth. This broth is then fermented for about 1 day and night before being cooked together with bamboo shoots and boiled duck eggs.
A bowl of fermented crab noodle soup often comes with noodles, a small amount of fat chunks, fried shallots, peanuts, and is poured over with hot broth containing bamboo shoots and boiled duck eggs. The dish is added onto fluffy noodles, which perfectly complements fresh and delicious raw vegetables, making it the secret to enjoying a refreshing meal for Gia Lai locals on hot summer evenings.
Bun Cua 339: 339 Le Duan, Thang Loi, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
Price: Starting from 15,000 VND/portion.
Grilled Chicken with Lam Rice
Grilled chicken with lam rice is a specialty that delights many diners with the flavors of the red Bazan land. Sticky rice is the main ingredient for cooking lam rice, being wrapped in ash from red charcoal until the bamboo tubes turn a faded yellow, releasing a delicate fragrance.
The chef selects a chicken weighing about 1kg, cleans it, and marinates it with spices such as salt, leaves of the la lot plant, and green chili, creating a distinctive flavor. The chicken is skewered on two bamboo sticks, placed near a smoldering fire for 2 - 3 hours, producing a unique smoky aroma and keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Grilled Chicken with Lam Rice. @mia
Even after being fully grilled, the meat retains its moisture and excellent flavor. Dip it in salt and enjoy it with a piece of lam rice, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Address:
Plei Teng Restaurant: Tan Son, Pleiku, Gia Lai.
Price: Starting from 150,000 VND/portion.
6. How to get to Buu Minh Pagoda
To reach Buu Minh Pagoda, we 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 travel to Buu Minh Pagoda following this 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 - Centuries-old Pine Road - Pleiku Lake - Buu Minh Pagoda.
Buu Minh Pagoda
Buu Minh Pagoda
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