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Embark on a pilgrimage to the temples near Ho Chi Minh City, a familiar journey for many Buddhists; among them, Chua Chau Thoi, Binh Duong is a name well-known to the #teamKlook. Let's explore the rich history, cultural beauty, and unique architecture of this religious tourist destination!
Just about a 30-minute drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong province is not only known as a key economic area in the South with a series of industrial-urban-service complexes but also famous for its vast eco-tourism sites and monumental spiritual constructions.
Most tourist destinations in Binh Duong are spacious, airy, and harmonious with nature, allowing people to admire the scenery, relax, and escape from the dust and noise of the urban area. Those who love spiritual tourism will definitely not miss Chua Chau Thoi, one of the oldest temples in Binh Duong and the entire Southeastern region. Its nostalgic ambiance, unique architecture, and numerous outstanding artistic works of cultural and historical value have attracted visitors to come and admire whenever they have the opportunity to travel to Binh Duong.
Let Klook Vietnam introduce you to the beauty of Chua Chau Thoi through this article, another exciting destination near Saigon for your upcoming weekends.
Introduction to Chua Chau Thoi, Binh Duong
Chau Thoi Pagoda, also known as Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda, is an ancient temple located on the peak of the same name mountain. Its existence since the 17th century not only marks the formation and development of Northern Buddhism in the Southeastern region but also is recognized as a national scenic spot for its picturesque landscape.
The mountain sits amidst lush green plains, surrounded by clear water lakes, and in the distance to the East flows the gentle Dong Nai River. Additionally, the mountain's rich and diverse vegetation with ancient trees shading the paths provides a refreshing and cool ambiance regardless of the season.
Despite undergoing numerous renovations, Chau Thoi Pagoda still retains its ancient architecture, praised as one of Vietnam's ancient temples. Standing in the tranquil space, the gentle breeze carrying the sound of temple bells will soothe your soul and relieve all worries.
After more than 340 years of ups and downs, enduring natural and historical changes, Chau Thoi Pagoda still stands majestic today, becoming a beautiful symbol of the ancient land of Bien Hoa – now Binh Duong province.
Every year, Chau Thoi Pagoda welcomes tens of thousands of visitors from neighboring provinces and cities to worship, celebrate Buddha's birthday, and especially during Tet and Vu Lan festivals. Visitors often gather here to seek blessings, visit the temple, and participate in various charitable activities.
Thanks to the influx of visitors during these occasions, the Chau Thoi Mountain area has become an attractive tourist destination, leading to souvenir stalls, fast food stalls, and local specialty counters scattered everywhere to serve tourists.
Where is Chau Thoi Pagoda Located?
- Chau Thoi Pagoda is situated on Chau Thoi Mountain, within the administrative area of Binh An Ward, Di An City, Binh Duong Province.
This beautiful mountain is located near National Highway 1K, about 20km west of Thu Dau Mot City, and is adjacent to major transportation routes to Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa, and Vung Tau.
Guide on How to Get to Chau Thoi Pagoda
From Ho Chi Minh City, you can reach Chau Thoi Pagoda by car or motorcycle, following Truong Chinh Street to Hanoi Highway at Tan Thoi Nhat. Then, continue on Hanoi Highway/National Highway 1A and National Highway 1K to reach the administrative area of Di An City, Binh Duong Province.
History of Chau Thoi Pagoda
The history of Chau Thoi Pagoda in Binh Duong is closely tied to the migration history of the Vietnamese community in the South. According to legend, the Zen master Khanh Long, who attained enlightenment from a young age, voluntarily followed the wandering people in the sacred forests and waters, reciting Buddhist scriptures day and night to pray for the well-being of all beings. In 1612, the Zen master chose Chau Thoi Mountain to build a small hermitage for meditation, later upgraded to a temple called Hoi Son Tu before being known as Chau Thoi Mountain Temple.
However, based on records preserved in the temple which state: 'In the Tan Dau lunar year, the first day of the lunar month', Chau Thoi Pagoda can be identified as being built in 1681. Thus, regardless of when it was founded, this is still the earliest appearing temple in Binh Duong province and one of the oldest in the South.
In addition to its historical, cultural, and religious values, the image of Chau Thoi Pagoda is also associated with the revolutionary history of Di An region. Thanks to its remote and rugged mountainous terrain, during the two resistance wars, Chau Thoi Pagoda became a hiding place and activity center for revolutionary activists. Not only providing refuge, the monks in the temple also supported money, rice, cloth, and medicine for soldiers; in times of need, they even contributed their communal land to the ammunition workshop.
With its outstanding values in terms of landscape, culture, history, and architecture, the temple complex of Chau Thoi along with Chau Thoi Mountain was classified as a national monument in 1989.
Legend of Chau Thoi Pagoda
Since ancient times, people have passed down the legend of the divine rock, or Mr. Ta, located right in the middle of the 170th staircase leading up to the temple. It is said that in 1971, when the abbot opened the road and built 220 steps from the foot of the mountain to the summit, they encountered a large rock blocking the path at the 170th step. The workers had to dig through many rocks along the way, but for some reason, they could neither move nor break this single rock, even with explosives.
Hearing that, the abbot decided to keep the rock intact because he believed it to be a protective object, like a guardian spirit of the temple. Since then, the rock has remained in the middle of the path like that until now. The abbot used paint to write a few Chinese characters on it: 'Ta Lao Trung Son', meaning 'Mr. Ta in the middle of the mountain'. People in the area call it 'Mr. Ta' or 'the divine rock' and worship it with great solemnity.
Unique Architecture of Chau Thoi Pagoda
After more than 4 centuries of being affected by wars and natural disasters, Chau Thoi Pagoda no longer retains many traces of its original ancient temple, but what remains shows that the temple is a blend of Buddhist culture and folk beliefs.
The main hall and lecture hall of the temple were renovated in 1930.
In 1971, 220 stone steps leading to the temple were built.
By 1993, the main sanctuary was also renovated.
In 1988, the giant bronze bell was crafted by the most skilled artisans in the region, with a design similar to the one at Thien Mu Pagoda.
Then, the 4-tiered protective tower was erected in 1996.
In 1994, the temple mobilized contributions from the community to cast 4 bronze statues, each weighing over 1 ton and standing 2.5 meters tall, crafted by artisans from Hue. These were the first bronze statues cast in Binh Duong province.
Currently, the architectural complex of Chau Thoi Pagoda comprises structures built at various times, including the main sanctuary and subsidiary shrines: Jade Emperor, Five Elements Mother, Queen Mother of the West, Heavenly Eye Golden Mother, and Holy Mother of the Mountain.
Chau Thoi Pagoda still houses many valuable antiques such as paintings, statues, altar utensils, and ritual objects. Among them are 3 stone Buddha statues dating back to the late 17th century, along with the Eighteen Arhats, and the Earth Store Bodhisattva made of terracotta. Additionally, the temple preserves a wooden statue of Guan Yin carved from ancient jackfruit trees grown in the temple garden.
Furthermore, the roof ridges of the temple are adorned with meticulously crafted porcelain dragon heads. The apex of the roof features 9 dragons facing different directions, symbolizing protection for the temple. The temple's forecourt is decorated with pottery and porcelain, enhancing its ancient and ethnic beauty.
The temple is divided into East courtyard and West courtyard. In the East courtyard, there is a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni made of stone taken from Marble Mountains, 8m long and weighing up to 4.5 tons. The Three Ancestors and the Jade Emperor are also worshipped here. In the West courtyard, Quan Am Heavenly Eye and a wooden statue of Maitreya Buddha, 2.4m tall and weighing up to 2.5 tons, are worshipped.
Located at the convergence of spiritual energy between heaven and earth, with picturesque scenery, Chau Thoi Pagoda has become the most attractive spiritual tourism destination in Binh Duong. From Chau Thoi Pagoda, you can admire the panoramic view of the area at the foot of the mountain, with the green patches of trees interspersed with the peaceful flowing rivers through the residential area.
Independent Travel Tips for Chau Thoi Pagoda
When arriving at the temple gate, you can either drive straight up the mountain or park your vehicle and walk through 220 stone steps to reach the pagoda. If you're in good health, trekking up the main mountain is a fascinating way to explore nature. Klook wants to share that the path leading to Chau Thoi Mountain is evaluated as extremely beautiful, romantic, and reminiscent of scenes from Korean dramas, surely providing you with sweet and unforgettable moments.
There are monkeys kept within the temple grounds. You can give them some fruits if you like.
Chau Thoi Pagoda always welcomes visitors from all directions to admire the scenery and has no fixed visiting hours. However, because the temple is located on a high mountain, it's advisable to visit in the early morning, avoiding the intense heat of the sun.
On the first, fifteenth, or festive days, many people from all over come here to burn incense, worship, and pray for blessings. So, if you don't want to crowd, it's best to avoid those times.
Nearby Tourist Attractions to Chau Thoi Pagoda
Chau Thoi Pagoda is truly an ideal destination for those facing worries, anxieties, and difficulties in life. A day at the temple will leave you feeling peaceful and serene, free from negative emotions.
After visiting the pagoda, you can continue your journey to Tam Bao Pagoda, Buu Long Tourist Area, and Thuy Chau Ecotourism Area to explore the beautiful nature of Binh Duong and participate in many exciting entertainment activities.
Accommodations Near Chau Thoi Pagoda
Based on #teamKlook's experience, you can find accommodation in the city of Bien Hoa, Dong Nai Province, just about 5km from Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda, which is quite convenient for transportation. Remember to book through Klook's system and apply exclusive discount codes for the best deals.
1. Mansion Park Hotel & Apartment
- Address: K73 D8 Street, Thong Nhat Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province
- Price: from 792,000 VND/night
2. Royal Hotel Bien Hoa
- Address: H4/7 Zone 6, Trung Dung Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province
- Price: from 440,000 VND/night
3. Duong Chau Boutique Hotel
- Address: P27-28 N10 Street, D2D Area, Thong Nhat Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province
- Price: from 414,000 VND/night
4. Aurora Hotel Plaza
- Address: 253 Pham Van Thuan Street, Tan Mai Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province
- Price: from 1,406,000 VND/night
5. The Mira Central Park Hotel
- Address: 128/16 Nguyen Ai Quoc Street, Tan Tien Ward, Bien Hoa City, Dong Nai Province
- Price: from 1,119,000 VND/night
When will you ever finish exploring the beauty of Vietnam! There are too many beautiful landscapes to admire, too many delicious dishes to try, many activities to experience, and many cultures you've never known. Arrange your time to head straight to Binh Duong, one of the destinations near Saigon that is very appealing to young people and is gradually asserting its attractiveness on the map of Vietnam's tourism.
Why not spend a meaningful weekend at Chua Chau Thoi Binh Duong?
