Lau Pagoda - a unique architectural mark of the Bay Nui region that 'holds' tourists

With a rare Japanese architectural style, Phuoc Lam Pagoda (commonly known as Lau Pagoda) has become a spiritual destination and check-in address for tourists when coming to the Bay Nui region.

Unique architecture in the Seven Mountains region

The name of Lau Pagoda (Tinh Bien Ward, An Giang - formerly Tinh Bien Town, Tinh Bien District, An Giang) comes from the design of many floors stacked on top of each other, creating a unique appearance compared to traditional pagodas. This pagoda in the Bay Nui area is considered one of the six rare pagodas in Vietnam with Japanese architectural style.

Panoramic view of Lau Pagoda standing out in the middle of the Seven Mountains region

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The temple is over 130 years old and was destroyed many times by bombs during the war. In 2009, the temple was restored with a new look thanks to contributions from Buddhists.

Unique multi-storey architecture, Japanese style, rarely seen in the West

PHOTO: DUY TAN

The temple uses brick red as the main color, curved blue tiled roof and double staircase leading upstairs, making it convenient to move around when there are many visitors.

The curved blue tile roof combined with the characteristic red brick color of Lau Pagoda

PHOTO: DUY TAN

Notably, the pagoda does not have a three-entrance gate as usual, but instead has a prominent red sign. The details of the railings, lanterns, and miniature landscapes are delicately arranged, giving visitors the feeling of being lost in a Japanese pagoda.

Statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara with a thousand hands and eyes

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Buddha statue entering nirvana

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"Flower park" in the temple grounds

In addition to its unique architecture, Lau Pagoda also impresses with its large campus like a miniature "flower park" with many types of flowers such as bougainvillea, cockscomb, chrysanthemums, marigolds, lotus, etc. The characteristic rows of palm trees and green grass create a pure, fresh space.

Inside the main hall of Lau Pagoda

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Some highlights in the temple grounds that delight visitors are the 40-meter long suspension bridge across the palm trees, from here you can see the lush green fields.

Spacious campus like a "flower park"

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With this space, Lau Pagoda has become a familiar destination for young people, especially those who love cosplay, ao dai or ancient style photography.

Flowers and ornamental plants contribute to the beauty of the temple grounds.

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Mr. Nguyen Minh Hoang (32 years old, tourist from Ho Chi Minh City) shared: "I have been to many pagodas in the West, but Lau Pagoda is really different. From the colors, architecture to the flower and grass space, everything brings a feeling that is both strange and familiar."

The lotus pond in the temple grounds is carefully tended.

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Ms. Ngo Thao Vy (25 years old, living in Can Tho City) expressed: "I came here to take photos in Ao Dai with my friends. The landscape is like a miniature flower park, and the architecture makes me feel like I'm standing in front of a temple in Japan. Very impressive and worth coming back."

The typical ox cart of the Khmer people in the Seven Mountains region

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The tree is decorated with colorful painted coconuts.

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Not only is it a pilgrimage site on major holidays such as the full moon of January, Vu Lan, Buddha's birthday, etc., Lau Pagoda also regularly organizes charity vegetarian meals for Buddhists and tourists.

In the temple grounds there is a 40 meter long suspension bridge.

PHOTO: DUY TAN

The combination of spiritual values, unique architecture and peaceful landscape has helped this place become a typical cultural symbol of the Bay Nui region, contributing to enriching the spiritual tourism map of An Giang province.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chua-lau-dau-an-kien-truc-doc-dao-vung-bay-nui-niu-chan-du-khach-185250918093552559.htm