'The Sediment of the City'

In the early morning, when the mist still gently clings to the trees, on the small hill in residential area 32, Quan Trieu ward, the temple bell rings out in a warm, resonant tone, gradually spreading through the tranquil space, evoking a sense of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. That bell rings from Kim Long Temple, a simple temple that serves as a quiet haven for people to find inner peace.

Kim Long Pagoda was built from laterite stone slabs, with traditional architecture.

Kim Long Pagoda is an ancient temple closely associated with the formation and development of Thai Nguyen province. After years of deterioration, the pagoda was rebuilt in 2016 and completed in 2018, becoming a familiar cultural and spiritual center for local people.

Kim Long Pagoda is situated on a spacious grounds of over 2,000 square meters, surrounded by lush greenery. From the triple-arched gate, the exquisite motifs and characteristic images of Buddhism are skillfully carved, creating a serene picture.

Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors can admire the unique architecture of structures such as the bell tower, the feng shui platform, the exquisite wall sculptures, and the bronze Buddha statues… creating a serene harmony that makes anyone who visits want to quietly contemplate and feel the atmosphere. The overall temple complex includes the following components: the main temple with a three-bay rear hall, a five-bay front hall with two side wings, a bell tower, and an eight-roofed bell tower.

What sets Kim Long Pagoda apart is its construction entirely from laterite stone – a distinctive material formed through thousands of years of natural weathering. These stones, with their reddish-brown color, rough yet warm texture, and porous, honeycomb-like surface, evoke a sense of both antiquity and durability. As the afternoon sun sets, the stone's color deepens, creating a serene, rustic beauty imbued with the breath of time.

Kim Long Pagoda.

Venerable Thich Quang Thai, Abbot of Kim Long Pagoda, shared: "Each laterite stone is the crystallization of years, of patience and perseverance. When choosing laterite stone to build the pagoda, we wanted to convey the spirit that no matter the time or circumstances, people's hearts should always be inclined towards goodness and maintain their roots of peace."

Amidst the moss-covered laterite stone walls, one can feel the breath of the past mingling with the rhythm of present life. Kim Long Pagoda is not only a solemn architectural structure, but also a memory, a place where souls seek peace. The pagoda is especially crowded on full moon days, holidays, and festivals.

The sound of the bells blends with the lingering incense smoke, creating an atmosphere that is both sacred and familiar. For many people in Thai Nguyen, Kim Long Pagoda is not only a place to worship Buddha, but also a place to confide their feelings and find balance after the hustle and bustle of life.

Not only is Kim Long Pagoda a familiar destination for locals and tourists, but it also holds cherished memories for many who have left their hometown. During her visits back to Thai Nguyen, Ms. Le Ngoc Huyen, who was born and raised near the pagoda and now lives in Hanoi , always makes time to visit this beloved temple.

"When I was little, my friends and I used to run around the temple grounds, listening to the bells ringing in the midday summer heat without fully understanding their meaning. Now that I'm older, every time I return and step through the temple gate, my heart sinks. That feeling, no matter how far I go, I can never forget," said Ms. Huyen.

In the midst of modern life, Kim Long Pagoda retains its unique tranquility, unpretentious and peaceful. It is not only a place of worship but also a cultural destination, a place that inspires kindness and compassion. The pagoda regularly organizes charitable programs, distributing gifts to the poor, helping Buddhists and the public to better understand the value of compassion and the spirit of sharing.

Venerable Thich Quang Thai further shared: "We hope that Kim Long Pagoda will not only be a place of worship, but also a common home for those who are inclined towards goodness. Everyone who comes here can find peace, learn to love, and live more compassionately."

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202511/net-tram-tich-trong-long-pho-thi-ff73584/