Dreaming of Thailand? Think again. Here we are at Chùa Bửu Long. This isn’t Thailand. It is a Vietnamese temple. National Geographic recognizes Chùa Bửu Long as one of Vietnam’s most beautiful temples. It was built in 1942.
Chùa Bửu Long stands apart. Its architecture blends Southeast Asian styles. It draws inspiration from Thailand India and Vietnam’s Nguyen Dynasty. The predominant color is yellow similar to Thai pagodas. Yet Vietnamese elements like dragons and cranes add local flair.
Lay practitioner Vo Ha Thuat established a monastery here in 1942. He sought guidance from Zen Master Ho Tong. In 1958 he offered it to the Vietnamese Theravada Buddhist Sangha. Over the years Chùa Bửu Long has grown. It has been renovated multiple times.
The Gotama Cetiya stupa is a highlight. It was built in 2007 in the Funan style. It enshrines relics of the Buddha and revered monks. The stupa spans 2000 square meters. It rises about 70 meters above sea level. It can hold up to 2000 people. It is the largest stupa in Vietnam. People consider it an architectural marvel.
The pristine white stupa has five towers. The central tower soars seven stories high. A golden dome with wind chimes tops the tower. It adds radiant elegance.
Chùa Bửu Long follows Theravada Buddhist tradition. It does not use incense or candles. Only a Buddha Shakyamuni statue is present for worship. Visitors offer sincere respect not material items.
The grounds cover 11 hectares. Lush greenery ancient trees and serene landscapes abound. This creates a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere.
In 2019 National Geographic recognized Chùa Bửu Long. They listed it as one of the world’s ten most beautiful Buddhist temples. Pilgrims and tourists flock here both local and international.
The temple welcomes visitors in the mornings. It reopens in the afternoons. Guests view the Buddha’s sacred relics. From the stupa’s top level enjoy panoramic views. See the temple grounds and surrounding area.
Chùa Bửu Long is far from the city. It is nestled among verdant trees. It exudes serenity and simplicity. It’s often crowded especially on weekends. Visitors seek peace photographs or spiritual fulfillment. The main stupa is 56 meters tall. It is the largest in Vietnam. Four auxiliary towers surround it. You can climb the tower. From the top behold the Đồng Nai River.
The Vietnamese Theravada Buddhist Association built the Progenitrix Vietnamese Theravada Buddhist Tower. It commemorates the founder of Theravada Buddhism in Vietnam.
Remember to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Donations support the temple. Consider visiting on weekdays. Weekends can get crowded.