Binh Duong – rich potential for spiritual and cultural tourism development

Alongside other types of tourism, spiritual and cultural tourism in Binh Duong holds significant potential, especially during festival seasons.

An ancient pagoda of great value

In Binh Duong, nearly everyone knows about Hoi Khanh pagoda located in Phu Cuong ward, Thu Dau Mot city. This is one of the oldest pagodas built in the region.

According to historical records, Hoi Khanh Pagoda was originally constructed in the 18th century (1741), but was destroyed by French colonialists in 1861. It was not until 1868 that the pagoda was rebuilt at its current location.

In early 1993, Hoi Khanh Pagoda was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Site. In later years, several Buddhist architectural structures and facilities such as a 7-storey stupa, a re-creation of the sacred Buddhist relic site “Four Holy Places” and provincial Buddhist Cultural Center were added within the pagoda's premises. Especially in 2010, a statue of the Reclining Buddha, measuring 12 meters in height and 52 meters in length, was inaugurated on the land in front of the pagoda.

This ancient pagoda not only embodies rich historical and cultural values, but also preserves a remarkably intact and unique architectural style, along with numerous antique artifacts dating back hundreds of years. The unique and valuable antique artifacts carefully preserved at the pagoda are: the carved wooden panel set of “The Eighteen Arhats” (crafted in 1921); the “Four Seasons” relief panel mounted on two columns in front of the main hall; a set of woodblocks used for printing Buddhist scriptures over 120 years ago and the great bronze bell (casted in 1883), donated by devotee Duong Van Lua. These are among the highlights that attract many visitors to the pagoda—not only for pilgrimaging, but also admiring and exploring this ancient structure rich in cultural and historical significance.

Visitors to the pagoda often capture memorable photos beside the ancient structure, especially in front of the Reclining Buddha statue—recognized as the largest of its kind in Asia.

Significantly, Hoi Khanh Pagoda also marks the patriotic activities of Nguyen Sinh Sac—father of President Ho Chi Minh—from 1923 to 1926. According to Most Venerable Thich Hue Thong, Head of the pagoda, Nguyen Sinh Sac came to Thu Dau Mot in 1923 and resided at Hoi Khanh Pagoda. Here, together with Most Venerable Tu Van and scholar Phan Dinh Vien (Tu Cuc), he founded the Patriotic Honor Association to spread nationalist ideas, teach students and help local residents with traditional medicine and treatment.

To express the deep respect and gratitude of the people of Binh Duong towards Junior Doctor Nguyen Sinh Sac—father of President Ho Chi Minh and promote patriotic traditions as well as meeting the recreational and sightseeing needs of the public, Binh Duong province has recently commenced construction of the Nguyen Sinh Sac Memorial Site on a plot of land adjacent to the current grounds of Hoi Khanh Pagoda. The project is expected to become a meaningful cultural and tourist destination for both local residents and visitors from across the country in the near future.

A diverse range of spiritual destinations

One of Binh Duong’s most visited spiritual sites is the Thien Hau Lady Temple (commonly referred to as “Ba Pagoda”), located on Nguyen Du street, Phu Cuong ward. This is one of the most prominent religious sites in the province, attracting large numbers of pilgrims from across the country. The Thien Hau Lady Temple Festival is held annually on the 15th day of the first lunar month and is considered as the largest spiritual festival in Binh Duong, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The highlight of the series of activities during the Lady Thien Hau Temple Festival, which attracts tens of thousands of participants, is the palanquin procession held on the afternoon of the 15th day of the first lunar month.

In Dau Tieng district, there is an equally famous spiritual tourist destination associated with the Cau Mountain complex, which is Thai Son Pagoda located halfway up the mountain. Thai Son Pagoda is nearly 130 years old, with a campus of more than 5 hectares. Inside the temple grounds, there are many unique structures, standing out with their bold oriental architectural style such as Tam Quan gate, Cuu Trung tower, 12m high statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Cau Temple, main hall area...

Thai Son Pagoda is a spiritual pilgrimage site that attracts a large number of visitors in and out of the province during its annual festivals. The pagoda is surrounded by beautiful, peaceful  and pristine mountain forest landscapes. Not far from the pagoda is Truc stream—a popular ecotourism destination known for its natural beauty. Whenever visiting the mountain to pay respects at the pagoda, many tourists also take the opportunity to explore and experience this charming natural attraction.

When it comes to spiritual tourism in Binh Duong, aside from the aforementioned destinations, several other localities in the province also offer popular attractions such as Chau Thoi Pagoda in Di An city, Tay Tang Pagoda and Phu Cuong Cathedral in Thu Dau Mot city. Each of these sites not only holds cultural, spiritual and religious significance, but also features unique architectural styles and surrounding landscapes that add to their distinct appeal.

Reported by Hong Thuan-Translated by Kim Tin