Bac Ninh is a province rich in history, culture, and spiritual heritage. Known as the cradle of Quan Họ folk singing, it is also home to some of Vietnam’s most important Buddhist sites. Among them, But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh stands out as a masterpiece of Vietnamese religious architecture.

Located just 30 km from Hanoi, this centuries-old pagoda is a destination where visitors can admire remarkable craftsmanship and immerse themselves in Vietnam’s Buddhist heritage.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know about Chùa Bút Tháp—its history, architecture, highlights, the best time to visit, and nearby attractions. Let’s get into it!

About But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh

Where is it?

But Thap Pagoda is one of the most famous and beautiful ancient pagodas in Vietnam. You can find it in Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province, about 30 km from Hanoi. If you love history, art, or peaceful spiritual sites, this is a great place to visit.

A bit of history

The pagoda was built in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty but was renovated and expanded in the 17th century under the Le Dynasty. The most famous monk associated with But Thap is Zen Master Chuyet Chuyet, a Chinese Buddhist monk who lived here and helped shape its current design.

Architecture

But Thap Pagoda stands out because of its unique and well-preserved architecture. The layout follows the traditional “Noi Cong Ngoai Quoc” (inner shape of the Chinese character 工 and outer shape of the character 国), with 2  long corridors connecting the Front Hall to the Back Hall, forming a rectangular complex. 

Outside, you will see wooden halls, stone towers, and curved roofs with dragon decorations. The most famous structure is the Bao Nghiem Tower, which is shaped like a giant pen. That’s why the pagoda is called “But Thap,” meaning “Pen Tower.”

Inside, you will find many precious statues, but the highlight is the thousand-arm, thousand-eye Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara) statue. It’s one of the most impressive Buddhist statues in Vietnam. You will also see old stone sculptures, wooden carvings, and other religious artifacts.

Highlights of But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh

When you visit But Thap Pagoda, several remarkable features will capture your attention. Let's explore some of these highlights:

Bao Nghiem Tower

As you enter the pagoda grounds, you'll notice the impressive Bao Nghiem Tower. Standing at 13.05 meters, this stone tower resembles a giant pen pointing towards the sky. Built in 1647 during the reign of King Le Chan Tong, it serves as a tribute to Zen Master Chuyet Chuyet. The tower's five tiers are adorned with intricate carvings and each corner features small bells that chime softly in the breeze, adding to the serene atmosphere. ​The tower is also a testament to the amazing 17th-century Vietnamese stonework.

Guanyin Statue and the Buddha Trio

The pagoda consists of over 50 statues, but the most notable is none other than the magnificent thousand-arm, thousand-eye Guanyin statue, a true masterpiece of 17th-century woodcarving. Standing 3.7 meters tall, this statue depicts the Bodhisattva of Compassion with 11 heads and nearly a thousand arms, each with an eye on it, symbolizing her ability to perceive and assist the suffering of all beings. The craftsmanship is extraordinary, with each hand and eye meticulously carved, making it the highlight of the visit.

Adjacent to the Guanyin statue is the Tam The Buddha trio, three Buddha statues representing the Past (Amitabha Buddha), Present (Shakyamuni Buddha), and Future (Maitreya Buddha).

Nine-Level Lotus Tower

Another captivating feature is the Nine-Level Lotus Tower, an octagonal wooden structure rising over 8 meters. Each of its nine tiers represents a stage in spiritual enlightenment, adorned with carvings of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and various symbolic motifs. Remarkably, the tower can rotate, symbolizing the continuous cycle of birth and rebirth in Buddhist belief. This tower stands as a testament to the exceptional skill of Vietnamese artisans from centuries past.

Ancient sculptures

But Thap Pagoda houses several remarkable ancient sculptures that showcase the artistry and spiritual depth of 17th-century Vietnamese craftsmanship. Some notable pieces are:​

Tay Thien Dong Do Viet Nam Lich Dai To Su Statue

This statue honors the ancestral Zen masters who contributed to the spread of Buddhism from India and China to Vietnam. It stands as a testament to the deep respect for Buddhist teachings and the lineage of masters who have shaped its practice in the region.​

Thi Kinh Statue

Depicting the character Thị Kính from the famous Vietnamese folk tale "Quan Âm Thị Kính," this sculpture embodies themes of compassion, patience, and selflessness. The statue captures Thị Kính in a meditative pose, reflecting her journey towards enlightenment despite life's adversities.​

Tuyet Son Statue

Known as the "Snow Mountain" statue, this piece represents Siddhartha Gautama during his ascetic meditation in the Himalayas. The sculpture portrays the emaciated form of the Buddha-to-be, emphasizing his dedication and sacrifice on the path to enlightenment.

Kim Dong and Ngoc Nu Statues

These statues depict youthful attendants often seen in Buddhist temples. Kim Đồng (Golden Boy) and Ngọc Nữ (Jade Girl) are placed shown in respectful postures, symbolizing purity and devotion. Their lifelike expressions and poses add a dynamic presence to the temple's interior.​

Arhat Statues

The Arhat (La Hán) statues stand out for their vivid expressions and postures, each reflecting different emotional states and spiritual realizations. These sculptures provide insight into the diverse personalities of the Arhats, disciples of the Buddha who have attained enlightenment.​

Statues of Queen Trinh Thi Ngoc Truc and Princess Ngoc Duyen

In the rear sanctuary, you'll find statues of Queen Trịnh Thị Ngọc Trúc and Princess Ngọc Duyên, who donated money and land for the renovation of the pagoda. The queen is depicted wearing a crown yet dressed in monastic robes, symbolizing her devotion to Buddhism despite her royal status. Both figures are seated in meditative poses, highlighting their spiritual commitment.

How to get to But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh

But Thap Pagoda is in Dinh To Commune, Thuan Thanh District, Bac Ninh Province, about 30 km from Hanoi. Getting to But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh from Hanoi is quite easy, whether you choose to travel by motorbike, car, or bus.

By Motorbike or Car

If you prefer flexibility, riding a motorbike or driving a car is a great option. From Hanoi, take National Highway 5, then turn onto National Highway 20 towards Bac Ninh. The ride takes about an hour, and the roads are in good condition. If you're riding a motorbike, be cautious of traffic, especially near industrial zones.

By Bus

If you want a budget-friendly way to visit, take a bus from Hanoi. You can catch a local bus from Gia Lam Bus Station to Thuan Thanh, then take a short taxi or motorbike ride to the pagoda. The journey may take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

By Tour

Some travel agencies offer day tours to But Thap Pagoda, often combined with other nearby attractions like Dau Pagoda. If you want a hassle-free trip, this is a convenient option.
 

Best time to visit But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh

But Thap Pagoda is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.

Spring (February – April)

Spring is an excellent time to visit, as the weather is pleasant, and the pagoda is lively with pilgrims. If you enjoy cultural experiences, this is the perfect season.
 

But Thap Pagoda Festival (March 24th in the Lunar Calendar)

One of the best times to visit is during the But Thap Pagoda Festival, usually in April (depending on the lunar calendar). This festival celebrates Buddhist traditions with ceremonies, processions, and folk performances. It’s a great chance to see local culture and participate in temple activities. However, expect larger crowds.

Autumn (September – November)

If you prefer a quiet and peaceful experience, visit in autumn. The weather is cool, and the temple grounds are especially serene. This is a great time for those looking to enjoy the pagoda’s tranquil atmosphere without many visitors.

Attractions near But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh

If you’re visiting But Thap Pagoda, you can explore several interesting places nearby, making your trip even more memorable.

Dau Pagoda (4 km from But Thap Pagoda)

Dau Pagoda, also known as Pháp Vân Pagoda, is the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam, dating back to the 2nd century. It is famous for its ancient architecture and its connection to early Buddhism in Vietnam. If you’re interested in history and spiritual sites, this is a must-visit.

Dong Ho Painting Village (6 km from But Thap Pagoda)

Dong Ho is one of Vietnam’s most famous traditional craft villages, known for its unique folk paintings. These woodblock prints depict themes of prosperity, happiness, and daily life. If you visit, you can watch artisans make the paintings and even try making one yourself.

Diem Village (Quan Họ Singing Village) (27 km from But Thap Pagoda)

We know this is a little bit further from the site, but no trip to Bac Ninh would be complete without visiting Diềm Village, the cradle of Quan Ho Folk Singing, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. You’ll learn all about this beautiful art and hear locals performing these beautiful call-and-response songs.

Phu Lang Pottery Village (33 km from But Thap Pagoda)

If you love traditional crafts, visit Phu Lang Pottery Village, one of the oldest ceramic villages in northern Vietnam. Here, you can see skilled artisans shaping clay and creating beautiful ceramic works. You can also buy handmade pottery as souvenirs.

Tips for visiting But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh

Dress Modestly: Since this is a religious site, wear respectful clothing. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.

Visit Early or Late Afternoon: To avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Bring Small Cash for Donations: If you want to offer incense or donate to the pagoda, have some small cash with you.

Be Mindful of Photography: You can take photos outside, but be respectful inside the main halls. Some areas may not allow photography.

Combine with Other Attractions: If you have time, plan a full-day trip by visiting But Thap Pagoda along with Dau Pagoda or Dong Ho Painting Village.

Conclusion

A visit to But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh is a journey into Vietnam’s spiritual and artistic heritage. From its iconic Guanyin statue to its beautifully carved wooden towers, every corner of the pagoda reflects centuries of devotion and craftsmanship.

To make the most of your trip, consider booking a But Thap Pagoda tour with our agency. We offer well-planned itineraries that include But Thap Pagoda in Bac Ninh, along with nearby attractions like Dau Pagoda and Dong Ho Painting Village. Let us handle the logistics while you focus on enjoying the beauty and history of this remarkable site. Contact us today to plan your perfect Bac Ninh adventure!

>>> The Best Travel Guide of Bac Ninh Vietnam