Bat Long Pagoda, also known as the Golden Pagoda by locals, is built on a small island in the middle of Whale Lake (or Nui Lo Lake) in Hoa Lu City (Ninh Binh).

The pagoda was rebuilt on the old foundation and architecture of Bat Long Tu, an ancient pagoda built by King Le Dai Hanh more than 1,000 years ago.

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Bat Long Pagoda (or Golden Pagoda) is located on an island in the middle of Whale Lake in Hoa Lu City (Ninh Binh). Photo: Tran Nghi

According to the management board representative, Bat Long Pagoda was built in an octagonal shape with 8 equal sides and facing 8 directions.

The pagoda has a unique architecture, the entire structure is built entirely from ironwood, combined with many monolithic green stone pillars, the tiled roof is designed in the traditional style with curved roofs reaching up to the sky.

The pagoda was built over many years. Recently, Bat Long Pagoda officially opened its doors to welcome Buddhists from near and far to come and worship.

Previously, to reach the pagoda, visitors had to go by boat. Currently, the pagoda management board has installed a system of floating pontoon bridges on the water surface to make it easier for people and tourists to visit.

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Large Buddha statue in the temple. Photo: Tran Nghi

Coming to Bat Long Pagoda, visitors cannot help but be amazed when both inside and outside, the decorative motifs, patterns, horizontal lacquered boards, roofs... are all gilded with shimmering gold, making the pagoda even more splendid.

Ms. Hoang Phuong, a tourist, said that she heard her friends talk a lot about this temple located in the middle of the lake, so during her trip to Ninh Binh, she and her family came here to worship, check-in, and record the most beautiful moments here.

"The temple is as quiet as a painting in the middle of the vast ocean and is splendid with its shimmering golden color," said Ms. Phuong.

Currently, Bat Long Pagoda is also one of the attractions for domestic and international tourists when coming to Ninh Binh.

Join VietNamNet to see Bat Long pagoda:

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Pontoon bridge leading to the pagoda. Photo: Tran Nghi
Above and in front of Bat Long Pagoda. Photo: Tran Nghi
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The pagoda was built entirely of ironwood and some columns were made of monolithic green stone. Photo: Tran Nghi
The rafters and patterns are delicately carved and covered with a layer of shimmering gold. Photo: Tran Nghi
The bas-reliefs in the temple are gilded. Photo: Tran Nghi
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Tourists cross the pontoon bridge to go to the pagoda to worship and pay respect to Buddha. Photo: Tran Nghi
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The pagoda was rebuilt on the old land and architecture of Bat Long Tu, an ancient pagoda built by King Le Dai Hanh more than 1,000 years ago. Photo: Tran Nghi
More than 60km from Hanoi, Chuong Pagoda (in Nhan Duc village, Hien Nam ward, Hung Yen city) has become an attractive spiritual tourist destination for many years thanks to its rich history, beautiful architecture and unique system of ancient statues.