Bat Thap Pagoda

Bat Thap Pagoda, also known as Bat Thap Tu, Van Bao Pagoda, located on Doi Can Street, Ngoc Ha Ward, Hanoi City. The pagoda is one of the typical relics of Ngoc Ha Ward, associated with the history of formation and development of the land west of the ancient Thang Long citadel.

The pagoda was built on Van Bao Mountain – an earthen mountain in the Thang Long citadel area from the Ly–Tran period. According to historical documents, in the second year of Gia Long (1803), Van Bao Pagoda and Chan Giao Pagoda on Voi Mountain were merged to form Bat Thap Pagoda. The relic still preserves many valuable traces and artifacts, including the bronze bell “Bat Thap Tu Chung” cast in 1803.

A highlight of Bat Thap Pagoda is its architectural system, deeply imbued with traditional Buddhist characteristics. The Tam Quan (three-entrance gate) was built on a large scale, consisting of three two-story tower blocks, creating an imposing appearance. The main pagoda area includes the front hall, rear sanctuary, ancestor worship house, and a green tree courtyard. The wooden architectural components are decorated and carved with many traditional motifs such as dragons, tiger motifs, and plants; the system of Buddha statues, Mother Goddess statues, and ritual objects contributes to the distinctive artistic and cultural value of the relic.

In addition to its architectural value, Bat Thap Pagoda also preserves many artifacts of historical and artistic value, typically the bronze bell, a pair of bronze cranes, incense burners, and the system of worship statues. These artifacts contribute to reflecting the development of the cultural, belief, and religious life of the community in the western area of the Thang Long citadel over many periods.

With outstanding values in history, architecture, and art, Bat Thap Pagoda was ranked as a national-level architectural and artistic relic in 1989. Currently, the relic is a place for the people's belief and religious activities, and also a destination valuable for sightseeing and learning about the history, culture, and traditional architecture of Hanoi.

Visiting Bat Thap Pagoda, visitors can learn about the history of the Van Bao – Van Phuc area, admire the traditional Buddhist architectural space and the artistic values preserved at the relic. Within the overall system of historical and cultural relics of Ngoc Ha Ward, Bat Thap Pagoda contributes to creating a distinctive cultural space, connecting the historical values of the area Thap Tam Trai with the cultural life of Thang Long – Hanoi today.