Luu Phai Pagoda (Linh Son)

Luu Phai Pagoda is one of the ancient pagodas; although specific historical documents about its founding date may not be very clear, the remaining architectural traces and steles show that the pagoda has existed for many centuries. The pagoda has undergone many restorations and embellishments under different dynasties, from the Ly and Tran to the Le and Nguyen, each time adding unique architectural and sculptural features, reflecting the artistic style of each period.

The architecture of Luu Phai Pagoda is a harmonious combination of Vietnamese Buddhist tradition and the characteristics of the Northern Delta region. The pagoda was built in the traditional Cong (工) or Tam (三) character style, including the front hall, incense-burning house, and upper sanctuary. Each item is meticulously carved with dragon-phoenix, floral, leaf, and cloud motifs carrying deep spiritual meaning. Opposite the gate of Luu Phai Temple is a square water pavilion resembling the One Pillar Pagoda style rising in the middle of the pond. The structure is small but quite tall; above four square pillars is a two-storey, eight-roof water pavilion tiled in a faux-antique style with curved roof corners. Inside the water pavilion is an altar and a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva. The small pagoda's five-bay front hall faces southwest, connected in a Dinh (丁) shape with a three-bay upper sanctuary. Separated by a courtyard behind is a five-bay rear hall. The pagoda preserves a bronze bell cast in the 7th year of Minh Menh (1826) and fully arranges Mahayana Buddhist statues.