Chua Chai Pagoda Historical and Cultural Relic

Chua Chai Pagoda, also known as Bach Sam Tu and Ba Xa Pagoda, is located in Vong La village, Thien Loc commune, Hanoi city. This is an ancient pagoda with a long history, closely associated with the cultural and belief life of local people and one of the typical relics of Vong La land.

According to research documents, the pagoda has a history dating back at least to the 17th century. The stele dated to the 4th year of Duong Hoa (1638) is one of the important evidence reflecting the formation and development of the relic. The pagoda is a place to worship Buddha, worship the Mother Goddess, and commemorate Saint Ancestor Ngoc Dong, associated with folk legends passed down through many generations.

Chua Chai Pagoda has the traditional architecture of pagodas in the Northern Delta. The relic contains many precious artifacts, notably the system of ancient stone steles; a study by the Journal of Culture and Arts in 2020 counted 19 steles, mainly dating from the Later Le and Nguyen dynasties. The steles record the construction and restoration of the pagoda and the merits of the people, and also have special value in history, culture, Han-Nom documents, and stone carving art. In addition, the system of ancient worship statues also contributes to the distinctive value of the relic.

Not only valuable in history and culture, Chua Chai Pagoda is also a site associated with revolutionary activities during the 1941–1945 period, part of the Central Safe Zone in Vong La. The ancient kapok tree, the stupa, and the secret bunker within the pagoda grounds are traces associated with communication, concealment, and protection of revolutionary cadres. The relic is evidence of the patriotism, support, and contributions of local people to the cause of national liberation struggle.

With typical values in history, artistic architecture, culture, and revolution, in 1996, Chua Chai Pagoda was ranked by the Ministry of Culture and Information as a national-level Historical and Artistic Architectural Relic.

Today, Chua Chai Pagoda is not only a place for people's belief activities but also an address for educating generations about historical, cultural, and revolutionary traditions. The preservation, safeguarding, and promotion of the relic's values are important in protecting cultural identity, arousing pride, and contributing to promoting the historical tradition of Thien Loc homeland.