Hoi Khanh Pagoda

Location: In Phu Cuong Ward, Thu Dau Mot Town, Binh Duong Province.
Characteristic: It’s the most ancient and typical architectural pagoda in Binh Duong Province.
The pagoda was built by Dai Ngan Thien Su (an honorific title for a Buddhist monk) in 1741. In 1860, the pagoda was destroyed by French colonists and in 1868 Chanh Dac, superior Buddhist monk rebuilt the pagoda near old ground of former pagoda. The pagoda is located on large, flat ground on a hill with all airy side. There is high fence in front of the pagoda with two main gates. Eight towers are located in the north and in front of the main central chamber, in which remains of 8 superior Buddhist monks are stored. Central chamber (for person in charge at a sacrifice) has 3 main compartments and 2 lean-tos with roof covered by pipe tiles. In the center is placed a statue of Buddha with 2m height and 100 statues of Buddha with medium sizes. There is an auditorium with 5 compartments and 2 large eaves is located near the central chamber and roofed by double tiles. Many parallel sentences and letters drawn from Buddhist prayer books decorate the auditorium. All of these are engraved in precious wood varnished by gold or in crust with nacre. Cabinets containing prayer books, shelves for statues of Buddha are made of precious wood of shiny black color with beautiful designs. Especially, there are placed 18 statues of Arhant. Each statue has its own beauty, which is shown by typically countenance. In some statues, there are bold engravings with hollowed cheeks, mouths that make lively and artistic wrinkles.