Minh Thanh Pagoda – Pleiku, Gia Lai Province, Vietnam

Located on a hill about 2km (1.2 miles) from Pleiku’s city center, the Minh Thanh Pagoda is often surrounded by mist. Built in 1964 with the guidance of Venerable Thich Giac Dao, and rebuilt again in 1997, this shrine is thought of as the most beautiful one in Gia Lai Province.

It’s also an embodiment of Vietnam’s national identity, confirming cultural and spiritual values that represent much of the country. One of the temple’s most impressive features is its front doors, which are made entirely of wood with a height of 6m (19.6 feet), along with a width of 4 inches.

Chùa Minh Thành in Gia Lai Province of Central Highlands

Minh Thanh Pagoda - Pleiku — Minh Thanh Pagoda – Pleiku. Photo: VŨ HÙNG

Inside the pagoda are an altar and over 3,000 statues. This includes four of Avalokiteshvara, who is regarded as a bodhisattva that encompasses the compassion of all the Buddhas combined.

Outside and in front of the main shrine are two towers. One is dedicated to the monk Thich Giac Dao, its founder, and the other houses two prominent bells, which ring in afternoons and bring peace to Pleiku.

Every year, Minh Thanh Pagoda draws many tourists to see its unique architecture and offers incense, making it a hot spot attraction in the area.