But Thap Pagoda

But Thap was rebuilt in the seventeenth century under Le patronage and is one of the more complete surviving pagoda complexes of that period in the north, with halls in line, a nine-storey stone tower and a covered stone bridge inside the enclosure. Its best known object is the statue of Quan Am with a thousand eyes and a thousand arms, carved in wood in 1656 by a sculptor who signed the work - unusual in itself - with the arms fanning out behind the figure in tiers. It is recognised as a national treasure of Vietnam. The complex is quiet and, unlike many northern pagodas, has not been heavily rebuilt.

What you actually see

• A seventeenth century complex - among the most complete in the north.
• The thousand-armed Quan Am - carved and signed in 1656.
• A stone tower and covered bridge - inside the enclosure.
• Little modern rebuilding - unusual among northern pagodas.

When to go

Year round. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Photography of the main statue may be restricted. It is a working pagoda. There is little English interpretation. The village around is ordinary and services are minimal.

Nearby

Dong Ho painting village is close; Bac Ninh is north-west.