Phat Tich Pagoda

Phat Tich was founded in 1057 under the Ly and is one of the earliest Buddhist foundations in the Red River delta, on a hillside at Tien Du. Its major object is a seated Amitabha carved in bluestone in the same century - about 1.85 metres with the pedestal, with the elongated proportions and fine drapery of Ly sculpture - which is the oldest surviving large stone Buddha in Vietnam and a national treasure. Ten stone animals of the same period, lions, elephants, rhinoceros and buffalo, line the terrace. A very large modern Amitabha was built on the hill above in 2010, which changed the site's appearance considerably.

What you actually see

• A Ly foundation of 1057 - among the earliest in the delta.
• A bluestone Amitabha - the oldest large stone Buddha in Vietnam.
• Ten stone animals - lions, elephants and others on the terrace.
• A very large modern statue - added on the hill in 2010.

When to go

Year round; the festival falls on the fourth of the first lunar month. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Much of what stands is twentieth century rebuilding after earlier destruction. The modern hilltop statue dominates the site and divides opinion. Interpretation is in Vietnamese. Festival days are crowded.

Nearby

But Thap and Dong Ho are east; Dinh Bang is west.