Chua Cau Dong Pagoda

Formerly a part of Hau Tuc Canton, Tho Xuong District, Cau Dong Pagoda is sometimes referred to as Dongmen Pagoda. According to legend, the pagoda was constructed during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) and underwent numerous renovations. Anciently, there was the “East Bridge” – a stone bridge over the To Lich River – and the “East Gate” – the eastern wall gate of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, hence the ancients named the pagoda the East Bridge to differentiate it from other temples. The temple still has numerous ancient steles, and the stele erected in the sixth year of Vinh Tao (1624) documents several significant events, including the purchase of additional land, the expansion of the campus, and the expansion of the temple.

Compared to other old pagodas in Hanoi, Cau Dong Pagoda is renowned as a temple that keeps sixty ancient Buddha statues of great value. The most significant treasures of the temple are three statues depicting the Three Worlds in three time periods: the past, the present, and the future. The creation of all three occurred in the early half of the eighteenth century. These are three exquisite, unique statues with a high aesthetic value, displaying ornamental details such as necklaces and female faces, and fully conforming to the criteria of Buddha statues from the seventeenth to eighteenth century in Vietnam. There is also an exquisitely crafted statue of Tuyet Son in the cross hall. This is an extremely uncommon piece of Vietnamese art.