Bac Ai Patriarch Temple
Kon Tum(Tổ đình Bác Ái)
Overview & history
Bac Ai Patriarch Temple stands in the heart of Kon Tum city and is the earliest Buddhist architectural work in Kon Tum and the Central Highlands as a whole.
History
The temple was begun in 1932 (8th year of Bao Dai) under the direction of the provincial administrator Vo Chuan and completed in 1933, receiving the royally conferred name “Sac tu Bac Ai tu” from the Hue court. In 1935 the court bestowed the “Bao Quoc Huan Chuong” (National Protection Medal) on Tu Van, its first abbot. In 1955 it was renamed To dinh (Patriarch Temple) Bac Ai. It is the oldest pagoda of Kon Tum province and of the Central Highlands of its era.
Architecture and antiquities
Built on a north–south axis in the “Mon” character plan — main hall flanked by east and west wings with a three-entrance gate — the temple emulates early-20th-century Hue court architecture. It venerates the Three Teachings: Buddhism, Taoism and folk belief. Among its many Nguyen-dynasty relics, the most notable is the great bell cast in 1826, nearly 200 years old, currently being nominated for National Treasure status.
Photos
📷 Contribute photosVisiting tips
- Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
- Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
- Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
- Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
- Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.
Read more & references
Useful links to learn more before your visit: