Dau Pagoda

Vietnam's oldest Buddhist centre, founded at Luy Lau in the first centuries CE.

Long before Thang Long, this ground was Luy Lau — capital of Giao Chi and the first door Buddhism came through into Vietnam. Dau Pagoda rose at its centre and is considered the earliest-founded pagoda in the country. Its main hall honours not the Buddha in the usual way but Phap Van, goddess of clouds in the Four Dharmas — a trace of Indian Buddhism meeting local farming belief. In the courtyard stands Hoa Phong tower, three storeys of bare brick, blunt and monumental, with a Nguyen-era bronze bell inside. On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, the Dau festival carries the Four Dharma statues here, one of the oldest festivals in the northern delta.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Dau Pagoda?

Fourth lunar month (Dau festival) or autumn

How long do you need at Dau Pagoda?

1 - 2 hours

What are the opening hours of Dau Pagoda?

07:00 - 18:00

Did you know

It is considered the earliest-founded Buddhist pagoda in Vietnam.
Also known as Dien Ung, Phap Van and Co Chau pagoda.
It stands at the centre of the ancient citadel of Luy Lau, about 30km from Hanoi.
The pagoda honours Phap Van, one of the Four Dharmas: Cloud, Rain, Thunder and Lightning.
The Dau festival falls on the 8th day of the fourth lunar month, with a Four Dharmas procession.

Travel tips

Combine with But Thap Pagoda and the tomb of Si Nhiep, both a few kilometres away.
Hoa Phong tower looks best late in the afternoon, when low sun rakes the bare brick.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dâu_Temple

Updated: 2026-08-06