The renowned and sacred Khai Doan pagoda

“Khai Doan” is a portmanteau of Emperor Khai Dinh and Queen Dowager Doan Huy’s names. The pagoda was built between 1951 and 1953. It went through several renovations and was completed in the early 2000s. (Photo: VOV)

The pagoda’s structure was inspired by both Hue’s traditional Ruong houses and the longhouses of the Ede ethnic minority in the Central Highlands. (Photo: VOV)

Construction materials include rare woods and granite carved to perfection. (Photo: VOV)

Brown and yellow dominate the design, creating an elegant and timeless architecture. (Photo: VOV)

The mortise and tenon joints that make up Khai Doan pagoda’s sturdy timber rafters and beams may seem traditional but are highly intricate in reality. (Photo: VOV)

The eight-roof dome is a characteristic design of Hue’s imperial architecture. Khai Doan pagoda features this design; but also takes a page from the Central Highlands’ longhouse roof. (Photo: VOV)

For Buddhist followers, Khai Doan is a renowned place of worship. For tourists, it is a structure of great historical and architectural significance. (Photo: VOV)

During the Buddhism revival in the Central Highlands, Khai Doan was the first pagoda to be built. It is also the last pagoda to earn the sacred title of “Sac Tu” under feudal Vietnam. (Photo: VOV)

The renowned and sacred Khai Doan pagoda

01-03-2025 17:00

(VOVWORLD) - Khai Doan pagoda in the central province of Dak Lak is the last pagoda under feudal Vietnam to be granted the royal title “Sac Tu,” which means “to be officially recognized by the King.”