Binh Son Tower: A Thousand-Year-Old Pilgrimage Destination

Binh Son Tower (also known as Then Tower), located within the grounds of Vinh Khanh Pagoda in Tam Son Commune, is a masterpiece of Ly–Tran Dynasty terracotta art surviving to this day. Beyond its invaluable historical and cultural merit, this Special National Ancient Tower serves as a sacred pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors who cherish ancient heritage to trace their roots.

Binh Son Ancient Tower — An appealing spiritual destination.

Binh Son Tower has long stood as a resilient, proud cultural and spiritual symbol of the midland region. Weathering historical upheavals and the passage of time, this thousand-year-old terracotta tower stands firm like an eternal witness, welcoming the steps of pilgrims journeying back to their heritage.

For those who love discovering heritage, a journey to Binh Son Tower is not merely a conventional sightseeing trip, but a sacred dialogue with the past — where each vibrant red-baked brick, shaped under the skillful hands of ancestors, reflects the golden age of Ly–Tran fine arts aesthetics.

Entering the grounds of Vinh Khanh Pagoda (Then Pagoda), visitors are immediately awed by the stately, elegant, yet deeply serene posture of the ancient tower. According to historical records, the tower originally comprised 13 to 15 tiers, topped with a lotus-bud finial reaching skyward — symbolizing purity and the midland people’s aspiration for peace and well-being.

Through the vicissitudes of time, the tower today retains 11 tiers and a pedestal tier, standing approximately 16.5 meters tall. The unique characteristic that leaves researchers and visitors from afar in awe is the sophisticated construction technique of ancient forebears.

The entire structure was assembled from more than 13,000 terracotta bricks without using any mortar or bonding agent. The bricks interlock seamlessly via mortise-and-tenon joints, forming a sturdy, tripod-like structure capable of defying centuries of storms.

Not only impressive for its imposing architectural form, Binh Son Tower is also likened to an invaluable outdoor sculpture treasure. The tower’s exterior surfaces are adorned with rich, skillful relief patterns that reflect the pinnacle of Buddhist aesthetic thought of that era. Looking up-close at each tier, visitors will discover undulating dragon motifs, delicate trailing chrysanthemum patterns, shading bodhi leaf reliefs, and soft lotus petals...

Designed on a square plan that gradually tapers toward the top, the tower exhibits a remarkably light and airy appearance, evoking the image of a sacred link connecting heaven and earth, fully expressing humanity’s eternal desire for a peaceful life with favorable weather.

Visiting the Binh Son Tower – Vinh Khanh Pagoda monument complex at any time of the year, travelers are captivated by the serene, pristine beauty of the Zen sanctuary. Amid the rhythm of daily life, Binh Son Tower holds a distinctive charm — contemplative, profound, and peaceful.

Stepping through the pagoda gates, visitors can leisurely offer incense, quietly gaze at the ancient tower, and find inner tranquility. The resonance of the pagoda bell blending with the rustling breeze from the Lo River creates a sacred space where anyone setting foot feels remarkably light at heart.

Beside the ancient tower, the historic ink-well pond and lush green corners across the grounds offer peaceful retreats ideal for recharging energy after busy days.

Recognizing the vital importance of the Binh Son Tower – Vinh Khanh Pagoda complex, the local government of Tam Son Commune has proactively implemented long-term plans to preserve and spread the unique values of this Special National Relic.

Mr. Le Trung, Head of the Culture and Social Affairs Office of Tam Son Commune, shared: “In order for heritage to truly “live” in the modern era and deliver practical value, Tam Son Commune is focusing on unleashing tourism potential by investing in renovating the landscape surrounding Vinh Khanh Pagoda, upgrading connecting transport infrastructure, and accelerating data digitization to broadly promote the image of Binh Son Tower to visitors nationwide across social media platforms.”

When traditional values resonate with modern mindsets, Binh Son Tower will surely become a key tourism highlight — preserving heritage intact while driving socio-economic development and elevating local living standards.

Tran Tinh