Khai Doan pagoda is located in the center of Buon Ma Thuot city, Dak Lak province. It is a portmanteau of King Khải Định and Queen Đoan Huy’s names pagoda was built between 1951 and 1953. It was the last pagoda to be honored with a royal decree (Sac Tu) in Vietnam.
The pagoda faces Southwest and its back leans on the mountain that is Buon Ma Thuot quarter, which is harmonious in Feng Shui principle of “back mountain facing water” according to the conception of Vietnam ancient architecture. It combines of Hue Royal architecture, Vietnam ancient pagodas and Central Highlands’ longhouse roof. The tops and roofs are decorated with gliding dragon symbols, forming the curved roof style similar to ancient pagodas.
Main worshipping hall is built in the signature Hue imperial architecture style
Wooden walls and doors are carved with images of Buddha, Arhats and Bodhisattvas
Bell tower in the pagoda
Avalokitesvara shrine
Amitabha Buddha statue
Overview of Khai Doan Pagoda
The pagoda’s structure was inspired by both Hue’s traditional Ruong houses and the longhouses of Minh Lan
