Long Thiền Pagoda

Long Thiền Pagoda is an ancient pagoda located by the Đồng Nai River in Biên Hòa ward, Đồng Nai city, Vietnam (formerly part of Bình Long village, Phước Long district, Trấn Biên citadel).

The pagoda lies opposite the centre of Biên Hòa city across the Đồng Nai River, situated amidst a densely populated residential area. From Sông Phố Square, there are two routes to reach Long Thiền Pagoda: via Rạch Cát Bridge and Ghềnh Bridge, then turning right at the Đồn Market crossroads, or via Hóa An Bridge, then turning left at the roundabout at the foot of the bridge.

According to documents kept by the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha of Đồng Nai province, Long Thiền Pagoda was built in 1664 by Patriarch Thành Nhạc, who came from Central Vietnam to found it.

Around the 17th century, the Đồng Nai region was still wild, covered with endless forests and mountains, fertile land, and a network of rivers and canals teeming with wild animals. Along the banks of the Đồng Nai River, there were only a few scattered houses of ethnic minority people. This rich and fertile land became an ideal place for Vietnamese migrants from Đàng Ngoài (the northern region) who could not endure the fierce war between the Trịnh and Nguyễn lords. Among the migrant community were some monks and Buddhists who sought refuge in Đồng Nai. Monk Thành Nhạc was one of those who came to reclaim land, establish hamlets, and seek a new life in this new land. Upon reaching the right bank of the Đồng Nai River, the monk found the scenery tranquil and the landscape open, suitable for establishing a meditation forest, so he built a pagoda and named it "Long Thiền tự" (Long Thiền Pagoda).

Long Thiền Pagoda was originally just a small pagoda, with wooden pillars, plank walls, a roof of nipa palm leaves, and a clay floor. Over more than three centuries, the pagoda has undergone many renovations, including three major restorations in 1748, 1842, and 1952.

Long Thiền Pagoda is built in the traditional 'tam' (三) character layout. The main hall, ancestral hall, lecture hall, monks' quarters, and kitchen are arranged in succession. Depending on the function of each area within the pagoda, the arrangement of each section is harmoniously designed. The main hall is solemn, with a system of altars. The spacious courtyard of the pagoda is shaded by many ancient trees. The main columns in the main hall are intricately carved with motifs of flowers and birds, the Eight Immortals, carp transforming into dragons, sun and moon, and the Four Sacred Animals, all used as refined decorations. The pagoda grounds form a large garden, still preserving ancient stupas, including the stupa of Patriarch Thành Nhạc, the founder, with a finely carved green stone stele.