Solemn 500-year-old stone tower to worship an official of Le Dynasty

The solemn Am Thap (The tower of Am) was built to worship Le Am, a distinguished official in Le Dynasty.
January 18, 2021 | 08:20
vinh trang southern pagoda that possesses three giant buddha statue Vinh Trang - Southern pagoda that possesses three giant Buddha statue
three touristic spiritual spots in vietnams southern province Three touristic spiritual spots in Vietnam's Southern province
pagoda in vietnams metropolis provides six languague teaching classes for free Pagoda in Vietnam's Metropolis provides six languague teaching classes for free
1542 capture
Am Thap, also known as Cam Due Tower, was built in the 16th century on an area of over 2,000 square meters in Quang Trung village, Cam Due commune, Cam Xuyen district, Ha Tinh province. The tower complex also includes a shrine, elephant statue,... The work is ranked as a national architectural monument in 2006. Am Thap worships Le Am, a Le Dynasty official. He was granted the privilege by King Le Loi to choose the good land to bury his body after death. After his death, the king granted him the title of "God of the Citadel of Phuong Cai Village". (Photo: VN Express)
1612 thap da 2 1610557589
The top of the tower is made of a monolith. The body of the tower Viewed from above, the tower looks like a miniature pyramid. (Photo: VN Express)
1615 thap da ha tinh 8 1610557605
The tower has a square structure, over 3m high, includes 3 floors (excluding the base and feet). In front of the tower lies a censer. (Photo: VN Express)
1620 thap da 3 1610557590
The tower has 5 doors, in which three doors are located in the front direction from the first floor to the third floor, the rest are designed on the sides of the second floor. Above the doorway facing the main direction on the second floor, there are 5 ancient Chinese characters to praise the diligence. The inscription on the 3rd floor is the moon and sun to praise the work of the ancients. (Photo: VN Express)
1633 thap da 5 1610557592
On the second floor of the tower, there are also 2 stone statues. (Photo: VN Express)
3455 capture
Some parts of the tower are covered with moss. (Photo: VN Express)
3457 capture1
Since its construction, the tower has undergone a big restoration in 2009 - 2011. The authorities have renewed the shrine, built a three-door gate, and surrounded by a brick wall system. (Photo: VN Express)
3504 capture2
The three-door system of three gates was newly built in 2011. Above the roof of the gate is designed in the shape of a dragon and a phoenix with stylized patterns. (Photo: VN Express)
3509 capture3
In front of the entrance to the tower, there are two pairs of stone horses and elephants facing each other. (Photo: VN Express)
3905 dh1
Inside the shrine, there is an altar and a censer for visitors to pay tribute to Mr. Le Am. (Photo: VN Express)
4320 capture
Behind the shrine is the entrance to the stone tower with two doors made of plank wood. (Photo: VN Express)
4322 capture1
Currently, Duong Van Long's family, 32 years old, residing in Cam Due Commune, Cam Xuyen District, Ha Tinh Province is appointed by the local authority to look after the tower. Every other day, Mr. Long and his relatives go by to clean around the tower complex. When there are tourists visiting, he guides them where to burn incense and introduces them the history of the tower. Every year, Am Thap welcomes thousands of tourists to sightsee, and pay respect to Le Am, as well as study the historical values of architecture here. (Photo: VN Express)
indulging in magnificent beauty of som rong pagoda with impressive architecture Indulging in magnificent beauty of Som Rong Pagoda with impressive architecture

When coming to Som Rong Pagoda, tourists and photographers usually consider it a favorite destination with the giant reclining Buddha statue.

linh quang pagoda dien bien the cultural and religious corner for people living along border Linh Quang Pagoda (Dien Bien): The cultural and religious corner for people living along the border

Lying on Tong Khao hill, Thanh Nua commune, Dien Bien District, Dien Bien province, Linh Quang Pagoda is around 5 kilometers away from the city ...

centenarian solemn khmer pagodas in western vietnam Centenarian solemn Khmer pagodas in Western Vietnam

Vietnam’s southwestern region has long acquired its reputation for an abundance of Khmer pagodas with ancient and unique architectures drawing the influx of tourists.

Valerie Mai