Binh Son Tower (also known as Vinh Khanh Pagoda Tower, Then Tower) is located in Tam Son town, Song Lo district, Vinh Phuc province. Binh Son tower architecture is considered a unique work, built from the Ly – Tran dynasties and still remains almost intact to this day.
Unique architecture of Binh Son tower
Initially, Binh Son tower had a total of 15 floors. Because the top of the tower has been broken, now there are only 11 floors and the pedestal. The total height measured is 16.5m. In the past, when it was still intact, there was a terracotta unblown lotus bud on the roof to create harmony for the entire tower. The length of the 11th floor side is 1.55m, the bottom floor edge is 4.45m long. The tower is built in a square block, the higher it gets, the smaller it gets.
The artisans used two types of fired bricks to build the rest of the tower. The foot of the tower pedestal is built of rectangular “brick mouth” with many sizes. The outside of the tower is clad with box-shaped bricks. On the bricks decorated with rich patterns, depending on the architecture of each floor. In the middle of the tower is not closed, but a small space.
Exquisite patterns on the tiles prove that the artisans’ hands are extremely skilled
From the tower pedestal to the end of the second floor, the height is about 6m. This is the place where the artisans decorate the most sophisticated and meticulous patterns. Includes lotus petals, chrysanthemums, and embossed dragons with horns and curls. The motif of the pair of “lions and balloons” at the base of the tower pedestal is simpler, with no motifs on the body… These two floors have the closest view to visitors. It is possible to admire and feel almost the entire architecture of Binh Son tower.
To this day, almost the tower is still intact
From the third floor upwards, artisans still decorate. But because the width of the tower’s surface is getting smaller and higher, the texture will decrease and be as simple as lemon flowers, scallop leaves… In order for the bricks to stick together and keep for such a long time, the artisans devised a way to make bricks with legs and ledges, which, after being placed in a fixed position, will link into a block.
Mysterious legends about Binh Son tower
There are many mysterious legends about this ancient relic. Proving that for the indigenous people, the tower has a special place in both spirituality and life.
Legend of the origin of Binh Son tower
In the past, in the middle of the Nau field in Tu Yen commune, Lap Thach, Binh Son tower was built here. The elderly said that they do not understand why after just one night of heavy rain and storm, the tower “jumped” to its current position, which is the territory of Tam Son town.
Legend of the Golden Duck
Legend has it that in the past, there was another green tower standing next to Binh Son tower. One night after a loud bang, the green tower tree disappeared. That place became a giant foot-shaped well. Legend has it that on moonlit nights there will appear a golden duck swimming here. The well still exists today, but the golden duck is a mystery. Up to now, not a single Tam Son resident has seen it.
The legend of the well next to the tower and the golden duck
The story of Mr. Wei Do Chiem
Mr. Wei Do Chiem, originally the son of a woman selling water at the foot of the tower. He often helps people, so he is very popular. At that time, there was a band of robbers who often came to torment the good people in the area. Mr. Chiem gathered strong young men in the village. During the day they go to the mountains to practice, at night they take turns guarding the village.
A bad guy told the superior Mr. Chiem was recruiting militiamen to plot treason. The court sent troops to fight, and the militia broke up. Wei Do Chiem hugged his sword and ran into the tower and disappeared.
Which way to go to Binh Son tower?
In 2015, Binh Son tower was ranked as a special relic
By road: Visitors to Vinh Yen city, follow provincial road 305 to Lap Thach. Then continue to provincial roads 307 and 307B to Tam Son. From the center of Tam Son town, go about 1km more to reach Binh Son tower.
Railway: Tourists take the train running Hanoi – Lao Cai route, get off at Vinh Yen station. Then follow the road according to the instructions above to reach the Binh Son tower relic.
Waterway: Tourists on the Song Lo route can easily go to Binh Son tower. Because the relic is only about 3km from Then wharf.
Source: Collected internet.