Vặt Hồng Pagoda

About

Vặt Hồng Pagoda, also called Chiền Viện, is associated with Vặt village and the White Tai community in Mộc Châu. It has particular significance for the history of Buddhism in the northwest and for local traditional ceremonies.

Visitor information

Founded

An ancient site of medieval origin; the repaired buildings were inaugurated in May 2026 (5/2026).

Visiting hours

Please ask the temple about visiting hours and its daily practice schedule before coming.

Fees

Please follow the guidance and posted prices at the destination; services provided outside the temple may be charged separately.

Address

Bản Vặt, khu vực Mường Sang cũ, phường Mộc Châu, tỉnh Sơn La.

Highlights

• ✓A Buddhist heritage site associated with the White Tai culture of Mộc Châu.
• ✓The Chách Vắt, Chách Và ceremony of bathing Buddha statues.
• ✓The repaired and renovated buildings were inaugurated on 31/5/2026.

History and origins

Commonly available accounts place the temple’s origins around the 13th–14th centuries, though dating is not entirely consistent. After upheavals and a period of deterioration, efforts were made to restore it.

Sơn La Newspaper records the inauguration of the repair work on 31/5/2026. Older articles describing only ruins therefore do not fully reflect the condition after this restoration.

Architecture & surroundings

The heritage site occupies ground higher than the surrounding village. Following repairs, the temple is better equipped to accommodate religious activities. When looking at reference photographs, note their dates to distinguish earlier remains from restored sections.

Cultural value

Vặt Hồng expresses the connection between Buddhism and White Tai culture, particularly gratitude, prayers for favourable rainfall and the maintenance of harmony in the village. Restoring the site also helps transmit community memory to younger generations.

Events & festivals

The Chách Vắt, Chách Và ceremony was held alongside the inauguration on 31/5/2026. Sources also record the community’s traditions of requesting water and bathing statues. Please follow local announcements for the next observance, as the actual date may be adjusted.