Folklore has it that this place was named T'nưng (Tơ-Nưng) after an ancient village that was very prosperous until it was buried by lava and volcanic ash. The remaining villagers missed the old scene and shed tears, tears that over time flowed into streams, which poured into a large lake halfway up the plateau. T'nưng Lake got its name from there, the word in Jrai (Jơ-Rai) means "sea on the mountain". Perhaps because of embracing so much love, the Lake has endured all the harsh weather conditions, even in the driest seasons, and has never run dry. Modern geological measurements later confirmed that the Tonle Sap consists of three concave basins formed from three volcanic craters dating back millions of years. The lake bottom has been deposited for a long time and has become flat. There are no rivers or streams flowing into the lake, but the natural fresh water of the lake not only does not dry up but is also enough to flow out through small streams. The miracle of tectonic creation has favored Gia Lai to preserve the famous bright "Pleiku eyes" over the years. Nowadays, besides the charming features created by nature, Bien Ho also invests in infrastructure to develop sustainable tourism. Since 1988, this place has been recognized as a National Scenic Monument. Gia Lai province has focused on dredging the lake, planting more trees, opening large roads with tall pine forests on both sides to create a professional landscape and impression to welcome visitors to experience. The 15m high white marble statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara located on a strip of land running into the lake, after being restored from 2018 to present, has become a meaningful cultural and spiritual highlight. There are many other memorable stops around Bien Ho. First of all, we must mention the oldest ancient temple in Gia Lai province - Buu Minh Pagoda - with its front facing west towards T'nung and its back leaning against Tien Son mountain range, an extremely favorable feng shui position. The pagoda has a unique architecture that blends Japanese and Taiwanese Buddhism. The main tower with a peak height of over 45m is majestic, can be seen from afar, and the three-door gate has the appearance of Hien Lam Cac (Hue Imperial City) with a harmonious and balanced construction ratio. The path leading to the pagoda passes through a hundred-year-old pine forest, more than 800m long, and is most beautiful in the early morning when the warm yellow sunlight shines through the leaves. Inside the pagoda grounds, there is a main hall worshiping a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating in white stone, more than 3m high. Outside is a corridor with more than 60 prayer wheels, creating a unique space that is no less solemn and peaceful in the middle of a green tea hill. It is known that this place was formerly Son Hai Mieu, established by residents of the area around Bien Ho. In 1936, a large pagoda was built and named Phat Hoc Pagoda. Through many ups and downs, the pagoda was restored, embellished and officially named "Buu Minh" from 1961 to present. The history of the pagoda's birth is closely linked to the history of settlement in the mountain town, and is a typical representative of the spiritual and cultural life of the people of the highlands. Buu Minh Pagoda, together with the Tay Son Thuong Dao relic site, is always a destination that gives visitors an unforgettable feeling.

Heritage Magazine