Bich Dong pagoda is one of the top attractions in Ninh Binh, province. This pagoda is known for its a cultural and historical relic in Vietnam and a spiritual attraction for tourists all around the world to find the realm of Buddhism amidst the tranquil mountains.

Bich Dong Pagoda

• Location:  Ngu Nhac Mountain, Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province
• Entrance fee: Free
• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m

Along with Bai Dinh pagoda, Bich Dong pagoda is the most magnificent pagoda in the Northern region, Vietnam. Like the other pagodas in Ninh Binh, Bich Dong pagoda contributes to spiritual tourism development, attracting many tourists who come here each year. 

The pagoda is located in Truong Yen range lies, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The road leads to this pagoda, you must steep into the steep stone.  

Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda is designed with traditional architectural wood and stone, built under the Ly Dynasty and Nguyen Dynasty. 

The construction of this Pagoda includes three spiritual buildings such as:

• Ha Pagoda ( Lower Pagoda), situated on the mountain foot
• Trung Pagoda ( Middle Pagoda), situated on the mountainside
• Thuong Pagoda (Upper Pagoda) situated on the top. 

Bich Dong pagoda brings the natural beauty with a wonderful combination of covering roofs, natural caves and majestic mountains,  creating a view called “Bich Son Bat Canh”. 

The girl taks a photo at Bich Dong Pagoda, Ninh Binh

History of Bich Dong Pagoda

Bich Dong Pagoda was firstly constructed in 1428 under the reign of King Ky Thai To, located in Ngu Nhac mountain. 

After nearly 300 years, the pagoda was discovered and re-built by two Buddhist monks named Tri Kien and Tri The. The pagoda is designed into three parts: Ha Pagoda, Trung Pagoda, Thuong Pagoda. 

Big bell at Bich Dong pagoda

Beside, two monks also hung a big bell on the Dark Grotto. 

Traveling to Bich Dong Pagoda

In 1977, on a journey to the pagoda,  Lord Trinh Sam of Dang Ngoai (Outer Land) was impressed by the natural beauty of Bich Dong pagoda. So, he was given the name of the pagoda as Bich Dong Pagoda ( (Green Pearl Cave). 

Bich Dong pagoda has architecture the same as many ancient ritual buildings under the reign of Le Dynasty. The wooden architecture, brick tile roofs and four curved corners of roofs with design swords, tails of phoenixes, etc. 

Tam The Statues

Best time to visit Bich Dong Pagoda

The best time to visit Bich Dong Pagoda is from May to June each year. Tourists have the opportunity to see the yellow rice fields, fragrant lotus ponds, creating a captivating picture. 

If you visit Bich Dong on foggy days, Bich Dong pagoda becomes more mysterious than ever. Besides, you also see the stunning scenery to become more romantic. 

The natural beauty of Bich Dong Pagoda

Besides, tourists can visit Bich Dong on Tet holiday and Western New Year. At this time, there are many celebrations and activities to occur. 

Bich Dong pagoda is beautifully decorated, attracting many tourists to come here. In the evening, tourists can admire the nighttime ceremony with illuminated lotuses in the lake. 

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, local people come here to pray and wish for a new year. 

Highlight attraction in Bich Dong Pagoda

Ha Pagoda - Lower Pagoda

Situated on the foot of the mountain, Ha pagoda was designed with 10 roofs and 5 rooms and had a two story structure, making of an ironwood truss, crossbeams, spars. 

When you come here, you will be surprised by the 4m tall monolithic stone pillar and an altar adorned with Buddha statues. The sacred atmosphere with the burning incense surrounding the statues. 

Trung Pagoda - Middle Pagoda

After climbing 120 steps from Ha pagoda's foot, tourists may see the captivating landscape of Trung Pagoda. The pagoda was built with traditional tiled roofs and decorated with Chinese letters in the wall. 

The pagoda divided includes 2 parts: One part in the front and the other side a cave. 

The Architecture of Trung Pagoda

The middle pagoda is a place that has images of little boys, faires, turtles, Buddha, flying dragons. Going deeper in the dark, you will see a massive bronze bell with intricate engravings. 

Thuong pagoda - Upper pagoda

Continuing to go 40 steep stone steps from dark blue caves of Trung Pagoda, you will get Thuong pagoda. There are two rooms in Thuong pagoda including a forecourt, a stone altar in the outer room. 

Thuong pagoda

Bodhisattva is in the inner room house. Closed to Thuong pagoda, tourists will admire the Cam Lo pond which cures all ailments. 

Explore dark cave Bich Dong

About 50m away from Trung Pagoda, you will see Dark cave. You must to cimb about 21 steps. There is a large bronze bell cast by Tri Kien and Tri The who are two monks. 

In addition, you will see many Buddha statues around the cave, creating a mystical ambiance. Going ahead, beautiful pictures appear before your eyes with embossed images on the walls. 

Visit Xuyen Thuy cave

This is a unique semicircular cave, stretching more than 350 m along the Bich Dong mountain. Xuyen Thuy cave is 6m of the width and the widest is 15m. To get cave, tourists must to go pass the entrance to the 

How to get to Bich Dong Pagoda?

Distance from Hanoi to Tam Coc - Bich Dong is about 110km, it takes about 3 hours to get to Bich Dong pagoda from Hanoi by car. 

There are many ways to reach Bich Dong such as by train, bus, motorbike or private car. 

Taking by bus/train from Hanoi to Bich Dong takes about 2,5 hours to reach.  The train ticket is about 110.000 VND/ticket/person and bus ticket ranges from 70.000 VND - 250.000 VND. 

If you stay in Ninh Binh, it takes about 10 minutes by car to reach Tam Coc. Here, you can rent a bicycle, get to Bich Dong and see sightseeing on the way.

You can book a Ninh Binh tour a day from Hanoi by private car to have an interesting day. The driver will pick you up on time and support you during your journey. Book now with us.

Bich Dong pagoda is an ancient relic, nestled amidst the majestic mountain and peaceful caves, creating a natural splendor from an ethereal landscape. Don't pass up to visit here when you travel to Ninh Binh. 

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