Bich Dong Pagoda – ancient architecture in the heart of Trang An cultural heritage that promises to bring you impressive spiritual and cultural experiences.
Bich Dong Pagoda, which is believed to be among the region’s most beautiful scenery, is situated in the center of the Truong Yen range in Ninh Binh. The pagoda is the perfect place for anyone who wants to momentarily escape the bustle of city life because of its immaculate natural setting and sense of tranquility. Put all of your concerns behind you and enter the serene sanctuary to experience the tranquillity that this place offers.
Introduction to Bich Dong Pagoda
Bich Dong pagoda is a historic pagoda built atop the Truong Yen limestone mountain range and is situated in Dam Khe hamlet, Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. The Trang An relic complex includes Bich Dong in addition to Tam Coc, Mua Cave, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and other well-known sites.
The pagoda is a spiritual stop on many travelers’ discovery journeys because of its nostalgic interior and ancient construction. Many visitors come here to take in the serene surroundings, worship Buddha, and learn about the fascinating history and culture of Ninh Binh.
Architecture of Bich Dong Pagoda
The distinctive design of the Bich Dong Pagoda is reminiscent of early Vietnamese pagodas. A special complex is made up of three pagodas and a network of three caves. The distinct Tam-shaped building, as opposed to the customary Cong-shaped pagoda, is a unique feature. The slope is lined with Lower, Middle, and Upper Pagodas, making for an unusual and striking scene. The Bich Dong Pagoda draws travelers from all over the world to visit and learn about Vietnam’s distinctive cultural heritage since it is both a revered temple and a work of art that combines nature and humans.
Explore Beautiful Places At Bich Dong Pagoda
1. Ha Pagoda (The lower pagoda)
Visitors enter the Bich Dong Pagoda complex from Ha Pagoda via the 55-meter-long road that leads to Tam Quan gate. Ha Pagoda embodies the ancient characteristics of Vietnamese pagodas with its magnificent majesty and Dinh-style architecture.
Ha Pagoda was constructed with five chambers in accordance with conventional Vietnamese design. The Ha Pagoda’s upper section, which takes up two rooms, is a significant landmark. The pagoda’s roof is solidly constructed with two curved floors and an 8-roof system, producing a symmetrical and refined image. The temple’s columns, beams, and rafters are all constructed from priceless wood or massive stone.
2. Trung Pagoda (The middle pagoda)
From Ha Pagoda, you go north, up 80 stone steps to reach Trung Pagoda halfway up the mountain. Unlike the Ha Pagoda, which was built completely open-air, the Trung Pagoda is a cave pagoda with only the roof and the temple door being outside.
Coming to Trung Pagoda, you will see the two words “Bich Dong”, in Chinese characters, still intact on the pagoda roof from the time of Lord Trinh Sam. Inside, the pagoda is divided into 3 compartments to worship Buddha. In addition, there is also a space to worship the Holy Mother, located on the left side of the pagoda. You can offer incense and pray for health, luck, and happiness when visiting this place!
3. Thuong pagoda (The upper pagoda)
Thuong Pagoda is the pagoda located at the highest position in the Bich Dong pagoda system. Thuong Pagoda is located near the top of the mountain, connected to Trung Pagoda by 40 stone steps. This pagoda was built in the Southeast direction, with 2 vertical pavilions, and the pagoda’s roof has a curved shape, looking like a soaring phoenix’s wings.
The pagoda is a place to worship Guan Yin Buddha, on both sides there are also compartments worshiping Son Than and Tho Dai. Along with the main halls, the pagoda grounds also have a Cam Lo water tank of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Coming here, you can not only immerse yourself in the solemn and sacred atmosphere but also admire the beautiful landscape of the Trang An region.
4. Dark Cave
Located between the Middle Pagoda and the Upper Pagoda, this is a tourist spot for you to learn more about spirituality and culture. From Trung Pagoda, you climb 21 stone steps to reach Dark Cave. Visitors here can rely on the light from the electric lights in the cave to admire the scenery inside.
5. Xuyen Thuy Cave
This is a water cave in a system of 3 caves, including 2 dry caves and 1 water cave, in Bich Dong. Xuyen Thuy Cave has a semicircle shape, the length of the cave goes through the mountain, along Bich Dong Pagoda above. The special thing is that the cave entrance is on the opposite side of the way to the pagoda, so tourists usually take a boat to visit this flooded cave first, then climb the mountain to reach Bich Dong at the end of the cave.
Xuyen Thuy Cave is 350 meters long, about 6 meters wide, and the widest place is up to 15 meters. Over the years, the walls and ceiling of the cave have been polished by water. With the hand of creation, the stone slabs in the cave overlap each other to form a dome, with many special shapes.
